Philippians 3:10-21 English Standard Version (ESV)

10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Straining Toward the Goal

12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Righteousness Through Faith in Christ

3 Finally, my brothers,]rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Straining Toward the Goal

12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.

Philippians 2:5-12 English Standard Version (ESV)

Christ's Example of Humility

2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Christ's Example of Humility

2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

“Happy, No Matter What Life Throws At Me”

01.12.20

Core Belief: Identity in Christ I believe I am significant because of my position as a child of God

John 1: 12 But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God

Scripture: Philippians 1: 12-26 The Advance of the Gospel 12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.

To Live Is Christ Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

NOTES:

1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

No Notes Available

“Are We Eager?”

12/22/19

Luke 2:8-21

Core Belief: Authority of the Bible I believe the Bible is the Word of God and has the right to command my belief and action.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Scripture: Luke 2:8-21

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. 21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

The Message of this Passage:

From the Ligonier Ministries: “Undoubtedly, we tend to put a heavy emphasis on the lowly circumstances of Jesus’ birth when we retell the Christmas story each year. Certainly this is appropriate, for the Son of God humbled Himself profoundly when He “emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (Phil. 2:5–8).

Christ’s entire life was marked by humiliation, as He moved from a manger in Bethlehem to life as a common person in Nazareth to His ignoble death on the cross. Yet this humiliation led finally to glory. God the Father, because Jesus had been faithful to His mission, exalted Jesus and “bestowed on him the name that is above every name” (vv. 9–11).

Our Savior’s glory was veiled by human flesh in His incarnation, and it remained hidden throughout much of His ministry. Yet there were points in our Savior’s life when His glory shone temporarily through the veil. The best example of this is the transfiguration, the moment when Peter, James, and John were granted a vision of the Lord’s glory as it shone through the flesh of the Savior (Matt. 17:1–13).

Furthermore, this glory also shone brightly at times when the people might not have been expecting it. In the midst of the humbling conditions of our Lord’s birth (poverty, being unable to find shelter in Bethlehem), there was a special manifestation of the Messiah’s glory to people nearby.

The account of this manifestation is found in today’s passage.

While Mary and Joseph tended to their son, many shepherds were nearby tending their flocks (Luke 2:8). In those days, shepherds occupied the bottom rung of society’s ladder, and the average citizen of Judea wanted little to do with these keepers of sheep. No one could have predicted that the first people to hear of Jesus outside of His parents would be a motley crew of shepherds. Nevertheless, an angel of the Lord appeared to these men, who got to watch the greatest sound-and-light show of all time (Luke 2:8–9).

Understandably, the shepherds were afraid (v. 9), but in this case the glory of the Lord’s presence, which they could otherwise not endure, was a good thing. This was the announcement of the Savior, the One who had come to redeem even society’s outcasts. So, after the angels sang their praises to the Lord, the shepherds hastily traveled into Bethlehem to see the wonderful gift the Father had given to His people (vv. 15–16).

The shepherds were eager to see the Savior of the world, and we should be eager to see Him as well. This involves not only coming to Him in our conversions but also seeking His face each and every day of our lives.

Though we will not see the fullness of His glory until we see Him face to face in heaven,

we will nonetheless come to a fuller appreciation of this glory as we study His Word and pray to Him.

Let us be diligent in these means of grace.”

Answering Interpretive Questions:

We know these events took place after the birth of Jesus, but how does Luke’s interpretation differ from Matthew’s account? Why do you think they are different?

Why do you think the first proclamation is made to shepherds?

Why is the announcement in v. 11 so significant?

Take time to consider all Mary had been through up to this point. What do you think she “pondered in her heart” according to v.19?

What does this story teach us about those our culture quickly overlooks?

Is there anyone you quickly dismiss, or don’t pay attention to, and how can you change your attitude towards these people in the future?

Compare the reactions of the three groups mentioned in 2:18– 20: the onlookers “amazed,” Mary “treasuring and pondering,” and the shepherds “glorifying and praising God.” How do these reactions compare to our modern day reactions to the gospel?

Read Revelation 1:13-18. What are the differences between these two images of Jesus?

Read Romans 5:1. Even since the birth of Jesus there has not been peace on earth. How would you explain the peace that Jesus brings to an unbeliever?

Notes:

“Revolutionary Words”

12/15/19

Luke 1:46-56

Core Belief: Authority of the Bible I believe the Bible is the Word of God and has the right to command my belief and action.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Scripture: Luke 1:46-56

46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

50 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; 53he has filled the hungry with good things,and the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” 56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.

The Message of this Passage:

From the Communicator’s Commentary: “Mary’s hymn of response to the angel is the famous Magnificat, so named by the Roman church for the key word in the Latin translation of the first line of this prayer of praise offered by Mary.

Mary, in her naturalness, unself-consciousness and humility, was now able to sing about how proud she was that God had chosen her. In her true humility, she praised God that she was especially blessed.

There is a danger in trying to spiritualize the Magnificat.

These are the most revolutionary words ever spoken.

Through the Messiah, the mighty will be brought low; the humble, the lowly, will be exalted.

William Temple, Archbishop of Canterbury, warned his missionaries to India never to read the Magnificat in public. Christians were already suspect in that country and they were cautioned against reading verses so inflammatory.

