Beyond the Weekend

December 8 | God’s Good World to Come

December 8, 2017

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings. Philippians 3:10a

Read: Philippians 3:1-10

Listen: Philippians 3

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Rejoicing is a theme of Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi. Despite their difficult circumstances, he wants them to be people filled with joy. Not joy based on circumstances, but joy focusing on the generosity of God.

Paul’s life experiences had shown him the difference between trying to earn God’s favor and accepting God’s gift of forgiveness and love. Paul considered all the things he had done to try and earn God’s favor to be worthless. He knew the only thing of value was the free gift of life Jesus offered through his death on the cross.

This free gift of life—the gift of hope and the promise of something better to come—enabled Paul to be joyful even while sitting chained to a Roman prison guard.

Knowing God has secured our future should provide us with the strength to endure difficult situations and find joy in the midst of the difficulties of life. A joyful heart can push out our anxiety when we realize our desires in this world often point to the wonder of the new heaven and new earth (see Isaiah 65:17-19).

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Continue the 21-day challenge by writing down three things you are thankful for specifically related to our eternity being secure through the work of Jesus. Then return to the worship of the weekend service by watching “Love So Great” by Hillsong Worship.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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