Interactive Teaching/Learning Guide

INTERACTIVE TEACHING/LEARNING GUIDE Contentment for Life Philippians Week 1

Session Title: Sweet Fellowship Focal Passage: Philippians 1:1-11

Central Teaching/Learning Aim: The learner will be challenged to take action to improve his/her Christ-centered relationship and find contentment in life. I. Hook

A. Share the following:

Summarizing Your Life in Six Words

If you had to summarize your life in six words, what would they be? Several years ago an online magazine asked that question. It was inspired by a possibly legendary challenge posed to Ernest Hemingway to write a six-word story that resulted in the classic "For sale: baby shoes, never worn." The magazine was flooded with so many responses that the site almost crashed, and the responses were eventually turned into a book. Not Quite What I Was Planning is filled with six-word memoirs by writers "famous and obscure." Here are some of the memoirs that range from funny to ironic to inspiring to heartbreaking:

 "One tooth, one cavity; life's cruel."  "Savior complex makes for many disappointments."  "Cursed with cancer. Blessed with friends." (This one was written by a nine-year-old boy with cancer).  "The psychic said I'd be richer."  This one was only five words: "One long train to darkness."  "Tombstone won't say: 'Had health insurance.'"  "Not a good Christian, but trying."  "Thought I would have more impact."

The challenge of the six-word limitation is its demand to focus on what matters most, to capture briefly something of significance. How would you summarize your life in six words?

Adapted from John Ortberg, All the Places You'll Go ... Except When You Don't (Tyndale, 2015) pp. 1-2

1 Allow time for members to write their six word life summaries. Ask if any would like to share their six word summaries.

Read (Philippians 1:1-11) - Ask members to listen for Paul’s statements about what makes him happy.

State – Today we are going to discuss how the basis of contentment in life is all about relationships, having sweet, Christ-centered fellowship with others.

B. Optional Method – Web Clip – “A Very Happy Brain”

Location: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in- depth/how-to-be-happy/art-20045714?pg=2 Length: 4:23

Synopsis: This short animation is done by the Mayo Clinic. It describes from a scientific viewpoint what makes a person happy.

Ask – What 5 traits were listed that help a person be happy? (Compassion, Kindness, Gratitude, Forgiveness, Healing)

Read (Philippians 1:1-11) – Ask members to listen for most of these traits in Paul’s greeting.

State – Science and Christianity can find common grounds in these traits of happiness. Christianity is much stronger due to our common bond through Christ.

C. Optional Method – Illustration and Movie Clip

Share the following illustration:

The Story Behind the Self-Storage Movement

In the 1960s Jim Knuppe was building apartments in the Bay Area around San Francisco. Apartments are cramped and usually do not have garages, and Mr. Knuppe soon noticed that his renters were frustrated by the lack of space for all their stuff. As he looked into the problem, Mr. Knuppe said he realized it wasn't just renters that had too much stuff; in fact most Americans were acquiring more possessions than their homes could ever hold. So in 1970 he purchased a small piece of land in Alameda and built California's first Self-Storage. People in California told Jim Knuppe he was 2 nuts. They said, who will ever pay money just to use a ten-by-ten shed to store stuff? Nobody has that much stuff, they said.

In just a few weeks he rented out all the units he owned, so he opened another in Berkley, then San Pablo, Vallejo, San Leandro, Foster City, Colma, and Hayward. Soon Mr. Knuppe owned thousands of storage units up and down the California coast. He made millions simply giving people a place to store their stuff.

We sure like our stuff.

Adapted from Palmer Chinchen, The Barefoot Tribe (Howard Books, 2014), page 168

Ask – Does it make sense to pay money to store stuff we don’t use or need? What if you sold the stuff took the monthly storage rent and used it for the benefit of others? Can you find happiness in stuff alone apart from meaningful human relationships?

Next – Show the following movie clip “The Family Man”

Location: http://www.wingclips.com/movie-clips/the-family-man/the-perfect-life?play=1 Start: 1:56:45 – Stop: 2:48 Length:

Synopsis: Jack Campbell, a successful and talented businessman, is happily living his single life. He has everything, or so he thinks. One day he wakes up in a new life where he didn’t leave his college girlfriend for a London trip. He’s married to Kate, lives in Jersey and has two kids. He, of course, desperately wants his life back for which he has worked for 13 years, where he’s president of an investment firm instead of a tire salesman at Big Ed’s and drives a Ferrari instead of a mini-van. And most importantly he doesn’t wake up in the morning with kids jumping on the bed. As this new life begins, Jack becomes more confident in his new life and starts to see what he’s been missing.

