Pentecost 2 - 2012: Sermon

June 10, 2012 - Sermon from Pentecost 2 Sermon: "God Offers Us Partnership in the Gospel" Philippians 1:1-11 (Summer Series 1)-Rev. Mark C. Wagner

Intro: Despite major opposition to his ministry (which landed him in jail) Paul remembered the believers of Philippi fondly. One thought captivated him in Christ, that God had done such a beautiful work in their lives that they had joined him then and kept it up until now.

Part 1.  Love's Description

1. The love of God abounds.
2. The love of God gives and keeps on giving.
3. The love of God revolutionized him.

App: This is Paul's prayer, that what had happened to him might continue to happen with them. As Christ's love becomes "superabundant" it spills out of the lives of God's people to others. We share in the good work of the Gospel!

Part 2. Love's Distribution

1. Love abounds deeper, wider and higher (see Eph. 3:18).
2. Love focuses on knowledge and depth of insight.
3. Love discerns what is pure and blameless.

App: Paul thought and prayed about them often. He longs to hear that they have not only held onto their good confession, but that they confirm the gospel by their joyful willingness to promote grace and peace.

Conclusion: No activity or pursuit will fulfill our deepest desires. That place can only be filled by Christ who floods us with such "agape" that we let love loose to find others.