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Vision for series: 

• Peace of Mind = Contentment vs always unsettled or wanting, Peace vs anxiety and worry, joy verses disappointment and frustration.
  
  
• Walking with Jesus changes everything.
  
  
• The journey of the Philippian church will be one we resonate with.

Prayer of blessing over the series.

Philippi

• District capital for Macedonia (modern day Macedonia).
  
  
• Roman military regional headquarters to secure the key transportation region taken from the Greek empire.
  
  
• Latin influence but primarily Greek in culture.

When God calls, you go!  Acts 16:9-10

• Paul was ministering in Antioch, Derbe, and Lystra near Tarsus where he was from. Sent from Jerusalem by the church.
  
  
• Mission accomplished in Antioch, so it was time to go to new territory.
  
  
• Tried to go north only to have the Lord redirect them further west, but with no clarity.
  
  
• God can use dreams to guide us.
  
  
• From Turkey (Asia) to Macedonia (Europe).

Walking where God has sent you, you discover in time much of His purpose.  Acts 16:11-15

• Lydia, a wealthy businesswoman, is the one of the first to encounter Paul who was simply seeking a place to pray on the Sabbath.
  
  
• She along with a few other women were the first recipients of Europe to hear the gospel preached on their own soil.
  
  
• Lydia becomes the first convert in Europe and she hosts Paul, Silas, and Timothy at her home.

Don’t be surprised to see the enemy working against you.  Acts 16:16-18

• Demons can tell the truth but in a repulsive way.
  
  
• Paul took authority in Jesus’ name over the demon.
  
  
• This led to greater problems because money making was now hindered.
  • False accusation.
  • Illegal flogging.
  • Dismissal from town.
  • The church was now established and could not be stopped.

• The scheme of the enemy backfires as the Jailor and his family come to Jesus. Acts 16:25-34

When you invest in people, your heart becomes tied to their journey.  Philippians 1:1-2

• The Philippian church is part of God’s holy people. (1)
  
  
• The Philippian church now has elders and deacons. (1)
  
  
• Grace and peace from the Father and the Son are whished upon them. (2)
  
  
• Making disciples!

The tone of your prayers for someone you have discipled will reflect your view of how they are doing. Philippians 1:3-6

• Thankful in memory. (3)
  
  
• Remembering regularly suggests much experienced together.
  
  
• A bond has been made.
  
  
• Joy in those memories suggest things are good. (4)

The best relationships are ones where we benefit from each other. (5)

• Partnership often begins with someone taking the lead.
  
  
• Partnership requires a willful response to the initiator.
  
  
• Vibrant partnerships show a mutual desire to benefit one another.
  • Paul comes to them and shares the gospel.
  • A church is birthed, and they work together to establish it.
  • Paul is forced to move on, but the church then blesses Paul at his time of need by sending their mobilization director—Epaphroditus.
  • Epaphroditus brings needed supplies and encouragement to Paul during his incarceration.
  • Epaphroditus, after a severe illness, is now carrying this encouraging letter back to the Philippians.

The encouraging word of the day:

God will finish the work He has started in you.  (6)

• God will work in you until THE Day.
  
  
• Your story is still being written.
  • Lydia—you were the first to receive Christ in Macedonia.
  • Jailor—your family and friends became followers of Jesus.

• Church you are thriving, and it is only the beginning.

Take aways

1. Obedience to God’s leading will create some special stories.
   
   
2. Investing in people will be a mutual blessing.
   
   
3. The enemy will show up, but he always overplays his hand.
   
   
4. God will not stop working in and through you until your last day or the day Jesus returns.