Philippians 1_27_30 Sermon Outline

Philippians 1:27-30 “The Big Picture”

Intro: Three men were hiking through a forest when they came upon a large, raging, violent river. Needing to get to the other side, the first man prayed, “God, please give me the strength to cross the river.” Poof! God gave him big arms and strong legs. He was able to swim across in about two hours, having almost drowned twice.

After witnessing that, the second man prayed, “God, please give me strength and the tools to cross the river.” Poof! God gave him a rowboat, strong arms, and strong legs. He was able to row across in about an hour after almost capsizing once.

Seeing what happened to the first two men, the third man prayed, “God, please give me the strength, the tools and the intelligence to cross this river.” Poof! He was turned into a woman. She checked the map, hiked one hundred yards up stream and walked across the bridge. God gave her the proper perspective!

During our Christian life we will encounter difficult times and the greatest problem we face more often than not is our perspective of our circumstance. We have a hard time seeing the Big Picture! But the Christian must know that we have One on our side Who knows the beginning and the end and is sovereign over each.

You see… Both Paul and the Philippians are experiencing difficult times…

Paul’s circumstance – in prison for the sake of Christ (Suffering)

The Philippians’ circumstance – opposition for the sake of Christ

Yet regardless of Paul’s circumstance he has joy in his life (16x) and exhorts the Philippians to have joy in their lives, how could he do that; because, He had the proper perspective of his circumstances. He saw his circumstance from God’s point and saw How God used his circumstance to further Christ in the known world.

Each of us go through difficult times and our circumstances are not the same as Paul’s or the Philippians but they soon could be! But, regardless of our circumstances we can have joy especially if we keep the Proper perspective.

CPS: During times of great difficulty it is important to have the proper perspective and this morning want to share with you 3 principles that will help us have the proper perspective during difficult times.

During times of difficult circumstances REMEMBER WHO YOU BELONG TO! Vs 27A

Roman Citizenship

Heavenly Citizenship

(MV) Conduct = pŏlitĕuŏmai, = Live…. Behave as a citizen

(Adverb) Only = monos “Alone”

(Adverb) Manner worthy - axiōs, ax-ee´-oce =

Philippians 3:20 Eph. 4:1 Col. 1:10

During times of difficult circumstances REMEMBER YOUR MISSION! Vs. 27B-28

The Worthy Manner – Stand firm and strive together teaching the Gospel

Ill: Roman Army Advance

Not Alarmed = Terrified – literally used of horses or other animals startled or suddenly scared;

Ill: Horse alarmed

The Sign

During times of difficult circumstances REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE SUFFERING FOR! Vs. 29-30

Grace

Given (Granted) - χαρίζομαι (charizomai) – show favor –grant – give grace

Suffering

Ill: When James Calvert went out as a missionary to the cannibals of the Fiji Islands, the ship captain tried to turn him back, saying, “You will lose your life and the lives of those with you if you go among such savages.” To that, Calvert replied, “We died before we came here.”