Jesus, the ultimate revolutionary, completely reverses all human values. What Mary was prophesying about her unborn son is terrifying to the establishment, whoever and wherever they are. They cannot hear these words gladly. We may attempt instead to spiritualize these verses, but deep down we all know that Jesus has come to instigate the kind of revolution we need.

Henry James, great novelist of the past, said in Ivan Turgenieff, ‘Life is, in fact, a battle. Evil is insolent and strong; beauty enchanting but rare; goodness very apt to be weak; folly very apt to be defiant; wickedness to carry the day; imbeciles to be in great places; people of sense in small (a comforting thought); and mankind generally unhappy, but the world as it stands is no illusion, no fanaticism, no evil dream of the night; we wake up to it again forever and ever; we can neither forget it nor deny it nor dispense with it; that’s what the world is.’

José Ortega y Gasset, one of the greatest of all Spanish writers, said, ‘Before long there will be heard throughout the planet a formidable cry rising like the howling of innumerable dogs to the stars asking for someone or something to take command.’ And that’s why Jesus has come—to take command to lead the revolution, an incredible revolution, unlike Mao’s or Marx’s or Castro’s; a revolution of love.”

I was interviewed once by a reporter who had covered Mother Teresa’s visit to Boys Town. I asked him about that visit and her reactions. He said, “They showed her all over the grounds of Boys Town, the dormitories, the classrooms, the gymnasium, the dining hall. At the end of the tour, she turned to the head priest and said, ‘You have all this, but do you really love them?’ Jesus loves us. This is the strategy of this ultimate social revolutionary. And God of the impossible is leading His people in this revolution.

Answering Interpretive Questions:

Why was it important that Mary was a humble person? What if she had been proud? Could God have used her in the same way? Why or why not?

What does Mary do which proves to us she believed what the Angel of the Lord told her?

Name some of the things Mary said about God in these words of praise:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

According to verses 50-53 how does God deal with those who fear him, the humble, and the hungry?

In contrast, how does he deal with those who are proud, the rulers, the rich?

How does reflecting on God’s attributes affect the way you worship?

Someone has said, “You can be too big for God to use, but you can never be too small?

How does that square with the teaching of this text?

What are some of the telltale signs that we are too proud for him to use?

The proof of belief is what you do, not just what you feel. What will you do today as a result of what you have learned in this passage?

NOTES:

“Blessed Is The One Who Believes”

12/8/19

Luke 1:39-45

Core Belief: Authority of the Bible I believe the Bible is the Word of God and has the right to command my belief and action.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Scripture: Luke 1:39-45

39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

The Message of this Passage:

Most good stories– whether in history or fiction – start with a tragedy, with a threat, with something that has gone deeply wrong. And then comes the hero, the one (or ones) who will stand against the threat and try to restore balance and save the day.

In the time of Christ, Herod was clearly the threat. He is a pretty good representative of corrupt leaders and the evil and corruption that threaten the people and world God created and loves so much then and now.

At this point in the story we are usually introduced to the one who will stand against the evil threatening the world. So, the stage has been set for the conception of John, the wild-eyed prophet who will proclaim without fear or reservation the justice and judgment of God and the coming of God’s messiah. He will die by the hand of another Herod.

And of course there is Jesus, who will also die but be raised again, declaring once and for all that the love of God is stronger than the hate of Herod and all like him, and that the life God gives is stronger than the death dealt out by evil of all kinds.

Yes, John and Jesus will stand against Herod. But also notice that in this scene Luke describes for us the meeting of two of the main characters and heroines in this story.

For in the gathering of these two equally improbable women

– one too old to have a child, one still a virgin –

we have a foretaste of God’s redemption.

What do they do when they are together? They greet one another, comfort and rejoice with each other, and sing songs of love and justice. We will hear Mary’s song next week.

But today we will look at Elizabeth’s song of faith and courage, as she is willing to believe not only that the Lord will grant her a child but that in the womb of her young cousin is the one who will redeem the world. She blesses Mary in her song, and she blesses herself, and she blesses us.

This isn’t where we expect God to be at work – out in the hill country, among two women armed with nothing but love and song. But when God is on the move, He often is like that, showing up where we least expect God to be, granting mercy rather than punishment, and banishing fear not with strength but with love.

So perhaps we should not be surprised that the love and songs

these two unlikely heroines share, will be, as it turns out,

powerful enough to make the tyrants of this world shake with fear.

That’s just the way God works when He is on the move.

Answering Interpretive Questions:

How would you define authentic joy? How is it different than happiness?

Can you share about a time when you were joyful, even though you weren’t all that happy?

Describe the setting of Luke 1:39-45 and what you think this experience meant to both women.

What works of God does Mary mention in these verses?

What contrasts or role reversals does Mary make in this passage? How do these reflect her feelings about God? About herself?

Elizabeth knew Mary was going to be the “mother of my Lord”; how was that possible?

Why do you think Mary went to see Elizabeth? Where would you go if the unbelievable happened to you?

If you found yourself in Elizabeth’s shoes, how do you think you would have responded to Mary’s visit? Remember you are well past child bearing age and you are 6 months pregnant and your husband, who is a priest, is unable to speak.

NOTES: