Living in Gratitude: A Community of Love and Hope

Summary

In our gathering today, we reflect on the profound gratitude expressed by Paul in his letter to the Philippians, a sentiment that resonates deeply with our own experiences as a church community. Paul’s prayer, which begins with thanksgiving and flows into intercession, serves as a model for us. He prays for the church in Philippi, acknowledging their love, spiritual wisdom, righteousness, hope, and their commitment to glorifying God. These are not just abstract concepts but lived realities that we, too, have witnessed and experienced in our community.

Paul’s prayer for the Philippians is rooted in a deep appreciation for their partnership in the gospel, a partnership that has been marked by tangible acts of love and support. This is mirrored in our own church, where love is not just spoken of but demonstrated in countless ways. From the support shown to families in times of need to the encouragement and prayers offered for one another, love abounds here. This love is not static; it is dynamic and ever-growing, just as Paul prayed for the Philippians.

Spiritual wisdom is another cornerstone of Paul’s prayer. He desires that the Philippians grow in knowledge and discernment, approving what is excellent. This wisdom is not merely intellectual but transformative, affecting the heart and affections. In our church, this wisdom is evident in the way we engage with Scripture, not just as a text to be studied but as a living word that shapes our lives and actions.

Righteousness, as Paul describes, is not self-derived but comes through Jesus Christ. It is a righteousness that transforms and bears fruit in our lives. Our community has been blessed with individuals who exemplify this righteousness, living lives that reflect the transformative power of Christ’s work within them.

Hope in the full gospel is another theme of Paul’s prayer. This hope is not just for the present but looks forward to the day of Christ, a hope that is rooted in the entire arc of the gospel story. Our church embodies this hope, celebrating the promise of eternal life and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit among us.

Finally, Paul’s prayer culminates in giving glory to God. This is the ultimate purpose of our lives and our community—to lift up the name of Jesus and to make His glory known. As we reflect on the past 20 years, we see God’s grace at work in and through us, and we commit to continuing this journey, praying that God will do even more in the years to come.

Key Takeaways:

1. Abounding in Love: Love is the foundation of our community, not just in words but in action. It is a love that supports, encourages, and uplifts, reflecting the love of Christ. This love is dynamic, ever-growing, and a testament to the work of the Holy Spirit among us. [12:07]

2. Spiritual Wisdom: True wisdom is transformative, moving beyond intellectual understanding to impact our hearts and affections. It is a wisdom that discerns and approves what is excellent, shaping our lives to reflect the character of Christ. [04:52]

3. Righteousness through Christ: Our righteousness is not self-derived but comes through Jesus Christ. It is a transformative righteousness that bears fruit in our lives, reflecting the work of Christ within us and pointing others to Him. [09:06]

4. Hope in the Full Gospel: Our hope is rooted in the full gospel story, from salvation to sanctification to glorification. It is a hope that looks forward to the day of Christ, shaping our lives and our community with the promise of eternal life. [27:01]

5. Giving Glory to God: The ultimate purpose of our lives and our community is to glorify God. It is not about making a name for ourselves but lifting up the name of Jesus, making His glory known in our community and beyond. [27:01]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:16] - Introduction to Philippians
- [04:52] - Spiritual Wisdom and Discernment
- [09:06] - Righteousness through Christ
- [12:07] - Abounding in Love
- [13:36] - Personal Reflections on Love
- [14:51] - Community Support and Love
- [15:59] - Gratitude for Church's Love
- [18:21] - Spiritual Wisdom in the Church
- [20:09] - Preaching to a Wise Congregation
- [21:12] - Righteousness in the Community
- [22:09] - Legacy of Godly Saints
- [23:14] - Fruit of Righteousness
- [24:50] - Hope in the Full Gospel
- [27:01] - Giving Glory to God

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Philippians 1:3-11
- 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

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Observation Questions:

1. How does Paul express his gratitude for the Philippians in his letter, and what specific qualities does he commend them for? [01:16]

2. What are the five categories of things Paul prays for the Philippians, as mentioned in the sermon? [12:07]

3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between knowledge, discernment, and approving what is excellent? [04:52]

4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the church's demonstration of love and support for one another? [14:51]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that love within a church community should be dynamic and ever-growing? How does this align with Paul's prayer for the Philippians? [12:07]

2. How does the sermon define "spiritual wisdom," and why is it important for it to transform both the heart and affections of believers? [18:21]

