The Expectations of the Christian Life

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The Expectations of the Christian Life

The Journey Through Philippians

November 30, 2022 • Pastor Arthur Jackson III

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The Expectations Of The Christian Life

Philippians 2:12-16 (NKJV)

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

Everyone must meet certain expectations as they go through life. Parents have certain expectations of their children. Spouses have certain expectations of their mates. Employers and employees have certain expectations when they enter the labor market. Members have certain expectations of their Pastor, and indeed, Pastors have certain expectations of the members of their church. However, when you get down to it, the expectations we hold over one another as we move through life are nothing more than us holding people to our standards! But did you know that God has certain expectations of us? In this second chapter, Paul mentions some of these expectations.

We have learned the church in Philippi was a good church! It was the first Christian church Paul founded and established in Europe. Now, however, it is ten years later, and while in jail, Paul finds out (via Epaphroditus) that the church is in serious trouble, not from outside forces but from disunity within. Quarrelsome people had connected themselves to the church and had created a division. There was murmuring and complaining, which not only hurt Paul, but it harmed and hindered the cause of Christ!

n God Desires Us To Live At Peace With One Another

Þ Romans 12:18 [NIV] – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

This second chapter was written to specifically deal with the divisive spirit that had invaded the church at Philippi! In verses 1-4, there is a Plea for self-denial, humility, mutual concern, and unity. In verses 5-11, Paul gives us the Pattern for all those things, that, of course, being Jesus Christ. Then, in verses 12-16, he provides us with the Process whereby we can become more Christlike in our daily lives.

The Expectation Of The Christian’s Work

The Exhortation In Our Work – V. 12

Paul says, "Work out your salvation!" Please note: Paul does not say work for your salvation, he doesn’t say work toward your salvation, or work at your salvation, but he says work out your salvation. This phrase has been misunderstood and misapplied for 2,000 years! Therefore, before we examine what it means, let's discuss what it does not mean.

1. It does not mean work to be saved

2. It does not mean working out an inward salvation

3. It does not mean to work to stay saved

What does it mean, then? It means “to complete it, to carry it to its conclusion.”

§ It was used to describe the work on a math problem and getting the correct answer.

§ It was used to describe the working of a mine and getting all the ore.

§ It was also used to describe the work in a field and reaping a big harvest.

What Paul is talking about here is moving deeper into the things of the Lord and growing toward maturity! After all, the ultimate goal of salvation is our becoming more like Jesus Christ. Romans 8:29; Ephesians 4:13. Far too many “get in, but they never go on”!

¨ The tense of the words "work out" are in the present middle imperative tense, which indicates a command with a continuing emphasis. We are to "keep on working out to completion or ultimate fulfillment" of our salvation. It is to be a constant, ongoing matter in our daily lives. When we "work out" our salvation, we can live straight in a crooked world.

We are to work out our salvation with "fear and trembling." In the Greek New Testament, "fear and trembling" comes before the statement "work out your salvation." This indicates that Paul was emphasizing their attitude as they fulfilled his command. The idea behind this phrase is you and I have a passion for pleasing the Lord. It involves humility and vigilance. The word "fear" comes from the word phobos. It forms our English word phobia. This word means "fright or terror" as well as reverential respect or awe.

The word "trembling" is from the Greek word tromos, which refers to shaking and forms our English word tremor. Fear and trembling are proper reactions to the awareness of our own spiritual weakness and the power of temptation in us. This is the appropriate attitude to have in our lives.

The Enablement Of Our Work – V.13

Before we were saved, God worked on us, John 16:7-11. Now that we are saved, He works within us, John 16:13. The Holy Spirit gives us an understanding of God’s will for our lives, and He creates within us a desire to carry out that will.

That is how the Christian life operates! God reveals His will to us, and we follow Him in obedience, John 5:19-20! The Christian is not one of passive involvement. We don't just sit around watching God do all the work. No, He places within us a desire to be involved in that work. He shows us what to do, and we go and do it. That, after all, is why He saved Us - Ephesians 2:10! God saved us to work and has equipped us for that work, 1 Corinthians 12:7, 11.

