Great Expectations
^{Philippians 2:19-30}

The “Abundant Life” Lie:     John 10:10     John 8:44Today’s Passage:     Philippians 2:19-30

• First Notice:

Maybe these are the good old days!
        ^{Ecclesiastes 7:10}

God promises to get us through, not keep us from hardships.  
    ^{Acts 14:21-22     1 Peter 5:8-11}

• The Way Things Really Were:

Paul’s Disillusionment & Timothy’s Dedication.
(vs. 19-24)

Epaphroditus’ Despair. (vs. 25-30)

Where Is God When He Doesn’t Show Up?
Five Tough Questions/ Five Strange Answers

1) Is sickness a sign of sin?
     Sometimes and Always. 
     ^{1 Corinthians 11:27-30  &  John 5:5-14    
         John 9:1-3     Romans 5:12 &  Hebrews 9:27}

2) Do some people have a gift of healing?
     Yes and No.  
     ^{1 Corinthians 12:7-9,  30     Acts 5:14-16  &  28:1-9   2 Timothy 4:20,
     1 Timothy 5:23      Philippians 2:25-30}

3) Why are some people healed while others suffer?
     Only God knows. 
     ^{Deuteronomy 29:29  Acts 12:1-17  2 Timothy 4:6-8  compared
     with  4:18}

4) How important is faith?
     It’s Essential and Overrated.
     ^{Hebrews 11:6   Acts 14:8-10  &  Mark 6:1-6  Luke 17:5-6 
     &  Acts 12:1-17}

5) How should we respond to serious illness?
     Weep – Pray & Trust God. 
     ^{Romans 12:15  &  Proverbs 25:20  Luke 18:1-8  &  James 5:14-15    
     1 Peter 4:19}