In this clip Jack is trying to convince Kate to move back to the city so they can enjoy the best of everything. Kate likes her life the way it is and is content.

Read (Philippians 1:1-11) – Ask members to listen for traits of Paul’s happiness and contentment.

3 II. Book

A. Utilize the discussion guide to examine the Scripture passages.

III. Look

A. Share the “Top Ten Actions that Lead to Contentment in Life” handout and overview each. Give members an opportunity to pick 2 to write down. Challenge them to complete the list this week.

IV. Took

A. Place members into groups and have them share the 2 things they will complete in the coming week. Have them close by praying for one another.

4 DISCUSSION GUIDE Teacher Copy

1. Where and when did Paul write the book of Philippians? [Scholars agree that he was in prison, but there is some disagreement about what prison. Some have said Rome, others Ephesus and still others say Caesarea. The location would affect the date of the writing. Most lean toward Paul’s Roman imprisonment because of the decisive nature of the verdict the apostle expected. He would either be set free or executed with no appeal. This was a characteristic of the Roman justice system. So the traditional view is that Paul wrote Philippians at the end of his Roman imprisonment in A.D. 61.]

2. What were Paul’s first experiences in Philippi? a. (Acts 16:11-15) Lydia was converted and her household. She is the first recorded European convert b. (Acts 16:16-21) Paul casts out a demon from a slave girl and is thrown in prison c. (Acts 16:23-26) Paul and Silas display joy despite being beaten in jail d. (Acts 16:27-31) Jailer and his household saved e. (Acts 16:40) Paul encouraged the new converts before departing

3. What was the purpose of Philippians? a. (Philippians 1:3) To offer support and encouragement with joy for the Christians b. (Philippians 1:12) To give the people an update on his imprisonment c. (Philippians 2:1-2) To encourage the church to be unified d. (Philippians 2:19-20) To recommend Timothy to the people e. (Philippians 13:2-3) To head off false doctrine f. (Philippians 4:10) To thank the people for their concern

4. How does Paul refer to Timothy and himself in (v. 1)? [As servants of the Lord. This term was used to describe a person in Paul’s day who had no rights, privileges or freedoms in any sphere of society outside the family to which they belonged.]

5. What is the significance of this term as it relates to the Christian family? [A Christian should be so committed to Christ that he/she has no rights outside of doing the Lord’s will and work. It also speaks to the unity in the family of God.]

6. Who is Paul writing to? (v. 1) [All of the Christians in Philippi and the leaders of the church.]

5 7. Describe the thankfulness of Paul for the Philippians. (vs. 3-8) a. What was he thankful for? For his memories of them b. Attitude behind thankfulness? Joy c. What was he confident of? They are staying true to Christ d. Why was he confident? They have stuck by him e. How much did he miss them? He longed to be with them

8. Why should these characteristics be lived out in the context of a Life Group?

9. Describe the prayer of Paul for the Philippians (vs. 9-11). a. About their love That it would grow as they grew in the knowledge b. About their discernment To do the right things c. About their relationships That they would be sincere and blameless d. About their character That they would be filled with the fruit of righteousness

10. How could this be a model prayer for your Life Group?

11. Complete the following chart to overview (vs. 1-11):

REASONS PAUL SHOULD NOT HAVE REASONS PAUL HAD TO BE JOYFUL BEEN JOYFUL v. 7: He was in prison v. 3: Sweet memories v. 8: He longed for them vs. 4-5: Their partnership with him v. 6: His confidence in Christ for them v. 7: They shared with him in God’s grace

12. How can you find contentment in life through Christ-centered relationships?

6 DISCUSSION GUIDE Student Copy

1. Where and when did Paul write the book of Philippians?

2. What were Paul’s first experiences in Philippi? a. (Acts 16:11-15)

b. (Acts 16:16-21)

c. (Acts 16:23-26)

d. (Acts 16:27-31)

e. (Acts 16:40)

3. What was the purpose of Philippians? a. (Philippians 1:3)

b. (Philippians 1:12)

c. (Philippians 2:1-2)

d. (Philippians 2:19-20)

e. (Philippians 13:2-3)

f. (Philippians 4:10)

4. How does Paul refer to Timothy and himself in (verse 1)?

5. What is the significance of this term as it relates to the Christian family?

6. Who is Paul writing to? (v. 1)

7. Describe the thankfulness of Paul for the Philippians. (vs. 3-8) a. What was he thankful for? b. Attitude behind thankfulness c. What was he confident of? d. Why was he confident? e. How much did he miss them?

