2. Philippians 2:12-18 (New Living Translation) Dearest friends, you were always so careful to follow my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away you must be even more careful to put into action God's saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. [13] For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.
3. Philip. 2:12-18 (continued) In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, [15] so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them. [16] Hold tightly to the word of life, so that when Christ returns, I will be proud that I did not lose the race and that my work was not useless.
4. Philip. 2:12-18 (continued) But even if my life is to be poured out like a drink offering to complete the sacrifice of your faithful service (that is, if I am to die for you), I will rejoice, and I want to share my joy with all of you. [18] And you should be happy about this and rejoice with me.
5. TAKE HOME Being like Jesus includes staying ‘on purpose’. The darker the night the brighter the light… It is not all about me…I’m here to help others find their way in the world. Jesus, help me! This life of love and kindness takes so much energy and commitment!
12. HOW WE RESPOND TO HARDSHIPS AND SETBACKS IS CRITICAL TO HOW OUTSIDERS VIEW GOD AND HIS KINGDOM • How did Jesus word it? “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven”. Matthew 5: 16
13. HOW WE RESPOND TO HARDSHIPS AND SETBACKS IS CRITICAL TO HOW OUTSIDERS VIEW GOD AND HIS KINGDOM • And Paul? “Do everything without complaining or arguing…faultless in a crooked and depraved generation…” • And the result of such behavior? “You will shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life”.
18. PATIENCE, LOVE AND ENDURANCE REFLECT ON THE LABORS OF THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE US • Paul: “…that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labor for nothing.” • Every pastor, evangelist, church-planter hopes that his work will continue, even when he moves on.
19. PATIENCE, LOVE AND ENDURANCE REFLECT ON THE LABORS OF THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE US • Who invested his/her life in your life…besides Jesus? • How goes the battle? Are you holding to the course? Had any bouts with self-pity or feeling beat up?
20. LET’S REMEMBER • Since becoming a believer our purpose for living has changed dramatically. • We are not our own; we were bought with a price. I Corinthians 6:20 • Our lives are to be a living sacrifice. Romans 12:1 • The focus has changed. It’s not all about me anymore. I’m here to live for others.
23. TAKE HOME Being like Jesus includes staying ‘on purpose’. The darker the night the brighter the light… It is not all about me…I’m here to help others find their way in the world. Jesus, help me! This life of love and kindness takes so much energy and commitment!
![Philippians 2:12-18 (New Living Translation) Dearest friends, you were always so careful to follow my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away you must be even more careful to put into action God's saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. [13] For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)