The Expectation Of The Christians Walk

We Are To Walk In Obedience To God – V.14

We are to carry out the will of God without “murmuring.” This world means “muttering, a secret displeasure in the heart, not publically revealed.” And we are to do so without “disputing.” This word means “hesitation, arguing.” It was murmuring and disputing that kept the children of Israel in trouble for 40 years! When the Lord speaks, He wants us to obey His voice without trying to change His mind or trying to find a way out of doing His will. We are simply to “trust and obey”! ⇒ 1 Samuel 15:22; Ephesians 6:6.

We Are To Walk In Opposition To The World – V.15

We are called to be “blameless.” This means “free from fault or defect.” “Harmless” means “unmixed.” It carries the idea of “sincerity or having no pretense.” In other words, a “harmless” person is just what he calms to be. There is no hypocrisy or pretense in his life. He is what he says he is! We are to stand out as “sons of God” without “rebuke.” The bottom line is this: people should be able to look at your life and mine, and even if they disagree with us, they should not be able to point out any areas of hypocrisy in our lives!

This world is “crooked” and “perverse”! These words mean “distorted and twisted.” On the other hand, the Christian is to be straight and true at all times!

The Expectation Of The Christians Witness

The Christian Is To Shine

We were just told how dark the world is. Believers are to shine! We are to be lighthouses, warning men of the dangers of sin and pointing them to the safe harbor of salvation. We are to be light reflectors, constantly reflecting the light of Jesus to those in darkness. (⇒ Moon). We are to light the way for others, just as the path was lit for us by others, Matthew 5:14-16! (Remember, you may be the only Bible some folks ever read, 2 Corinthians 3:2!)

The Christian Is To Share

We are to “hold forth the word of life.” The phrase “hold forth” means to “present or to offer.” We are taking the faith we have been given, and we are to share it with others. If God has saved your soul, you can and should be a light for Him, Acts 1:8! (⇒ Your light may seem dim, but it can ignite a great fire! Peter was a great torch. Andrew's match ignited him. D.L. Moody was a great torch; he was ignited by a little match named Mr. Kimbrell. Spurgeon was a great torch; an unknown layman ignited him! Never underestimate what the Lord can do with your life if you will yield it to Him and let Him shine through you!)