7 8. Why should these characteristics be lived out in the context of a Life Group?

9. Describe the prayer of Paul for the Philippians (verses 9-11). a. About their love

b. About their discernment

c. About their relationships

d. About their character

10. How could this be a model prayer for your Life Group?

11. Complete the following chart to overview (verses 1-11):

REASONS PAUL SHOULD NOT HAVE REASONS PAUL HAD TO BE JOYFUL BEEN JOYFUL v. 7: v. 3: v. 8: vs. 4-5: v. 6: v. 7:

12. How can you find contentment in life through Christ-centered relationships?

8 Actions that Lead to Contentment in Life

1 Give something away (no strings attached) When? How?

2 Do a kind deed (and forget it) For whom? When?

3 Pray for others (more than yourself) When? For whom?

4 Give thanks (a thousand a day is not enough) For whom? For what?

5 Spend time with an older person (their wisdom is priceless) Who? When?

6 Look intently at new creations (babies, puppies, kittens, flowers, etc.) Praise God for His miracles

7 Work with (vim and vigor)

8 Laugh often (it is life’s lubricant)

9 Plan as though you will live forever (because you will) How are you storing up treasures in Heaven?

10 Live as though you will die tomorrow (because you will on some tomorrow) How can you make each day count?

THEE WORD FOR THE WEEK

9 DEFEATING TROUBLE Philippians 1:12-21

Monday: The Apostle Paul is writing to the church in Philippi. He is writing from prison while on his second missionary journey. He is writing to express his appreciation and affection for the Philippian believers and offer his support and encouragement. Paul wants them to experience joy in living for Christ and most of us desire the same. Read: Philippians 1:12-14  Does Paul seem discouraged by what has happened to him?  What is the result of what has happened to him?  Who is getting the glory in this?  Does it appear that Paul has joy in this situation of trouble?

Tuesday: Read: Philippians 1:15-16  What do you think it means to preach Christ from improper motives?  Can you think of a time recently that you have seen someone preach Christ out of love?  In verse 16 Paul mentions why he is in prison. Do you think he is glad for that?

Wednesday: Read: Philippians 1:15-18  Paul is talking about the different motives that people are using. Some are doing so to bring trouble upon Paul. What happens when people implore the wrong motives?  What does Paul choose to rejoice over?  Would you have the same attitude?  How can you seek to share Christ more and with the right motives?

Thursday: Read: Philippians 1:19-20  How does Paul believe this trouble will end?  Do it sound like he is hoping or that he has confidence?  Does he seem too worried whether he will live or die?  What do you think he can have an attitude like that with full courage?

Friday: Read: Philippians 1:21  Paul says in his letter that for him to live is what?  What do you think he means saying “For to me to live is Christ”?  What would the gain be in death?  Could you say those same two things with great confidence?  If not, what would need to change so that you could say that with confidence?

EXEGETICAL ~ THEOLOGICAL ~ PEDAGOGICAL

10 Note: Full sentence propositions have been employed in all outline statements for the sake of clarity. In the exegetical and theological sections, the subject portion of the proposition (answering the question, “What was the biblical author talking about?”) has been noted by the use of bold type and the complement portion of the proposition (answering the question, “What was the biblical author saying about what he is talking about?”) by the use of bold and underline.

