Christ Overcomes All

Introduction

The story of the Resurrection.

Jesus overcoming death, sin, grave, Satan, hell. And more!

Beautiful phrase used throughout NT, “in Christ.”

What Jesus experiences, we experience.

Jesus is victory incarnate.

Paul is emphasizing victory in his conclusion.

Christ Overcomes Chaos

vv. 10-13

vv. 11-12 - The rollercoaster of life. Paul experienced. Lydia.

And now his current situation in a Roman prison. Got nothing, not even a blanket.

2 Timothy 4:13 ESV

When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments.

2 Timothy 4:21 ESV

Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers.

But then, v. 10!

Revive = blossom again. Joy of Spring! As we head into the Fall months and then Winter. Green on trees in Spring!

800 miles away, and they made sure he got their care packages.

Revived your concern. Did they stop caring? or praying? Nope.

Pray and also act.

Luke 10 - The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).

Luke 10:33–34 ESV

But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him.

Serve when and where you can.

As life changes, opportunities change.

Getting down in the floor with children may not be an option, but sitting and rocking might be.

Going out and passing out door hangers might not be an option, but serving on the prayer ministry might be.

Then, v. 13. I can be content regardless of circumstances.

Paul is writing this from prison.

Christ Overcomes Confinement

vv. 14-20

Ministries that are siloed.

Churches that are siloed.

Philippi set a different example. Partnering = sharing trouble / affliction.

2 Corinthians 8:3–5 ESV

For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

They showed how they can make sacrifices to help others.

A challenge to change your attitude and perspective.

Someone visiting, calling, checking in. Eastwood DNA.

For Paul, a fragrant offering - the pleasant smell of roasting meat. BBQ.

Double blessing - you help someone and the Lord blesses you.

Meets every need (v. 19)! Every need, not every greed!

First…

Trust Jesus with salvation.

He is able to forgive.

Second…

Trust Jesus with temporal needs.

Psalm 50:10 ESV

For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.

From greatest need (salvation) to lesser (finances).

The value of cooperative program giving. As we work together and meet needs.

Christ Overcomes Constraints

vv. 21-23

Greet every saint.

Saint = Christian

Holy one. Made holy.

Every = Euodia & Synteche.

Greet both saints even when they don’t act saintly.

Especially those in Caesar’s household. Praetorian guard.

Jesus turns former adversaries into fellow saints.

Changes how we view others.

Lens of Christ. Provides calrity.

Reading glasses.

Conclusion

Victory in Jesus.

Gene Bartlett’s life and inspiration. 1939 stroke.

The opportunity to be in Christ, in victory.

I can have victory.