Looking at our circumstances, things seem impossible. That's kind of how it felt for Mary when she heard she would be the mother of the Messiah! Looking at some "Divine Birth Announcements" in Luke 1:26-38, we see Gabriel telling Mary that she will have a Son - God the Son! Mary is troubled and wondering how this is possible! But Gabriel assures her it is God's grace, promise, and power at work.
Winter 25-26 Equip Class: Walking with Jesus and Other in the Word
What's your net worth? To determine it, you take the things you own (assets) and subtract the things you owe (liabilities). But is this really the best way to account for life? Paul encourages the Philippians to think differently. He tells them to count everything a loss compared to Christ. The gospel completely revises the way we account for our lives.
Joy thrives with a stable foundation. When we try to find joy in unstable things like health, money, or works, those things crumble, and our "joy" comes crashing down with it. Paul encourages us to rejoice in the Lord. His finished work on the cross, paired with our secure position in Him, gives the believer a solid foundation for joy. Find unshakable joy in your position in Christ.
Fall 2025 Equip Class: God Who Dwells in You - Understanding and Living by the Holy Spirit
There's a sense of honor when we meet our heroes. However, we often set our affection on the wrong heroes. Paul encourages the Philippian church to honor a real-life hero: Epaphroditus. He is to be honored for risking his life for the cause of Christ. While we as Christians must all live this way, when we see those who have lived this way, we are to honor them and aspire to follow in their steps.
Fall 2025 Equip Class: God Who Dwells in You - Understanding and Living by the Holy Spirit
"Well, everyone else was doing it!" Obviously, it's not a valid excuse, and yet Christians can live as if it is. We get comfortable with things simply because other Christians do them too. Paul encourages the Philippians to notice Timothy, a man who serves Christ above all. Rather than imitating the crowd, we are to follow those who serve Christ above all.
Fall 2025 Equip Class: God Who Dwells in You - Understanding and Living by the Holy Spirit
The world is a dark place. The darkness of evil and sin surrounds us. As believers, we are called to shine as lights in that darkness. While we think of "big things" that change the world, Paul turns our focus to "little things." God works in us to please Him, so we live out our obedience to Him in the details - like not complaining. This helps us follow Jesus and find joy in serving God.
Fall 2025 Equip Class: God Who Dwells in You - Understanding and Living by the Holy Spirit
Selfishness runs deep. Even doing outward things that look unselfish, we realize that even our motive for doing those things can be selfish. After telling the Philippians to do nothing out of selfish ambition, Paul points their attention to Jesus. He tells them to have the same mindset as Jesus had, and then He explains how Jesus demonstrated selflessness through humble obedience to the Father.
Fall 2025 Equip Class: God Who Dwells in You - Understanding and Living by the Holy Spirit
The Great Commission is exciting - "Go and make disciples of all nations!" But for most of us, it feels out of reach. It's mostly for missionaries, right? How are the rest of us, here at home, supposed to participate? God intends for each of us to participate! In 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Paul describes three qualities that embody the Great Commission that each of us can implement into daily life.
Fall 2025 Equip Class: God Who Dwells in You - Understanding and Living by the Holy Spirit
Have you had a strong relationship fall apart? A close friend realizes you don't see eye-to-eye on everything. We've all experienced unity in relationships beginning to crumble. What is true unity? How do we develop it and protect it? Even a healthy church, like the church in Philippi, was experiencing some disunity, so Paul gives them clear instructions on how to develop unity in the church.
Fall 2025 Equip Class: God Who Dwells in You - Understanding and Living by the Holy Spirit
Whether we realize it or not, we’re concerned about our reputation. We wonder what people think of us. Home is different than in public. We worry about how others see us. But Paul calls the Philippians to live for a greater purpose. Rather than worrying about their reputation, he calls them to live worthy of the gospel. Living this way frees us from fear and brings unity to the church.
Fall 2025 Equip Class: God Who Dwells in You - Understanding and Living by the Holy Spirit
What do you live for? As Christians, we say, "Jesus!" We may think so, or feel obligated to say it, but often our lives tell a different story. Things creep in and nudge Jesus aside. We drift into living for work, sports, family, money, good health, pleasure, comfort...for me. But Paul's testimony in Philippians 1:18-26 is a wakeup call. As believers, everything should be for and about Jesus.