Philippians 1:27-30
(Video) (voice) (outline)

• "Only..." Up to this point, Paul has made clear his assurance, encouragement and commitment for the Philippians' progress in their faith. But now the tone shits, as Paul turns to what he expects them to do.  
• Politeuesthe axios (Greek)—Exercise your citizenship worthily....
• The root word polis means city state and politics. Paul has in mind politics, exhorting the Christians to live as good "citizens of heaven" on earth.
• …of the Gospel. In Christ we have a new hope and purpose, our new identity. Now magnify Christ in your daily life who defines who you really are. 

• Stand firm in one spirit.

1. Whether I am absent or come to see you, I may know you stand firm in one spirit
2. Striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the Gospel (Military image)
3. In no way intimidated by your opponents. (Military image)
          What are the alternatives? (a scattered, defeated army)
1. If you water down your witness for fear of rejection or hostility
2. trying to go alone —danger of isolation, vulnerability, lack of accountability, pride
3. If you start tearing apart your own team members

# Our attitude and action should not be determined by anyone who sees us or if no one is watching. Our spiritual battles are fought in our private thoughts. So, don't let a negative, sinful, fearful thought determine who you are. Don't allow the unbelief or hostility of others make you question your faith and life.
# Stay close to Jesus and to others who truly cares about you in Christ's love. 
# In those situations ask yourself, "Am I really exhibiting the Gospel in this? 

• Your faith is an important sign. 

It is the evidence of their destruction but of your salvation (1:28b). Your real faith is God's doing. 

• You share the same calling and grace that Paul has. 

It is our privilege of believing in Christ and suffering for Him (1:29-30). With privilege comes responsibility, so change your attitude. 
 
In Summary,
You have received so many blessings from God and from others, gifts of faith, nurture, encouragement, and service. But being citizens of Heaven is not just about getting blessings for yourself. It requires something of you, as well. To exercise your citizenship worthily of the Gospel you must stand firm in your identity as Christians and do so in unity with your fellow citizens, that is the body of Christ. You can’t fulfill your duties alone, and we need one another, both for our sake and the sake of our witness to the world. The purposes and people of the Kingdom come first in our thinking and behavior. This is our shared calling, and this calling is from God.
 
For self-reflection and discussion
1. What would “exercising my spiritual citizenship worthily of the Gospel” look like in my context and set of circumstances?
 
2. What metaphor or picture represents the ideal collaborative relationship with fellow Christians in my church? (e.g. sports team, exploration team, fellow gardeners growing vegetables or flowers together, etc.)
 
3. What attitudes or actions do I need to change in order to work together better with my fellow citizens of Heaven (the Kingdom of God)?
 
4. How am I handling the trials and suffering in my life? Are they distancing me from God or others, or am I letting them draw me closer to others and to God? Do I believe that my suffering may serve a divine purpose? Do I value sharing in Christ’s suffering as a gift? (See Romans 1:17.)

​NLIF is an international church in Yangon. Come and join our English Sunday worship service.

The series of “Living Worthily of the Gospel”
Session 2
“What is the Right Attitude in Suffering?”
(Philippians 1:12-26)
(Video) (voice)
 
1. Advancing the Gospel
2. Living out who you are in Christ
3. Advancing the growth of the community’s faith
4. Magnifying Christ in your body
Read more…
 
For Lifenet groups and personal reflections
1. Suppose you were in prison because of your faith in Christ, but were allowed to write anything to people outside. What would you write to them?
2. Think about the opposite of “To live is Christ, to die is gain.” With what words would you fill in the blank? “To live is my ______, _______ is gain.”
3. What image do you have about death? What is Paul’s understanding about death? (Phil 1:23, 3:14, 3:23; 1 Cor 15:52; 2 Tim 4:8)
4. “Christ will be magnified in my body.” Have you ever experienced Christ through someone, not as a head knowledge, but as a tangible fact?
5. “Christ will be exalted in my body.”
- Do you have peace and joy? Do you have conviction about this mission? Are you living for it?
- Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help and guide you to live out this verse this week.
 
NLIF is an international church in Yangon. Come and join our English Sunday worship service.

Philippians 1:1-11 
(Video) (voice)

Paul wrote to the Philippians to encourage them over against an imminent threat from outside. 
In his greetings (vv 1-2)
Paul identified himself and Timothy as "servants of Christ Jesus" and the church at Philippi as "saints" (those set aside for God's special purposes). And he wished them both "grace" (Greek 'Charis') and "peace" (Hebrew 'Shalom' of OT) "from God our Father" (Christian's peculiarly familial designation) "and the Lord Jesus Christ" (authority figure).

In his thanksgiving and encouragement (vv 3-8)
Paul "prayed with joy" for their common purpose/calling of "your sharing in the gospel".
"The one who began a good work among/in you" (true both in personal life and within the their interpersonal relationships as a church) "will bring it to completion in the day of Christ Jesus." 
Paul really cared about them (other-centered) rather than his own imprisonment (self-centered) "for all of you share in God's grace with me." 

In his prayer (vv 9-11)
Paul meant - "that your love may overflow more and more" (for it is love that holds them together) "with knowledge and full insight (their mind and heart be together synced) "to discern what is best" (not just settle for less than the best as we often do) "and to be pure and blameless producing the harvest of righteousness" (to this fruitful life we are called to grow, not possible on our own) "that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God" (the ultimate purpose of our Christian life and calling). 
For the glory of God - reveals the character of God before people through our daily life (bringing hope, goodness, light, etc.)
For the praise of God - lifts up our hearts above the present struggles/problems with hope in the great God.

Paul’s affirmation and prayer introduce the main themes of the whole letter.

1. He affirms their Christian identity as relational, purposeful, hopeful, joyful, and growing.
2. His prayer reminds them of who they are in Christ, what God has called them to become, and where to go to gain more insight and understanding to live out their calling.

 
We are utterly dependent on God’s grace for our salvation and for our spiritual life. Yet, there is a role for us as well: intentionality. We need to embrace our identity in Christ and our purpose in life, and we need to keep asking God to help us to become the people he has called us to be.

For self-reflection and discussion

1. How well grounded am I “in Christ,” a member of the holy people of God?
2. How would my fellow Christians describe my partnership with them in the Gospel?  Do I bring them joy as they think of me?  Am I appreciative of them?  Am I thankful for them? 
3. Am I trusting God to complete the good work he began in me? Am I praying for discernment? Am I asking God to help me grow in my love and understanding of God’s will for my life?
4. What else is the Holy Spirit saying to me through Paul’s thanksgiving and prayer for the Philippians?

 
Come join our English service of this international church in Yangon!

“Walking with Jesus”
(Matthew 14:1-36)

1. The authority of Jesus
2. The way of Jesus
3. The protection by Jesus
4. The Mission of Jesus
Read more...

For Lifenet groups and personal reflection
1) How people use their authority in the society, in their companies and family?
2) Jesus told his disciples to give people something to eat.
- In Mark 6, Jesus gave disciples three orders; v.38, v.39 and v.41. Which one is the most difficult for you to obey? Why?
- It seemed unreasonable for them, but as they followed his words step by step, they could accomplish the work. Have you ever experienced like this?
3) In Matthew 14:27, what kind of tone do you hear in Jesus’ voice? Why do you hear it in that way?
- What about his voice in v.31?
4) Read Matthew 14:28-29. For this new year, what would you like to ask Jesus?
- When you hear Jesus say, “Come,” what would be your response?

NLIF is an international church in Yangon. Come and join our English Sunday worship service.