Contentment

May 17, 2023

Philippians 4:12-14 12. “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 14. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.” CONTENTMENT The last time we were here we considered together verses 10 and 11, where we discussed the generosity of the Philippians as seen through the eyes of Paul the apostle. We suggested that Paul saw in the Philippians’ generosity to him three things: · The Lord‘s care o 10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last, you renewed your concern for me. · Loads of compassion o Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. · Lessons in contentment o 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. We ended our study by defining what contentment meant. We said that contentment was to be free from care, due to the satisfaction with what is already one's own. The Hebrew word for contentment means simply "to be pleased." In the Greek word contentment means to be self-sufficient, satisfied, and independent (1 Timothy 6:8; Hebrews 13:5). In other words, Contentment is more of an inward enjoyment than outward satisfaction (1 Timothy 6:6); the former is a habit or permanent state of mind, while the latter has to do with some particular occurrence or object. So that on one hand, inward contentment brings lasting fulfillment, while on the hand outward contentment is a temporary thrill. Paul’s great joy had nothing to do with the gift he had received from the Philippians, per se because he was content and needed nothing despite being confined behind prison walls. For Paul, this sufficiency was not something he had in and of himself, but a sufficiency that came from Christ. It was an understanding gained from the experience of knowing that we have everything we need in Him, regardless of our external circumstances. We highlighted this clearly from three passages found in the scriptures on contentment: Job 36:11 If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment. Song of Songs 8:10 I am a wall, and my breasts are like towers. Thus, I have become in his eyes like one bringing contentment. 1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. And so, we surmised that: Contentment is being thoroughly satisfied or pleased with the things that we have. Contentment is a state of satisfaction or being pleased with the things we don’t have but yet, we wait patiently for such things as we work diligently to gain them. Contentment is God satisfying or pleased with everything God has richly provided for our enjoyment while using those resources to be a blessing to others. Contentment is found wherever and whenever we have the opportunity to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. Paul now in the next several verses, digs a little deeper into the subject of contentment by using his own example, situations, and circumstances. Paul gives his own life as an object lesson in these verses and testifies that “need” and “plenty” are relative terms – relative to what we feel ourselves to want. And that there is a depth of discipline of self whereby one does not need more than one has at any given moment. And the reasons for this he gives in verses 12 through 14. Let us take a candid look at these verses. The first reason he gives is that: THE SECRET TO CONTENTMENT IS IN OUR EXPERIENCE WITH CHRIST 12. “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Notice carefully that Paul mentions some physical circumstances such as being in need and having plenty, being well-fed or hungry, living in much, or having nothing. And in the midst of these social states, he says, twice “I know what it is to be in” and “I know what it is to have.” This “I know” that Paul states here did not come through osmosis, happenstance, or luck. This Knowledge came through learning. And his learning came through two possible ways or both, I believe the latter to be true that his knowledge and learning came through two essential things… 1. The Example he followed. a. 1 Thessalonians 1:6 “You became imitators of us and the Lord.” b. 1 Corinthians 11:1 “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 2. The Experience he nurtured. i.Philippians 2:5 “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ…” ii.Colossians 2:6-7 “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthen in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” iii.Ephesians 4:20 “You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life to put off your old self… and to be renewed in the attitude of your minds.” The second reason he gives is that: THE STRENGTH OF CONTENTMENT IS BEING EMPOWERED BY CHRIST 13. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Paul understood that no matter how difficult his struggles may have been, that there was something else undergirding, and enabling him. There was an invisible means of support deep within, and thus he understood that his adequacy and sufficiency came from his union with someone greater than himself. Paul is clear that “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” He speaks of the adequate and all-sufficient One Christ who dwells within and pullet the reins. When Paul says, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” He had physical and not necessarily spiritual things in mind. The things he had in mind are clearly mentioned in verse 12, where he says “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned….whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” He then says, he “can do everything through” Christ who gives the strength to sustain him in any and every situation. The idea is to be strong, to have power, or to have resources. In context, what Paul is conveying is that he can accomplish these physical feats only by trusting God to sustain him through the extremities that life offers. And because God has already given us everything we need for life and godliness we are better able and equipped for such challenges in life wherever and whenever they come. God has provided for us with his own fourfold resources: 1. His Son – 1 Corinthians 15:30-32 2. His Spirit -Galatians 5:16-26 3. His Scripture James 1:19-25 4. His Supplies – 2 Corinthians 9:10-15 Content belongs to those who rely upon God rather than on their own resources. The third reason he gives is that: SHARING IN CONTENTMENT IS AN ENCOUNTER FOR CHRISTIANS. 14. “Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.” The final reason that Paul gives for contentment is in sharing in the concern for others, here is where true contentment resides. Those who live only for themselves will never be content because their contentment is only when things are exactly the way they want them to be. And when the things they have gained, accumulated, or achieved are taken away, stolen, and/or destroyed they are discontented, discouraged, and despondent. When we share in each other’s trouble, we are supplying and meeting each other’s needs as God has so commanded us to do: 1. We fulfilled the law of Christ – Galatians 6:2 a. 2 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” 2. We help our neighbors for their good and benefit – Romans 15:1- 2 a. 15 “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.” 3. We develop an equality of exchange among our brothers and sisters – 2 Corinthians 8:10-15 a. 10 And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. 11 Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. 12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. 13 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. 14 At the present time your plenty will supply what they need so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, 15 as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”

Grateful

May 10, 2023 • Pastor Ludence Robinson

THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS Chapter 4:10-11 10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. GRATEFUL The last time we were here we considered verses 6-9 of chapter 4 of Philippians, where the apostle Paul encouraged the Philippians to be anxious about nothing but to pray about everything. For too many times, we treat prayer as a transaction and not as an opportunity to commune with God. We learned this from the last time we were here that in this country we are bred to be consumers. And that we should never get caught up in the idea that prayer is a retail experience. Prayer is both an act and an atmosphere. A living trust as well as total reliance upon God. And so, we shared the last time we were here a little more insight into the importance of spiritual stability, that spiritual stability is understanding. Our anxiety as men v. 6 Our appeal is to God v. 6b. Our protection is God’s peace 7. Our righteous living is birth from peace v.8. Our promise from God is his presence v.9. Paul now gives his thanks, after giving his thoughts on spiritual stability. He now with one stroke of the pen moves on to thank the Philippians for their spiritual support, the support they had offered to him for the past 10 years as he ministered among the Macedonian cities of Thessalonica and Berea (Acts 17:1-13). And as he moved south the Philippians continued to show their undying support even as he ministered in Athens and Corinth which belonged to the territory of Achaia. As years passed, they had been concerned about Paul, but lacked the opportunity for whatever reason to show their support for him. But then Epaphroditus finally arrived in Rome, bringing with him a generous gift from those in Philippi. Paul was so ecstatic about the Philippians’ gift that he thanked them for their generosity, and in the process wrote them the letter we are now studying. Therefore, I would like to suggest three things that Paul saw in the generosity of Philippians. Paul saw the Philippians generosity… First, as… THE LORD’S CARE 10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Paul saw the Philippians concern for him as the Lord caring for him. Paul is rejoicing in the Lord, for he knew that it was the Lord, who was at work in those at Philippi. Paul saw the Philippians actions towards him and others as the Lord’s care for him and those with him. He was certain that God in due time would arrange his circumstances to meet his needs. Paul understood that the times, seasons, and opportunities of life are controlled by God. We too are to view the generosity of others as the Lord caring for us, and us doing or caring for the Lord. Jesus echoes these same sentiments in his discourse about the sheep and goats. Matthew writes Jesus’ words this way: 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mathew 25:37-40). Paul is rejoicing in the fact the Philippians had at last renewed their commitment to follow through on their responsibility as stewards, which was meeting the needs of others. Paul saw the Philippians generosity… Secondly, as…. LOADED WITH COMPASSION Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. The Philippians were always a compassionate people it seems from letters, for Philippi was a Roman colony and the leading city of the district of Macedonia. We may not be as familiar with Philippi, but perhaps we are more familiar with the churches of Macedonia as Paul records for us in his letter to the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians chapter 8. It is there we see the signs of generosity, coming from the churches located in that region and Philippi being one of them. Paul conveyed their generosity this way, when he instructed the Corinthians of a pattern to follow as it related to being generous to others. He writes, 8 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5 And they did not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord, and then to us in keeping with God’s will” Matthew 25:37-40 Generosity extends from Compassion, and compassion stems from Grace and grace is given by God. And because we too have been given Grace, we have been given the capacity to be compassionate and/or to be loaded with compassion towards our brothers and sisters who stand in need of our help when and wherever necessary. The scriptures give clear examples of this: Luke in his Acts conveys, “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had” (Acts4:33). Paul writing to those in Rome says, “love must be sincere; hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love” (Romans 12:9-10) 1 Peter 3:8, Peter agrees, “finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.” Jude 1:22 says, “Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear.” Paul writing to those at Ephesus “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32) Paul again writing to the Colossians Christians says, “Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12). Paul saw the Philippians generosity… Thirdly, as… LESSONS IN CONTENTMENT 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Paul says clearly to the Philippians, lest they misunderstood his statement in verse 10, I am not pushing this or bringing it up because I am in need or want ofsomething from you. This is not the case, for Paul appears to be totally satisfied knowing that “the blessing of the Lord maketh rich and he addeth no sorrow to it” (Proverbs 10:22). And that he had learned to be content whatever the circumstances. So being in these circumstances and various situations had taught Paul some valuable lessons in contentment. What is contentment? Contentment is to be free from care because of satisfaction with what is already one's own. The Hebrew means simply "to be pleased." The Greek brings out the full force of the word in 1 Timothy 6:8; Hebrews 13:5. Hence to be content in Greek means to be self-sufficient, satisfied, and independent. In other words, Contentment is more inward enjoyment than outward satisfaction (1 Timothy 6:6); the former is a habit or permanent state of mind, the latter has to do with some particular occurrence or object. One brings lasting fulfillment, while the other a temporary thrill. Paul’s great joy has nothing to do with the gift per se because he is content and needs nothing. For Paul and all believers, this sufficiency is not in ourselves but Christ. It comes from knowing that we have everything we need in Him, regardless of our external circumstances. We can see this clearly from three passages found on contentment: Job 36:11 If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment. Song of Songs 8:10 I am a wall, and my breasts are like towers. Thus, I have become in his eyes like one bringing contentment. 1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. Contentment is being thoroughly satisfied or pleased with the things that we have. Contentment is a state of satisfaction or being pleased with the things we don’t have but yet, waiting patiently for such things as we work diligently to gain them. Contentment is God satisfying or pleased with everything God has richly provided for our enjoyment, while using those resources to be a blessing to others. Contentment is found wherever and whenever we have the opportunity to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

