3/10/2019
Ministry
Hebrews 13:15
Servant Leaders Lead Servants
Philippians 1:1-2 Paul & Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace & peace to you from God our Father & the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ministry Is Partnership With Other People
Philippians 1:3-6 I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Ministry Is Emotional
Philippians 1:7-8 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending & confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
Ministry Must Mature
Philippians 1:9-11 This is my prayer: that your love may abound more & more in knowledge & depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best & may be pure & blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ–to the glory & praise of God.
Ministry Happens In All Circumstances
Philippians 1:12-14 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard & to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously & fearlessly.
Ministry Is A Battleground
Philippians 1:15-18 Some preach Christ out of envy & rivalry, others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. Because of this I rejoice. Yes & I will continue to rejoice…!
Ministry Must Be Seen As Positive In All Situations
Philippians 1:18-20 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. Because of this I rejoice. Yes, I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers & the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect & hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
Ministry Is For The Benefit of OTHERS!
Philippians 1:21-26 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart & be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain & I will continue with all of you for your progress & joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.
Ministry Is A Call To Devotion to Duty
Philippians 1:27-28a Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come & see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.
To Minister Is To Suffer Opposition
Philippians 1:28b-30 This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved–& that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for Him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had & now hear that I still have.