Joy in the battle was the focus Sunday as we studied Philippians 1:27-30. We know as believers that Jesus has won the war, but until He returns we will face battles. With the power of His Spirit, we can win those battles, but we can't be lazy, unprepared or deny that we are in a battle.
Paul gets right to it in verse 27 as he charges us to conduct ourselves in a worthy manner. We don't live according to what we believe to be right in our own eyes, we live according to God's standards.
How we live is either a benefit to others or a stumbling block.
Our defensive posture is standing firm in one spirit, defending the faith as we are attacked.
Our offensive posture is to contend as one. Dissension causes teams to fall apart. We shouldn't care who gets the credit as long as God gets the glory.
And Paul tells us to be willing to suffer for Him. Suffering is a privilege and there are things we can only learn through suffering.
Pray we will learn what He wants to teach us in our season of suffering.
Our evening service at 6:00 was on point. Nathan kicked us off with a great word from scripture and our worship leaders led beautifully. Justin Broome preached a powerful message from John 16 on trusting God through the pains of life. I love how he pointed out that if we live as citizens of heaven the problems of earth won't be as bad as they seem. Trouble is inevitable. Peace is a choice. God is always working and He is working in ways we could never dream possible. 1Peter 5:8 warns us that the devil is prowling around roaring like a lion looking for someone to devour. Justin reminded us that he can roar all day but Jesus took his bite away through the cross.
Two great messages from God's Word on persevering through the battles and pains of life. We should be ready to face Monday with renewed strength and some fortitued. Don't back down. Don't be frightened. The One within us is greater than anything or anyone we face. Let's do this!
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