Our deepest is found in Jesus Following Jesus doesn’t mean denying the reality and existence of . BiG Idea: Where Jesus is , joy is . Philippians 1:1-5 1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus: To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons. 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, 4 always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. is God’s design for deep connection and shared mission John 13:35 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Challenging Question: When was the last time we thanked God for those who stick with us? Philippians 1:6-8 6 I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 Indeed, it is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus Isaiah 46:10-11 10 I declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: my plan will take place, and I will do all my will. 11 I call a bird of prey from the east, a man for my purpose from a far country. Yes, I have spoken; so I will also bring it about. I have planned it; I will also do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will do it. Challenging Question: What would it look like to really trust in God’s promise to finish what He’s started? What God , God . Philippians 1: 9-11 9 And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are superior and may be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God. **Prayer isn’t escaping, it’s ** Challenging Question: When was the last time you prayed beyond your regular routine? The fruit of righteousness is communal - ‘harvested’ by a people listening and responding together to God’s leading - Marcus Barth Where Jesus is present, joy is possible because He us where we are Righteousness grows best in . Challenge for the Week: Ask God to show you one person to check in on this week…and then do it! This Week I Will: Pursue Jesus By: Point to Jesus BY: Memorize: Philippians 1:6 Next Sunday: Philippians 1