Philippians #9: Rising Above the Storms of Life

PHILIPPIANS: THE POWER OF A GOSPEL COMMUNITY

#9 - Rising Above the Storms of Life
Pastor Aaron Sutherland  

Series scripture
Philippians 1:6 (CEB) "I’m sure about this: the one who started a good work in you will stay with you to complete the job by the day of Christ Jesus."

I. WE RISE ABOVE THROUGH OUR HEART OF CONVICTION
Philippians 4:1 (CEB) "Therefore, my brothers and sisters whom I love and miss, who are my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord."

II. WE RISE ABOVE THROUGH OUR EFFORTS OF PEACE
Philippians 4:2-3 (CEB) "Loved ones, I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to come to an agreement in the Lord.  Yes, and I’m also asking you, loyal friend, to help these women who have struggled together with me in the ministry of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the scroll of life."

III. WE RISE ABOVE THROUGH OUR TRANSFORMED LIFE
Philippians 4:4-9 (CEB) "Be glad in the Lord always! Again I say, be glad! Let your gentleness show in your treatment of all people. The Lord is near. Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.  From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise.  Practice these things: whatever you learned, received, heard, or saw in us. The God of peace will be with you."

 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What does it look like to stand firm IN Christ as opposed to standing firm FOR Christ?
2. When have you experienced the outcome of efforts of peace? Have you ever been helped by another to bring about peace in a relationship? If so, what did you learn in that?
3. How has changing your thinking changed your life?  How did Christ help you to do so?