Series: All Things Are Possible
Message #4: Strength To Share God’s Grace - January 30, 2011
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
Paul’s Experience With Grace
1. Grace was poured out on Paul abundantly.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ was poured out on me abundantly…
Philippians 1:14
…God who has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but
because of his own purpose and grace.
1 Timothy 1:9
2. Grace was spread by Paul widely.
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me
to his service.
1 Timothy 1:12
This grace was given us before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the
appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus…And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and
a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am.
2 Timothy:1:9-12
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause
thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
2 Corinthians 4:15
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need…to have
plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,
whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the
Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.
Acts 20:23-24
3. Grace worked in Paul effectively.
But I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle. But by the grace of
God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them –
yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
1 Corinthians 15:9-10
The Philippians Experience With Grace
1. God opened their ears to hear about grace.
From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia…
On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river. We sat down and began to speak to the
women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman named Lydia…
Acts 16:12-14
2. God opened their hearts to receive his grace.
The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.
Acts 16:14
3. God opened their homes to share his grace.
When she and the members of her house were baptized she invited us to her home.
Acts 16:15, 40
The Relationship Between Paul And The Philippians
1. They partnered with Paul in spreading grace.
I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being
confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion, until the day of
Christ Jesus…All of you share in God’s grace with me.
Philippians 1:4-7
2. They partnered with Paul in standing up for grace.
…I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without
being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.
Philippians 1:27-28
3. They partnered with Paul in struggling to maintain grace.
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,
since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear I still have.
Philippians 1:29-30
4. They partnered with Paul in supporting grace.
…you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that that I am looking for a gift, but I am
looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am
amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant
offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his
riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:16-19