The Real Meaning of Christmas
(John 3:16)

“For God” (Genesis 1:1; Job 36:26; Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 46:9)

“So loved” (Jeremiah 31:3; Ephesians 3:17-19; Romans 8:38-39)

“The world” (Romans 5:7-8; Luke 23:42-43)

“That He gave His only begotten Son” (1 John 4:9-10; Romans 8:32)

“That whoever” (Romans 3:23; Titus 2:11)

“Believes” (John 3:3; Ephesians 2:8-9)

“In Him” (1 John 5:12; Acts 4:10-12; John 6:29)

“Should not perish” (Matthew 7:23; 8:12; Revelation 1:18)

“But have everlasting life.” (John 10:10; 17:3; Psalm 16:10; Revelation 21:4; Isaiah 65:20-25)

Who Is Jesus Christ?
(Philippians 2:6-11)

I. What He Was (Philippians 2:6; John 1:1; Isaiah 9:6)

II. What He Became (Philippians 2:7-8a; Isaiah 7:14)

III. What He Chose (Philippians 2:8b; 1 John 1:7)

IV. What He Gained (Philippians 2:9-11)

Four Portraits of Sacrifice and Service
(Philippians 2:17-30)

I. Paul was an example of sacrificial joy. (Philippians 1:21; 2:17; 2 Corinthians 2:15)

A. Are you seeking to do the Father’s will and to please Him?
B. Do you rejoice in sacrificial service to the Lord?

II. Timothy was an example of a single minded son. (Philippians 2:19-24; 2 Timothy 2:2)

A. What is it that you’re seeking in life?
B. Are you seeking after your own interests or Christ’s?

III. Epaphroditus was an example of a loving gambler. (Philippians 2:25-20; Matthew 16:24-22)

A. Are you willing to lay down your life for the needs of others?

IV. Jesus is our ultimate example of sacrifice and love. (Philippians 2:8; 1 John 3:16-18)

A. “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:16-18)

Shine As Lights in the World
(Philippians 2:12-18)

Five important commitments we can make that will ensure that we shine the light of Jesus in this dark world.

I. I will mine out what is already mine. (Philippians 2:12; Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Peter 1:3-7)
II. I will depend entirely on God. (Philippians 2:13; Ephesians 3:20)
III. I will not complain or murmur. (Philippians 2:14; Exodus 16:8)
IV. I will be different to make a difference. (Philippians 2:15-16a; Matthew 10:16; Ephesians 5:8)
V. I will esteem others better than myself. (Philippians 2:3-4; 16b-18; Mark 12:31)
Application Questions:
1. Which of these five commitments is God speaking to your heart about?
2. How are you shining as stars in the world?
3. Ask God for His grace to help you live a life different than the world.

Contentment: Thanksgiving’s Secret Ingredient
(Philippians 4:10-13)

I. Trust in the providence of God. (Philippians 4:10; 19; Genesis 45:4-8)
II. Learn to be content with what you already have. (Philippians 4:11; 1 Timothy 6:6; Luke 12:15)
III. Focus on the eternal perspective. (Philippians 4:11b-12; 2 Corinthian 4:17-18)
IV. Depend on Christ who strengthens you. (Philippians 4:13; John 15:5)

Application:
Take some time this week and think about all that you are thankful for. Make a list and then thank God for all your many blessings!

Let Your Conduct Be Worthy of the Gospel of Christ
(Philippians 1:27-30; 2:1-4)

I. “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ.” (Philippians 1:27)

A. Standing (Philippians 1:27; Ephesians 6:11-17; John 13:34-35)
B. Sharing (Philippians 1:27; 2:1-8; 4:2; John 17:21)
C. Striving (Philippians 1:27-28; 2 Timothy 2:5; Acts 2:38; John 14:6)
D. Suffering (Philippians 1:12-14; 29; Romans 8:18; 2 Timothy 2:12; 1 Peter 4:12-14)
For Further Study:
Read the following cross-references about Christian unity: Romans 12:5, 10, 18; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 4:1-3; Philippians 4:2.

Fighting the Good Fight
(Philippians 3:12-21)

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Principle #1: Check your direction. (Philippians 3:12-14; 4:13; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

Principle #2: Follow godly examples. (Philippians 3:15-17)
A) Who are you following?
B) Who is following you?

Principle #3: Do not be deceived. (Philippians 3:18-19; Ephesians 2:8-9)

Principle # 4: Remember your true citizenship. (Philippians 3:20; Hebrews 13:14)

“Do you not know that all the runners in a stadium compete, but only one receives the prize? So run to win. Each competitor must exercise self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. So I do not run uncertainly or box like one who hits only air. Instead I subdue my body and make it my slave, so that after preaching to others I myself will not be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-17

To Live Is Christ
(Philippians 1:19-26)

I. Paul’s confidence (Philippians 1:18b-20)
A. Confidence in prayer (Philippians 1:19; James 5:26; 1 Thessalonians 5:25; 2 Thessalonians 3:1)
B. Confidence in the supply of the Spirit (Philippians 1:19; Ephesians 3:20)
C. Confidence in the promise of Christ (Philippians 1:20; 1 Corinthians 15:54-55)

II. Paul’s confession (Philippians 1:21)
A. Purpose to know Jesus.
B. Purpose to imitate Christ.
C. Purpose to make Christ known.
D. Purpose to draw your joy from Him and Him alone.

III. Paul’s conflict (Philippians 1:22-23; 2 Corinthians 5:1)

IV. Paul’s conviction (Philippians 1:24-26; 2 Timothy 4:6-8)

Application:
1. Do what God gives you to do today.
2. Trust God with tomorrow.
3. Death when it comes will be great gain for you.

Joy in Adversity
(Philippians 1:12-18)

I. Adversity helps advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:12-13; I Corinthians 9:16; 16:9: Romans 8:28)

II. Adversity provides opportunities for bold witness. (Philippians 1:14)

III. Adversity reveals the true character of friendships. (Philippians 1:15-17; Proverbs 18:24; John 15:15)

IV. Adversity proves our ultimate values. (Philippians 1:18; Luke 22:42)
Application Questions:
1. What adversity are you facing?
2. How can your personal adversity help advance the gospel?
3. Look for opportunities for bold witness through adversity.
4. How has adversity demonstrated your ultimate values?
5. Who can you encourage and/or pray for in their time of adversity?

A Prayer for Spiritual Growth
(Philippians 1:9-11)

“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11

I. Abounding love (Philippians 1:9; 1 Corinthians 13; 1 John 4:8; Romans 5:5, 8; John 3:16; Ephesians 1:4-5; 5:1,2)
II. Growing knowledge (Philippians 1:9; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 2:6-16)
III. Increasing discernment (Philippians 1:9; Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21)
IV. Living with integrity (Philippians 1:10; Hebrews 4:12; Romans 12:9; 1 Corinthians 10:32)
V. Filled with fruitfulness (Philippians 1:10; Matthew 7:20; John 15:5)
VI. Glorifying God (Philippians 1:10; Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 10:31)
Application Questions:
1. Are you abounding in love?
2. Are you growing in knowledge?
3. Are you increasing in discernment?
4. Are you living with integrity?
5. Are you filled with fruitfulness?
6. Are you glorifying God in your life?
7. Pray for the spiritual growth of your fellow believers and for yourself.