The Script

¹⁵It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. ¹⁶They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News. ¹⁷Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me. ¹⁸But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice. ¹⁹For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance. _{Philippians 1:15-19}

The Plot

When Paul was in prison, two types of men became embolden. Paul’s supporters and Paul’s detractors. A detractor is someone who attempts to belittle, devalue, and tear down the reputation of another. It’s hard to imagine a faithful man like Paul having to deal with such people, but he did. He was a holy, godly, powerful, successful, and blessed man - just the kind who threatens those with big egos and impure motives.

Paul’s detractors preached the gospel, but their purpose in doing so was to discredit, defame, accuse, criticize, and dishonor Paul. That’s what made their blood flow and got them up in the morning.

Even today, there are those, who preach the gospel but in Jesus name but because of their jealousy, they focus their whole lives on trying to discredit people who occupy places of blessing, such as evangelists, writers, pastors, teachers, and leaders of various ministries. Like Paul’s detractors, they compete with others by using slander, accusation, and criticism - anything to tear another down.

We should follow Paul’s example and while not condoning or excusing the behavior, be glad that God can use their message regardless of their motives.

Walk Through

1. Is Paul condoning false motives?
2. Why does Paul not care if people talk about Christ for the wrong reasons?
3. What are some things that we can do to make sure we serve with the right intentions?

Ad Lib

There is a fable of an eagle which could out fly another, and the other didn’t like it. The latter saw a sportsman one day, and said to him:

“I wish you would bring down that eagle.” The sportsman replied that he would if he only had some feathers to put into the arrow. So the eagle pulled one out of his wing. The arrow was shot, but didn’t quite reach the rival eagle; it was flying too high. The envious eagle pulled out more feathers, and kept pulling them out until he lost so many that he couldn’t fly, and then the sportsman turned around and killed him.

The Script

12 And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. 13 For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. 14 And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear. _{Philippians 1:12-14}

The Plot

Stephen Hawking is an astrophysicist at Cambridge University and perhaps the most intelligent man on earth. He has advanced the general theory of relativity farther than any person since Albert Einstein. Unfortunately, Hawking is afflicted with ALS Syndrome (Lou Gehrig’s disease). It will eventually take his life. He has been confined to a wheelchair for years, where he can do little more than sit and think. Hawking has lost the ability even to speak, and now he communicates by means of a computer that is operated from the tiniest movement of his fingertips.

Quoting from an Omni magazine article: “He is too weak to write, feed himself, comb his hair, fix his glasses–all this must be done for him. Yet this most dependent of all men has escaped invalid status. His personality shines through the messy details of his existence.”

Hawking said that before he became ill, he had very little interest in life. He called it a “pointless existence” resulting from sheer boredom. He drank too much and did very little work. Then he learned he had ALS Syndrome and was not expected to live more than two years. The ultimate effect of that diagnosis, beyond its initial shock, was extremely positive. He claimed to have been happier after he was afflicted than before. How can that be understood? Hawking provided the answer.

“When one’s expectations are reduced to zero,” he said, “one really appreciates everything that one does have.” Stated another way: contentment in life is determined in part by what a person anticipates from it. To a man like Hawking who thought he would soon die quickly, everything takes on meaning–a sunrise or a walk in a park or the laughter of children. Suddenly, each small pleasure becomes precious. By contrast, those who believe life owes them a free ride are often discontent with its finest gifts.

Paul found himself in prison but considered his circumstances an additional opportunity to spread the message of Christ. Paul reminds us that it’s important to always remember that your current circumstances are not what is important. It’s what you do with them that matters. How you act reflects what you believe.

Walk Through

1. What has helped the gospel advance?
2. Why was Paul in Prison?
3. If you find yourself in difficult circumstances, what can you do to see opportunities in those circumstances?

Ad Lib

Sometimes our circumstances look differently from another perspective. A fellow told the following story…

“Shortly after I moved from Alaska to California, one of my studded snow tires went flat. The service-station attendant took a long look and the said, ‘Mister, I don’t know how to tell you this, but you’ve got over a hundred nails in your tire!’”

