Philippians 1:12-30
Everything Everywhere All At Once
“… 12
that has happened to me here has helped to spread the gospel (Good News).” —Philippians 1:12
(a.) Everything? Seriously? Good things? Hard things? Does my life speak Good News about Jesus? Emma’s story – “it was so horrible, but it was so good.”
(b.) “ 13
here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ.” —Philippians 1:13
This is the result of walking (acting and reacting) in the Spirit.
“ 20 I trust that my life (
I am) will bring honor to (exalt) Christ, whether I live or die.” —Philippians 1:20
(a.) We are not longing for some lazy view of heaven, but the glory of Jesus’ presence!! Don’s story: “O what glory I will see!!”
(b.) Paul – if I keep living, it’s for Jesus… and for you. If I die and get to be with Jesus, it’s even better for me! Our own Paul ’s story “I’ve nothing worthy as a gift to give my King except to lift my arms and shout Hallelujah!”
“ 27 Whatever happens (ALL THE TIME), conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Jesus Christ.” —Philippians 1:27
(a.) All the time, my life will look like a citizen of heaven. I love this!! It’s not “Behave!”, but more “Be free!”
(b.) My life always FITS the community to which I belong, and who I belong to! FIT is not just actions, but benefits of belonging!
(c.) Does it FIT the good news about Jesus, or am I rationalizing why it’s okay that it doesn’t FIT? Only one leads to freedom.
Two verses to bring it home:
“ 36 For EVERYTHING comes from him and EVERYTHING exists by his power and EVERYTHING is intended for his glory! All glory to him forever! Amen.” —Romans 11:36
“ 10 At the right time God will bring EVERYTHING together under the authority of Christ – EVERYTHING in heaven and earth” we are “ 23 made full and complete by Christ, who fills ALL THINGS EVERYWHERE with himself.” —Ephesians 1:10, 1:23