(EXEGETICAL: What it meant to the Philippian Church back THEN) THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH PAUL PRAYED FOR THE PHILIPPIANS, (THANKING GOD JOYFULLY, CONFIDENTLY, AND PROPERLY EVERY TIME HE REMEMBERED THEM, BECAUSE OF THEIR FELLOWSERVICE, THE CERTAINTY OF THEIR MATURITY, AND THEIR MUTUAL AFFECTION), THAT THEIR LOVE MIGHT GROW IN KNOWLEDGE AND DISCERNMENT, BY MEANS OF CHRIST'S FILLING THEM WITH A RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT GLORIFIED AND PRAISED GOD . . . WAS SO THAT THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO DISCERN WHAT WAS MORALLY BEST IN THIS LIFE AND BE FOUND PURE AND BLAMELESS AT THE DAY OF JUDGMENT. I. The source of the grace and peace which Paul and Timothy, the writers of the Epistle to the Philippians, solicited for the Philippian saints, elders, and deacons . . . was God, the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, (1-2). A. The writers of Philippians . . . were Paul and Timothy, bond-slaves of Jesus Christ, (1a). B. The recipients of Philippians . . . were all the saints (“holy ones” = “living in a different sphere” – Motyer ) in Jesus Christ, the elders, and the deacons in Philippi, (1b). C. The source of the grace and peace which Paul and Timothy solicited for the Philippians . . . was God, the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, (2). 1. The content of Paul's and Timothy's prayer for the Philippians . . . was that they might experience grace and peace, (2a). Note: “Grace is God being gracious, adopting an attitude of all-sufficient favour towards helpless and meritless sinners, and acting in line with that; God coming to them in free, unprovoked love, to give them the opposite of their deservings. “Kent aptly define peace here in Philippians as ‘the inner assurance and tranquility that God ministers to the hearts of believers and that keeps them spiritually confident and content even in the midst of turmoil” (Motyer, 29-30). 2. The source of that grace and peace . . . was God, the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, (2b). II. The manner in which Paul gave thanks to God for the Philippians every time he remembered them because of their continual service with Paul in the gospel, because of his certainty that God would bring them to full maturity, and because of their mutual affection for one another . . . was joyfully, confidently, and properly, (3-8).

11 Note: “Philippians 1:3–11 forms a unit of thought in two movements. Several factors reveal the unity: the synonyms “I thank my God” (1:3) and ‘this is my prayer’ (1:9), the general content of praise and petition, and Paul’s epistolary pattern in introductions. The section divides naturally into two subsections, however. First, vv. 3–8 express praise for the Philippians. The verb translated ‘I thank my God’ contains the idea of thanksgiving. Furthermore, all of vv. 3–8 modify that one main verb. Second, vv. 9–11 express Paul’s more specific petition. He introduced his prayer with a consecutive conjunction (‘and,’ kai) which both continues the previous idea and introduces another. These verses contain one long sentence in Greek, but Paul made two petitions in them” (Melick, R. R. Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, Vol. 32, 52–53). “The thanksgiving section functions to win the goodwill of the recipients by praising them for what God is doing in their situation and to introduce topics, albeit allusively, to be dealt with later in the letter. This thanksgiving differs from the thanksgiving sections in Paul’s other letters in its emphasis on the Philippians’ partnership in the gospel, their anticipated completion on the day of the Lord, and his deep affection for them. Nine themes emerge that resurface in the letter: suffering (his bonds); the gospel (its defense); their common partnership; joy; work (fruit); knowledge and discernment that result in the proper spiritual attitude; eschatological hope (abounding); confidence in God; and their unity” (Garland, D. E. “Philippians” in T. Longman III (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Ephesians–Philemon (Revised Edition), Vol. 12, 191– 192). A. The nature of Paul's prayer for the Philippians, every time he remembered them . . . was thanksgiving to God, (3). 1. The nature of Paul's prayer for the Philippians . . . was thanksgiving to God, (3a). 2. The time of Paul's thanking God for the Philippians . . . was every time he remembered them, (3b). B. The manner in which Paul gave thanks to God for the Philippians . . . was joyfully, confidently, and properly, (4-8). 1. One manner in which Paul gave thanks to God for the Philippians, because of their continual service with Paul in the gospel . . . was joyfully, (4-5). a. A way in which Paul always made thankful petition to God on behalf of the Philippians . . . was "with joy," (4). b. A reason Paul petitioned God thankfully with joy on behalf of the Philippians . . . was because they had served together with Paul in the advance of the gospel from the time of their salvation until the present, (5). Note: Here is the thrust of Paul’s letter: He was thankful for the Philippians’ fellowship (sweet fellowship according to 7a), even their participation with him in his missionary efforts (“the advance of the gospel”). They had supported him from the very beginning of their relationship with him and most recently sent money, supplies, and an emissary in the person of Epaphroditus. “The relationship between Paul and the church went deeper than human friendships. They had a tie that came from joining in the work of God in the

