Alex separated his AC joint racing the guys after church, and suddenly everything he took for granted with two working arms was gone. That’s the whole point of Philippians 3:1-3. Paul is writing to a church being pressured by Judaizers, people telling Gentile believers they had to become Jewish before they could become Christian. Paul calls it what it is: dogs, evildoers, mutilators of the flesh.

In this episode we walk through why confidence in the flesh grieves God and isn’t safe for you, five problems with trusting what you can do, and three ways to actually rely on God instead. Plus the line that ties it all together: joy comes from reliance, not restraint.

Alex and Lokelani also talk about how false teachers keep people locked in, why the “better version of yourself” message is not the gospel, and the very easy test for whether a Christian influencer is putting their confidence in the flesh or in Christ.

Part of the Stress Less series through Philippians.

CHAPTERS0:00 I broke my shoulder racing after church2:20 Who the Judaizers were (Acts 10, 11, 15)5:30 Reading Philippians 3:1-36:15 It grieves God13:00 It isn’t safe for you13:35 Dogs, evildoers, and those who mutilate the flesh17:00 Five problems with confidence in the flesh25:40 How to actually rely on God27:50 Joy comes from reliance, not restraint31:00 The physical can never reach the spiritual35:15 So what gives you confidence?37:40 After the Amen44:45 How false teachers keep people hooked48:50 The iPad I destroyed for no reason53:45 How to spot confidence in the flesh online

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Most of our stress comes from people online telling us what to be, what to wear, what to buy, and where to go. Jesus frees us from all of that.

In this episode of the Stress Less series through Philippians, Alex and Lokelani look at Epaphroditus, a man named after a pagan god who became one of Paul’s most trusted brothers in the ministry. Paul gives him five titles: brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier, messenger, and minister. If the people influencing you don’t fit that list, they shouldn’t be influencing you.

In this episode:

* The 5 titles every godly influence in your life should have

* Why you should look for influences in places of suffering, not prosperity

* Why a screen pastor can never replace a physical one

* No, there is no “spirit of tardiness”

* How to be de-influenced: honor godly people, look at their life, think for yourself, and watch out for the vain

After the Amen question: How do you need Christ to influence you? Answer in the comments.

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In Philippians 2:19-24, Paul couldn’t find anyone like Timothy to send to the Philippians. Why? Because Timothy stopped seeking his own interests and started seeking Christ’s kingdom instead.

In this message, we break down what made Timothy different and how you can become the kind of person God can use in your relationships, church, and calling.

We also unpack:

- Why you don’t jump into leadership too soon

- The cost of following Christ (and losing friends because of it)

- How to trust God when you don’t have the full picture

- Why who you marry can disqualify you from ministry

Sermon from Amen Podcast’s “Stress Less” Philippians series.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 Opening story

2:10 Why Paul needed Timothy

5:20 The problem: seeking your own interests

7:10 The solution: be trained, be like a son

10:35 Trust God without the full picture

14:50 After the Amen discussion

20:20 Why people leave when you follow Christ

25:00 Who you marry matters

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