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Participating in Christ's Suffering

Jim Leffel

Colossians 1:24-29

Participating in the suffering of Christ involves counting the cost of the pain of living in interdependent community, knowing the purpose of that pain and receiving the prize of following him, that is, joy. The experience of joy is directly related to the value of the object of joy, the incomparable Christ.

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{"passage": "Colossians 1:24-29","passageabreviated": "Col 1:24-29","passagetiny": "Col 1:24-29","teacher": "Jim Leffel","teachingDate": ...

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Things God has Done for Us

Dennis McCallum

1 Peter 1:1-9

Peter in 1 Peter 1 opens his first letter with a description of the things God has done for us who are in Christ. God has chosen us, set us apart. He has sprinkled us with the blood of Christ, allowing us to be spiritually reborn. We and all his promises to us are kept safe and secure by the power of God. We have the healing of our souls so damaged by sin. And finally we have the gift of suffering, which among other things, teaches us to truly depend upon God and not ourselves.

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{"passage": "1 Peter 1:1-9","passageabreviated": "1 Pet 1:1-9","passagetiny": "1Pet 1:1-9","teacher": "Dennis McCallum","teachingDate": "...

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The Secret of Contentment

James Rochford

Philippians 4:10-13

Most people assume good circumstances equals contentment, bad circumstances equals discontent, but Paul tells us we can learn the secret of being content in all circumstances, whether good or bad. The way to contentment involves giving voluntarily to others, receiving from others, making love an ongoing lifestyle, and finding confidence in and from Christ. Paul really, truly believed that Jesus would always love him, never leave him, and will continue to empower him.

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{"passage": "Philippians 4:10-13","passageabreviated": "Phil 4:10-13","passagetiny": "Phil 4:10-13","teacher": "James Rochford","teaching...

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The Secret of Contentment

Chris Hearty

Philippians 4:10-20

Contentment can never be achieved by always getting what you want. It must be learned through practice. Paul had learned the secret to contentment regardless of his circumstances, whether good or bad. He learned this through the Holy Spirit who strengthened him. Paul connects the state of contentment with the act of giving. When we are content, with or without, we are not afraid to give generously because we know God will provide for us. Paul calls this trusting generosity worship, a pleasing and fragrant offering to God

Keywords

{"passage": "Philippians 4:10-20","passageabreviated": "Phil 4:10-20","passagetiny": "Phil 4:10-20","teacher": "Chris Hearty","teachingDa...

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The Great Secret

Conrad Hilario

Philippians 4:10-23

Paul had learned the secret of contentment regardless of his circumstances. We think attaining success or accomplishing goals, or freedom from pain and suffering, or making more money will lead to happiness. The real secret to happiness is found in altering your expectations. Instead of expecting to win the Gold medal, be thrilled to win the Bronze. Stop looking at others to see how you stack up, to see if they have more than you. If you read Paul's writings chronologically, you will see he starts out comparing himself favorably to others but by the end of his life, he calls himself the worst of sinners.

Keywords

{"passage": "Philippians 4:10-23","passageabreviated": "Phil 4:10-23","passagetiny": "Phil 4:10-23","teacher": "Conrad Hilario","teaching...

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Mind Over Mood

James Rochford

Philippians 4:4-9

Paul contends that we can experience joy even in the midst of suffering. We do this by presenting all our anxious thoughts to God in prayer with thanksgiving. Gratitude affects our prayers by helping us appreciate the goodness of God, makes us bolder and heals our emotional life. By focusing on positive truths, we are not denying the negatives in the world but we are countering our innate negative bias. But, prayer with gratitude is only effective if one actually puts it into practice.

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{"passage": "Philippians 4:4-9","passageabreviated": "Phil 4:4-9","passagetiny": "Phil 4:4-9","teacher": "James Rochford","teachingDate":...

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How to Become Spiritually Stable

Chris Hearty

Philippians 4:1-9

\r\nPaul describes to the Philippians how to stand firm in the Lord. Experiencing the peace of God is one way of knowing that you are in the will of God. He lists seven ways we can become spiritually stable. Have unity and humility in relationships. Cultivate a heart of joy. Become a person that is easy to please. Live with expectancy that Jesus is returning soon. Replace anxiety with prayer. Think about the positive things listed in verse 8. The facts in our heads should become truth in our hearts and lead to action in our lives.

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{"passage": "Philippians 4:1-9","passageabreviated": "Phil 4:1-9","passagetiny": "Phil 4:1-9","teacher": "Chris Hearty","teachingDate": "...

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Growing with God

Jim Leffel

Colossians 1:9-12

Paul prays for the Colossians that as they grow in their knowledge of God, they will learn to honor God. As they honor God, they will bear fruit and they will grow even more in their knowledge of God. This cycle of knowing God and bearing fruit leads to experiencing God in deeper ways as we learn to trust in the life-changing power of his love.

Keywords

{"passage": "Colossians 1:9-12","passageabreviated": "Col 1:9-12","passagetiny": "Col 1:9-12","teacher": "Jim Leffel","teachingDate": "06...

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Resolving Personal Conflict

James Rochford

Philippians 4:1-3

Paul calls us to live in harmony with each other in the Lord. Everyone will at one time or another find themselves in conflict with someone. Even highly dedicated Christians will get into conflict. We need to remember both sides have made a contribution to the conflict and thus both sides have a role in resolving the conflict. The first step is to go before God and ask him to speak to you and then in sincerity, repent for anything he shows you. Other steps involve making a plan to meet with the other person to resolve the conflict. Ken Sande's books are very helpful in resolving conflict in a godly way.

Keywords

{"passage": "Philippians 4:1-3","passageabreviated": "Phil 4:1-3","passagetiny": "Phil 4:1-3","teacher": "James Rochford","teachingDate":...

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