3. What does the sermon imply about the source of righteousness and its impact on a believer's life? How does this relate to Paul's message in Philippians? [22:09]

4. How does the sermon connect the hope in the full gospel with the day of Christ, and what implications does this have for the church community? [27:01]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced or witnessed the dynamic love of a church community. How did it impact your faith journey, and how can you contribute to fostering such love in your own community? [14:51]

2. Consider your current engagement with Scripture. How can you move beyond intellectual understanding to allow it to transform your heart and affections? What practical steps can you take this week? [18:21]

3. Identify an area in your life where you struggle to rely on Christ's righteousness rather than your own efforts. How can you remind yourself of the transformative power of Christ's work within you? [22:09]

4. How does the hope of the full gospel story influence your daily life and decisions? What specific actions can you take to live with an eternal perspective? [27:01]

5. In what ways can you actively participate in giving glory to God in your community? Consider one specific action you can take this week to lift up the name of Jesus. [27:01]

6. Reflect on the sermon’s emphasis on gratitude. How can you cultivate a habit of thanksgiving in your prayer life, and what impact might this have on your relationship with God and others? [12:07]

7. Think about a person or group in your church who may need encouragement or support. How can you demonstrate Christ-like love to them in a tangible way this week? [14:51]

Devotional

Day 1: Love in Action, Not Just Words
In the letter to the Philippians, Paul emphasizes the importance of love that is not merely spoken but demonstrated through actions. This love is dynamic and ever-growing, reflecting the work of the Holy Spirit within the community. In our church, this love is evident in the support and encouragement we offer one another, especially in times of need. It is a love that uplifts and strengthens, mirroring the love of Christ. As we continue to grow in this love, we are called to be active participants in the lives of those around us, showing tangible acts of kindness and support. [12:07]

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." (Romans 12:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a specific way you can demonstrate love to someone in your community this week. How can you be a tangible expression of Christ's love to them today?

Day 2: Transformative Wisdom
Paul's prayer for the Philippians includes a desire for them to grow in spiritual wisdom and discernment. This wisdom is not just intellectual but transformative, impacting the heart and shaping one's affections. In our church, we are encouraged to engage with Scripture not merely as a text to be studied but as a living word that transforms our lives. This wisdom helps us discern what is excellent and align our lives with the character of Christ. As we seek this wisdom, we are invited to allow it to shape our decisions and actions, leading us to live lives that reflect Christ's love and truth. [04:52]

"For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity." (Proverbs 2:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you need God's wisdom. How can you seek His guidance and allow His wisdom to transform your heart and actions today?

Day 3: Righteousness Through Christ
Righteousness, as described by Paul, is not something we achieve on our own but is given through Jesus Christ. This righteousness transforms us and bears fruit in our lives, pointing others to the work of Christ within us. In our community, we see individuals who exemplify this righteousness, living lives that reflect the transformative power of Christ. As we embrace this righteousness, we are called to live in a way that honors God and draws others to Him. It is a journey of continual transformation, where our lives become a testament to Christ's work in us. [09:06]

"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle to live out Christ's righteousness. What steps can you take to allow His transformative power to bear fruit in that area today?

Day 4: Hope Rooted in the Gospel
Paul's prayer for the Philippians is filled with hope, a hope that is rooted in the full gospel story. This hope is not just for the present but looks forward to the day of Christ, shaping our lives with the promise of eternal life. In our church, we celebrate this hope, recognizing the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit among us. It is a hope that sustains us through challenges and encourages us to live with an eternal perspective. As we embrace this hope, we are reminded of the greater story we are part of and the future glory that awaits us. [27:01]

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (1 Peter 1:3, ESV)

Reflection: Consider how the hope of the gospel shapes your daily life. How can you live today with an eternal perspective, allowing this hope to influence your actions and decisions?

Day 5: Glorifying God in All Things
The ultimate purpose of our lives and our community is to glorify God. Paul’s prayer culminates in giving glory to God, lifting up the name of Jesus and making His glory known. As we reflect on the past and look to the future, we see God's grace at work in and through us. Our commitment is to continue this journey, praying that God will do even more in the years to come. In every aspect of our lives, we are called to make His glory known, not seeking recognition for ourselves but pointing others to Him. [27:01]

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31, ESV)

Reflection: Think about your daily routines and interactions. How can you intentionally glorify God in the ordinary moments of your day today?

