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Message Notes:

Eyes on Jesus

A Study on the book of Philippians

WHAT WAS GOING ON AT THE TIME:

54 AD – Emperor Claudius poisoned by order of his wife; Nero becomes emperor
61 AD – Paul writes this letter from prison…specific to the Philippians…
64 AD – Fire burns much of Rome. Nero blames Christians for setting it

• God was preparing them through Paul to be the church and to be a light…

Like the church of Philippi…God is trying to teach us to keep our eyes on Jesus despite our tough circumstances and divisive times

- Joy in Christ no matter what circumstance we find ourselves in is one of the main themes of this book... 

TODAY:

Chapter 1

MAIN IDEA:

When our eyes are on Jesus…our story is never over.

Keep loving. Keep growing. Keep going.

What movie? Who said it?
“None shall pass”
“I move for no man”
“Tis but a scratch…I’ve had worse”
“It’s just a flesh wound”
“I’m Invincible”

When our eyes are on Jesus…our story is never over.

Key Themes:

1. When we keep our eyes on Jesus…we can be thankful that no matter what we are going through…God continues to work in our life.

Phil. 1:3-11 - 3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus…

2. Keeping our eyes on Jesus means no matter how challenging people get or divisive our country may be…God expects us to love everyone well

9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ

JESUS SAYS:

John 13:34-35 34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” NLT

Matthew 5:43-48 - “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. …For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? ESV

3. When we keep our eyes on Jesus…We care less about man’s rivalry and more about Christ receiving the glory.

*15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But 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. *

4. When we keep our eyes on Jesus, He helps us live a life worthy of the gospel.

20 I 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. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain…27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ…29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

MAIN IDEA:
When our eyes are on Jesus…our story is never over.
Keep loving. Keep growing. Keep going.

Take Away:

When you keep your eyes on Jesus…
God helps you turn your test into a testimony.

Psalm 91:1-7 - 1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 3 Surely, he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. NIV

BACK TO THE TEXT:

*12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel…14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. *

MAIN IDEA:
When our eyes are on Jesus…our story is never over.
Keep loving. Keep growing. Keep going.

CLOSING CHALLENGE:

What areas of your life have you taken your eyes off of Jesus in?

What does fixing your eyes on Him change in your situation?

If you prayed the prayer to start fresh with God today text “startagain” (one word) to 97000 so we can connect with you and help you take the next steps in this amazing decision.

My Notes:

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