Philippian Generosity

/

Deacon Appreciation Day

 

  • Service is not about comparing ourselves to ourselves, others, the culture, or the world around us (2 Cor 10:12).
  • Service is comparing ourselves with the Standard, the Bible as we look into the mirror of God's Word (Rom 12:1-2).

 

Key Points 

  1. Sometimes we love and cannot show that love because there is a lack of opportunity to serve (Phil 4:10-13).
  2. When the church at Phillipi had the chance, they served as often as they could (Phil 4:14-18).
  3. Anytime we share our love and appreciation: God sees and responds with supply for us and for others through us (Phil 4:19-20). 

Go the Extra Mile

/

And if anyo​ne forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you (Matt 5:41–42)

If you want to be a blessing:

Always do more than anyone has a right to expect out of you and then some.

It Will Make You Happy

  • Going the extra mile helps us alleviate anxiety and fear. When we are doing the bare minimum it's hard to live in peace because of constant fear of losing what we are barely holding onto.

It Will Bring Out the Best in Others

  • People who go above and beyond what is expected will encourage and inspire others to be the best they can.
  • Even if the one you go the extra mile for doesn't work, others may see and glorify God.
  • “Heap coals of fire on his head” (Rom 12:20)

It Lightens Life's Burdens

  • The "second mile" is practiced less in the home. We treat strangers better than our own family.
  • If practiced in the home it could transform the entire home.

God Went the Second Mile

  • Jesus does not ask us to do anything that he himself does not do.

Growing a Loving Church

/

Romans 12:9–16

 

How to Grow a Loving Church

  1. Be genuine  and sincere (Rom 12:9). We must reject evil/sin without rejecting people. 
  2. Be careful of other's needs (Rom 12:10; 1 Pet 3:8) 
  3. Be contagious with enthusiasm (Rom 12:11; Rev 3:15; Col 3:23) 
  4. Be joyful, patient, and constant in prayer (Rom 12:12)
  5. Open your heart and home to others (Rom 12:13; James 2:15; 1 John 3:16)
  6. Never speak evil or negative of a brother (Rom 12:14) . The word "bless" (εὐλογέω) means "speak well of."
  7. Be sympathetic to other's feelings (Rom 12:15) 
  8. Avoid pride and partiality (Rom 12:16; James 2:1-9)