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Ordinary Saints
Manage episode 520343968 series 3694983
Grace doesn’t wait for perfect conditions; it reaches the soul right where life feels unmoved. We close our journey through Philippians by tracing how Paul’s final lines pull the whole letter into focus: greet every saint, honor the family of faith, and rest in the grace that Christ applies to the spirit, not the circumstances. Along the way, we dismantle the myth of sainthood as a status for a rare few and recover the New Testament vision—saints are all believers set apart in Christ, called, known, and needed.
We walk through Paul’s four circles of greeting: the local church in Philippi, the brothers beside him, the wider community of believers in Rome, and the surprising believers within Caesar’s household. Each circle reveals something vital about a gospel-shaped community. Leaders speak dignity to every member. Brothers and sisters belong to each other because they belong to Christ. Bridges get built even when disappointment lingers. And the gospel advances in unlikely places, reminding us that grace is not fragile; it flourishes under pressure.
Throughout the conversation, we keep returning to the center—Jesus Christ. Identity, joy, contentment, and perseverance are not self-manufactured; they are rooted in union with Him. That means we don’t pray on the strength of a good week, and we don’t serve on the basis of a flawless record. We live under a lavish downpour of unmerited favor, enough for each trial and every day until faith becomes sight. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re worthy to be used by God, or if your past disqualifies you from hope, this message invites you to breathe again: you are a saint by calling, a sibling in a family, and a witness to grace at work.
If this encouraged you, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review to help others discover these teachings.
The first of Stephen's two volumes set through the Book of Revelation is now available. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQ3XCJMY
Stephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback
Chapters
1. Ordinary Saints (00:00:00)
2. Grace Frames The Farewell (00:00:26)
3. What We Deserve Versus Grace (00:02:01)
4. Greet Every Saint In Christ (00:03:49)
5. Culture Of Greeting And Affection (00:07:04)
6. Who Is A Saint, Really (00:10:25)
7. Saints As Everyday Believers (00:14:31)
8. Brothers, Sisters, And Belonging (00:18:31)
9. All The Saints In Rome (00:21:51)
10. Especially Caesar’s Household (00:25:23)
11. Grace For Trials, Not Circumstances (00:28:34)
330 episodes
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