Pauls example to the anxious Philippians Anxious Discouragement In the last evening lesson I gave we considered some ways to handle the boredom we often feel in life This lesson is similar in that it addresses the fact that as with boredom we often allow our mindset to slip into one of di ID: 412630
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Slide1
Mindset
Paul’s example to the anxious PhilippiansSlide2
Anxious Discouragement
In the last evening lesson I gave, we considered some ways to handle the boredom we often feel in life.This lesson is similar in that it addresses the fact that, as with boredom, we often allow our mindset to slip into one of discouragement.To introduce this lesson, let’s read together from Paul’s letter to the some apparently anxious brethren (
Philippians
1:3-7).Slide3
Our Depressed Life
It has often been said that happiness is not relative to circumstance, but individual disposition.How many of us would call ourselves pessimistic? Discouraged? Surrounded by negativity? How much of this is due to circumstance (economy, health, life, family, brethren, etc.)?But we are supposed to be joyful Christians!
In our text, Paul mentions the fact that he is in prison (
v. 7
).Slide4
Paul’s Lament
We don’t have to read Paul’s complaint to know it must have been somewhere in his heart/mind.He was a prolific traveler! He was stuck in prison for at least 2 years! All he had was really slow mail / letters!His mindset? He feels UNITY with people he cannot even be with. He feels them as PARTAKERS with him in the gospel.
Paul is set in his mind to glorify what is UNSTOPPABLE, not dwell on so many things that are inefficient/stoppable (
1:12-18
).Slide5
Thrive Where We Are
This is Paul’s mindset. The guards of his prison were under his tutelage (Acts 16). His purpose was clear regardless of circumstance (Philippians 4:3
).
Have we noticed what Paul’s mindset accomplished, even to those with whom he was not directly engaged (
Philippians 1:14)?
In spite of 303 AD, the Bible is right here! In spite of danger, brethren do the will of God! 2.2 Billion in a world of 6 Billion know the Lord!Slide6
What Happens
We get refused. Our progress gets impeded / stopped. Months or years of work invested are lost. It is so discouraging; it is so ISOLATED!Look around! Here sits proof of what the Lord said (Matthew 7:14).
Let’s look in
Philippians 2:19-22
which we may have read in our studies so often before. We have trouble, but so many more consolations than even Paul. Are we encouraged as was he? Slide7
Life’s Trials
We endure Cancer, various sicknesses, losses of those we love, dysfunction of many types. Can we stay aloft and be encouraged and encouraging? If we this set our minds as Paul did.God will set things right. He is not one with “patches,” but with final, everlasting reward.The gospel is the tool to this end and we are its agents to that end as well; for ourselves and for others who will allow it.Slide8
Paul’s Mindset
Philippians 1:19-26…Paul put on Christ, he took on the mindset of the Lord. He became “hidden” in Christ (2:2-5).
Notice what we read in
1 Timothy 1:8-12
.The holy and righteous don’t need the law, because such thoughts in need of the law are far from us; alien to us, as they should have been to the ancients (
Isaiah 55:9
).
Let us not concentrate on the relief of Heaven so much we fail to do what it takes to make it there.Slide9
The Proper Mindset
Listen to the Invitation of the Lord
: Isaiah 55; Matthew 11:28-30.
Believe the gospel of Christ
: John 8:24; 20:30-31; Rom 1:16; 10:10
Repent or turn from your sins
: Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30-31
Confess your faith in Christ
: Matt 10:32-33; Rom 10:9-10
Be immersed in water
: Matt 28:19; Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rom 6:3-4; 1 Pet 3:21
Live in obedient faith
: 1 Peter 1:14; Rev 2:10Slide10
Mindset
Paul’s example to the anxious Philippians