12 world. Such cooperation in the spread of the gospel was something Paul appreciated very much. That fellowship was with Paul only in an intermediate sense; the ultimate contribution they made was to the spread of the gospel itself” (Melick, 56). 2. Another manner in which Paul gave thanks to God for the Philippians, because of his certainty that God would bring them to full maturity . . . was confidently, (6). a. Another way in which Paul thankfully petitioned God on behalf of the Philippians . . . was "being confident," (6a). b. Another reason Paul thankfully petitioned God with confidence on behalf of the Philippians . . . was because he was certain that God would complete the work of salvation which He had begun and would bring the Philippians to full maturity, (6b). Note: Here is another of Paul’s key themes: Spiritual maturity is a process (see 3:7-14). Paul was confident that God’s provision (of grace and peace, at the least) would bring the Philippians to full maturity. What He had started, He would complete. 3. A final manner in which Paul gave thanks to God for the Philippians, because of their mutual affection for one another . . . was properly, (7- 8). a. A final way in which Paul thankfully petitioned God on behalf of the Philippians . . . was "as it is proper," (7a). b. The final reasons Paul thankfully petitioned God properly on behalf of the Philippians was because . . . 1) He had them in his heart, 2) They fellowshipped together in God's grace for the gospel's sake, 3) He longed after them with great affection in Christ Jesus, (7b-8). Note: “When Paul thanked God for their fellowship ‘in [eis] the Gospel,’ he meant that they were contributing to the spread of the gospel in tangible ways, i.e., primarily through their support. “The gospel was not only the environment of their fellowship but also its goal. Had it not been for the gospel, they would not have met. Paul generally stated that the tie that bound Christians together was the gospel message. Here, however, the construction suggests that the advancement of the gospel united them. In their support of Paul, they contributed to the work of God in the world through the gospel. When the Philippians were converted, they were given a privilege of promoting the gospel. Through their relationship with Paul, they were true to that aspect of their faith” (Melick, 56-57). III. The purpose for which Paul prayed that the Philippians' love might grow in knowledge and depth of insight, by means of Christ's filling them with a righteousness that glorified and praised God . . . was so that they would be able to discern what things were best in this life and be found pure (“without mixture”) and blameless (“not causing to stumble”) at the day of judgment, (9-11).

13 Note: Paul was the Philippians’ spiritual father. Like any father, he wanted them to grow into fruitful maturity, here using an agricultural metaphor. Thus he prayed that God would grant them the progressive knowledge (of God’s will and plan) and necessary discernment (in the midst of all circumstances) to stay on course. Staying on course would mean that they would continue to choose that which was morally excellent and act with inward purity and outward blamelessness. “Paul’s thoughts easily moved from thanksgiving to petitioning prayer. The two were part of the same spiritual activity, but more than that, Paul acknowledged that the good done in the Philippians’ lives came from God. As a part of his response in praise, he prayed that God would continue his work in them” Melick, 61). “The prayer contains two basic petitions. These are known by two “that” (hina) clauses in the Greek text. . . . The two petitions are: ‘that your love may abound … so that you may be able to discern what is best’ (1:9–10a); and that you ‘may be pure and blameless … having been filled with the fruit of righteousness’ (1:10b–11). The first looks to the time interval between the present situation and the return of the Lord. The second takes the perspective of the second coming and looks back to the preparation of the church for that event. Paul prayed for a growing love (1:9–10b) and for a complete character (1:10b–11a)” (Melick, 62). A. The content of Paul's prayer on behalf of the Philippians . . . was that their sacrificial love might grow abundantly in knowledge and in depth of insight, (9). 1. The content of Paul's prayer on behalf of the Philippians . . . was that their sacrificial love might grow abundantly, (9a). 2. The sphere in which the Philippians’ love was intended to grow . . . was in knowledge and in depth of insight, (9b). Note: “It may seem unusual to pray that love increase in ‘knowledge’ (epignōsis, GK 2106) and ‘depth of insight’ (aisthēsis, GK 151). Insight (or feeling) without knowledge is nothing. Knowledge without love also is nothing (1 Co 13:2), but love without knowledge and insight is dangerous. Christian love is not blind or mindless, and Paul prays for them to abound in love that is instructed and morally discerning” (Garland, 195). a. The sphere in which the Philippians' love was intended to grow . . . was in the experiential knowledge of God's truth. b. The sphere in which the Philippians' love was intended to grow . . . was in the moral perception in choosing right. B. The purpose for which Paul prayed that the Philippians' love might grow . . . was that they would be able to discern what things were best and be found pure (“without mixture”) and blameless (“not causing to stumble”) at the day of judgment, (10). 1. The immediate result of the Philippians' love growing in knowledge and insight . . . was that they would be able to discern what things were [morally] best, (10a). 2. The ultimate result of the Philippians' love growing in knowledge and insight, so they could discern what things were [morally] best . . . would be their pure Christlikeness and blamelessness at the Day of Judgment, (10b).

