“Labors of Love”
Ephesians 3:17, That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height-19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
1 John 4:10, In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
Showing of 14 Minute Explainer Video:
“The Road to Juneteenth”
Sunday, June 14, 10:30am at New Covenant Church
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5/6/26 7:26 AM
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SUMMARY:
Theme: Rooted and Grounded — Practicing What We Have Learned
Primary Texts: Philippians 4:9; Philippians 1
This Bible study focused on the book of Philippians, especially Paul’s encouragement to believers to keep practicing what they had learned, received, heard, and seen. The key idea was that spiritual growth requires action: when believers continue putting God’s Word into practice, the God of peace will be with them. Peace helps believers navigate conflict, confusion, hardship, and daily life with stability and wisdom.
The lesson introduced the historical background of Philippians. Paul wrote this letter around A.D. 61 while imprisoned in Rome. The church at Philippi was established during Paul’s second missionary journey after he received the Macedonian call in Acts 16. Philippi was a Roman colony in Macedonia, and the church was mostly made up of Gentile believers. Philippians was described as Paul’s “joy letter” because joy and rejoicing appear repeatedly throughout the book, even though Paul was writing from imprisonment.
A major focus was Philippians 1:6, where Paul expresses confidence that God, who began a good work in the believers, would continue that work until it is completed in Christ. The discussion emphasized that God works in us to build character and through us to bless others. Participants shared examples of how teaching, prayer, encouragement, service, and influence in family and community settings reflect the good work of God continuing through their lives.
The study also highlighted Philippians 1:9–11, where Paul prayed that the believers’ love would overflow more and more in knowledge and understanding. This love was not merely emotional, but active, discerning, and rooted in Christ. The fruit of salvation was described as righteous character produced by Jesus Christ, bringing glory and praise to God.
Paul’s imprisonment was presented as an example of how difficult circumstances can become opportunities for ministry. Instead of becoming bitter or giving up, Paul saw prison as another place to spread the gospel. Even the palace guards became aware that he was in chains because of Christ. The class reflected on how believers today may not be physically imprisoned, but still face discouragement, grief, uncertainty, and hardship. Like Paul, they are called to demonstrate faith in difficult circumstances.
The lesson concluded with Paul’s call for believers to live as citizens of heaven, standing together in one spirit and one purpose for the faith of the gospel. The study addressed biblical suffering as more than inconvenience or not getting what one wants. Suffering was described as standing against what one has been delivered from, and as something God can use to shape character, strengthen faith, and display His glory.
Key Takeaways
God’s Word must be practiced, not only heard.
Peace comes as believers continue walking in what they have learned from Christ.
God’s good work continues in believers throughout their lives.
The fruit of salvation is righteous character that brings glory to God.
Hardship can become an opportunity to witness, grow, and encourage others.
True joy is rooted in Jesus Christ, not in circumstances.
Believers are called to unity, love, purpose, and faithfulness as citizens of heaven.
Homework Given
Read Philippians 1:7–8 and reflect on this question:
Why did Paul say the believers at Philippi had a special place in his heart?
The class was encouraged to consider not only their financial support of Paul, but also their partnership, loyalty, love, and shared commitment to the gospel.
“The Effects of Love”
1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
Listen to Message from Sunday, May 31
Join Us Beginning June 3! Noon Bible Study with Patricia Hudson
“The Salt Principle: INFLUENCE”
Mark 9:49, For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.
Matthew 5:13 You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men.
Leviticus 2:13, And every offering of your grain offering you shall season with salt; you shall not allow the salt of the covenant of your God to be lacking from your grain offering. With all your offerings you shall offer salt.
Join Us Beginning June 3! Noon Bible Study with Patricia Hudson
