1. There's a reason for pain and adversity.
2. There's a relationship that provides the answer.

Have you heard the adage, "You can't pick your family?" Many have desired to change their family origin for a reason beyond their control. However, it isn't possible. Likewise, when it comes to the family of God, our choice of belonging is beyond our control. So, who how do we become me apart of the family of God? We look at Ephesians 1:1-14 to find out.

Main Idea: Christians are to cultivate a culture of belonging in the body of Christ.

BIG IDEA: God supplies our needs so that we might meet the needs of others to the glory of Christ.

To stand firm in the Lord we must work through conflicts in the joy of the Lord.

Today, the church needs both strong leadership and good followers. The church's development grows when the people follow who they ought to follow: first Jesus, and then, any believer who follows Jesus well. The goal of finding a good spiritual leader in this life does not come from finding a perfect Christian (because you won't find one). It comes from finding someone who has a bleeding heart for others to seek Jesus, who are broken over their own sin, and who have their eyes on a heavenly prize. The most impactful believers are the ones who are working towards expanding God's kingdom.

Main Idea: The Pursuit of Christ-like examples is essential to spiritual development.

Today we focus on the obedience in working out our salvation. This is not to say we are trying to earn salvation as if Jesus' death and resurrection were not enough to pay for our sins and take away the wrath of God from us; no, this is so that we as believers grow in our sanctification process. We are to be in the sin-killing business, within ourselves and united as the church. We should not be like the world in their sin. This putting sin to death can only be done by, through, and with God. We may not always understand the "why" to a command, but inevitably if God calls us to obey, we must.

Big Idea:

When we work out our salvation in obedience, it confirms that we are children of God.

This sermon was inspired by Eddy Rodriguez, who recently went to be with the Lord. While studying Philippians 1, Eddy uttered these words, "I'm in a win-win situation". He understood - like Paul that it was a win to live for Jesus Christ even through trials, and it was a win to die and be with Jesus Christ. While we are on this side of heaven, we can know how our wins come: through prayerful dependence on God, God's promised presence, and progressing alongside other believers.

The book of Philippians is about how the joy of salvation can give us the strength to courageously advance the Good News of Jesus, even at a high cost. We see how this joy can be found thru Paul's example. In the Lord, Paul found purpose. Even while incarcerated, Paul knew wherever he was a position to proclaim the Gospel. His testimony is a reminder that any Christian focused upon the Lord, and the Gospel can find joy even in suffering.