Ted Williams

http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/amplifier/51933/golden-voiced-homeless-man-captivates-internet/

Philippians Chapter 3: Joy in Knowing Christ

Warm-Up Questions:

1. How would you describe yourself? How would others describe you?
   

 

1. What would be the hardest thing for you to give up for Jesus? Why?
   

Philippians 3

No Confidence in the Flesh

 ¹Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.

 ²Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. ³For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— ⁴though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
      If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: ⁵circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; ⁶as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.

 ⁷But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ ⁹and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. ¹⁰I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

• According to Verse 1, what are we supposed to do?
  

 

• According to Verse 2, we are to watch out for "dogs". Who do think are these "dogs"? How would you describe these "dogs"? Isa 56:10
  

 

• What are Paul's reasons for boasting in Verses 4-6?
  

1. circumcised on the eighth day
   
   1. as a Jewish boy, born into a Jewish home, I was circumcised on the eighth day; that is, "I received circumcision long before any of you in Philippi had even heard about Christ and the gospel."
      
2. of the people of Israel
   
   1. Here is the crucial item. What the Judaizers hope to achieve by Gentile circumcision is to bring them into the privileges of belonging to God's ancient people, "Israel's race." Paul had been given this privilege by birth.
      
3. of the tribe of Benjamin
   
   1. The reason for this one is almost certainly for effect. Gentiles could become members only of Israel; Paul's membership was of a kind whereby he could trace his family origins. He belonged to the tribe of Benjamin, that favored tribe from which came Saul, Israel's first king, of whom he is namesake; the tribe blessed by Moses as "the beloved of the LORD . . . whom the LORD loves [and who] rests between his shoulders" (Deut 33:12), in whose territory sat the Holy City itself. They were also notable because they alone had joined Judah in loyalty to the Davidic covenant. It is not difficult to hear a ring of pride in this little reminder, which then calls for the next designation.
      
4. a Hebrew of Hebrews
   
   1. This is the "swing" term, summing up the preceding three and setting the stage for the final three. Hebrews appears to be a term Jews used of themselves, especially in the Diaspora in contrast to Gentiles. Paul was in every way a "Hebrew, born of pure Hebrew stock."
      
5. in regard to the law, a Pharisee
   
   1. This is in keeping with the data recorded in Acts 23:6-9 and 26:5 and with Paul's own word in Galatians 1:14, that he had advanced in Judaism far beyond his contemporaries, being "extremely zealous for the traditions of [his] ancestors." The reason for mentioning this feature of his history is at least threefold: (1) It defines his relationship to the law in a very specific way, as belonging to the Jewish sect devoted to its study and codification. (2) Any Jewish Christians who came to Philippi to promote circumcision on the part of Gentiles would most likely also belong to this sect (cf. Mt 23:15 and Acts 15:5). (3) It gives the framework for understanding the next two items.
      
6. as for zeal, persecuting the church
   
   1. Paul was not just your everyday, run-of-the-mill Pharisee. Emulating prophetic zeal for God, he had demonstrated his own most surely by his untiring dedication to stamping out the nascent Christian movement, probably related to his conviction that God had especially cursed Jesus by having him hanged (Gal 3:13; Deut 21:23). In their own way his Judaizing opponents are also persecuting the church; but Paul surpasses them even here. In light of his and the Philippians' present suffering for Christ, the fact that he himself once stood on the other side on this issue suggests a bit of irony as well. How easy it is for the religious to confuse zeal for their own cause with zeal for God, which explains both the bombing of abortion clinics and the confusion of "the American way of life" with the gospel.
      
7. as for righteousness in the law, faultless
   
   1. The key to the present usage lies at three points--the term righteousness, the qualifier "in the law" (NIV legalistic) and the word faultless--which together indicate that he is referring to Torah observance understood as observable conduct.
      

 

• According to Verses 7-8, what are all of Paul's accomplishments when compared to Christ? Why do you think Paul feels this way? Do you think this helps Paul "rejoice"?
  

 

Pressing on Toward the Goal

 ¹²Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. ¹³Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

• What is Paul pressing on to pursue? What is the prize?
  

 

 ¹⁵All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. ¹⁶Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

• How does Paul describe spiritual maturity in the above passage?
  
• Compare this passage to I Corinthians 13:11-13.
  

 

 ¹⁷Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. ¹⁸For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. ¹⁹Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. ²⁰But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

 

Think of what Paul gave up. He considered all he had or accomplished, rubbish. Why did he think that? Because he fully experienced Christ. Are we fully experiencing Christ? Salvation is not a "Get Out of Hell" Card we can to use after we die. We are to live out our salvation as Paul previously stated in Chapter 2.

2:12-13:    "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose."

 

It's not about you. It's about Him.

