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Four Principles Of Philippians. Philippians 1:8-11. Christ Is The Purpose Of My Life (Phil. 1:21-24). Paul had a different outlook toward life and death than that of the world Some are indifferent (Stoics) Some see life as money, power, sensual indulgence, and flattery Notice Paul’s words:
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Four PrinciplesOf Philippians Philippians 1:8-11
Paul had a different outlook toward life and death than that of the world • Some are indifferent (Stoics) • Some see life as money, power, sensual indulgence, and flattery • Notice Paul’s words: • He did not say, “Christ is life” • He said, “To live is Christ, and to die is gain”
Paul led a surrendered life (Gal 2:20) • Death was “gain” • Word refers to something that pays dividends • He would “gain” through Christ (Phil. 3:7-8) • Death held no terror for Paul (Heb. 2:9-18)
Christ Is The Pattern Of My Life (Phil. 2:5-8) • Christ Is The Purpose Of My Life (Phil. 1:21-24)
Jesus as an example of humility (Matt. 20:28; Heb. 4:14-16) • What is a problem to some is power to others (1 Cor. 1:20-25) • We all need to imitate Christ (1 Cor. 11:1)
Christ Is The Pattern Of My Life (Phil. 2:5-8) • Christ Is The Purpose Of My Life (Phil. 1:21-24) • Christ Is The Prize Of My Life (Phil. 3:13-14)
Like others, Paul had a past • Positive (Acts 11:25-26) • Negative (Phil 3:6) • Yet, he did live in the past • He was “reaching forth” – “press toward” a goal (an athletic reference) • Prize is at the “mark” (“goal”) • Medals, ribbons, trophies are not given at the halfway point
We live in the present with an eye on the future (1 Cor. 9:24; 2 Tim. 4:8) • All the while we should realize that it is Christ who makes all this possible (1 Thess. 5:9)
Christ Is The Pattern Of My Life (Phil. 2:5-8) • Christ Is The Purpose Of My Life (Phil. 1:21-24) • Christ Is The Prize Of My Life (Phil. 3:13-14) • Christ Is The Power Of My Life (Phil. 4:12-13)
Paul’s strength was in Christ • Notice other instances (1 Tim. 1:12; 2 Tim. 4:17; Eph. 6:10) • No one and nothing can take it away from us (Rom. 8:35-39)