Immanuel Church Wilmington Delaware

Philippians 4:10-23

As we conclude our study of Philippians, we find Paul thanking the Philippian church for their gifts of support. He has learned to be content whether in need or with plenty, but he rejoices in the blessings that they will receive for being cheerful givers. Biblical generosity brings joy to the giver. We will be discontented if we put our hope in money and possessions instead of in Jesus.

Philippians 4:2-9

As Paul addresses a conflict between two individuals in Philippi, he shows how to Biblically deal with conflict. Humility is necessary. Disagreement does not mean conflict. Instead of becoming anxious, we must be gentle, and thankful for the worthy things that exist. Prayer is the opposite of anxiety, since it relinquishes control to God.

Ephesians 4:1-16

On Sunday, we officially installed Daniel Nelms as our Senior Pastor. After a time of worship, Eric Loyer, a Pastor at Daniel's former church, Redeemer Fellowship in Tom's River, NJ, challenged Daniel to make his central theme to always be Christ crucified, buried, and resurrected, and not to add to or subtract from the Gospel of Jesus. Elder Joel Porter then challenged the congregation to be an active part in the Body of Immanuel, supportive in prayer and service with Pastor Daniel and family.

Philippians 3:12-21

Because of Christ, our citizenship is in heaven. As a result, we can put the circumstances and failures of the past behind us, and can concentrate on His calling for us. This is the radical nature of grace. We should love our enemies, as well as our neighbors, since everyone needs Jesus. Love like Him, not like the world.

Philippians 3:1-11

Is your identity built around your own accomplishments or memberships? Paul makes it clear that we can have no confidence in these. The hope of the world is in Christ, but Christ is in us. As we focus on living for Christ, we find ultimate meaning in life, and can impact the world with His love.

Philippians 2:19-30

In this portion of Paul's letter, he addresses the spiritual qualities of Timothy and Epaphroditus. We see that modern expectations for success are the reverse of those in the Kingdom, where serving others and making disciples are valued. No matter where we serve, we have supreme value before God, because Jesus has supreme value before God. The humble will be exalted.

Philippians 2:12-18

As Paul writes to the Philippian Church, he encourages them to grow, even though he was absent. Jesus is to remain first in our focus. He discouraged them from grumbling and complaining, but to remember that the same God works within all of us. We need to be patient, and pour ourselves out for one another. The service closed with us taking Communion.

Philippians 2:1-11

A Christian's task is not to just rescue people from Hell and this world. Jesus carved out a path for Christians to follow while in this world now, to be ambassadors of His love. In much of America, that path has become overgrown. As more of us walk in His path, with long obedience in the same direction, the more that path will become visible to the world.

Philippians 1:27-30

We are to live as citizens of Christ's Kingdom, which means serving one another, willing to lay down our rights. Paul laid down his privileges as a Roman citizen, so that he could identify with those believers who were not. Jesus stood silent and suffered for us, when He could have taken advantage of His own privileges.

Philippians 1:19-26

The Church exists for the purpose of loving and glorifying Jesus, as a beacon of light. Despite life's struggles, you should desire it more than heaven, because this world needs you. Your life matters. The way Christians face life and death is our biggest testimony to the power of the resurrection.