Living in Anticipation: Embracing Unity and Contentment

Devotional

Day 1: Living in Anticipation of Christ's Return

The anticipation of Christ's return is not merely a distant hope but a present reality that should transform our daily lives. The early church lived with a vibrant expectation of this event, which fueled their passion for purity and holy living. This hope should inspire us to live with integrity and love, setting aside petty differences and focusing on what truly matters. The return of the Lord is a call to unity, urging us to walk in love and charity, especially in non-essential matters of doctrine. By living in anticipation of Christ's return, we align our lives with His purposes and reflect His love to the world. [23:43]

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." (Titus 2:11-13, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can set aside differences and focus on unity and love today?

Day 2: Prayer as the Antidote to Anxiety

Prayer is a powerful antidote to anxiety, offering us a way to entrust our worries to God. By doing so, we experience His peace, which surpasses all understanding, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Our circumstances may not always be pleasant, but we are assured of God's presence and provision in every situation. This assurance allows us to live contentedly, knowing that our lives are in God's hands. Through prayer, we can find peace and strength to face any challenge, trusting that God is with us and for us. [28:48]

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: What specific worry can you bring to God in prayer today, trusting Him to provide peace and guidance?

Day 3: The Power of a Virtuous Thought Life

Our thought life is crucial in shaping our spiritual journey. By focusing on virtues such as truth, purity, and love, we align ourselves with God's peace and purpose. Paul emphasizes the importance of our thought life, urging us to dwell on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. Our thoughts shape our lives, and by dwelling on these virtues, we align ourselves with God's peace. This intentional focus on virtuous thoughts helps us to live in a way that honors God and reflects His character to those around us. [31:58]

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8, ESV)

Reflection: What is one negative thought pattern you can replace with a virtuous thought today?

Day 4: Learning Contentment in All Circumstances

Contentment is a learned state, rooted in trust in God's provision. Whether in abundance or need, we can find peace by committing our lives to God's hands. Paul models a life of contentment, having learned to be satisfied in every situation. This contentment stems from a deep trust in God's provision and a commitment to His will. By embracing contentment, we free ourselves from the constant pursuit of more and find joy in the present moment, trusting that God will provide for our needs. [41:46]

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need." (Philippians 4:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life can you practice contentment today, trusting in God's provision?

Day 5: The Eternal Impact of Giving

Giving is a personal act of worship, with eternal implications. As we support God's work, the fruit of ministry abounds to our account, participating in the kingdom's impact. Paul appreciates the support from the Philippians, not for his own benefit, but for the fruit that abounds to their account. This divine bookkeeping system ensures that the blessings of ministry are shared with those who support it. By investing in God's work, we participate in the eternal impact of His kingdom, knowing that our contributions have lasting significance. [45:38]

"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:7-8, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally give today in a way that reflects your trust in God's eternal purposes?

Sermon Summary

In reflecting on the imminent return of the Lord, we are reminded of the profound impact this anticipation should have on our lives. The early church lived with a vibrant expectation of Christ's return, which fueled their passion for purity and holy living. This hope is not just a distant dream but a present reality that should inspire us to live with integrity and love, setting aside petty differences and focusing on what truly matters. The Lord's return is a call to unity, urging us to walk in love and charity, especially in non-essential matters of doctrine.

Paul's exhortation to the Philippians encourages us to live free from anxiety, entrusting our worries to God through prayer. This act of surrender brings the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Our circumstances may not always be pleasant, but we are assured of God's presence and provision in every situation. This assurance allows us to live contentedly, knowing that our lives are in God's hands.

Moreover, Paul emphasizes the importance of our thought life, urging us to focus on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. Our thoughts shape our lives, and by dwelling on these virtues, we align ourselves with God's peace. Paul also models a life of contentment, having learned to be satisfied in every situation, whether in abundance or need. This contentment stems from a deep trust in God's provision and a commitment to His will.

Finally, the act of giving is highlighted as a personal matter between the individual and God. Paul appreciates the support from the Philippians, not for his own benefit, but for the fruit that abounds to their account. This divine bookkeeping system ensures that the blessings of ministry are shared with those who support it. As we invest in God's work, we participate in the eternal impact of His kingdom.

