Keys to Victorious Suffering

Gary DeLashmutt
Colossians 1:24-2:1

Paul shares with the Colossians how he rejoices in his suffering not to gain their pity but to alleviate their distress. He gives them three keys to victorious suffering. First, we can endure suffering because God has revealed to us where history is headed. Second, we know we each have a unique role to play in God's plan. Third, we have access to God's power.

The Problem of Indwelling Sin

Gary DeLashmutt
Romans 7:15-8:23

Our inclination to sin is an internal disposition, with pride, a critical spirit, resentment, inordinate desires, and other deep issues continually pestering us. But the Spirit of God can give us substantial freedom (though not complete elimination in this life) from our indwelling sin. If we have a relationship with God, we must appreciate that our sins have been forgiven, then focus each day on the Spirit's moral guidance, His assurance of the Father's love, and His help in prayer.

The Secret of Contentment

Chris Hearty
Philippians 4:10-20

Contentment can never be achieved by always getting what you want. It must be learned through practice. Paul had learned the secret to contentment regardless of his circumstances, whether good or bad. He learned this through the Holy Spirit who strengthened him. Paul connects the state of contentment with the act of giving. When we are content, with or without, we are not afraid to give generously because we know God will provide for us. Paul calls this trusting generosity worship, a pleasing and fragrant offering to God

Jesus' Invitations:John 7

Gary DeLashmutt
John 7:37-39

Jesus makes an invitation to be transformed from a state of need and lack to a state of abundance. His target audience is anyone who acknowledges his spiritual thirst. His claim is that He alone is the Messiah. He summons all to make a decision for Him. He promises to give to anyone, who comes to Him to quench his thirst, the Holy Spirit to indwell within him.

Final Calls

Dennis McCallum
Philippians 4:1-7

As Paul begins to wrap up his letter to the Philippians, he gives a final call to live in harmony in the Lord and to rejoice always in the Lord. He exhorts them to pray with thanksgiving to God who guards their hearts and minds with a peace that is beyond comprehension. Like the Philippians, we have a choice between trying to generate peace by our own efforts or we can accept the immeasurable peace God offers.

Joy in Unity

Jim Leffel
Philippians 1:27-2:10

As believers, we can commit deeply with one another because in God's world, truth is not relative. In the Body, we are striving together as fellow truth-seekers, rather than like in the world where everyone clashes over their disparate, personal truths. We experience a deeper unity because the bonds we share in Christ change us and we share the same Holy Spirit. Another source of unifying joy is the coming together to accomplish a cause that is greater than any one of us, and is worthy of our time and sacrifice.

The Emptying

Dennis McCallum
Philippians 2:5-11

The concept that Jesus was fully God as well as fully human can be difficult to comprehend for our limited human minds. nevertheless, Jesus, fully divine, chose to set aside his supernatural powers in order to live fully as a mere man on earth. He emptied himself of his godly powers and relied entirely upon the Holy Spirit as he lived as a man. He did this so that he could be our faithful high priest and intercede for us on the cross. Because he was fully God, he had the infinite nature that could take on an infinite judgment against sin. And because of his obedience even unto death on a cross, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all names.

Jesus and John the Baptist

Ben Foust
Matthew 3:1-17

John the Baptist's ministry was to announce the approaching Messiah who would make a way to reconcile the lost world to himself. As John himself encounters Jesus, he discovers Jesus is infinitely more transcendent than he expected and yet, Jesus lowered himself far lower than John could ever have imagined by coming in the form of a common man. John's mind is blown!

The Fruit of the Spirit

James Rochford
Galatians 5:22-25

What is the secret to becoming a more loving, courageous, happy, and patient person? With characteristic depth of insight, Paul shows us as he concludes Galatians chapter 5.