Using the imagery of seating at a wedding, Jesus proclaims that in God's kingdom, those who humble themselves receive the greatest honor. SELF-EXALTATION LEADS TO SHAME (7–9) HUMILITY LEADS TO HONOR (10–11)

Although Christians pass through various trials in this life, God has still given us good reason to praise him. He has given us hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ that those whose faith is proved through the trials are guarded by God for an eternal inheritance preserved in heaven. --GOD'S WORK-GOD'S PRESERVATION-GOD'S PROMISED OUTCOME

Although Christians pass through various trials in this life, God has still given us good reason to praise him. He has given us hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ that those whose faith is proved through the trials are guarded by God for an eternal inheritance preserved in heaven. GOD'S WORK GOD'S PRESERVATION GOD'S PROMISED OUTCOME

As Paul nears the end of his epistle to the Philippians, he encourages the church to take comfort in the God of peace as they joyfully await the return of Jesus Christ. Join us this Sunday as we see how God gives our troubled hearts a refuge in Jesus. OUR JOY IN CHRIST (VV. 4–5) OUR PEACE IN CHRIST (VV. 6–7) OUR MINDS SET ON CHRIST (VV. 8–9)

We come to the end of Paul's letter to the Ephesians. He's been exhorting us to engage in -spiritual warfare- in the armor that God gives. Finally, he exhorts us to fervent prayer -in the Spirit- that is especially for the preaching of the gospel. --Introduction- From Every Spiritual Blessing -chap. 1- to Spiritual War -chap. 6---PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT -V. 18- -praying...in the Spirit---PREVAILING PRAYER -V. 18---praying at all times- -regular intervals---with all prayer and supplication- -various forms---keep alert with all perseverance- -watchfulness---making supplication for all the saints- -unity theme throughout Ephesians---PRAYING FOR BOLD PREACHING -VV. 19-20---and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak-

We come to the end of Paul's letter to the Ephesians. He's been exhorting us to engage in "spiritual warfare" in the armor that God gives. Finally, he exhorts us to fervent prayer "in the Spirit" that is especially for the preaching of the gospel. Introduction: From Every Spiritual Blessing (chap. 1) to Spiritual War (chap. 6) PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT (V. 18) "praying...in the Spirit" PREVAILING PRAYER (V. 18) "praying at all times" (regular intervals) "with all prayer and supplication" (various forms) "keep alert with all perseverance" (watchfulness) "making supplication for all the saints" (unity theme throughout Ephesians) PRAYING FOR BOLD PREACHING (VV. 19–20) "and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak"