Sermons

Confidence in a Confounding Time (Philippians 1:6, Philippians 1:21-30, Philippians 2:5)

Gearl Spicer Gearl Spicer, May 17, 2020
Part of the Axis of A Living Faith series, preached at a Sunday Online service

Philippians 1:6 (Listen)

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.

(ESV)

Philippians 1:21–30 (Listen)

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.

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.

(ESV)

Philippians 2:5 (Listen)

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

(ESV)

Sermon Notes

Axis of a Living Faith
Confidence in a Confounding Time
Phil. 1:6, 21-30, 2:5
May 17, 2020

Are you operating with confidence in the midst of this crisis?

Could it be that you would allow:
*Disruptions lead to Direction
*Challenges lead to Conviction
*Frustration lead to Focus
*Emotion lead to wisdom

*For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work
In you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil. 1:6
*For me to live is Christ and to die is gain. Phil. 1:21
*Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Phil. 1:27a
*Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus. Phil. 2:5

Three Focal points to consider in a call to confidence in confounding times:

I. Right perspective - Our View
A. Eternal focus
B. Anticipate progress
C. Choose to abound

II. Effective lifestyle - Our Conduct
A. Determine true value
B. Discipline your heart
C. Accept suffering

III. Godly attitude-Our living faith
A. Clear purpose
B. Embrace humility
C. Maintain a Jesus focus

*By this, love is perfected with us, so that we have confidence in the day of judgment;
Because as He is, so also are we in the world. I John 4:17

*This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything
According to His will, He hears us. I John 5:14

*Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may
Receive mercy and grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

We must choose! Will you choose confidence? If so then you will operate with a living faith!

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