ARCC Sermons

In our study of Philippians, we will see a church created by the sovereign grace of God, united in Christ, and participating together in the gospel. From the Lord opening Lydia’s heart in Acts 16 to Paul’s confidence that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion,” we will see that Christ is faithfully building His Church. As we walk through this letter, we will discover who we are in Christ, why we are His people, and therefore how we are to live—serving one another, striving together for the gospel, growing in love, rejoicing in the Lord, and learning with Paul to be content in whatever circumstances the Lord appoints. Together we will press on to know Christ and eagerly await the day of Christ, confident that the One who began His work in us will complete it, all to the glory and praise of God.

Discover

How do you put your faith in Jesus into practice In your daily life?

Would you feel comfortable inviting others to follow Jesus by following your example? Why or why no?

Nurture

Describe the life of a person whose “mind is set on earthly things (Philippians 3:19).

Describe the life of a person whose “citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20).

What similarities and difference do you see between these two ways of living ?

Can a person profess heavenly citizenship while living as though this world is all that matters?

Act

How will your heavenly citizenship change the way you live this week?

In our study of Philippians, we will see a church created by the sovereign grace of God, united in Christ, and participating together in the gospel. From the Lord opening Lydia’s heart in Acts 16 to Paul’s confidence that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion,” we will see that Christ is faithfully building His Church. As we walk through this letter, we will discover who we are in Christ, why we are His people, and therefore how we are to live—serving one another, striving together for the gospel, growing in love, rejoicing in the Lord, and learning with Paul to be content in whatever circumstances the Lord appoints. Together we will press on to know Christ and eagerly await the day of Christ, confident that the One who began His work in us will complete it, all to the glory and praise of God.

Discover

As a disciple of Jesus Christ, how would you explain your ultimate destiny to someone who does not believe in Him?

How would you describe the process of becoming more like Christ between now and the day you see Him face to face?

Nurture

When you set your heart on achieving an important goal, how much time, effort and energy you would be willing to invest in pursuing it?

When you consider your pursuit of knowing Christ Jesus, would you describe it as zealous? Why or why not?

In your evaluating your spiritual maturity, would you describe yourself as childish, immature or mature? Would those who know you best agree with your assessment? Why or why not?

Act

What will you specifically do this week to “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” Philippians 3:14?

How will you put that commitment into practice?

In our study of Philippians, we will see a church created by the sovereign grace of God, united in Christ, and participating together in the gospel. From the Lord opening Lydia’s heart in Acts 16 to Paul’s confidence that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion,” we will see that Christ is faithfully building His Church. As we walk through this letter, we will discover who we are in Christ, why we are His people, and therefore how we are to live—serving one another, striving together for the gospel, growing in love, rejoicing in the Lord, and learning with Paul to be content in whatever circumstances the Lord appoints. Together we will press on to know Christ and eagerly await the day of Christ, confident that the One who began His work in us will complete it, all to the glory and praise of God.

Discover

What does it mean “to rejoice in the Lord”? How is that different than rejoicing in your circumstances or accomplishments?

How would you define “legalism” as it relates to Christianity? Why is it sometimes difficult to recognize?

In what do you place your confidence in? How would you rank them and what does that ranking reveal?

Nurture

What truths about the Lord Jesus help you hold on to your joy in the Him when circumstances provide little reason to rejoice?

What is the difference between knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Him? How would experiencing the “power of His resurrection” and sharing in “His sufferings” deepen that knowledge?

How would you distinguish between “a righteousness of my own that comes from the law” and “the righteousness from God that depends on faith" in Christ”? How does that distinction affect your confidence before God?

Act

What practice or discipline will you begin this week, not to earn God’s favor, but to know and rejoice in Jesus more deeply?

