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Philippians: I Press On

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The Text

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. 17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself” (Phil. 3:12-21).

1)  How are we to understand and imitate Paul’s striving?

            – What is the difference between Justification and Sanctification?

2)  How does this represent maturity of mind for the Christian?

            – What does constant use look like?

3)  What’s so important about citizenship?

            – How is this linked to being “led by the Spirit of God” as sons of God?

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Philippians: Mind of Christ

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Philippians 2:5-18

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, andcoming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point ofdeath, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and thatevery tongue should confess that Jesus Christ isLord, to the glory of God the Father.

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for Hisgood pleasure.

14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offeringon the sacrifice and service of your faith,I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

The Glory Behind Unity (John 17:22-23)

  1. Being made perfect
  2. Testimony to the world
  3. Manifestation of God’s love

The Mind of Christ (Phil. 2:5-8)

  1. Common purpose
  2. Common Spirit
  3. Common humility and suffering

The Road to Like-mindedness (Gal. 2:20, Phil. 2:12-13)

  1. New identity in Christ
  2. Working out our salvation in fear and trembling
  3. God working out my salvation

The Outcome of Belief and Obedience (Phil. 2:9-11, 2:14-15)

  1. Shine as lights
  2. Christ’s glory
  3. Out glory in Christ

Grace Agenda 2019

April 5-6th | Moscow, ID

Click here for more information.

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Christmas: God’s Solution to Fear and Bitterness

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Isaiah 9:6-7

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Introduction

How does the political and social conditions of Isaiah’s day reflect possible fears that we could have for our own nation at present?

What are two ditches of temptation that we can fall into related to our concerns for the future or distress for the past and present?

Fear of the Future?

What role does prophecy play in establishing God’s sovereignty over the future? Isaiah 41:21-24

What are some of the major prophetic promises made by God concerning this promised Son? Genesis 3, 12, and 16,  Deuteronomy 18, 2 Samuel 7, Isaiah 7 and 9, Daniel 2.

Bitterness for the past?

What are the character qualities of the promised Son?  Isaiah 9:6

What does it mean to be the Prince of Peace?  What is the extent of His rule/kingdom?  Isaiah 9:7

Conclusion?

Have you made peace with God or are you standing in the way of His zeal?

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Covenant Renewal

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The Text

“I make this covenant and this oath, not with you alone, 15 but with him who stands here with us today before the Lord our God, as well as with him who is not here with us today 16 (for you know that we dwelt in the land of Egypt and that we came through the nations which you passed by, 17 and you saw their abominations and their idols which were among them—wood and stone and silver and gold); 18 so that there may not be among you man or woman or family or tribe, whose heart turns away today from the Lord our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations, and that there may not be among you a root bearing bitterness or wormwood; 19 and so it may not happen, when he hears the words of this curse, that he blesses himself in his heart, saying, ‘I shall have peace, even though I follow the dictates of my heart’—as though the drunkard could be included with the sober.” Deuteronomy 29:14-19

Covenant Renewal

As we dig into this passage on the renewing of the covenant of the children of Israel with God, I want you to remind you that we don’t want to miss important parallels with our own experience. Why?  Because what we are doing his this morning is also a form of covenant renewal.  These folks are preparing for the invasion of Canaan, we are preparing for the expansion of the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

What is a Covenant?

It is a contract or agreement between two parties, sealed by vowing or with an oath, with with attendant blessings and curses based on completion of the oath.  When God covenants with His creation, it is unilateral. We are recipients, not contributors; we are called to accept it as offered, to keep it as demanded, and to receive the results that God, by oath, assures will not be withheld.  To believe God and respond in faith.

What are the Options?

“See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil” Deuteronomy 30:15 Life vs. Death, Good vs. Evil.  I think you get the idea about the contrast.  And this is the conclusion that Moses draws in verse 9:“Therefore keep the words of this covenant, and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do.”

Eyes to See and Ears to Hear

“Yet the Lord has not given you a heart to perceive and eyes to see and ears to hear, to this very day.”  The secret things of God includes opening eyes and calling people to Himself.  With this in mind, it is natural for someone to question whether God has or is working sovereignly in their heart and mind.  But this should not result in despair because we have all that God has ‘revealed’ as a gift to us and our children.

How do we Renew the Covenant?

“Instead of asking yourself whether you believe or not, ask yourself whether you have, this day, done one thing because He said, Do it! or once abstained because He said, Do not do it! It is simply absurd to say you believe, or even want to believe, in Him, if you do not do anything He tells you.” George MacDonald

God has called you today to renew you covenant, your trust in His salvation.  He has called you into relationship through your koinonia in Christ. Let this truth, this reality draw worship and obedience out of your heart in gratitude.

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Are You Ready to be Stirred Up?

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The Text

“Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:1-13).

What is Peter trying to stir up in his readers? (verses 1-3)

 

What were the false prophets scoffing at (verse 4)?  And, why did it require refutation?

 

Was the scoffing a surprise (verse 5)?

 

Is God constrained by time like us (verses 6-8)?

 

What is the reason for God’s delay?  (verse 9)

 

What are five reasons Jerusalem is so special?

 

Let’s define terms:  (verse 10-13)

Day of the Lord —

Elements —

Dissolved —

New Heavens and New Earth —

 

What action does Peter expect to be stirred up? (verses 11-12)

 

What one specific act of faith can I make based on Peter’s message?

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