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Change Your Perspective. Unit 2: Study 1 April 1, 2012. People in Process. Philippians 1:3-6 Do you ever start something and not finish? God always completes what He starts. How does that affect your attitude toward ourselves and others?
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Change Your Perspective Unit 2: Study 1 April 1, 2012
People in Process • Philippians 1:3-6 • Do you ever start something and not finish? • God always completes what He starts. • How does that affect your attitude toward ourselves and others? • It should make us more patient and keep us from passing premature judgment on people’s ability, character, or motives. • God’s promise should also make us more hopeful
Tough time testimony • Philippians 1:12-14 • Why are people emboldened when others are persecuted for a cause? • Most people long for a cause. • Those who already believe are challenged and inspired to defend the cause • Rather than fearing rejection, we should consider the needs of those who might be attracted to Christ because of our stand. • Christians must back up their beliefs by how they live.
Rejoicing, Not rivalry • Philippians 1:15-19 • Love and sincerity or jealousy, Paul rejoiced that the message of Jesus was being spread. Their motives did not discourage Paul. • Slow or thorough? • Lazy or too busy? • Lucky or earned it? • It is all a matter of perspective.
A win-win situation • Philippians 1:19-26 • Why does death frighten most people? • Death means uncertainty • For Christians, death means eternity with God • We should live life to the fullest, not worrying about things that will eventually be meaning less • We should be more deliberate in influencing others toward Christ because they could die without Him at any time
Purposeful Pain • Philippians 1:27-30 • Believers will suffer for their faith • Suffering is not necessarily a privilege. • But when we suffer because we faithfully represent Christ, we can be confident that our message and example are having an effect and that God considers us worthy to represent Him.
The message • What? • Christians should have a different, more positive outlook on life than those who don’t know Christ • Why? • Things that appear troublesome can turn out for our good and God’s glory. • How? • View things in light of how they help you grow spiritually and how they benefit God’s kingdom