If you want to be a part of God’s starring cast, you must work hard. No one shines like a star without suffering through the difficult times.

Purchase the Shine Like A Star EP at our store.

 

 Shine Like A Star - Work Hard [48:29m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (88)

The Script

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. _{Philippians 1:6}

The Plot

John Quincy Adams held more important offices than anyone else in the history of the U.S. He served with distinction as president, senator, congressman, minister to major European powers, and participated in various capacities in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and events leading to the Civil War. Yet, at age 70, with much of that behind him, he wrote, “My whole life has been a succession of disappointments. I can scarcely recollect a single instance of success in anything that I ever undertook.”

Sometimes we get so concerned that we are not ready to serve God, that we often miss the opportunities that God presents us. John Quincy Adams had another problem. Although he served successfully in many positions, he was never satisfied with his performance.

Paul tells us that we don’t have to be perfect to serve God. God knows we aren’t perfect and he wants to use us anyway. God will continue working in your life until He comes again so in the mean time, find a place of ministry, be teachable, stretch yourself, commit to learning and don’t ever give up.

Walk Through

1. What is it that Paul says that God will continue to do?
2. When will God’s work in us be finished?
3. When is it a good time to find a place where we can serve?

Ad Lib

Dr. Harold C. Urey, Nobel prize winner in Chemistry, was walking along a sidewalk one day when he ran into another professor. They chatted for a few minutes, then, as they parted, Dr. Urey asked the other: “John, which way was I going when I met you?”

“That way,” said the other, pointing. “Oh, good. That means I’ve already had my lunch,” muttered the professor as he walked away.

The Script

for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. _{Philippians 1:5}

The Plot

During the 1904 World’s Fair a special partnership was formed. It was hot and humid in St. Louis and people were looking for something that would cool them off. Arnold Fornachou had just the thing—ice cream. People stood in long lines outside his ice cream stand waiting for the opportunity to purchase the cooling treat. But Arnold had a problem. He ran out of paper bowls. He kept serving, using porcelain bowls, but people had to wait until the bowls were returned and washed. The lines were moving very slowly and many were losing patience.

Next to Arnold’s booth was a pastry booth run by Ernest Hamwi. He was making a Persian wafer dessert called zalabia. Because of the heat few if any were interested in purchasing his product. He noticed Arnold’s problem and he came up with an idea. He took some warm zalabia and rolled it into a cone shape. He suggested that Arnold could put a scoop of ice cream on top of the cone and the rest is history.

The church in Philippi shared with Paul a “partnership in the gospel from the first day”. Paul recalls, “You Philippians well know, and you can be sure I’ll never forget it, that when I first left Macedonia province, venturing out with the Message, not one church helped out in the give-and-take of this work except you. You were the only one. Even while I was in Thessalonica, you helped out—and not only once, but twice. Not that I’m looking for handouts, but I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity.”_{Phil 4:15-17} The warm letter to the Philippians is strong evidence to this deep love between Paul and some of his dearest friends.

Walk Through

1. What are some ways the church in Philippi partnered with Paul in his ministry?
2. Does supporting a ministry just mean financial support?
3. What are some ways you can partner with Grace in our community?

Ad Lib

During this message series, we are offering many ways to “partner with us” in serving our community. Whether it is handing out water at a softball game, giving blood, treats for dogs (and their owners), meals for the homeless or painting an apartment, commit yourself to becoming a partner with Grace in serving our community.

The Script

I am writing to all of God’s holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the elders and deacons. _{Philippians 1:1}

The Plot

Not only did Paul recognize all of the people of the church in Philippi, he especially recognized the elders and deacons for their leadership. As a church planter, Paul knew the value of good leadership. He could tell, by the actions of the church at Philippi, that the church leaders had remained faithful to the message he first brought them.

