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.”
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.
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.
KEEP MOVING FORWARD Philippians 3:15-21 (NLT) 15 Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. 16 But we must hold on to the progress we have already made. 17 Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. 18 For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. 20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control. Pastor Robinson taught us about the believer’s “Life Pursuit” founded in v.12- 14, that we as believers should Press Onward, Press Forward, and Press Upward. “I press toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Paul suggests our pursuit in life should be that God changes us. This change is not just outwardly, but inwardly as well, so that we can attain that prize which we are after. Paul suggests that prize is to KNOW CHRIST, be MORE like Christ & ultimately, to be WITH CHRIST. ❖To Know Christ – 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. (to know Him is to love him) ❖To Be More like Christ -10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. [that our nature (character, dispositions, perspective, responses) be like Christ (reflect Christ)] ❖To Be with Christ – 11 so that one way or another I will experience the resurrectionfrom the dead! (Reference 1 Thessalonians 4:16 – dead in Christ will rise and those whoremain will be caught up to meet him in the air) 15 Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. Paul suggests that those who are spiritually mature agree and those who disagree let God reveal it to them. I like the fact that Paul makes mention of the level of maturity you must have in order to agree with his understanding of the ultimate prize. Note how he handles those who disagree, believing God would make it plain for them. I think for most believers, we try to convince people to believe what we believe and see how we see. Paul suggests here that in his maturity, he realizes that is not his responsibility. That responsibility rests on the individual to seek God and allow God to make plain what we are mature enough to see and understand. Stop wasting time trying to convince people and allow God to reveal it in time. 16 But we must hold on to the progress we have already made. Paul suggests in this verse: Let us stay true to what we believe; to the progress we have already made. How do we as believers “Keep Moving Forward?” 17 Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. 1. We must Pattern our Lives from Godly examples. Again, Paul is talking to the mature believer, suggesting that we should pattern ourselves after those whose belief system is like ours and those who have been established as an authority of the Faith. Pattern is “someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation." In other words, it is a recurrent way of acting by an individual towards any given situation; having a consistent behavior. Repeat these words: Watch the pattern!! Watch the pattern!!! Life application – Time is the best indicator. 2. We must show compassion to perpetrators that are led astray. 18 For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. Paul suggests their conduct shows that they are enemies of the cross. The way they behave and carry themselves says they go against everything for which Christ died. Some people you don’t have to consult God about. Some people you don’t have to question if they are a believer of Jesus Christ or not. It’s a known fact. Their actions are speaking louder than anything that they can profess. However, I love Paul’s response in this context. Paul begins to cry as he is saying this to the believers in Philippi. Paul's tears are for the unsaved. He refers to them as those who "walk as enemies of the cross of Christ." These words prove that Paul was not a man who coldly and arrogantly defended his opinions. He had sincere, loving concern for the souls of these lost people. He had empathy and His goal was their salvation. Their god was V19 their worldly appetite, their sensuality, their vanity. Their god is what feels good to the body, what looks good to the eyes, and what they hold as most sacred and valued. All these things are materialistic in nature and deal with all the senses of the body. They are things that they crave. The question becomes are we children of God guilty of indulging in these various worldly endeavors? They are all things that are temporary, with no lasting reward. Paul was an enemy of the Christ. Paul was blinded by his fleshly desires. It wasn’t until he received his sight that he saw the misfortunate of his ways. We should be like Paul! 3. We must acknowledge our position as citizens of the Lord’s kingdom. 20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control. We are citizens of the Kingdom of God! What is a citizen? It’s your birth right; you are born into the kingdom of God. This happens when you acknowledge that Jesus died for your sins and rose again and is sitting in heaven at the right hand of God. Being born again gives us the rights to the Kingdom of Heaven, access to the Kingdom of Heaven and all of its benefits. Our place in eternity is secure from the moment we trust in Christ. It takes time to see our actions and attitudes change to be like His. ❖We must have patience with ourselves and with others. God will take our mortal bodies and change them into the glorious body like Jesus Christ. ➢Don’t allow the conditions of life to hinder us from moving forward. Don’t allow our appetites and desires to keep us from living as believers of the cross. We must never forget that we are Kingdom Citizens.