Living in the Now

April 26, 2023 • Pastor Ludence Robinson

PHILIPPIANS 4:1-5 4 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. SPIRITUAL STABILITY: LIVING IN THE NOW The last time we were here Elder Sheranda dealt with the closing verses of chapter 3, and now this evening we have come to the opening verses of chapter 4. Where Paul begins his opening statement with the word “therefore.” Any good student of scripture would want to know immediately what the, therefore, is there for. The word, therefore, means for that reason, or consequently: The word, therefore, indicates that what Paul is about to write builds on what he has just written. The text immediately points us back to the preceding verses where Paul has made it clear to us how to achieve spiritual stability. And then points us forward on how to maintain spiritual stability. First, how to achieve spiritual stability, Paul tells us at least three things in the previous verses… By following a set example v. 17 By Fleeing from Satanic Enemies v. 18, 19 By focusing on simple expectations v. 20, 21 So, the relevant question to be asked and answered is this, how do you and I maintain this spiritual life in a more personal practical manner? First, We must… SEEK FULLER CONNECTIONS v.1 4 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! The phrase “my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown …my beloved” expresses Paul’s deep connections with the Philippians. He has always conveyed a deep desire throughout his epistles to those he has written. We can see this in several of his letters: Romans 1: 8-12 1Corinthians 16:5-7 Galatians 4:19-20 Colossians 2:1 1 Thessalonians 1: 6b-8 Philippians 1:3-8; 25-26 In this verse alone he addresses Philippians in three connective ways 1. As brothers in Christ 2. As beloved by Christ 3. As blessings through Christ Note: We owe it to ourselves to stay connected, because only together are we stronger. Secondly, We must… STOP FIGHTING IN CHURCH v. 2-3 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Paul in verse 2 pleads with two women who were apparently involved in some kind or type of altercation. It appears they were having some difficulty getting along. We are not given the details as to the cause of their disagreement, only that there was a disagreement. The truth is that wherever there are people there will be some disagreements, differences, and disputes. How do fights start in the first place? James 4: 1-3 How do we minimize fights in church? By Learning to agree to disagree with each other By Learning to assist & help each other. By Learning to accept & embrace each other. Note: The better we handle our differences, will be the judge of how we handle each other. Lastly, We must… STAY FAITHFUL TO THE CAUSE v. 4-5 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Paul in verse 4 repeats one of the favorite refrains of the Psalms – rejoice in the Lord! The secret of this exhortation is found in the words “in the Lord” that no matter how dark and dismal the circumstances of life may appear, it is still possible to rejoice in the Lord always and again to rejoice. The point Paul is making here is that rejoicing in the Lord is such a vital factor to the believers’ spiritual stability that the command bears repeating twice – “rejoice in the Lord always and again I will say rejoice!” This repetition, however, presupposes the reality that it is not easy to be joyful, hence joy is not dependent upon feelings, nor emotion but upon a clear understanding of God as he has revealed himself. Note: What you and I believe about God, is how we will live our lives before Him. The question is how do you and I stay faithful to the cause? Paul suggests at least three ways we can stay faithful to the cause... By maintaining a spirit of joy. By displaying a spirit of gentleness. By constantly being aware of the Lord’s presence.