Open Our Hearts

Background to passage: Epaphroditus was a beloved member of the church at Philippi and a messenger from them to Paul with an offering for him. As our text says, he became deathly ill, but God spared him. Paul wanted to restore the joy of the Philippian congregation with the reception of their messenger/leader.

Philippians 2:25–30 ESV

I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.

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Main thought: This morning we will with the second piece of our HOPE discipleship strategy. Open Our Hearts is crucial to growing in our faith. So much love, stability, friendship, and affection is found in body life.

1) Christian Fellowship

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2) Small Groups

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3) Life Stewardship

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Recap