Being an Embracing Church

Becoming an Embracing Church

Introduction:

Paul closes this letter to the Philippian church. He wants them to continue to exhibit and focus on what he has expressed in the body of this letter. As Paul now, ends this letter, He leave a final challenge to the church in Philippi. Paul wants them to lead lives that are both different from the world and an example to the world. The saints are to live in harmony and and express that harmony beginning with their greetings to one another.

Have you ever greeted someone? Have you been greeted by someone else? I realize that this question may seem ridiculous because we each know that we all have been both greeted and greeted others. But Paul’s final greeting in this book of Philippians is a challenge to refrain from allowing our lives among one another to be taken for granted.

Transition: This text today challenges in way of a greeting to understand that being an embracing church is Our Christian Responsibility

Our Christian Responsibility (vv.21-22)

Philippians 4:21–22 ESV

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

Every saint - there are no exceptions

this exhortation does not come with limitations. He does not say just the ones you like.

ILLUS:

Appl: Recognize that your are responsible for embracing others. Don’t do it based on contingency.

Transition: Paul teaches that Embracing each other is not Just our responsibility but it is also Our Christian Reward

Our Christian Reward (v.23)

Philippians 4:23 ESV

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Phil.4.23

Paul’s intention in this benediction is to call their attention to the grace of Christ.

Grace-the self-giving love of Christ demonstrated on the cross

Paul desires the Philippians to experience this grace in their relationships with one another and in the face of suffering and persecution.

ILLUS:

Appl: Live knowing the Grace of the Lord is in your spirit