SERMON RECAP: COMMITMENT based on Philippians 2:19-30
As human beings, we sometimes struggle to understand abstract concepts, especially matters of faith that go against human nature. If we are to follow Christ, we should commit to humility (Phil 2:1-11) and develop healthy attitudes concerning integrity, salvation, God’s will, our temperament, holiness, and perseverance (Phil 2:12-18). But how do we actually do those things? God often gives us examples of ordinary people we can look to as guides that point us in the right direction. In this passage, Paul points to Timothy and Epaphroditus as examples of Christ-like commitment.
- Christ-like concern for others (Phil 2:20-21). Timothy was praised for his commitment, seeking the welfare of others, demonstrating empathy and compassion, and pursuing Christ’s interests instead of his own. We can follow Timothy’s example by putting others above ourselves, seeking the wounded and broken, and becoming a healing presence that brings them to Christ.
- Submission (Phil 2:22-24). Submission is the willful surrender of one’s will to follow the instruction and lead of another. Paul praised Timothy, noting that no one was like him and that he was like a son. Timothy shows us that we too can walk in submission through commitment to discipleship, learning more each day how to follow Jesus, as well as serving others and sharing the gospel.
- Supportive community (Phil 2:25-28). Epaphroditus was praised by Paul for being a fellow laborer, a soldier, and a brother. Paul did not give out these titles lightly! Rather, Epaphroditus faithfully served as the church’s messenger and assisted Paul in the work of the ministry. We can show the same commitment to Christ by being faithful in the work. He was faithful, even when he was sick and near death, longing for the community. Further, Paul, Epaphroditus, and the church all grieved together and displayed mutual concern for one another.
- Hospitality (Phil 2:29-30). The church showed commitment as well through welcome, honor, and recognition of Epaphroditus.
Paul provides Timothy and Epaphroditus, as well as the church’s response, as a living example of how to walk in humility and healthy attitudes before God. It would be wise to learn from their example!
Reflection Questions
- Why are empathy and compassion vital for a life of faith?
- Do you seek after Christ’s interests, or your own?
- Why is submission difficult?
- Why should we embark on a lifelong discipleship journey?
- Why do we benefit from a supportive community of faith?
- How can we show radical hospitality?
Upcoming Service
This Sunday, Pastor Ryan will continue the series on Philippians with the sermon titled “Leaving the Past Behind,” based on Philippians 3:1-11. What should we leave in our past, and why? Come by or tune in on Sunday to find out!
Daily Bible Readings for October 20 – 26
October 20: Psalm 139 What is one thing you learned you did not know before?
October 21: Psalm 140 What is one thing you learned you did not know before?
October 22: Psalm 141 What is one thing you learned you did not know before?
October 23: Psalm 142 What is one thing you learned you did not know before?
October 24: Psalm 143 What is one thing you learned you did not know before?
October 25: Psalm 144 What is one thing you learned you did not know before?
October 26: Psalm 145 What is one thing you learned you did not know before?
This Week’s Events:
October 21 – Fall Festival Setup @ 7 pm
October 23 – Bob Hess Memorial Service @ 7 pm
October 24 – Fall Festival from 10 am – 1 pm
October 25 – Evangelism project @ noon
October 26 – Revelation Bible Study @ 7 pm
Upcoming Events:
November 7 – Beaver Creek Cares
November 20 – Game Night @ 6 pm
November 29 – Hanging of the Greens
December 24 – Christmas Eve Candelight Service
December 28-30 – Winter VBS
VERSE OF THE MONTH!
Every month, we will feature a verse. The goal is for the entire church to learn this verse for the month, so we grow in our memorized Bible knowledge. The verse for October is Philippians 2:13:
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.”
Announcements:
CHILI COOK OFF RESULTS
Congratulations to our winners:
Soup/Chili Category
1st – Jane Wood
2nd – Heather Cooper
3rd – Tess Southerly
Dessert Category
1st – Joyce Wright
2nd – Deb Hoover
3rd – Winne Wilfong
First place collected a $25 gift card to Dairy Queen, second place a $10 gift card to Smiley’s, and third a $5 gift card to Klines.
STRENGTH IN PEERS
We will have a box for donations toward Strength in Peers throughout the month of October. Please bring your donations in throughout the month. You can refer to the list below.
FALL FESTIVAL
Fall Festival will be Saturday, October 24 from 10 am – 1 pm. Please share the flyer with as many people as you can! We have about 100 flyers to still distribute!
Here are the arrival times:
8:30 am – Outdoor setup crew
9:00 am – Kitchen crew
9:30 am – Games/Station crew
9:45 am – Gathering prayer before the event
If you are running a station, you will receive an email or text this week with instructions on how to operate your station.
SETUP
For those willing to help assist with the setup of the Fellowship Hall, please meet at the church on Wednesday evening, October 21, at 7 pm. We will move the items from the upper Sunday School room and stage the Fellowship Hall for Fall Festival. In addition, we will need all pledged tables in the Fellowship Hall no later than Wednesday, October 21 at 5 pm.
Beaver Creek Cares
Beaver Creek Cares will take place on Saturday, November 7. In addition to Strength and Peers, Operation Christmas Child shoebox assembly, and Bingo at White Birch, this year we will collect Thanksgiving-themed items for the food pantries and sort them for delivery. These are the types of items we desire to collect: boxed stuffing, instant mashed potatoes, cans of green beans, cans of corn, cans of yams/sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, jars of gravy, cake/brownie/cookie mix, Velveeta mac and cheese (no milk needed), vegetable oil, sugar, flour, applesauce, canned pumpkin, chicken or vegetable broth, cornbread or corn muffin mix.
Social Media
Beaver Creek has updated its social media page. Please follow and share so many people can see what is happening at Beaver Creek! You can find the pages as follows:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beavercreekchurchva/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeaverCreekChurchVA/
Four Ways to Give!
1) Mail your tithe to the church office
2) Drop it by the church office on Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday, 9 am – 1 pm
3) Our online giving platform: https://beavercreekchurchva.churchcenter.com/giving
4) Place in the offering plate on Sunday!
Pastor Ryan Cooper
Beaver Creek Church