FAITH, HOPE, CHARITY

FAITH HOPE CHARITY

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Philippians ESV 2:1-13 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

  Faith Hope Charity are inseparable, a package.

  Pastor Paul, emphasizing the above 3, expounded briefly on the 7 virtues as laid out in Ephesians chapter 2. (For chart on 7 virtues, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_virtues )

  Moving to 1Corinthians 13 he explained that charity/love is the motivation for being virtuous:

·          Charity being loving as God loves us; putting aside prideful ambition and putting others first.

·          Hope is mind set toward heaven; following Jesus example, realizing we can’t out-imagine God!

·         Faith as admitting total failure necessitating trusting God; walking and working, acting accordingly as God is in you.

  Pastor Paul closed saying this is the right way to live even though life is contrary.

EBB4 from Sunday, 10.7.2008 sermon notes.