 

Battle BC: Moses Death Chase

PART 1


PART 2


PART 3


PART 4


PART 5

Battle BC: Joshua Epic Slaughter

PART 1



PART 2


PART 3


PART 4


PART 5

PVBC: Sunday School Philippians Chapter 2

JOY IN SERVING

Warm-Up Questions:

When you were a child, who was the one person you wanted to grow up to be like? Why?

Who would you like to emulate now? Why?

Did you list different persons in Question 1 and 2? Why do you think that is?

"IMMITATION is the sincerest form of FLATTERY."

What is the most difficult thing to emulate? Why? Humility

Philippians 2

¹If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ²then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. ³Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. ⁴Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

⁵Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Christ is our manual
⁶Who, being in very nature^[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
⁷but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature^[b] of a servant, servant = doulos

being made in human likeness.
⁸And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
⁹Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
¹⁰that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
¹¹and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

• According to Verse 2, how can we make Paul's joy complete?
  

Why do you think we need encouragement from others? Shouldn't we be focused on our ministry and our personal relationship with God?

• Whose attitude should we be imitating according to Verse 5?
  

What makes it so difficult to imitate Christ's attitude?

• Selfish desires. Me first attitude.
  
• Pride. We don't want to be looked down upon. We don't want to be perceived as being frail or weak.
  

HUMILITY: Level 5 Leader (18 companies who had lasted more than 100+ years)

Mark 10:32-45

(Mega / Great vs. Deacons / Servants)

(Proto / First vs. Doulos / Slave)

doulos slave: a person without advantages, rights or privileges.

• What is the one area you would like to become more like Christ?
  

Now that you've identified an area, how will you ask God to help you be more like Christ in that particular area?

• Prayer
  
• Confession to God
  
• Confession to brothers & sisters in Christ
  
• Strive towards the goal God has set for you in that area
  
• Ask for encouragement and guidance from brothers and sisters in Christ (accountability)
  
• Repeat Steps 1-5
  

Humility To-Do List for this Week:

• Give a gift of money to someone who is less fortunate
  

• Write a note of encouragement to someone who you know is hurting
  

• Offer to help accomplish a task at church
  

• Sit next to someone you normally would not sit next to during lunch (at school or church) and get to know them better
  

• Generously and genuinely thank someone (for a kind deed, grocery worker, waiter/waitress, parking attendant, etc…)
  

Shining as Stars

¹²Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, ¹³for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

¹⁴Do everything without complaining or arguing, ¹⁵so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe ¹⁶as you hold out^[c] the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. ¹⁷But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. ¹⁸So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

• What are two things in Verse 12 that show Paul's intimacy with the Philippians?
  
• Obeyed in Paul's presence. 2) Obeyed much more in Paul's absence.
  
  • Obedience = respect (remember…..sincerest form of flattery is imitation)
    
  • Is it easier to obey/imitate someone in their presence or in their absence?
    
  • Highest form of respect we can give God is to emulate Christ even when we can't see Him.
    

• According to Paul in Verse 15, what kind of world did Christians in Philippi live in?
  

Crooked and depraved generation (a dark world)

Sound familiar? Is our world similar to the world Paul is describing to the Philippians? How so? Do you think it's a darker world? Why or why not?

• What is Paul referring to in Verse 17 when he says, "I am being poured out"?
  

It is a reference to the word for Eucharist. A word we associate with communion and the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

As Christ poured himself out for us, he set the ultimate example for us to give our bodies and lived to others.

Top Uses for Light

1. Used to see (in darkness, brightens even more)
   
2. It detects (identifies things/people, obstacles, intruders, It's me!)
   
3. It guides / Marks Destinations (pathway, prevents you from being lost, gets you back on track, lighthouse)
   
4. Nurtures (Vitamin D form Sun, plants need Sun)
   
5. Energy Source
   

• How do you see yourself being a light in a "dark" world?
  

• What is one way you can pour yourself out to bless someone around you?
  

Timothy and Epaphroditus

¹⁹I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. ²⁰I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. ²¹For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. ²²But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. ²³I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. ²⁴And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

²⁵But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. ²⁶For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. ²⁷Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. ²⁸Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. ²⁹Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, ³⁰because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.

• What were Paul's feelings towards Timothy (Verses 19-22)?
  

Paul has no one else like him.

Timothy takes genuine interest in your welfare.

Timothy has proven himself.

Timothy and his father had served with Paul in the work of the gospel.

• What were some qualities of Epaphroditus?
  