Who are elders and deacons? What does it take to be an elder or deacon? Paul wrote to Timothy and instructed him on the qualifications of church leadership:

If anyone wants to provide leadership in the church, good! But there are preconditions: A leader must be well-thought-of, committed to his wife, cool and collected, accessible, and hospitable. He must know what he’s talking about, not be overfond of wine, not pushy but gentle, not thin-skinned, not money-hungry. He must handle his own affairs well, attentive to his own children and having their respect. For if someone is unable to handle his own affairs, how can he take care of God’s church? He must not be a new believer, lest the position go to his head and the Devil trip him up. Outsiders must think well of him, or else the Devil will figure out a way to lure him into his trap. _{1 Tim 3:1-7 The Message}

Walk Through

1. What are the requirements to be a leader in the church?
2. What does Paul say is required to serve in the church? Hint: 1 Tim 3:8-13
3. Do you meet the qualifications of a servant as described by Paul?

Ad Lib

Not all children know how to behave mannerly at church. Especially those who ride the church van and come to Sunday school. Many of them race from the church van and run down the hall ways, occasionally bumping into older members. This behavior had become such a problem that the deacons decided to patrol the hallways during the time of the children’s arrival. The deacons of this church decided to escort these little ones to their classrooms. Annoucements were made and letters sent home, telling the children to wait on a deacon to help “walk” to their classrooms. Well, the following Sunday, little Bobby rode the church van and got excited when he arrived at the church parking lot. He raced from the van toward the church house. A deacon spotted him and the “chase was on.”

Down the corridor of the education building he charged, bumping into stately members. He sighted the deacon who was closing in on him fast and became frightened and ducked into the preacher’s office. Not knowing why he was breathless and frightened, the preacher asked, “What’s the matter?” He replied, “Hide me preacher, there’s a ‘demon’ after me!”

The Script

I am writing to all of God’s holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus _{Philippians 1:1}

The Plot

Philippi was a Roman colony and as far as planting a church, Philippi was not Paul’s first choice. He wanted to travel to Asia but was kept from going by the Holy Spirit. Paul had a vision of a Macedonian asking him to come and help them so Paul took this as God’s call for them to minister to the people of Macedonia. The first member of the Philipi church was a wealthy woman named Lydia. She invited Paul and Silas and Timothy to stay with her and her family. As Paul and Silas taught, the church grew. They were generous in their giving and supported the ministry of Paul financially. Enough so that Paul commended them in his letter to the church at Corinth.

“We want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability…. They gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will” (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).

Walk Through

1. What do we know about the church in Philipi?
2. What are some things that the church in Philippi did to support Paul, Silas and Timothy?
3. What are some ways you can help support the ministry of our church?

Ad Lib

There are many ways to support your local church. What is a favorite activity or skill that you most enjoy doing? Now find ways to use that skill in church!

The Script

This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus. _{Philippians 1:1}

The Plot

During the time that Paul wrote his letter to the church at Philippi, the concept of slavery was very different than we think of today. During that time, people became slaves as prisoners of war or when they couldn’t pay off the debts that they accumulated. Many times, slaves were born into slavery. The relationship between slave and slave owner was often affectionate. One author writes, “Though by nature an inferior being, the slave was a member of his master’s family, one whom the master ‘loved’ and punished paternally and from whom he expected obedience and ‘love’ in return.”

According to the custom of the day, the ultimate outcome of owning a slave was to set it free. A slave could buy freedom or someone could pay a price for a slave’s freedom. It was considered wrong for a slave to ask to be set free, but could go to another slave-owner and ask him to petition the master for the slave’s freedom.

Paul often associated salvation through Jesus to slavery for once we were “slaves to sin” but through Jesus’ death and ressurection, he purchased us from our old master. This image of the master and slave is important for the way Paul describes our relationship to God through Christ Jesus. It is not an image that should make us think of a brutal existence and an impersonal servitude. Rather, we should be grateful to be set free from our former enslavement and now to have the most gracious and loving Master. Not only this, but we have also been set free from slavery and have been adopted as children of God.

Walk Through

1. Are you a slave to sin or have you become a slave to God?
2. Do you live your life as if someone purchased your freedom?
3. How does a person live as a slave to Christ Jesus?

Ad Lib

Paul not only referred to himself as a slave to Christ but also as a slave to the people he served. This week, think of some things that you can do to serve others, and then do them!