LIA Weekend (Foster Care) Philippians 1:21-26 "Purpose in Our Placement"

Philippians 1:21–26 NASB95

21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. 23But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; 24yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, 26so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.

PROMISE IN OUR PASSING

1:21 - TO LIVE IS CHRIST, TO DIE IS GAIN

There is so much to look forward to.

When to live is Christ! - there is no fear in death

V22 - Paul reminds them - if he is gonna be here = fruitful labor.

PURPOSE IN OUR STAYING

2. There is so much to do.

V23 - 24

I long to be with Jesus but God is not finished with me.

To remain is necessary for YOUR SAKE.

Last week, we were reminded that his imprisonment has worked out for greater progress of the Gospel. God is working in all things! Maybe you were in foster care or adopted. GOD IS WORKING -

God works through His church! THERE is purpose in your placement. Cowee - God desires to work through us as a body -

To support foster families

To partner with those supporting families

To practically put love in action in a way that pleases the FATHER- James gives us:

James 1:27 NASB95

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

PURPOSE IN OUR PLACEMENT

The churches placement in the world. - Our place in this community.

CHRIS (and linz?) testimony - live or video?

James recognizes the challenge -

omission - James 4:17

commission

PRIORITY IN OUR PEOPLE

Prioritizing the marginalized.

Pristine from the world. - unstained.

V25 Convinced of this - get to work - see our purpose in our placement - JULIE - TOGETHER WE CAN - Purpose in her placement. Passion. Priority.