God’s Provision: How the local church can fuel our Pursuit of Christ

Intro

Main Idea: Trust in God’s provision and your joy will be unshakable.

The primary channel through which God provides for the believer is the local church.

Key is that this is **primary** not exclusive..God provides in many ways but through the local Church (and by proxy the believers within the Church) is the Primary means.

Question to answer: According to Philippians, What has God provided to Paul here through the local church?

for clarity we are talking about God’s provision for believers.

for Paul’s physical needs. v. 4:10; 14

spiritual needs in the form of encouragement and motivation v. 1:12.

relational/emotional/community needs - v. 1:4-5 ; 2:19-30

Point 1: God’s provision gives us strength to endure. (v. 10-13)

According to a Christian Living article, Phil. 4:13 is tied for the second most google searches at 82,000 monthly.

It’s focus however is not what most people make it out to be. The focus is not that God gives the athletes the ability to go play their best and win the game. The focus is that God provides strength for believers to endure in times of struggle and because of that we are to be content in whatever circumstances we find ourselves.

Application: Trust in God to provide your needs.

Point 2: God’s provision comes primarily through the local church. (v. 14-18)

Real fellowship is a two-way process

Francis Foulkes, “Philippians,” in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 1258.

Application: Do the work to connect with this Student Ministry.

Point 3: God’s provision is for God’s glory. (v. 10;19-20)

Paul assures the Philippians that God will bless them because of his glory in Christ.

Application: Remember to give God the glory. If it were not for him, we would not we would not have what we need.

Conclusion:

The local church is extremely important in the life of a believer. Paul continuously emphasizes this truth throughout his letters.

Let’s look at some parting thoughts from Philippians.

Put in the work to be connected in fellowship with this Student Ministry.

Find a brother/sister or two in this Student Ministry that you trust to hold you accountable and walk through struggles (be it sin, tragedy, trauma, or other).

Whether you are at school, work, or around family, have a kingdom growth mindset (To live is Christ - that means fruitful labor - and to die is gain - that means you’ll be with Jesus)

None of the above are realistically possible if you do not have a relationship with Jesus. In Philippians 2:9-11, Paul says every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. You can do that by faith in Jesus (saved) or by fear of judgement (unsaved). Repent and trust in Christ.