In our study of Philippians, we will see a church created by the sovereign grace of God, united in Christ, and participating together in the gospel. From the Lord opening Lydia’s heart in Acts 16 to Paul’s confidence that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion,” we will see that Christ is faithfully building His Church. As we walk through this letter, we will discover who we are in Christ, why we are His people, and therefore how we are to live—serving one another, striving together for the gospel, growing in love, rejoicing in the Lord, and learning with Paul to be content in whatever circumstances the Lord appoints. Together we will press on to know Christ and eagerly await the day of Christ, confident that the One who began His work in us will complete it, all to the glory and praise of God.

Discover

How would you describe a mature, Christlike disciple of Jesus?

Why might the selfless, sacrificial life of Jesus seem admirable but unrealistic for “ordinary” Christians?

Who have you known whose concern or sacrifice helped you see the character of Jesus more clearly? What about that persons life made Christ’s character especially visible to you?

Nurture

How does knowing that God is at work in “ordinary” Christians (Philippians 1:6, 2:12-13) change your expectations for Christian maturity in yourself and others?

When you compare Timothy’s “genuine concern” for the welfare of others with those who “seek their own interests”, how does caring for the children of God reveal a genuine love for Jesus?

Considering Paul’s description of Epaphroditus, what would it look like for a church to “honor such people”?

Act

Which quality Paul describes in Timothy and Epaphroditus most convicts or challenges you? What specific action will you take this week to practice that quality for the good of someone else?

What will you ask God to work within you this week and what step of willing obedience will you take in dependence on Him?

In our study of Philippians, we will see a church created by the sovereign grace of God, united in Christ, and participating together in the gospel. From the Lord opening Lydia’s heart in Acts 16 to Paul’s confidence that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion,” we will see that Christ is faithfully building His Church. As we walk through this letter, we will discover who we are in Christ, why we are His people, and therefore how we are to live—serving one another, striving together for the gospel, growing in love, rejoicing in the Lord, and learning with Paul to be content in whatever circumstances the Lord appoints. Together we will press on to know Christ and eagerly await the day of Christ, confident that the One who began His work in us will complete it, all to the glory and praise of God.

Discover

What distinguishes an authentic Christian life from one that is merely religious?

How would you describe the visible character of a person whose faith is genuinely rooted in Christ Jesus?

What should distinguish the shared life of our church from other organizations in the community?

Nurture

What thoughts and emotions does knowing that God is powerfully at work within His children stir within you?

How should recognizing that God is at work in other believers affect the way you think about, speak to and treat them?

Does living in a “crooked and twisted generation” challenge your commitment to “let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ? What helps you remain faithful?

Act

What specific decision will you make this week to embody the mind of Christ so that His light shines through you?

What will you do this week to hold fast to the word of life yourself, and to whom could you hold it forth?

Discover

What was Paul’s intentions in writing this letter to the Philippians?

Why is it important that grace comes before the commandment in scripture?

How do we see Christ’s humility in this section of scripture?

Nurture

In what ways have you been encouraged by being united in Christ, comforted in his love, or seen his tenderness or compassion?

What is something you do in selfish ambition or vain conceit. Is there anything that the world would see as good, but is also done in selfish ambition or vain conceit?

Why would verses 6-8 be an encouragement to us? Why would verses 9-11 an encouragement?

Act

After confessing areas of selfish ambition or vain conceit, how would our walk look different this upcoming week?

In our study of Philippians, we will see a church created by the sovereign grace of God, united in Christ, and participating together in the gospel. From the Lord opening Lydia’s heart in Acts 16 to Paul’s confidence that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion,” we will see that Christ is faithfully building His Church. As we walk through this letter, we will discover who we are in Christ, why we are His people, and therefore how we are to live—serving one another, striving together for the gospel, growing in love, rejoicing in the Lord, and learning with Paul to be content in whatever circumstances the Lord appoints. Together we will press on to know Christ and eagerly await the day of Christ, confident that the One who began His work in us will complete it, all to the glory and praise of God.

Discover

What makes Christ’s Church different from every other human organization?

