We Have an Anchor

Bible Introduction (2m)

Friendship - one of our biggest strengths

Support. Communication. Care.

The blessings of friendship

Friendship not only helps us see ourselves through another’s eyes. (It) can be sustained over the years only with someone who has repeatedly forgiven us for our trespasses, as we must find it in ourselves to forgive them in turn. A friend knows our difficulties and shadows and remains in sight, a companion to our vulnerabilities. ... Real friendship is a blessing because it is rediscovered again and again through understanding and mercy. All friendships of any length are based on a continued, mutual forgiveness. Without tolerance and mercy all friendships die.

Just being with someone and having truly known them is a blessing and privilege. ... The importance of friendship is underestimated by most, and a diminishing circle of friends is the first terrible diagnostic of a life in deep trouble. (David Whyte, poet and philosopher)

The church is a huge source of friendship as Paul explains

Philippians 4:10-20 (Gina)

Introduction (5m)

Next Week - new series, Connected

Continuing to look at our relationships. Made to be connected to each other.

Deep, lasting friendships one of the most important aspects of belonging to God’s family

Healthy church - Spirit flow between members.

Research says we cannot live without it!

Happier people - rich, deep, joyous, meaningful relationships.

Socially disconnected - 2-5x more likely to die from any cause than someone with close ties to family and friends.

When you are loved, it is not just that you receive more from someone else, but also that you become more yourself. (John Ortberg, The Me I Want to Be)

Explanation (5m)

We see this at work in the story of Paul

Philippians 4:12 NLT

I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

Paul is content, despite his circumstances

In prison in Rome, awaiting trial. During ministry had endured unparalleled misery:

2 Corinthians 11:23–28 NLT

Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches.

How on earth content?!

Paul’s Christ-centred Contentment

Philippians 4:13 NLT

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Not self-sufficient but God-sufficient

Content because learned to be totally dependent on Christ. Context: Content and can do everything ...

Confidence in calling, energy and power to struggle through hard work and difficult circumstances comes through divine strength and power.

But I see that some of this contentment can be attributed to Christ’s hands and feet - the Philippians themselves

Philippians 4:18 NLT

At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God.

Whole reason for writing letter was to thank them for this gift

Thanks them for generosity - Roman prisoners dependent on outside support for everything - for sharing in his difficulty, in helping to spread the gospel.

Not a one off gift

When in Thessalonica - helped again and again and again (v.16). Their generosity and willingness to help was a habit.

Describes their help in OT language

Like the Temple offerings made to God in OT. Like God, not about aroma from sacrifice, not about simply going through the motions, it’s about the generous spirit in which sacrifice is made, proceeding from love and trust in him.

Application (5m)

As we come out of the pandemic together, and begin to meet and work together in person again we can increase the joy and support each other

Have shared in sufferings of past months

We have shared our hope with each other. We have shared that we know Jesus has won the war over sin and death and know that victory is ours in the end. We have shared losses and met the needs of those around us.

Now have opportunity to experience more of this

We can find ways of increasing unity and love for one another. We can: spend time with each other, listen to each other, pray for each other and together for others, discuss God’s Word together, and share love.

One of the best ways: small group

Who could you meet with? When? Where?

As we meet together again let’s strengthen bonds of friendship

Let’s share with each other and be an anchor for each other, in Christ, as we march into the future together.

Next Steps

SB 959 - I’ll go in the strength of the Lord