The gospel seems like foolishness to the world, but to those of us who being are saved by it, it becomes the means to receiving the wisdom of God in Christ, perfect righteousness, sanctification and redemption by His blood.

The gospel seems like foolishness to the world, but to those of us who are being saved by it, it is the means to receiving the wisdom of God in Christ, perfect righteousness, sanctification and redemption by His blood.

Christians can find joy in giving to the Lord's work because when we do we share in the ministry of the gospel, we will be rewarded, we are engaging in worship and God promises to meet the needs of the giver.

Contentment (being satisfied in Christ alone) is something we can learn as we follow the Holy Spirit through the circumstances of life and learn to depend on God.

To a large degree our emotions are controlled by what we think and believe. Paul tells the Philippians to feast and meditate on the Word of God promising that when we do the God of peace will be with us.

Philippians Chapter 4 begins with a call to stability in Christ as the Apostle Paul urges the church to "stand firm in the Lord." In this message we examine verses 3-7 in which Paul commands the church to find their joy in Christ Jesus and bring every care before the Him in prayer.

Conflict is to be expected within the church so when it comes we are to work to heal the disunity and preserve the unity of the Spirit so that the church can benefit from the conflict rather than being divided. In Philippians 4, the Apostle Paul addresses just such an interpersonal conflict at the church of Philippi.

As God's people we are called to be soldiers of the cross of Christ who stand firm in the face of the world, the flesh and the devil. We can only do that as we put into practice the words of Scripture, making sure we are truly in Christ as his obedient children.

As we progress in sanctification, pressing on to become more and more like Christ, Paul offers three major priorities for pressing on. We are to follow godly examples, flee from enemies of the cross and focus on eternity with an expectant hope.

The goal and purpose of the Christian life is to magnify Christ and display His glory. Passionately pursuing Christ requires a sober self-assessment, a sustained effort, a solid foundation, a singular focus, a steady gaze and a sanctified attitude of perseverance.