A WELL-ADJUSTED FAMILY APPRECIATION – PHILIPPIANS 1:1-11
FAMILY TALKS IN PHILIPPIANS #1 of 7
- How is a local church a family?
- Over the years, what are some of the good and bad (functional and dysfunctional) family qualities that you’ve seen in the local church?
- We like to see our families grow and mature in time. That takes individual effort and cooperation. We want our families to become well-adjusted.
- God wants His family to grow and mature in time. He provides His Spirit and His Word to help accomplish this. This also requires individual effort and cooperation. God wants His family to be well-adjusted!
The church in Philippi was a good, loyal church. However, like any individual or family, they had things to work on to become more well-adjusted. In his letter to the Philippians (a letter written from Prison) Paul is addressing and modeling qualities that would help them, and us, to become more well-adjusted. He begins by showing us that a well-adjusted family is an appreciative family.
IN APPRECIATION, WE SERVE. Philippians 1:1
- Although Paul and Timothy were children of God (John 1:12-13), they also considered themselves slaves. In 1 Timothy 4:12-14 Paul tells us why.
- Believers (saints) and leaders (bishops and deacons) should also serve in appreciation of the Lord’s work in their lives. Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
IN APPRECIATION, WE BLESS. Philippians 1:2
- When we truly appreciate what God has done in the life of another believer, we will wish for them God’s best.
- What makes God’s grace and peace so special?
IN APPRECIATION, WE GIVE THANKS. Philippians 1:3-6
- 3 – When Paul thought of the Philippians, he gave thanks for them! Developing this discipline will help us please God. Colossians 3:15-17
- 4 – Paul prayed with joy regularly for the Philippians. We have the same privilege and responsibility. Colossians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Ephesians 5:18
- 5 – How were the Philippians partners with Paul in the Gospel?
- 6 – We can be confident that what God begins, He will complete. Romans 12:28-39
IN APPRECIATION, WE VALUE. Philippians 1:7-8
- How can we in the local church partner with each other in each other’s “chains”, “defense and confirmation of the Gospel”?
- 8 – Out of love for the Lord Jesus, we should be concerned for each other. It’s been said, “Love begins at home.” 1Peter 1:21
IN APPRECIATION, WE PRAY. Philippians 1:9-11
Pray for your brothers and sisters that they will have:
- Abounding love – Verse 9
- Good judgment – Verse 10
- Inward and outward purity – Verse 10
- A good harvest through the power of Jesus Christ “to the glory and praise of God” – Verse 11
