Friday First - From Start to Finish

Life after healing. What does that mean for us? It means living life from a spiritual perspective .. which leads to proclamation and praise. There may be no better writing in the New Testament that expresses this than what Paul wrote in Philippians. For him, life after healing was not one dictated by circumstance.

Paul found Holy Spirit infused joy through the positive memories of fellow brethren. He found joy through prayer on behalf of others. And, he found joy through his participation in the gospel with the Philippians. Theirs was a sharing of grace, life, faith, praise, and service. Paul’s focus was off of himself and placed upon Jesus Christ and His church, i.e., the people who Jesus saved.

In Philippians 1.6 Paul writes, I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. This is just an amazing passage. And for it, it explains Paul’s eager joy of anticipation. It explains God’s work from start to finish. While things for Paul weren’t perfect at the moment, he was moved by deep trust that God would work things out in the end.

This is such an exciting perspective and one that we must employ as we serve the Lord.
In Sunday’s lesson we will examine Philippians 1.6 to see:

• Paul’s confidence in what God started
• Paul’s confidence in what God would complete
• Three points of application as we close

As you prepare for worship on Sunday, please give consideration to these questions:

1. What are some clues we gain about the character of the Father from 1.6? Who is the Father?
2. Why do you think Paul called God’s work of salvation good in 1.6?
3. What assurances do we have from the Word regarding our salvation?
4. What does Philippians 3.16-17 teach us about our role in spiritual preservation?
5. What are some things you can do to enjoy the process of your sanctification?

OPENING / WELCOME
Cain Atkinson

SONG LEADER
Dru McLaughlin

PRAYER OF PRAISE
Rich Jacobs

LORD'S SUPPER
Jeremy Price

SCRIPTURE READING
Tommy Ray
Philippians 1.3-8

PREACHING
Matthew Allen

CLOSING COMMENTS & PRAYER
Russ Robins

WELCOME CENTER
Pat Reeder / Dan Spargo / Judy Hickey

USHERS (arrive @ 9)
Ben Baker / Roger Robins

Closing the Building
Wes Grushon