Fearless

Fearless: Episode 16 Series Finale

ThursdayMar 18, 2010
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Fearless

By Darrin Koehler

In times of hardship, pain, stress, anxiety, uncertainty, or depression, there is a peace and a joy that comes from Christ that is very real. The joy that we have in Christ is not like a vapor in the wind, but it is concrete and steady.

The letter of Philippians is almost like a very long thank-you note. Not only is Paul thanking the Philippians for their generous contribution, but he is also imploring that they would not be discouraged by the current economic crisis. He emphasizes that he seeks “the fruit that increases to [the Philippian’s] credit,” and that their gifts were indeed “a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:17-18) It is within this context that Paul makes the well known promise, “my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

How This Applies to Us

Consider the man who praises the Lord in prosperity yet is filled with fear and worry during financial crisis. Is not his trust in his money? His joy is not from Christ, but from his possessions. Jesus speaks about this in the book of Matthew:

Matthew 6:25-33 ESV»

Paul and Jesus have the same thing in mind, and it is for our benefit and our joy in the glory of God. It goes further still. Paul exclaims in Ephesians, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing.” God has given us so much more than the promise of our material needs met – He has given us a new life in Christ, a home in heaven that will not pass away, and eternal communion with Himself.

Therefore, regardless of the current economic standing, be faithful in generosity, steadfast in love, and always looking forward in the hope of Christ. Then, “God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Other verses to consider:
Matthew 6:19-24» John 6:27-29»

Fearless: Episode 15

SundayMar 7, 2010
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Paul reveals the secret to satisfaction, and he should know because he has been rich and poor, lived as a political powerbroker and a persecuted preacher. Yet, he has found the sweetness of contentment and shows us how to find it too.

Philippians 4:10-13 NIV»

Fearless: Episode 14

SundayFeb 21, 2010
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A sound mind comes from a strong spirit, and when it comes to addressing anxiety, we have some clear choices to make. In this section of his letter, Paul outlines some simple, straightforward steps to a life of serenity and sanity.

Philippians 4:1-9 NIV
1 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Fearless: Episode 13

SundayFeb 14, 2010
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You were wired by the Creator to experience unspeakable, unstoppable, unending joy. This chapter shows us the antidote for depression, fear and anxiety and gives a prescription that fills the deepest longing of the human heart.

C.S. Lewis said that as humans, we are far too easily satisfied and he was right. We settle for counterfeits and caricatures, circumstantial happiness, fleeting pleasures, meaningless accomplishments. And at it the end of the day, the nagging nothingness remains, reminding us of the cry of the human heart. Well God understands that longing. He put it there. For a reason. For himself.

Philippians 3:17-21 NIV
17 Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Fearless: Episode 12

SundayFeb 7, 2010
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Further up and further in, Paul shows us the now/not yet reality of our rescue. The glory of the Gospel is that it not only saves us, it changes us. Training is key to this transformation, so we “strain” for the goal of the upward call.

Too often we let our past define us. We stay stuck, or at best, we run in circles like a dog chasing its tell. Paul shows how to get our behinds out of the past (tip of the hat, Pumbaa) and put the past behind us and press on. We agonize in training so that we might become what we have not yet attained — maturity and perfection.

Paul shows an attitude of humility and self-awareness. This attitude punishes our pride and devastates any self-righteousness in us that would cause us to judge others without offering hope. It pushes us forward to glory that is ours in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12-16 NIV
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 15 All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

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