How did you find the series in Philippians?
I was struck over and over again by Paul’s single-minded focus on knowing Jesus and making him known. Whatever circumstance Paul is in nothing thwarts his zeal for proclaiming Jesus.
In last week’s passage (Philippians 4:10-23) it was so striking and encouraging to see Paul’s mindset for Christ breed a sense of contentment and satisfaction despite his circumstances. As I was thinking about this idea this week I was reminded of Jesus’ words to his disciples in Matthew 16:26: For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world yet forfeits his life?
Jesus taught often on the temptation and lure of wealth. He knew the temptation to rely on our financial circumstances for security and contentment rather than trusting in God. Jesus knew that in the end the things of this world won’t provide true and lasting contentment and hope. He also knew that if we go chasing after the things of this world they’ll ultimately cost us our life.
So, let me ask you how are you going at being content in your circumstances? Your financial circumstances? Your relational circumstances? Your career and study circumstances?
I personally was challenged by how our contentment in Christ leads to generous partnership in the work of Christ. Contentment in Christ means we don’t seek to hold onto the things God gives us, but we seek to use them for the progress of his kingdom.
Maybe after last week’s sermon you were left wondering what might be some practical ways you could partner in the work of Christ. I think a great place to start in partnering in the work of Christ would be with our four mission partners. As a church we partner with Matthew Bayliss who’s doing translation work for Wycliffe Bible Translators, Shona & Ross McGoughran preparing for mission work in Austria, Luke & Naomi Sinclair serving in Japan and Rob & Gillian Burridge serving in the Middle East. If you want to generously partner financially and show ongoing care and concern for them, I’ve linked each of their emails with their names above. How about you and your family choose one of these mission partners to get in touch with this week and see how you might be able care and partner with them?
My prayer is that we’d be a church that treasures Jesus and making Him known above everything else in our lives.
Grace & peace,
Paul