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Central Assembly
PHILIPPIANS: Worthwhile Pain and Following Jesus - Dr. Jim Bradford, October 11, 2026
PHILIPPIANS: Worthwhile Pain and Following Jesus - Dr. Jim Bradford, October 11, 2026
Locations & Times
Central Assembly
1301 N Boonville Ave, Springfield, MO 65802, USA
Sunday 9:00 AM
Sunday 10:45 AM
IS THERE SUCH A THING AS WORTHWHILE PAIN?
> Confining circumstances . . .
> Confining circumstances . . .
* It's not about our limitations, it's knowing what we are living for
* It's not about our limitations, it's knowing what we are living for
> Hurtful people
Philippians 1:15-18a
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
> Hurtful people
* It's not about blaming people, it's looking for opportunities
* It's not about blaming people, it's looking for opportunities
> Self-denying choices . . .
Philippians 1:20-24
20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
> Self-denying choices . . .
* It's not about having our way, it's living to make a difference
* It's not about having our way, it's living to make a difference
George Bernard Shaw
“This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one: the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap, and being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.”
“This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one: the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap, and being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.”
It’s not about our limitations, it’s knowing what we are living for
It’s not about blaming people, it’s looking for opportunities
It’s not about having our way, it’s living to make a difference
It’s not about blaming people, it’s looking for opportunities
It’s not about having our way, it’s living to make a difference
THE TWO WAYS WE FOLLOW JESUS . . .
Philippians 1:29-30
29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.