Philippians Call for Worship: Psalm 28:6–7 Sermon: Philippians 2:19–30; Isaiah 61:1–6

Philippians Call for Worship: Psalm 100 Sermon: Philippians 1:27–2:18; Deuteronomy 27:9–10 Paul is concerned for the church in Philippi. He's concerned that they maintain unity and steadfastness in the gospel in the face of opposition from their pagan neighbours, from which they suffer. What Paul hears is that there's a good deal of posturing and bickering going on in the church. This does not reflect well on citizens of heaven, and it hurts their mission to the city of Philippi of proclaiming the gospel. So Paul tells them, "conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." Obedience is expected. Exhibit A for the manner in which they should conduct themselves is Christ himself, who humbled himself in service of others. The Philippian Christians should model their congregational life on the pattern of Christ. God has saved them in Christ, but they need to obey and live out that salvation. To live in such a manner results in gladness and joy.

Philippians Call for Worship: Psalm 98:4–6 Sermon: Philippians 1:12–26; Isaiah 55:6–13 Who knew that Paul's imprisonment would be to the advantage of the spread of the good news of Jesus Christ? Yet it was, which is cause for joy. Now, Paul's immediate future is uncertain. Will he be released so that he can visit the Philippian Christians and minister to them and with them in the gospel? Or will he be executed? Each has its advantages. Life benefits the Philippians. Death benefits Paul because he'll be with Christ, and he's so Christ-focused that that's where his personal preference lies. No matter his immediate future, his concern is Christ and the gospel. Paul suspects he'll be released, but does he worry either way? No, he doesn't, because he knows his ultimate future is secure in Christ's hands. But probably life, and that means Christ's power working through him, and that means Christ receives all the glory. Which is cause for joy. Do you get the sense that joy is a prominent theme in this letter?

Philippians Call for Worship: Psalm 95:1–2 Sermon: Philippians 1:1–11; Deuteronomy 7:6 Paul's prayer in Philippians 1:3–11 can function much like the Lord's Prayer. Thus, "Whenever you pray for someone in your care, whether children or students or parishioners or study group, say…." At the heart of Paul's prayer stand three fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, and gratitude—and the sermon will focus on those as well, as together we consider our partnership in the gospel at CCBC.

Seven virtues: Temperance (moderation, self-control) Call for Worship: Psalm 63:2–5 Sermon: Proverbs 25:16–17; Titus 2

Fortitude/Courage Call for Worship: Psalm 28:7 Sermon: Esther 4:1–5:2; Hebrews 12:1–3, 12

Seven virtues: justice Call for Worship: Psalm 97:1–2, 12 Sermon: 2Samuel 12:1–11; Psalm 97; Matthew 6:33

Trust is Surrendering Call for Worship: Sermon: Joshua 9

Seven Virtues: Prudence Call for Worship: Isaiah 44:21–23 Sermon: Psalm 128; Proverbs 1:1–7; 21:16; Isaiah 44:18; Luke 11:33–36

Seven Virtues: Love Call for Worship: Psalm 57:7-11 Sermon: Leviticus 19:1–2, 9–18; 1John 3:11–19

Seven Virtues: Hope Call for Worship: Psalm 9:7–12 Sermon: Ezekiel 37:15–28; Romans 5:1–11

Seven Virtues: Faith Call for Worship: Psalm 13:5–6 Sermon: Ruth 4; Genesis 15:1–6; Hebrews 11:8–12