Slides: Relating in Christ

By David Feddes

 

Affirming believers

Paul starts almost every letter by saying:

• You are called as saints.
• I constantly thank God for you.
• I love you and long to see you.
• Here are some of the outstanding qualities I see in you.
  

Your faith is famous. You and I can build each other’s faith and gifts! (Romans 1)

You are rich in faith, speech, knowledge, and abilities. You’ll end up safe and spotless on judgment day. (1 Corinthians 1)

You have every spiritual blessing in Christ! Your faith and love fill me with thanks! (Ephesians 1)

You’re my gospel partners. God will finish what he started in you. My heart is full of Christ’s affection for you. (Philippians 1)

You’re faithful! You’re family! I’m thankful for your faith, hope, and love! (Colossians 1)

I know God loves and chose you. You imitate Jesus. You’re an example for others. Your faith is famous. (1 Thessalonians 1)

Your growth is amazing! You trust Jesus and love each other. I brag to others about your bravery under fire. (2 Thessalonians 1)

I love you, son. Seeing you makes me happy. You have what it takes! (1 Timothy 1)

Brother, you are my dear fellow worker. Your love gives me comfort and joy. You refresh Christians’ hearts. (Philemon 1)

Relating in Christ

• Affirming believers (1:1-11)
• Rejoicing in rivals (1:15-18)
• Living for others (1:21-24)
• Sharing Christ’s mind (2:1-11)
• God working within (2:12-18)
• Maturing in Christ (3:1-17)
• Tears over enemies (3:18-21)
• Emotions and relating (4:4-9)

Affirming believers: Reminding of true self

"Shasta could not understand why everyone stared at him nor what all the cheering was about." (C. S. Lewis, The Horse and His Boy)

I am Rilian, Prince of Narnia. While I was enchanted I could not remember my true self. (C. S. Lewis, The Silver Chair)

Rejoicing in rivals

Some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill… 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. (1:15-18)

Living for others

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain… 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. (1:21-24)

• If pleasure was my purpose, I’d already be dead and in heaven.
• I am alive for Christ and others.

Sharing Christ’s mind

… complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind… Have this mind in yourselves, which is also in Christ Jesus… I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. (Philippians 2:2, 5; 4:2)

God working within

Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God. (2:12-15)

Knowing Christ

I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord… I want to know Christ… I press on toward the goal … 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. (2:8-15)

Tears over enemies

For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. (2:18-20)

Emotions and relating

Rejoice in the Lord always… Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (4:4-7)

Relating in Christ (Philippians)

• Affirming believers (1:1-11)
• Rejoicing in rivals (1:15-18)
• Living for others (1:21-24)
• Sharing Christ’s mind (2:1-11)
• God working within (2:12-18)
• Maturing in Christ (3:1-17)
• Tears over enemies (3:18-21)
• Emotions and relating (4:4-9)