Sunnyside First Baptist Church
What ever the circumstances...
- A brief summary of The Book of PhilippiansThe Church at Philippi was founded by the Apostle Paul on his second missionary journey from Syria around 51 AD.Paul as was his habit looked for a synagogue in any city that he went to. He could not find one in all of Philippi. So on the Sabbath Day he might with a number of women at the side of river. There the church at Philippi was plantedAmong the very significant events that began to win over the community was the freeing of the demon possessed girl. This began to turn peoples heads. The masters dragged Paul and Silas to the court and had them tried.Of course they were found guilty and thrown into jail.In spite of being thrown into jail, the sang God’s praises. At midnight an earthquake shook the jail and their jail cells opened, freeing them.Paul and SilasThey were brought before the court and Paul played his “I’m a Roman Citizen” card and the officials immediately released them.By the time of Paul’s third missionary journey, the Philippian church was healthy and growing.The “new” church that was founded had some characteristics that we see even today as earmarks of a healthy growing church.Women played an important role in the life of the church.The church was generous. This was an example to the other churches in the area.. They were not especially rich themselves but were generous with what they had.This church stood by Paul throughout his life. They were loyal to Paul and Paul was loyal to them.The reason for Paul’s letter beyond dealing with the minor problem was undoubtedly to thank the Philippians for their support.Unless the scholars are way off… the letter was written in a warm and friendly manner to his loyal children.His message was clear… YOU CAN OVERCOME ANYTHING TOGETHER, SPLIT INTO PIECES AND GROUPS WILL LEAVE YOU OPEN TO ATTACK.Paul as I mentioned was concerned about loyalty among his followers, he was concerned about faithfulness to their mission… to be a beacon shining for Jesus among the Romans and gentiles in the area of Philippi.This brings us to our last message from the Book of Philippians. Chapter 4:10-21.Follow along in your bibles, apps or other ways to access the Word Of God.I’m going to be using the New Living Translation here.
Philippians 4:10–21 NLT 10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 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. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. 14 Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty. 15 As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. 16 Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. 17 I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness. 18 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. 19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. 20 Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen. 21 Give my greetings to each of God’s holy people—all who belong to Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you their greetings.You will note something that seems a bit odd about the way the book ends. This happens between V.20 which says, “Now all Glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.”Then it seems that there is another close in verse 21, Give my greetings to each of God’s holy people.Regardless, the history of the church it leaves quite the example for us to follow.We are going to look at one of three areas that that the writer of Philippians leaves with us.Beginning in V.10Philippians 4:10 NIV84 10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.Paul appreciates greatly the care and concern that the people of the church have for him. They have cared for him financially, the have sent him Epaphroditus with gifts and encouragement.This church, our church, took a chance on me, a brand new pastor, with zero experience but with a heart for God and a heart for people. I had a burning desire to bring others to redemption.I wanted us to have a part in this ministry, not just sitting on the sidelines as “someone else” did the ministry. That didn’t work out exactly as I had planned.But God has still answered my prayer.Cis Kennard sent me a note on Monday expressing how grateful to God she was with the First Baptist involvement at the Sunnyside Food bank. She listed 6 or so names of folks, from our body who regularly take days, not just a day or so to serve in this vital ministry.This is a great start to generosity to our community.Let’s make it the beginning, not the ending of our community service!Why do we serve in certain areas, such as the Foodbank? The need is vital, it teaches us to be selfless when using our talents. It even teaches more than we’d like to know about ourselves.Do we serve and grumble, second guess, and wonder who we are serving? Or do we just serve?Do we serve because we there is a need and we always want to meet the need or do we serve because we understand that we are 2-3 bad decisions from poverty and want someone to put a helping had out to us should that be necessary.As I look around this room and meet with many of you I acknowledge how you are serving the Body of Christ here at SFBC and in our community.Verse 11 I believe is the key verse and main point. If you underline, this this onePhilippians 4:11 NIV84 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.I hope this is one place that we can hang our hats!Let’s move on V. 12-13Philippians 4:12–13 NIV84 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.V.12I din’t think that I know anyone who was raised here in the valley that was created with a silver foot protruding from their mouths.You all have worked long and hard, diligently picking yourselves up after you fall, driving on to the next place and once again diving in. Does that mean that we have all been successful?A resounding “NO!” What it means is that we give it our 110% and sometimes that’s not enough. But we are NOT stopped and continue.Let’s spend a little time with V.13Philippians 4:13 NIV84 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.This is the most misused verse in the bible...I have seen it usedBy sports players who desire to hit a homerun, or run for 100 yards.Students trying to get an ‘A’ on a testPeople going through a tough time at workThose same people going through a tough time at homeAnd many many others… it’s short and catchy and hits the spot, but we don’t even come close to understanding the real meaning.Some appeal to the verse as it is meant to apply to all Christians and our power to do any spiritual thing.Some even act as if there is NOTHING that we cannot do because we are followers of God. Once again more than a bit short sided. Kind of the SUPERMAN INTERPRETATION!Another mis application of the verse simply says that even if we step out of God’s will for our lives… “He gives us the power to do all things. - This is a AVOIDING CONSEQUENCES MODEL.Paul instead was explaining a crucial position...He was strong, when he was weak, He was independent, when he was dependent.V.14Philippians 4:14 NIV84 14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.The church that listens to same story over and over from some of its members, the church that listens when our bodies and minds begin to unwind, the church that recognizes that one day we to will need the assistance and support through a difficult time, the church that takes time to pray, with and for individuals is the church just like to one that Paul was writing about.Verses 16,17,18Philippians 4:16–18 NIV84 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17 Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.It is because of the generosity of the Philippian church that Paul is encouraged to continue doing his missionary work.They sent him aid again and againIn turn Paul was looking for what he could do back for the church at Philippi.Finally, Paul is excited because he has received full payment and even more.I’ve got to tell you, I’ve got to tell us… How exciting it was to come her and see how well that we are taking care of the Bentley’s.When they come to First Baptist, we support and give and when there is a special need we care and give. Ryan and Sarah are our International Missionaries.Our more local missionaries are Eduardo Gallo, who is the Area Director for Young Life here in the Lower Valley.That is an area of DEEP concern for me and should be for us.Because of CoVid and other factors Gallo and Lower Valley Young Life is getting about 20% of their monthly goal.This means that Gallo is NOT being paid for the work he does here in the Lower ValleyOur other local missionary is Jim Slinker who is working diligently among local and regional people driving home the word of God in hearts minds and souls.Missionaries here at home and abroad serve to expand our focus and spread our blessing aroundPhilippians 4:19 NIV84 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.And finally we have a double closePhilippians 4:20 NIV84 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.and then again in Phil 4.21-23Philippians 4:21–23 NIV84 21 Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. 22 All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.Let’s go back to our main pointPhilippians 4:11 NIV84 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.As followers of Jesus we can rest, we can be content knowing that our needs, and some of our wants are being met in glorious fashion.I can say as your pastor, that I have seen contentment among you. Contentment doesn’t mean that you don’t keep working, keep striving, keep setting and accomplishing goals.What it means that you who are in Christ Jesus have a heavenly home, a place of rest and reward waits for us.Not because of anything that we have done but because of the what God has done for us in Christ Jesus! Philippians 4:10–21ESV
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Philippians 4:12–13ESV
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Philippians 4:16–18ESV
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Philippians 4:21–23ESV
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Sunnyside First Baptist Church
509-837-3084
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