Title Philippians 4:8-13 (2011.2.24)
Contents
Title: In the One Who Gives Power
Text: (Philippians 4:8~13)
Hymns: 545. Even if I see no evidence in these eyes
Date: February 24, 2011 (Thursday) 5 am
Venue: Jeonju Yebut Church Small Worship Room
What motivates us the most in our lives? Most people get their strength through power, money, job, family, etc. The greatest strength for believers is the power of Jesus Christ. The power of Christ enriches the lives of believers. Paul talks about his life through Christ.
1. Paul's circumstances (v. 12)
The Christian life is not a wide plain, but a land with many valleys and hills. We can meet Christ when we go through deep valleys and over hills. Sometimes God puts us in a humble state, and sometimes he puts us in a good environment. As a human being, Paul experienced the agony of material needs. He knew what it was to be anxious and humble when he suffered. But he did not give up his faith or despair because of suffering. The poor and the rich all have their own concerns. The question is how to deal with the worry. Those who are in Christ, trusting in Christ, are not anxious or anxious. What kind of environment are we in now?
2. The grace of self-sufficiency (verse 11)
Now Paul is in need. But he says, “I have learned to be content with myself in all circumstances” (v. 11). Being self-sufficient is something only a humble person who knows his fraction can do. People complain when they are in need. You can never be satisfied when you have abundance. Paul was grateful in the midst of severe hunger, tribulation, and persecution, and was humble without pride even when he was safe and abundant. We must learn from Paul how to be a consistent believer. God knows all of us. He is the one who knows our environment and situation better than anyone, and guides us to the best path. In all circumstances, all we have to do is trust God. Be a self-sufficient believer in the Lord.
3. In Him who strengthens (verse 13)
Paul learned all the secrets of being in abundance and in need. It is to abide in Him who gives me strength. You can do all things when you abide in the Lord. He gives us an inward power, not an outward one, so that we can move dynamically. Paul was supplied with such inner strength so that he could do all things in Christ. Paul said that this confession should be our confession. Although we easily fall into sin due to our weak bodies, the Lord of the power who created the heavens and the earth through His Word is our Father. When we abide in the power that He gives, we are able to overcome the world. Let's become saints who overcome through faith and courage.
How much do you know the secret to being self-sufficient for all our life's needs? How much more are you living a life that proves the sufficiency of Christ? Our call to know Christ and to serve Him is based on unsearchable abundance. May you receive the power of the Lord and live a life of contentment.
<Prayer>
1. Let us live contentedly in the Lord!
2. May our faith, hope and love be restored!
3. Let all the families of Jebut become a family of blessing built in the Word!