November 29th, 2020 | Kyle Brenon

This week, we return to our sermon series, Joy No Matter What, with a look at Philippians 2:12-18. Here, Paul tells the church in Philippi how to shine in a world of darkness and how to stand out in a "crooked and twisted generation” in order to bring God glory and to them joy!

The call for the Church to shine in the darkness is not new, though it can be difficult when it seems like things are getting darker. It is easy to become discouraged and lose hope. But as we trust the Lord and walk with Him in obedience, we can be assured, like Paul, that we do not labor in vain—and for this we can all rejoice!

Philippians 2:12-18
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.”

November 8th, 2020 | Kyle Brenon

Philippians 2:1-4

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

This week, we continue with our series “Joy, No Matter What,” and our look at Paul's letter to the Philippians. In chapter two, Paul begins with a call to the church for humility, unity, and selflessness, in order to “make his joy complete.” The key to all of this is rooted in the person of Jesus Christ. There is no path to it aside from a true faith rooted in and submitted to Him. Paul follows this call with one of the most concise pictures in all of scripture of who Jesus is from an eternal perspective. He is indeed worthy and it is no wonder why He is the source of our joy!

Philippians 5-11

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

November 1st, 2020 | Kyle Brenon

This week, we continue in our series “Joy, No Matter What” and our look at Paul’s letter to the Philippians. In Philippians 1:18-26, Paul gives the church in Philippi yet another reason for his joy. He understands that no matter what happens to him, whether he is released or martyred for his faith, his obedience to the Lord will serve his ultimate purpose. That is, the gospel will be proclaimed and Christ will be honored. (In other words, he wins either way!)

Paul then encourages the Church yet again, telling them to live a life worthy of the gospel of Christ—to stand strong, side by side, striving for unity IN THE GOSPEL all the more as they suffer for the sake of Jesus.

Philippians 1:18b-30

“Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.”