Persecution
- Christianity under attack?
- yet, we have freedom
- around the world
- post-Christian world
Backwards
Phil 1:27-30
They are going through persecution as well
As you remember
Acts 16
Lydia
Slave girl
Beaten
Jail - encouraging one another
We are still here
What must I do to be saved?
Now - Paul is writing from jail
They are going through it - Paul has to help them understand it
Are we doing something wrong? Should we bail? Go back?
Hardship
Granted to you that we believe in Christ AND that you suffer for his sake
Jesus said this would happen
Paul
Together - Remember last week - these are all plural Yous!
One in spirit, mind, striving side by side
Clear sign that your opponents will lose
Your salvation is from God
Knowing that Paul starts this whole passage in order to give an example to them
These teachings have been earned
His learned so much in the struggle, now as an experienced teacher
His current imprisonment
Still staying on mission
Making others more confident
Powerless because he’s in prison
However, his confidence is in Christ
Very life
If I die, I’m with Christ!
If I live, which I think I will, I get to serve Christ by serving you
As we listen to Paul, he models for us how we deal with hardships we face because of our relationship with Christ:
1). Grows and highlights our confidence in him
Grows it
Have occasion to cling to him
See him provide in others and ourselves
We really do need each other
Hardship - hardens it
Concrete - heat and sun only make it stronger
2). Freedom
Rivalry
Eh, I’m good either way
This is not on us.
3).
Mission continues
Life a life worthy - lean into it
Let’s go!