My brother

Fellow worker

Fellow soldier

Your messenger

Was sent to care for Paul's needs

He was DISTRESSED because Philippians had heard he was ill

Almost died for the work of Christ

• We were never called to live alone. Paul would have been miserable without these relationships; as would we. We are wired for relationships (friendships, relationships, marriage, etc…)
  
  • Genesis 2:18
    
  • Ecclesiastes 4:10
    
  • Proverbs 27:17
    

• How can isolation be dangerous?
  

We must not be fooled into thinking that we are connected relationally through email, text messaging, cell phone, and Facebook. Could these be tools the devil is using to keep us isolated? Could these be tools the devil is using to keep us from growing? (remember….as iron sharpens iron)

PVBC: 40 Days Purpose Driven (Week 6) - Evangelism

Friday 8/13/2010 @ 7:30pm

EVANGELISM – "You were made for a mission" – Rick Warren

John 17:18 Jesus Prayed, "In the same way that you [God] gave me a mission in the world, I give them [my followers] a mission in the world."

Luke 15:10 ¹⁰In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

• Celebrate what God has done for you by sending Jesus. Celebrate by inviting others to join you party and share the good news.
  
• According to Rick Warren, when discussing the activities of your small group within your church, it not about looking at what we've done, but what we have started.
  

1 Corinthians 3:9
⁹For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.

• Warren said to think about is anybody going to be in heaven because of you? (Although my answer would be No. People get to heaven because of Jesus. However, Jesus is the direct technique, and we are the indirect technique; we're like a catalyst, readily to be used by God. It is a humbling experience to be summoned by God to perform a task because He is all powerful, there is nothing impossible for Him but yet he chose us so that we may walk the same path as Jesus and be empowered by His Spirit.)
  

Story Passage:

Luke 5:17-26 Jesus Heals a Paralytic

 ¹⁷One day as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there. And the power of the Lord was present for him to heal the sick. ¹⁸Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. ¹⁹When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof
and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.

 ²⁰When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven."

 ²¹The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, "Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"

 ²²Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? ²³Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? ²⁴But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...." He said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." ²⁵Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. ²⁶Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, "We have seen remarkable things today."

This passage gave a guideline of the 4 keys to fulfilling God's Mission of the World.

We, as human beings, are prone to sickness, sins, are paralyzed in many ways, not just physically but also spiritually. Those who are paralyzed are the ones who need the most encouragement and guidance so that they may come to Jesus.

Principle of COMPASSION

• "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care"
  
• How did the men in the story showed compassion to the paralytic man? (v.18)
  

  Romans 15:2
  ²Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
  

  Colossian 4:3 ³And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
  

  • Pray for SOFTEN YOUR HEART
    
  • Pray for OPPORTUNITIES to invite others
    
  • Pray for SOFTEN THEIR HEART
    

Principle of FAITH

• How did Jesus feel towards the men and what did He do? (v.20)
  

  Hebrews 7:25
  ²⁵Therefore he is able to save completely
  those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
  

Principle of ACTION

• A lot of people in life are paralyzed by guilt, fear, anger; make the most out of every opportunity to offer a hand to these people.
  
• You had to both tell and show to be a witness of Christ.
  
• Be proactive. Example is to invite a friend during Easter service. Suggest one friend and pray for them.
  

  Luke 14:23 ²³"Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full.
  

Principle of PERSISTANT

• How did the men showed the persistency when they could not find their way through the crowd? (v.19)
  

  2 Peter 3:9
  ⁹The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
  

• Keep watering the seed that you have sow in the name of Christ Jesus
  
• Be ready to share with gentleness
  
• Meet the needs of people in your life
  
• Pray for open doors and open hearts of non-believers consistently
  

Suggested readings from: Purpose Driven Life for the Graduates

The Importance of your MISSION

• Continuation of Jesus' mission on earth (Matthew 28:19-20; Ezekiel 3:18)
  

• Your mission is a wonderful privilege (2 Corinthians 5:18,20, 6:1)
  

• Telling others how they can have eternal life (Act 4:12)
  

• Your mission has eternal significance (John 9:4)
  

• Your mission gives your life meaning (Acts 20:24)
  

• God's timetable for history's conclusion (Matthew 24:14,36; Act 1:7-8, 20:24)
  

 

PVBC: Sunday School Philippians Chapter 1

JOY in Suffering

SUNDAY 8/8/2010

Getting to know each other question:

• What is your dream job?
  
  
  • Kenny – Pharmacist
    
  • Thao – Dentist
    
  • Bethany – Thinking about Hygienist
    
  • David – Sport Agent
    
  • Philip – Employer/Manager
    
  • Byoung – Business consultant
    
  • Katie – Dermatologist
    
  • Sammy – Plastic Surgeon
    
  • Gina – Missionary Pharmacist (I think)
    
  • Esther – Photographer
    
  • Jamie – Business
    
  • Anh – Missionary Dentist
    

Warm-Up Questions:

• If you could travel anywhere with all expenses paid, where would you go and why? Describe a typical day on the trip.
  