Quotes

1. "A couple weeks ago, we started this long, slow walk through the book of Philippians. This is Paul's letter to the saints. In Philippi, a couple weeks ago, we saw how that group of saints came to be, how that church came to be. [01:16] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

was birthed, how God, through His Holy Spirit, specifically sent Paul and the rest of the missionary team to this specific place, made His light shine in this spiritual darkness. We saw how God called Lydia, opened her heart to respond to the things that Paul had been speaking to her. We saw the spiritual battle that was taking place as the spiritual forces of darkness and the Holy Spirit were engaged when Paul cast out that demon. We saw Jesus' words coming true. Jesus told the disciples, they'll hate you because they hate me, and we saw Paul's persecution and being beaten and thrown in prison. But then we saw God's sovereignty over creation itself, sends the earthquake, prison doors open, and we saw the conversion of that jailer." [01:16] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The second big category that he prays is that they would abound in what I'm going to call spiritual wisdom. Spiritual wisdom. He specifically says, he prays that they would grow in their knowledge, but he has these three things connected. Knowledge, discernment, but also approving what is excellent. It wasn't just the knowledge of the gospel, the understanding of the gospel, the understanding of Scripture, stuff that's maybe in our head, but he wants it to move down and impact and transform our heart. Discernment. Or some translations talk about depth of insight. but even beyond that, that it begins to impact our affections, what we approve, what we desire, that we approve that which is excellent." [04:52] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The third big category that he prays for them is that their righteousness would grow, that they would continue to abound in righteousness. He used this phrase that they would be pure and blameless at the day of Christ, would be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ. And on one hand, it's talking about their salvation, their salvation that they have a righteousness that has come from Christ. In chapter 3, Paul is going to talk about his personal testimony, and he says, I did not want to have a righteousness of my own, but I wanted a righteousness that comes from God by faith." [09:06] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Fourth big thing he's praying for them is that they would would abound in hope of the full gospel, bound in the hope of the full gospel. He mentions here the day of Christ, that you would be pure and blameless at the day of Christ. This is a phrase that's going to show up several times in the letter that we're going to read. It was twice in this paragraph. He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ. His prayer is that they will be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. Later on in chapter two, his prayer is that they will be holding fast to the word of life so that at the day of Christ, Paul's work would not be in vain." [12:07] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "For the last 20 years, I have been watching a group of saints abounding in love, abounding in love. If you don't hear anything else from me today, I hope that you will hear this. You have loved me and my family well, bountifully well. And I am very well aware that not every pastor can say that. I think David Bowman, director of our Therian Baptist Association, is here somewhere. Where are you at? The Holy Spirit is not directing my gaze. Anyway, but I'm sure he gets calls every Monday morning of those who are not being loved well by their church. My eyewitness testimony to you is this. You have abounded in love for me and my family for the last 20 years, and I thank God for that." [13:36] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "For 20 years, I've been enjoying the fruit of your righteousness in Christ. I've had the privilege over 20 years of baptizing 244 people. That's incredible. That is the fruit of your righteousness. That's parents making disciples of their children. That's our children's Sunday school department systematically teaching the Word of God. That's our Awana workers who every week are helping them to memorize Scripture and understand Scriptural truth. That's our pre -teen ministry, our student ministry. That's the fruit of your righteousness in Christ. I've had the privilege over 20 years of baptizing 244 people. That's the fruit of your righteousness in Christ, and I get to be a part of that." [23:14] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Just like Paul, for the last 20 years I've been watching a group of saints abounding in righteousness through Christ. That was his prayer. They would be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. They would be filled with the fruit of righteousness. Again, miserable lot of people, religious people to be filled with head knowledge, doesn't get to the heart, doesn't get to their affections, and they're filled with self -righteousness. But it's a beautiful group of people that realize that all of the righteousness that they have has come from the work of Christ that is in their life. And any fruit of righteousness that anyone else might be able to point to, what they're really pointing to is the work of Christ in their life." [22:09] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "And finally like paul for the last 20 years. I've been watching a group of saints abounding and giving glory to god One of the things I like about the the dna of this church is we are not self promoters It's not a look at me It is a look at the christ that is in me It is not I but as christ in me and our our hope of whether you are making donations to vacation Bible school, it's not because you want to get credit of how many crayons you gave It's because you want to be part of the name of jesus being famous in our community and on and on I could list you get that as a church and Rejoice in that and I hope that what is happening on this day that that's what we're doing That today really is a celebration of 20 years of god's grace God's gracious work in us through us and around us and I hope at the end of this day This is what happens all will be done to the glory And to the praise of god" [27:01] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

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