Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Servants

Servants of the Savior
Philippians 1.1-2
1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus
The Identity
We see that in this text, as well as all the other texts that Paul has written, that he identifies himself and Timothy. He does not use code, or secret language he openly tells all who he is. This is the same Paul that was with you when you first came to know the Lord. This is the same Paul whom you ate with, hung out with. This could have brought Paul great persecution, but Paul did not care. You see a true servant is not ashamed of their identity. Notice that Paul did not say, I Paul the Great preacher, or I Paul the mega super star pastor…..No he said I Paul the slave or servant. ( what things do we tend to identify with? Why are their so many Christians who are ashamed of who they are? How can we keep from letting pride swell up in our lives?)

(vs1b) To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
The Fellowship
In the next part of the text we see the fellowship. These are the people whom Paul Cared for. From Acts 16 We remember that these people were a cross section of the society they lived in. In other words there were many different people who involved in this church. We see a glimpse of how Paul viewed community. Notice how all is emphasized in these verses. ( What is community to you? What are some ways that we as a group can promote community? When has their been a time that you experienced community?)

(1:2 ) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Supply
The text shows how Paul’s true feelings for the church. He desired that God would supply them everything that they needed. Christ is our supply. Paul knew that Christ was everything that this church needed. Grace and peace should be the top of every Christian’s wish list. Many people whish for other things like money, prosperity, good insurance, nice houses, cars, etc. As servants grace and peace are all we need. These items must be put into context. ( name some things that we think we need? Where do these thoughts come from? Why are we so easily influenced by our culture? What steps can we take to make Christ our supply?)