The Priceless Value of Knowing Christ Philippians 3:4-9 (NLT) 4 though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more! 5 I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. 6 I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault. 7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.[c] For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith The Apostle Paul is talking to the church in Philippi and wants to have this discussion on where to place our confidence. Pastor Robinson taught us last week about “not putting our confidence in the flesh.” For example, placing stock in what we can do or what man can do. But rather we should place our confidence on the shoulders of Christ. So, Paul continues this theme in v4. “though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more!” Qualifications for having confidence v5-6 I. Circumcision – Eight days old (in line with Jewish customs and beliefs) II. Citizenship – pure blooded citizen of Israel from the Tribe of Benjamin. The tribe of Benjamin is known for their courage, warriors; their symbol is the wolf. They would teach their soldiers to fight with their left hand to throw their opponents off; very skilled fighters. III. Creed -Jewish Pharisees – Pharisees were rabbis who believed the temple was unnecessary and the Torah was the most important aspect of the Jewish life. They worshipped in synagogues, interpreted the Torah, and most notably, believed in the importance of oral law. IV. Character – Obeyed the law to a T without blemish or fault; considered righteous among his brethren. Paul said because of these qualifications alone I should have confidence in my own efforts. Confidence in obtaining salvation through works. That’s what Paul meant in V4 says; “in his own efforts” It’s the pursuit of salvation by works. But God is saying tonight let us not place our confidence in things; let’s not place our confidence even in man. Yes, we love Pastor Jackson, and we appreciate the great heart he has and the awesome visionary he is, but let us not place our confidence in him. Let’s place our confidence in the ONE who created him, who gifted him, who died for him and our souls that we may be saved. It’s so easy to exalt things and hold things in high regard. However, Paul is admonishing us tonight that we should have our confidence in Jesus Christ. V 7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Paul thought that these merits, accolades, and his accomplishments were of substance and valuable. He believed that what he accomplished spoke volumes, BUT (that’s the conjunction) he considers them worthless compared to what Christ has done. In other words, those things are worthless compared to the purpose that Christ had given to his life. Some questions for you: What do you value? What do you hold that you consider to be sacred, dear, important, and/or rare? Is it a watch that your father gave you before he passed away? Is it a car that you bought with no assistance from others? Is it a set of pearls you got from your mother or grandmother? Is it a charm, a house that you purchased, a pin that holds sentimental value? Is it your degrees? How about your organizations or affiliations? What motivates your action and serves as guiding principles in your life? Paul said all those things are worthless compared to the purpose that Christ had given to his life! ❖ Things vs Purpose We must value our purpose that Christ has given us more so than things. Mark 8:36 – 37 For what shall it profit a man. If he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Our souls are priceless, but when we don’t know our purpose, then things supersede the gifts that Christ has given to us. We, Children of God don’t know our purpose and that’s why we see more value in things that are unprofitable, that are fleeting, than we do God. ➢ Your life purpose consists of the central motivating aims of your life- the reasons you get up in the morning. Purpose can guide life decisions, influence behavior, shape goals, offer a sense of direction, and create meaning. If you don’t know your purpose, ask God and allow Him to show you and speak to you! ❖ Possessions vs Perspective How many of us place value on material possessions, creature comforts, things that all have an expiration date? Why, if we know things expire, would we hold it in high regard? If we know things breakdown, decay, stop working, why do we hold value in it? Could it be because our perspective is jaded? Paul’s perspective on life was influenced by his life as a Jewish Pharisee - a persecutor of Christians, and then living as an establisher of churches, a great evangelist for Christ. He realized what he once valued as creditable, worthy was nothing since he had experienced Christ. His perspective had changed. Acts 9 Paul had an encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus. When his name was changed from Saul to Paul, he was blind for 3 days. Movie Application (Matrix) - Have you ever encountered Christ? Have you ever experienced him