  

  Katie: France, Europe, fell in love with culture
  

  Esther: Holland, bike-riding
  

  Philip: Hawaii, relaxing
  

  Anh: Africa, Vietnam (in the country-side area), third world countries – because there I find peace, authenticity, pure appreciation, free of technology just being out in the fields.
  

  Typical day would be out in the fields, learning about farming, what people do on a daily basis. Sharing aspiration and dreams. Playing with the kids, telling them stories from the bible, do art and crafts with them, exhorting their dreams, taking pictures of them, and then give it to them. Start a project together. Offer free dental service to them.
  

• What activity, hobby, or events gives you happiness or joy?
  
  

  Getting to know people, listening to stories, people guiding me along and teaching me how to do something, people sharing their passion with me.
  

• What would be the worse type of suffering for you? How do you respond when faced with pain and difficulty?
  
  

  Abandonment, being away from my love ones, feeling unwanted.
  

Philippians 1:

¹Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

²Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

• How does Paul refer to himself and Timothy?
  
• Fill in the BLANK: "I am a ____________ of Christ."
  (Student, disciple, follower, slave, child)
  

Whatever your answer is, think about how you can live up to that title.

• What is stopping people from becoming Christian? ( No Hope, Cult, Sacrifices, Jesus is not the only way to God, Inferior, Hypocrisy)
  
• How can we explain to people about Hypocrisy?
  
  
  • Might be that those people aren't really true Christian
    
  • Everyone is a hypocrite. But true Christian will be more aware of this and strive to better themselves
    
  • We have higher standards to live up to. God has high expectation for us.
    

  Thanksgiving and Prayer
  

  ³I thank my God every time I remember you. ⁴In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy
  ⁵because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
  

• With what Attitude does Paul Pray?
  
• How would you describe your prayers life? Is your attitude like Paul's when you pray? (My prayer life is in practice, I'm a little timid right now but I want it to be a second nature when I pray.)
  
  

  ⁷It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. ⁸God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
  

• Paul speaks of God's grace. How would you define grace? What part does grace play in servant hood? (Undeserving gift, kindness, favor, president's pardon, pass-on kindness, He forgives all we forgives all)
  
  

  ⁹And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, ¹⁰so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, ¹¹filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
  

• What is Paul's prayer for the Christians in Philippi?
  
• Why do we need love, knowledge, and insight? How do they help us live and respond to God? (Motivation)
  
  

  Paul's Chains Advance the Gospel
  

  ¹²Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. ¹³As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard
  and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. ¹⁴Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.
  

• Paul was thrown into prison for his faith, yet he seems full of faith and joy. What do you think was his secret to live in the fullness of God while in chains? (Prayers, Fulfilling God's work, meaningful life)
  
• How did Paul's imprisonment advance the work of the kingdom? (Encouraging to others, shows faith, and dedication)
  
• Why do you think Christianity and suffering seem to go hand in hand? (Help us walk with Jesus, sympathizing with others, God is stretching us by continuing to add on the weights gradually and training us to lift the bigger weights in our life)
  

PRAYERS:
Pastor's Florida anniversary Trip (safety, well rest), Sammy's last week of summer school (finish strong), Anh's Board Exam (Good Result), Jamie's Art history Final on Monday (focus and finish strong)

SUNDAY 8/15/2010

Getting to know each other question:

• Waiting for next session (to be written…)
  
  

  ¹⁵It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. ¹⁶The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. ¹⁷The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.¹⁸But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
  

  Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, ¹⁹for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.
  

• What are good and bad motivations for preaching about Jesus?
  
• Are there preachers who turns you off? Why?Are there people that turn you off when talking about the gospel or give you spiritual advice? Reffer to verse 18!!!
  
• Who saved you? The Gospel message or the person who evangelized to you? People do not save; God does! Are we worthier to give advice or share the Gospel as another?
  
  

  ²⁰I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. ²¹For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. ²²If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! ²³I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; ²⁴but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. ²⁵Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.
  

• What are Paul's concerns for the present and the future?
  
• Do you see this happening now in today's society? In our church? In your life?
  
  

  ²⁷Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel ²⁸without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. ²⁹For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, ³⁰since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
  

• What is Paul's view of living for Christ?
• In what situation can you best serve God? In your suffering or while on a dream vaccation? How can we serve God in all circumstances? The challenge is to serve God in all circumstances (in best of time as well as worst of time).

Prayers:

Vinh's safe return home from his trip. Cornerstone Ministry's Speaker was offered a position in California so he is praying for God's guidance. Christabelle's DAT exam. Melanie's (Esther's friend who used to attend our church) DAT exam.