I begin my sermon series this Sunday on Paul's letter to the Philippians. What I like about this letter is positive spin it puts on living the Christian life and on the process of aging - even to the time of one's death. The letter also exudes with the idea of rejoicing!
My message for this Sunday will focus on the first chapter. It would be helpful to read the entire first chapter in preparation for Sunday's worship. Paul lays out in this first chapter that there is a purpose to one's living and also to one's dying. The key verse is: "For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain." Philippians 1:21
Do you note the positive view that Paul puts on death? How much do you find it in our own culture? How often do you find people talking about death - let alone thinking about their own mortality? What Paul is saying here is that it is counter-cultural. He can put a positive spin on it because of his faith in Christ.
I believe that Paul's view represents a mature - if not healthy - view of life. When we come to grips with our own mortality, I believe, we can live better for the present. And in this present age, Paul states here in this letter: "Only live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ,..." Philippians 1:27. Paul lays it out for us that there is a purpose to our living up until our dying day and beyond.
What I also observe in these words is how Paul sees the important of the next life: it is gain. We as believers do you have something to look forward to it.
Discipleship Questions for Reflection
How do you view your own death?
How much do you look forward to your life with Christ beyond the grave?
Do you find a purpose each day for your living?
My message for this Sunday will focus on the first chapter. It would be helpful to read the entire first chapter in preparation for Sunday's worship. Paul lays out in this first chapter that there is a purpose to one's living and also to one's dying. The key verse is: "For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain." Philippians 1:21
Do you note the positive view that Paul puts on death? How much do you find it in our own culture? How often do you find people talking about death - let alone thinking about their own mortality? What Paul is saying here is that it is counter-cultural. He can put a positive spin on it because of his faith in Christ.
I believe that Paul's view represents a mature - if not healthy - view of life. When we come to grips with our own mortality, I believe, we can live better for the present. And in this present age, Paul states here in this letter: "Only live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ,..." Philippians 1:27. Paul lays it out for us that there is a purpose to our living up until our dying day and beyond.
What I also observe in these words is how Paul sees the important of the next life: it is gain. We as believers do you have something to look forward to it.
Discipleship Questions for Reflection
How do you view your own death?
How much do you look forward to your life with Christ beyond the grave?
Do you find a purpose each day for your living?
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