How should this difference be seen in the way a local church lives together?

How does God use other believers to help you become more like Christ?

Nurture

What could tempt you to compromise the Gospel and how could other believers help you stand firm?

What would it look like to strive side by side for the gospel instead of merely attending church together?

How do the promises of Christ Jesus encourage you when opposition makes you hesitant to live or speak for Him?

Act

What one specific action could you take this week to help nurture the unity the Holy Spirit has created in your church?

Is there someone in your church whom the Lord may be prompting you to encourage, listen to, or serve this week?

In our study of Philippians, we will see a church created by the sovereign grace of God, united in Christ, and participating together in the gospel. From the Lord opening Lydia’s heart in Acts 16 to Paul’s confidence that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion,” we will see that Christ is faithfully building His Church. As we walk through this letter, we will discover who we are in Christ, why we are His people, and therefore how we are to live—serving one another, striving together for the gospel, growing in love, rejoicing in the Lord, and learning with Paul to be content in whatever circumstances the Lord appoints. Together we will press on to know Christ and eagerly await the day of Christ, confident that the One who began His work in us will complete it, all to the glory and praise of God.

Discover

What does a life well lived look like to you?

How do you think most people would define life?

How do you think most people would define death?

How does being a Christian change those perspectives?

Nurture

As you think about life and death, what gives you hope? Why?

Even when we have hope, what can make death difficult to talk about?

Act

What one change could you make this week so that your life bears more fruit for Christ and helps someone else grow in their faith?

How would the hope of being with Christ after death shape one decision you make this week?

In our study of Philippians, we will see a church created by the sovereign grace of God, united in Christ, and participating together in the gospel. From the Lord opening Lydia’s heart in Acts 16 to Paul’s confidence that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion,” we will see that Christ is faithfully building His Church. As we walk through this letter, we will discover who we are in Christ, why we are His people, and therefore how we are to live—serving one another, striving together for the gospel, growing in love, rejoicing in the Lord, and learning with Paul to be content in whatever circumstances the Lord appoints. Together we will press on to know Christ and eagerly await the day of Christ, confident that the One who began His work in us will complete it, all to the glory and praise of God.

Discover

When circumstances don’t fit your plan how do you usually respond? What does that “response” reveal about what you truly believe?  

What is your primary source of joy? In what do you rejoice? What role do current “circumstances” play in your answers? 

Nurture

Is there a situation or time in your life that appeared hopeless but you can now see how the Lord worked it out for His glory and your good? 

Has someone else’s faithfulness in difficult circumstances increased your confidence in the Lord and made you bolder to speak the good news? If so, who? How did their example affect you?  

Act 

What is currently happening in your life that provides an opportunity to display your trust in the Lord whatever the circumstances?  

In our study of Philippians, we will see a church created by the sovereign grace of God, united in Christ, and participating together in the gospel. From the Lord opening Lydia’s heart in Acts 16 to Paul’s confidence that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion,” we will see that Christ is faithfully building His Church. As we walk through this letter, we will discover who we are in Christ, why we are His people, and therefore how we are to live—serving one another, striving together for the gospel, growing in love, rejoicing in the Lord, and learning with Paul to be content in whatever circumstances the Lord appoints. Together we will press on to know Christ and eagerly await the day of Christ, confident that the One who began His work in us will complete it, all to the glory and praise of God.

Discover

How would you define and describe a Christian? Does Philippians 1:1-11 change your answer? Why?

What in your life are most sure of? Does Philippians 1:1-11 change your answer? How?

Nurture

What are you thankful for? How would thanking God for the people He has placed in your life change the way you pray for them? 

How are you “partnering” in the gospel with Christ’s Church? 

Act 

What would be necessary for your love to “abound more and more”? What would that look like to those around you? 

Would your life change if you knew “the day of the Christ” was a year from today? What does your answer reveal about the way you are living today?