>> living4eternity <<: KYCKSTART 05 ~ the Christ Factor ~

Talk 1 Phil 1:1-11-

1. although Paul is in prison and has every right to be bitter and complain, rejected by society, this letter to the Philippians is instead filled with joy! The reason for Paul's joy is because he knows he hasn't been rejected or abandoned by Christ or his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. He knows that all Christians are united in Christ, and that he Paul, is in a partnership with the Philippians.

2. Paul loves the Philippi church with the affection of Christ. They share a common passion which is the gospel, in fact, they are partners in the gospel. The Philippians have been consistent in their faith (v5) and Paul is confident that their faith will continue (v6)

3. Paul prays for the Philippians that they would ever-increasing love and grow in love and knowledge of God- which would lead to a change in their behaviour that they may be pure and blameless before Christ.

4. What is your passion? Is it the gospel? What we spend most of our money and time on shows what our passions really are- what about you?

Talk 2 Phil 1:12-30-

1. Paul realises that even though he is in chains physically, he is free in Christ. And the thing that comforts him is that he knows the Gospel can never be chained up. He also realises that through his difficult circumstances, God is indeed working- v18 "the most important thing is that Christ is being preached!"

2. For Paul, God had worked in him to change his passion, such that for Paul- "to live is Christ, and to die is gain!" Paul realised that only by having Christ would be satisfied- that Christ had to be the centre of his life...what do you live for?

Talk 3 Phil 2:1-18-

1. A call to be humble- greatness is not from reaching success. Paul says true greatness comes from humility. We have to learn to help others first, and to think of ourselves to be number2. (v4)

2. The only way up is down- Paul points to Christ as the ultimate example, he who made himself nothing and was obedient to even death on a cross. But in the end, Christ was exalted because of his humility, and now sits at the right hand of God. For us, it's not about winning the race- it's about winning the race with others!

3. How can you practically start serving others? What does it really mean for you to put yourself second? What sacrifices may you have to make in order to serve others?

Talk 4 Phil 3:1-11-

1. No confidence in the flesh- if there was anyone who could say that God should accept him into heaven it would've been Paul (v4-6) Not only was he everything a good Jew should be, he was also a Pharisee and regarded himself as faultless!

2. Righteousness by faith- but Paul realises that all his efforts were "rubbish" (v8) and says-
"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord for whose sake I have lost all things." (v7-8)

Talk 5 Phil 3:12-21-

How should we travel in life? Destination: heaven.
1. Look back- remember your conversion, how Christ had taken hold of you (v12) Forget your sin and your past, it was your old way of life, but no more! (v13)

2. Paul's way, one way- follow Paul's example! (v17) Don't go back to your former way of life (v16)

3. Wrong way, go back- our passion should be for Christ, not for earthly things. v18-19 "For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly t hings." If "their god is their stomach" it poses an important question- what are you hungry for? power? fame? money?

4. Look Forward- our citizenship is in heaven (v20) Won't be long before we're home.

Talk 6 Phil 4:10-20-

Secret of contentment:
1. Contentment is not dependent on our circumstances (v11) are you like a thermometer- which goes up and down depending on its surroundings? or are you like a samurai sword- strong, sharp and flexible under pressure?

2. Contentment is learned (v12)- contentment is learned in the struggles of life over time. there are no shortcuts

3. God gives us the strength to face our circumstances (v13-19)- we have to learn to be dependent on God for his strength, don't rely on yourself.

4. It is through Jesus that God meets our needs (v19)- nothing can compare to the gift that Jesus gave us; his life! And because he loves us so much, he will carry us through our battles in life "It's OK...I love you...and I will bring you home!"

>> Come Lord Jesus! <<>