Key Takeaways

1. The anticipation of Christ's return should inspire us to live with purity and integrity, setting aside differences and focusing on unity and love. This hope is a powerful motivator for holy living. [23:43]
2. Prayer is the antidote to anxiety. By entrusting our worries to God, we experience His peace, which surpasses understanding, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. [28:48]
3. Our thought life is crucial in shaping our spiritual journey. By focusing on virtues such as truth, purity, and love, we align ourselves with God's peace and purpose. [31:58]
4. Contentment is a learned state, rooted in trust in God's provision. Whether in abundance or need, we can find peace by committing our lives to God's hands. [41:46]
5. Giving is a personal act of worship, with eternal implications. As we support God's work, the fruit of ministry abounds to our account, participating in the kingdom's impact. [45:38]
** [45:38]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[22:43] - Movie Experience and Prayer
[23:14] - Incentive for Purity
[24:16] - Thessalonica's Misunderstanding
[25:23] - Expectation of the Lord's Return
[26:38] - Unity and Setting Aside Differences
[27:38] - Prayer Over Worry
[29:17] - Peace in Trials
[31:16] - Power of Positive Thinking
[32:14] - Living as an Example
[34:04] - Contentment in All Circumstances
[36:54] - Giving Without Pressure
[41:46] - Trusting God's Provision
[45:38] - Eternal Impact of Giving
[50:59] - Transition to Colossians

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
1 John 3:2-3 - "Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."
Philippians 4:11-13 - "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

Observation Questions:

What does Paul suggest as the antidote to anxiety, and what is the promised result of following this advice? ([28:48])
How does the anticipation of Christ's return serve as an incentive for purity and holy living according to the sermon? ([23:43])
What does Paul say about the importance of our thought life, and what virtues does he encourage us to focus on? ([31:58])
How does Paul describe his experience with contentment, and what is the source of his strength in all circumstances? ([41:46])

Interpretation Questions:

How might the anticipation of Christ's return influence a believer's daily decisions and interactions with others? ([23:43])
In what ways does prayer act as a solution to anxiety, and how can this practice transform a believer's mindset? ([28:48])
Why is it important for believers to focus on virtues such as truth, purity, and love, and how does this align with God's peace? ([31:58])
How does Paul's understanding of contentment challenge modern views of success and fulfillment? ([41:46])

Application Questions:

Reflect on a recent situation where you felt anxious. How can you apply Paul's advice on prayer and thanksgiving to find peace in similar situations in the future? ([28:48])
Consider your current thought patterns. Are there specific negative thoughts you need to replace with the virtues Paul mentions? What steps can you take to focus on these positive virtues daily? ([31:58])
Think about a time when you struggled with contentment. How can Paul's example of finding strength in Christ help you in similar situations? ([41:46])
Identify a petty difference or conflict in your life. How can the anticipation of Christ's return motivate you to pursue unity and love in this situation? ([23:43])
Reflect on your current giving practices. How can you view giving as a personal act of worship and participate in the eternal impact of God's kingdom? ([45:38])
Is there an area in your life where you need to trust more in God's provision? What practical steps can you take to surrender this area to God and find contentment? ([41:46])
How can you encourage others in your community to live with integrity and love, setting aside differences and focusing on what truly matters? ([23:43])

Sermon Clips

"i'm his child and i have confidence that he's but i i wouldn't want to be engaged in some unseemly type of activity when the lord comes i think it's a tremendous incentive towards purity in fact in first john we read beloved now are we the sons of god it doesn't yet appear what we're going to be but we know that when he appears we're going to be like him for we're going to see him as he is the lord's going to appear any time and john said he that has this hope in him that is the immediate appearance of the lord at any moment purifies himself even as he is pure it's a tremendous incentive towards holy living walking in purity knowing that the lord is coming at any time" [00:23:14]

"the lord is at hand and and this is the motive for getting along let's set aside the petty differences they're they're so insignificant and it's tragic that uh in the church there are those like you yodius and syntacy that are at odds and and are trying to you know and and are they they can't identify the real enemy and that we see within the church this kind of division and and all over ideas doctrines and beliefs uh that are really non-essential now over the essentials yes unity but over these others charity walk in love but there are some people that just don't understand or see that" [00:26:38]

"be careful for nothing or don't be filled with care don't worry about things be careful for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be known unto god don't worry about it whatever it is that's worrying you pray about it rather than worry pray worry will do nothing towards solving the problem prayer is the answer and so paul is encouraging them don't be anxious don't worry but rather pray with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto god and the result will be the god of peace and the peace of god rather which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through christ jesus" [00:27:38]

