CHRIST IS KING;
THE CHURCH HIS BRIDE
“Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”
Press On!
There are many pressures in this world that would seek to discourage or dissuade a believer from continuing on in the faith. In Philippians 3:12-16 Paul teaches us 2 truths about the Christian life, so that we may set our minds on the goal of eternal life and resurrection in Christ, and thus live in such a way as to glorify Christ, no matter the opposition or the cost.
To Gain Christ
In order to know God and obtain His righteousness, you must forsake your vainglorious deeds of self-righteousness so that you can gain Christ.
Epaphroditus
The strength of the ministry of the church lies in the strength of the men that lead her, so then the leaders that the Church should esteem are the ones willing to live, work, and die for Christ. We’ll see this exemplified in Paul’s short account of Epaphroditus.
The Exceptional Minister
The church always needs qualified pastors, but sometimes they are given exceptional men.
In Philippians 2:19-24, Paul shows us the qualities he requires of a man that he considers exceptionally qualified to minister to the needs of the church, and he shows us this example in the person of Timothy.