Anticipatience

Dec 2, 2018 • Zach Albanese • Philippians, The Joy of Unity, Sermon, 2018

REFLECTION QUOTES

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.”

~Psalm 40:1

“Advent is a paradoxical season: a season of waiting and anticipation in which the waiting itself is strangely rich and fulfilling.”

~Malcolm Guite

“Most of us would like to have more peace and stillness in our lives, and yet we don’t make use of life’s many daily opportunities to just be still and practice patience. No opportunity is better than when we’re waiting – when we so often whip out our phones and busy ourselves with texts, emails, Candy Crush, Spotify or Twitter. But what if we welcomed these idle, luxuriously long in-between moments as opportunities to simply wait?”

~Carolyn Gregoire

“But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.”

~Isaiah 40:31

SERMON PASSAGE

Philippians 4:10-23 (ESV)

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.