Living in Partnership: Philippians 1:1-11
Sermon Seed #1 in the Series “This Is Living” – Philippians 1:1-11
Text: The opening verses of Philippians weave together the language of deeply affectionate relationship, and Christian maturity. Paul writes of the Philippians partnership with him in the Gospel, of their being partakers of grace with him in suffering, and of the deep affection he has for them. In the same sequence he writes about their anticipated completion in Christ, and prays through the steps by which they will move on to maturity. A study of the intertwining of these ideas will highlight the close relationship between Christian community and spiritual growth.
Big Idea: Moving on in Christ happens in community with God and others.
God will complete what he has begun in us, and the context in which he does this is in community with others.
Key exegetical thought: In Philippians 1:5, “partnership” is “koinonia” – It’s a genuine, heartfelt, almost marital partnership. We’re not talking about a casual, contrived sense of family, or a pragmatic partnership, but hearts and lives that are woven together.
Question: Why do we need others to grow towards maturity?
Gospel Component: Growing in Christ is not a personal accomplishment any more than being forgiven of our sins is a personal accomplishment. God is the one who is bringing our lives to completion. He is the source of the love that will produce maturity. (Philippians 1:6)
Powerpoint Bullets:
The path to maturity (Philippians 1:9-11) …
Love leads to…
Knowledge/discernment leads to…
Right choices/approving what is excellent leads to…
Blamelessness before Judgement because we are…
Filled with the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
Key question: If love is the beginning point and key to maturity, what does this love look like?
A love that abounds increasingly in knowledge and depth of insights. (Philippians 1:9) Love that is fed/enriched/abounding in truth. True love is love in truth. Can’t separate emotions from mind. Not just rational, but understanding, insightful, discerning. Truth with practical insight/wisdom.
True Love …
Loves the truth
Lives the truth
This is why you can’t grow in isolation … growth requires love, and love requires others.
