We have been studying through the book of Acts in our Sunday evening sermons for quite awhile now. Last Sunday evening we look at Acts 20 and Paul completing his 3rd missionary journey and heading back to Jerusalem. I felt this was a really good place to take a break from our study of Acts and begin a study of Paul’s letter to the brethren in Philippi. So, this evening for our lesson we will look at an introduction to the letter of Philippians. There are some really good things for all in the church to learn from in this letter from the apostle Paul to some brethren he had a great deal of love and respect for. I hope that everyone will do all they can to be here to participate in our study of this great letter.
Ok, with all we have done, talked about and worked on in various ways, it all comes down to one question! How determined are we to do the will of God? Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.” To go to heaven we must do God’s will, His will is recorded for us in His Word, the Bible. Here we have some competition between “our” will and God’s will. We find ourselves pressed between the standards of the world and the expectations of God. Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” We are talking about a battle of the mind, body and spirit. God has called us to live for Him, a life pleasing to Him in every way. 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8, “For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. 8 Consequently, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you.”
We must avoid all selfish desires and put God first above everything in this world. Please seriously consider all these things and think about what we can do, as a family, to move each other closer to God, Christ and heaven.
Until next week, I love you all,
Dan