Sermon 091596

Phi. 2:19-30                          Hope and Encouragement for the Future                          9/15/96

ABCC

I.   Introduction and Review                                                                                    537

Paul has instructed the Philippians & us that we can experience real joy in obedience to Jesus Christ without a complaint in our hearts or on our lips regardless of our circumstances.  It is the work of the Holy Spirit through grace that gives the Christian the desire & power to be meek & humble in heart, which is the only pathway to true joy in the Lord! - (Mt. 11:28-30)  And then he speaks of Christian HOPE!

II.  Hope in the Lord Jesus Produces Action

     A. Sending Timothy as soon as possible (v. 19a) - “as soon as I see how things …” (v. 23)

     B. Sending Epaphroditus presently (v. 25a)

     C. Paul himself to visit later (v. 24)

DOCTRINE:  1) True biblical hope enables the Christian to discern our limitations & utilize the other means of grace that our God has made available to us - including discernment of God’s timing!  2) Biblical hope produces honest confession of weaknesses & limitations (2Co. 12:9-10).

III. Hope in the Lord Jesus Produces Purpose in our Actions

     A. Sending Epaphroditus

         1. Encouragement for Epaphroditus “..longing for you all..” (v. 26)

         2. Encouragement for the Philippians “..you may rejoice” (v. 28a)

         3. Encouragement for Paul “.. and I may be less concerned about you.” (v.28b)

Hope & Encouragement for the Future, pg. 2

     B. Sending Timothy

         1. Encouragement for Paul (v. 19b)

         2. Encouragement & genuine care for the Philippians (v. 20-21)

         3. Encouragement for Timothy (v. 22)

DOCTRINE:  Christians experience encouragement and purpose in life when our obedience comes from true biblical hope in the Lord!

IV. Hope in the Lord Jesus Produces Humility & Commendation of Others

     A. Commendation of Timothy (v. 20, 22) = PROVEN CHARACTER under pressure!

     B. Commendation of Epaphroditus (v. 25, 27, 29-30)

V.  Hope in the Lord Jesus is Produced Through Tribulation - the pathway to glory!

Þ     Timothy (pastor & illness), Epaphroditus (sacrifice & illness), Paul (sacrifice & suffering)

Þ     Romans 5:1-5 = biblical HOPE “does not disappoint” - Heb. 6:17-20!

Are you thinking about the unchangeableness of God’s purposes in your life?  - how He’s using your trials to produce perseverance & proven character in you!  Are you remember how God gives you encouragement & hope at your lowest point in your trial?  Are you remembering that all of God’s plans & purposes are for your good my brother & sister?  Let your soul be anchored in the truth.  Stop believing the complaints & lies that wander into your mind or that arise out of your deceptive heart.  ONLY BELIEVE!  Read Psalm 42.