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I've always appreciated what you all did for us during WWII, Dad I've always appreciated what you all did for us during WWII, Dad. But, as the years go by, I realize what a truly impressive generation you were. The Great Depression and WWII made you hard working, steadfast, and sacrificial. As we celebrate VE day seventy years later, I can't help but think you and mom would be a little disappointed at our foolishness today. You never wanted us to suffer as you did. But, honestly, Dad, I think it made you better than us.

A Selfless Perspective Now Allows Us to be Unashamed in the Future Philippians: A Selfless Perspective Now Allows Us to be Unashamed in the Future

What will be our legacy? How will we handle suffering? Philippians: Getting a Selfless Perspective Now to be Unashamed in the Future What will be our legacy? How will we handle suffering?

First, you want to make sure you are not unapproved

Next, we want the approval of God, not “a” god…

Only then can you boldly go beyond your dreams

Phil. 1:1-11: Partnering to Invest in the Future

A Selfless Perspective Now Allows Us to be Unashamed in the Future Philippians outline A Selfless Perspective Now Allows Us to be Unashamed in the Future 1:1-2 Greeting 1:3-11 Partnership in the Gospel 1:12-30 God’s Got This, So My Concern is That I Will be Faithful 1:12-14 I’m locked up but the Gospel is not 1:15-18 I don’t care who preaches as long as it’s preached 1:19-30 I’m pretty excited about dying, but will probably stay for you

Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, Philippians 1:1-2 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:3-6 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; 

Phil. 1:3-6: Partnering to Invest in the Future Paul says he is thankful for their “fellowship (or partnership) in the gospel”

Phil. 1:3-6: Partnering to Invest in the Future It was their selflessness that led to their future investment and will continue to pay dividends until they are judged.

Phil. 1:3-6: Partnering to Invest in the Future They prayed for Paul (1:19) and had given him financial support (4:10-19).

Phil. 1:6: Partnering to Invest in the Future This was the “good work” God had begun in them and would continue to use it until our evaluation at the Judgment Seat!

Phil. 1:6: Partnering to Invest in the Future We can partner with others in ministry!

Phil. 1:3-6: Partnering to Invest in the Future By partnering, we impact their future and ours! I Thess. 2:19-20; 2 Jn. 8 …not to mention the lives of those who receive ministry.

Phil. 1:6: Partnering to Invest in the Future Throughout the book, Paul is concerned with the Judgment Seat of Christ! 2 Cor. 5:10

Phil. 1:6: Partnering to Invest in the Future Verse 6 has nothing to do with a promise to keep us growing. That’s not in the context We don’t keep growing until the Judgment: The Philippians are dead

Phil. 1:6: Partnering to Invest in the Future God will use our partnering investments, even when things don’t go well on the surface.

Phil. 1:3-6: Partnering to Invest in the Future God blesses the mission endeavors of the church and He does so in ways we can’t imagine.

Phil. 1:3-6: Partnering to Invest in the Future The fact that we have the book of Philippians is one example of that.

Philippians 1:7-8 just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.

Phil. 1:7-8: Partnering to Invest in the Future Partnering in ministry builds relationships.

Phil. 1:7-8: Partnering to Invest in the Future Building and affirming relationships is critical to having an “open door” into their lives.

Phil. 1:7-8: Partnering to Invest in the Future We are partners with those who seem to “fail” and beneficiaries of their work as their partners.

Philippians 1:9-11  And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God

Phil. 1:9-11: Partnering to Invest in the Future “…your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment…” Real love is far more than simple emotions.

Phil. 1:9-11: Partnering to Invest in the Future Paul uses their relationship to address their difficulties in growth.

Phil. 1:9-11: Partnering to Invest in the Future Real love focuses on what is best for others.

Phil. 1:9-11: Partnering to Invest in the Future As we learn the Word and how it’s used, we are able to love better and more wisely in a variety of life’s circumstances.

Phil. 1:9-11: Partnering to Invest in the Future “…that you may approve the things that are excellent…” Evaluate teachings in the Word and life situations correctly.

Phil. 1:9-11: Partnering to Invest in the Future Paul’s concerns here are practical that they might meet life the right way to build a better present and future.

Phil. 1:9-11: Partnering to Invest in the Future “… that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ…” A key goal of our present life is our eternal life.

Phil. 1:9-11: Partnering to Invest in the Future The Philippians felt things were unraveling and it was impacting their attitudes and behavior in and out of the church.

Phil. 1:9-11: Partnering to Invest in the Future They needed to see the hand of God in their lives and their efforts.

Phil. 1:9-11: Partnering to Invest in the Future Paul wanted them to know their partnership with him was bearing fruit and would continue to do so until the Judgment Seat.

Phil. 1:9-11: Partnering to Invest in the Future When we are under pressure and difficulty, it’s critical that we measure our reactions and treatment of others by the Word and not our emotions or the situation we’re in.

A Selfless Perspective Now Allows Us to be Unashamed in the Future Philippians: A Selfless Perspective Now Allows Us to be Unashamed in the Future

Philippians 1:1-11 …and faithful partnering with those in ministry helps us build that future.

If I want them to be proud…

…all the more my Lord!