"your circumstances will not always be pleasant god doesn't promise that as a christian you're not going to have trials in fact just the opposite he said in this world you're going to have tribulation he said if you were of the world the world would love its own but you're not of the world therefore the world hates you and they that live godly in christ jesus shall suffer persecution you're not promised an easy path a bed of roses but you are promised that the lord will never leave you or forsake you and that the lord will be with you in every circumstance of life and he will take care of you and he'll provide for you" [00:29:17]

"finally brethren whatsoever things are true whatsoever things are honest whatsoever things are just whatsoever things are pure whatsoever things are lovely whatsoever things are of good report if there is any virtue and if there be any praise think on these things our lives are so controlled really by our thoughts and there are some people that are always thinking on negative things they always can see the dark side of every situation and paul is telling us not to be in that camp but the things that are true honest just pure lovely good report if there's virtue and praise think on these things" [00:31:58]

"those things which you have both learned and received and heard and seen in me do and the god of peace shall be with you now notice paul said the things which you have both learned and received that is paul taught them these things you've learned them and you have heard i've told you and you have seen in me in other words i modeled for you paul writing to timothy said be an example unto the believers and and this is an exhortation to anyone who would be involved in the ministry be an example to the believers don't just set out the precepts but live the precepts live the life" [00:32:14]

"for i have learned in whatsoever state i am in therewith to be content i'm not trying to put anything on you like you know bail me out i oh i'm you know i don't know where my next meal is coming from can you send me a dime you know not that i have respect of want i i've learned to be content i'm content with whatever god provides you see when your life is in god's hands and you you recognize and acknowledge lord my life is in your hands then you learn to be content with whatever the lord provides and and if he doesn't provide then i'm content god's going to take care of me anyhow and he's going to teach me some lessons of his faithfulness" [00:41:46]

"i know both how to be a based now here is god's apostle paul a man of god a man of faith and yet there were times when he was abased but he said i know how to be a beast and i know how to abound there have been times and there's been more than enough everywhere and in all things i'm instructed both to be full and to be hungry both to abound and to suffer need been on both sides know what it's about but in everything i'm content because my life is committed to the lord my life is in his hands now earlier he said be anxious for nothing but in everything with prayer and supplication let your requests be made known unto god and the peace of god that passes human understanding will keep your hearts and your minds in christ jesus" [00:45:38]

"not because he said i desire a gift but i desire fruit that may abound to your account now god has a very interesting and fascinating bookkeeping system and those who supported paul's ministry those who financially made it possible for paul to minister the fruit that came from paul's ministry abounded to their accounts even as today the fruit that abounds from the ministry it is accounted to those who have made the ministry possible when we get to heaven you're going to meet so many people who are going to come up and thank you for their salvation you say well who are you you look like a zulu you know and and they'll say no you gave in an offering to this missionary and they came and brought me the gospel but you were the one who helped support and send them" [00:45:38]

"and paul is saying that's why i'm thankful for your gift not because you know i not because i needed it but i wanted fruit to abound to your account and that's why i like to invest in the lives of young men who are really have potential doing something for the lord i figured that's fruit to my account investing in them helping them that's why we were happy to buy the first church for greg laurie out in riverside because we could see the potential in this young man and i i wanted fruit to abound to my account sort of selfish so we bought the baptist church that had gone bankrupt and but that's that's the type of god's bookkeeping fruit abounding to your account" [00:45:38]

"but my god shall supply all of your needs according to his riches in glory by christ jesus our lord what a glorious scripture what a wonderful promise how many times i've stood on this promise but my god shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by christ jesus how much is that i wonder his riches in glory now unto god and the father be glory forever and ever amen" [00:50:59]

"lord free us from the cares of this life and from the worry and the anxiety and the stress of living in this culture and help us lord to realize that our citizenship is in heaven and we look lord for your return because we know that you are at hand and so lord bless we pray as we seek now to put into practice these things that paul instructed that we lord spend more time in prayer rather than worrying about our circumstances help us lord to learn to just pray and to commit them to you so that we can walk away and just experience your peace knowing that you're going to take care of it according to your riches in glory by christ jesus" [00:50:59]

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Living in Anticipation: Embracing Unity and Contentment

Devotional

Day 1: Living in Anticipation of Christ's Return

Day 2: Prayer as the Antidote to Anxiety

Day 3: The Power of a Virtuous Thought Life

Day 4: Learning Contentment in All Circumstances

Day 5: The Eternal Impact of Giving

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Living in Anticipation: Embracing Unity and Contentment

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