14 Note: “Paul envisioned mature Christians who had the ability to distinguish right from wrong. He directed his prayer toward that end. The NIV correctly translates what may be taken in several ways. The word ‘discern’ has the meaning of test by trial, and the term ‘best’ emphasizes the result of that testing. The phrase need not stress the fact that some things are harmful and, therefore, should be avoided. It has equal application to affirming and embracing the best of good choices, and that reading fits this text better. Since this context calls for a wisdom related to life, the words suggest the ability to discern moral conduct and values so that life and energy are not misdirected. A growing love, fed by proper knowledge and moral insight, enables one to see the best way to live in light of the day of Christ” (Melick, 66). C. The means by which the Philippians would be found pure and blameless at the Day of Judgment, to the glory and praise of God . . . was Christ's filling them with the harvest of righteousness, (11). 1. The means by which the Philippians would be found pure and blameless at the Day of Judgment . . . was Christ's filling them with the harvest of righteousness, (11a). 2. The result of Christ's filling the Philippians with the harvest of righteousness . . . was that God would be glorified and praised, (11b). Note: “Paul concluded this prayer with a reference to God’s glory. The day of Christ characterized Paul’s thoughts; the glory of God motivated Paul’s actions. He saw the entire scope of salvation as an outworking of God’s grace and as a contribution to God’s glory. The chief end of persons was the glory of God. He reminded the Philippians of their ultimate calling, to reflect God’s character in their lives. He explained the reason for their careful living: the glory of God in their lives” (Melick, 67). Summary:Paul’s Prayer List for His Philippian Partners in Service, (1:1-11). Paul’s Plea for Grace and Peace, (1-2). Paul’s Praise for Partnership (“Sweet Fellowship”) in the Gospel, (3-8). Paul’s Petition for Ultimate Vindication, (9-11).

(THEOLOGICAL . . . What it means for God’s people ALWAYS) THANKFUL PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION, BASED ON SWEET FELLOWSERVICE . . . PROMOTE SPIRITUAL MATURITY THAT VINDICATES IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT, (Philippians 1:1-11). (On the Journey toward the Day of Jesus Christ . . .) I. The spiritual resources of grace and peace for Christian living . . . come from God, (1-2). II. Prayers of thanksgiving . . . trace their motivation to affectionate/sweet fellowservice that completes maturity, (3-8). A. Prayers of thanksgiving . . . trace their motivation to fellowservice in the gospel, (5). B. Prayers of thanksgiving . . . trace their motivation to the certainty of complete maturity, (6).

15 C. Prayers of thanksgiving . . . trace their motivation to Christian affection/ sweet fellowship, (7-8). III. Intercessory prayer promoting spiritual growth . . . provides wisdom that promises vindication in judgment, (9-11). A. Prayerful intercession . . . promotes the spiritual growth of believers, (9). B. Spiritual growth . . . provides the wisdom of eternal discernment, (10). C. The wisdom of eternal discernment . . . promises vindication in the Day of Judgment, (11).

(PEDAGOGICAL: What it means for us NOW) PARTICIPATE IN THE SWEET FELLOWSHIP OF TEMPORARY SUFFERING IN GOSPEL SERVICE FOR YOUR ETERNAL VINDICATION AND GOD’S ULTIMATE GLORY, (Philippians 1:1-11) I. You will want to be vindicated at the end of your journey (when Jesus Christ judges you), (10b). A. You will stand some future Day before Jesus Christ, (see Romans 14:10, 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; 2 Corinthians 5:9-10). B. You will want to stand pure (passing the scrutiny of the light) before Him. C. You will want to stand blameless (not having stumbled others) before Him. II. God is the only provider of spiritual resources that enable you to stand vindicated at the end of your journey (in the Day of Christ's Judgment), (1-2 & 11a). A. God is the provider of grace for Christian living and service, (2). B. God is the provider of peace for Christian living and service, (2). C. God is the provider of righteousness for Christian living and service, (11a). III. Participate in the sweet fellowship of temporary suffering in gospel service for your eternal vindication and God’s ultimate glory, (3-9). A. Pray for others, (3-4 & 9a). B. Pray for the spiritual growth of others, (9b). C. Pray for the spiritual maturity of others, (6 & 10a). D. Participate in sweet fellowservice to defend and confirm the gospel, (5 & 7). E. You will be vindicated and God will be glorified (10b, 11b).