Paul’s Christ-Centered View of Christian LivingPhilippians 4

Iron Works ChurchJune 28, 2015

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Paul’s Christological Orientation

Phil. 1:21

Relative indifference to theoutcome of the trial: Phil. 1:20, 26

Released from self-centeredness to focus

on the welfare of others:Phil. 1:8, 23, 26; 2:28

Ability to see good whereothers saw evil: Phil. 1:12-14Relative detachment from

things: Phil. 4:11

He was freed fromanxiety and fear: Phil.

4:6-7

His life was transfused withjoy: Phil. 1:4, 18ff; 2:2, 17ff.

CHRIST-CENTERED CHRISTIAN LIVINGPhilippians 4

Agree in the Lord vv 2-3

Rejoice in the Lord vv 4-9

CHRIST-CENTERED CHRISTIAN LIVING

Philippians 4

Stand Firm in The Lord

v.1

Be content in the Lordvv 10-20

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Christ

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• Phil. 1:27: standing firm in “one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” I

• I Cor. 15:58: “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”

• I Cor. 16:13: “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith.”

• Galatians 5:1: “keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”

Agree in the Lord

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• Phil. 2.2: •be of the same mind (likeminded, harmony)• same love, • united in spirit (wholehearted)• intent on one purpose (one purpose or aim)

• Rom. 12:16: Be of the same mind toward one another, do notbe haughty in mind

• Rom. 15:5 : May the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another.

• 2 Cor. 13:11: be like-minded, live in peace.

Rejoice in the Lord

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As the condition of the godly was exceedingly troubled, and

dangers threatened them on every side, it was possible that

they might give way, overcome by grief or impatience. Hence,

he enjoins them to rejoice in the Lord, even amidst hostitlity

and disturbance…believers, having the Lord standing on their

side, have amply sufficient ground for joy.

Be Content in the Lord

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Contentment…is the inward submission of the heart

John Jewel

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the saints know that this is pleasing to God…they do not measure

sufficiency by abundance, but by the will of God, which they judge

of from the event, for they are persuaded that their affairs are governed

by his providence and good pleasure.

What is a Christ-centered life?• A Christ-centered life is one that stands firm in

Christ, finds harmony and agreement in Christ, rejoices in the Lord and is content in the Lord.

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Application• How do Paul’s words encourage you?• What comfort and joy comes from living a

Christ-centered life?

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Application• What challenges do we face to stand firm in the Lord

today?• What stands in the way of our agreeing in the Lord?• What keeps us from rejoicing in the Lord?• What challenges us regarding our contentment in

Christ?

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