Message by Rev. Bob Gerstmyer
Covenant Church Shepherdstown, WV
Four ingredients for self love
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Philippians 1:12-26 (NIV)
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Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God's provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
Ingredient One
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Develop an attitude that focuses on solutions. vs. 12: Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.
All Things
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Romans 8:28 (NIV)
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And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Tip One
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Behind every problem is God & His purposes.
Ingredient Two
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Designate loving God as your First concern. vs. 18: But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.
In Everything
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"In everything you do, put God First & he will direct you & crown your efforts with success." Proverbs 3:6 (Living Bible)
Tip Two
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Focus on what really counts.
Ingredient Three
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Discover your source of strength. vs 18b-20a Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed.
Strength of Christ
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Philippians 4:13 (GNT)
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I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.
Tip Three
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With Christ’s strength nothing can defeat me.
Ingredient Four
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Discern your reason for living. vs. 21: For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
One thing I do
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Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)
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Brothers and sisters, 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, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Tip Four
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How would you fill in the blank: For me to live is _________________.