in such a way that your thoughts were different? Your perspective is different? Nothing is the same. V 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ Not only does Paul say the things he has accomplished are worthless, but EVERYTHING ELSE, when compared to Knowing Christ, is worthless. Not just knowing Christ, but the “inifinite value” of knowing Christ. ➢ To be infinite is to be without limits. Where there’s a limit there’s finiteness. Being truly infinite, God knows no restrictions of space, ability, or power. Paul says when I compare, when I look at the pros vs the cons, there is NO comparison to knowing the unrestricting, powerful, limitless Christ. I believe there is a song that says; “To know HIM is to LOVE HIM. To Know HIM is to Serve HIM, To Know HIM is to Praise HIM, To Know HIM is to want to Know more of HIM!! To Know Christ and learn of him, develop a deep relationship with HIM makes everything seem like a waste. What Paul calls “garbage”. Paul understood that to know Christ is a priceless value. It’s so precious that its value cannot be determined. We don’t have a measuring tool that can weigh the goodness of Christ. We have the privilege of getting to know our Savior Jesus Christ on an intimate level like Paul. ➢ Paul went from a man who chased wealth and power to one who lived in faith. He went from being a man mired in hatred for anything and anyone he could not control to one who willingly relinquished control out of love for God. How many tonight can say that the same is true for you? To Know HIM supersedes anything else. V 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.[c] For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith 9a - Paul says, I can no longer rely on my own righteousness. The deeds that I have done but I rather become righteous through “FAITH” in Christ. Believing in Christ is how I am righteous. There is nothing that we can do, nothing that we can materially accumulate, but it’s our belief in Christ that makes us Righteous. 9b - So God made us in right standing with him but that’s all based upon our FAITH. And as our faith grows, then God can reveal more of himself to us! Because of Paul’s faith in knowing who Christ was, he was able to do miracles and walk in an anointing that others could not. Here is a list of things that Paul experienced because of his desire to know a priceless Christ. ❖ Signs and wonders are done through Paul and Barnabas Acts 14:3 NKJV: ❖ Paul heals a cripple Acts 14:8-10 NKJV: ❖ Paul casts out a spirit of divination Acts 16:16-18 NKJV: ❖ Paul’s & Silas’ prison doors open; the prison keeper & his family are saved Acts 16:19-34 NKJV: ❖ 12 men filled with the Holy Spirit Acts 19:1-7 NKJV: ❖ God works unusual miracles through the hands of Paul Acts 19:11-12 NKJV: ❖ Paul resurrects Eutychus Acts 20:9-12 NKJV: ❖ Paul shakes off a viper Acts 28:3-6 NKJV:
Philippians 3:1-3 1. Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2. Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. 3. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh. The Joy of Hearing It Again! Last time we were here we learned about the mind of Christ and how valuable that mind is, Christ’s mind as the apostle Paul has revealed, is a mind that all Christians should possess, and should seek to emulate and imitate. Paul has been arguing for this mind ever since the beginning of chapter 2. And to further his point gave us three illustrative examples, first, his own example, second the example of Timothy, and third the example of Epaphroditus. And now Paul is eager yet again to show us this life once more not in a concluding fashion but more in a transitioning fashion. Paul in the first verse of this passage opens with the word “finally.” The word here for “finally” is better rendered as “furthermore”, “so then”, or “now then.” So, it’s not a word of conclusion but a word of transition that Paul mentions at the beginning of this letter. Paul is still pressing his case in these verses; for he says, “Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Paul stated simply he had no problems repeating himself, a-matter-a-fact he was totally fine with saying what he had said already or was about to say again and so he gives the Philippians and us three solid reasons why he would repeat himself. {The first reason why Paul repeated himself was…} FOR THEIR WELFARE v.1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Paul in verse 1a commanded the Philippians to “rejoice in the Lord” as “one” in their common faith, just as he had commanded them earlier in chapter 1 verse 27, to “stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel.” Here again, Paul encouraged them with a command to rejoice as brothers and sisters in the Lord. He gave them three reasons for rejoicing, by showing them… The WHO of their rejoicing The WHERE of rejoicing The WHY of their rejoicing Paul in verse 1b, is deeply concerned about the Philippians’ safety. He does not mind writing the same things again in order to keep them safe from those who would oppose them (1:28). But where does our safety lie as believers? {The second reason why Paul repeated himself was…} FOR THEM TO BEWARE v. 2 2. Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. Paul in verse 2 tells us three times in this one verse to “beware” The NIV uses the phrase “watch out.” The King James Version captures the words of Paul in a repetitive fashion as “Beware.” The RSV renders the text as “beware for dogs, beware for evil works, beware of the concision.” In this one verse, Paul gives us three tell-tale signs of the same group of men or perhaps three approaches that false teachers use to gain an audience. Paul calls these men by awful names, while at the same time applying it to their characters… Dogs “those dogs” The Greek word here that Paul uses for dogs is Koon, literally a scent hound. Wild scavengers that plagued ancient cities. These Koons roamed in packs, feeding on garbage. The word dog was frequently used as a derogatory term. In fact, the Jews in biblical times commonly referred scornfully to Gentiles as dogs. Deceitful workers are “those men who do evil.” The word here for evil is the Greek word for worthless, note that Paul says they do evil. Meaning their deeds are not worth following for it will ultimately end in death. However, the irony here is that false teachers pride themselves on their supposed righteousness, but in reality, they are evil workers. Banking on their accomplishments and deeds to put them right with God. Devotees to circumcision are “those mutilators of the flesh.” Circumcision has always been essential to Israel for several reasons. It was the distinguishing mark of God’s covenant relationship with his people (Genesis 17:11; Acts 7:8). It was an identifying mark of God’s covenant community among his people (Genesis 17:14). Circumcision graphically illustrated man’s depravity, which is nowhere more manifest than in the procreative act, because it is then that the sinful nature is passed on to a new generation. And therefore, circumcision was a symbol, picturing man’s need to be cleansed from sin at the deepest root of his being. Hence, the bloodshed while cutting in the physical act of circumcision could symbolize the need for a sacrifice to accomplish the cleaning. Circumcision then was to reflect an outer action of an inner reality. God through the prophet Jeremiah commanded the Israelites to “circumcise yourselves to the Lord and remove the foreskins of your heart” ( Jeremiah 4:4, 9:26; lev 26:41 Deuteronomy 110:16 30:6 Ezekiel 44:7,9). But sadly, circumcision had become nothing more than a mere outward ritual, robbed of its spiritual significance. Paul’s use of the word in Greek for mutilators is to cut down, describing the false teachers as “the false circumcision”, individuals who were experts at botched jobs. Persons who like to be seen doing outward rites and rituals. {The third reason why Paul repeated himself was…} FOR THEM TO BE AWAREv.3 3. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh. Paul is again commanding Philippians to be aware of who they are, and who the concision is, by making a contrast between “the concision” in verse 2 (whom he styles as “mutilators of the flesh,” or as the KJV renders it “the concision”) that we “the circumcision”, in verse 3. On one hand, Paul calls their circumcision false, while on the other hand, calling himself, the Philippians, and us “the true circumcision”, those who have truly cut away the flesh. He conveys that we are the ones whose hearts are radically transformed. True circumcision is that of the heart by the Spirit. No ritual, no circumcision, baptism, communion, or any other – can transform the heart. And a transformed heart can only be done in a threefold way… By His Spirit v. 3a Perhaps a better translation is “We who serve God through the Spirit.” Or “by means of his Spirit” This is the only way one can worship God and that is through his Spirit. Through His Son v. 3b Note that Paul says here “we glory in Christ Jesus”, that is our boast is in his accomplishments, we rejoice in what Christ has done. And this is because of our union with him. In His Salvation v. 3c Note what Paul says, “we put no confidence in the flesh”, in other words, we do not place stock in what we can do, or what men can do for us. We do not put any trust in external ceremonies to save us or to bring us salvation. Our confidence is placed squarely on Christ’s shoulders. For…
THE MINISTRY OF EPAPHRODITUS Philippians 2:25-30 (NKJV) Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me. ▪ Epaphroditus is one of the “unsung” heroes in the bible ➔ His entire biblical bio is summed up in two verses of the bible (Ph.2:25; 4:18) ◼ You Don’t Have to Be Mentioned To Have Meaning! “The reason why we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind the scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel” –Steven Furtick God Works Behind The Scenes, But He Moves All The Scenes Of Which He Is Behind. Of course at the time of this text, the Apostle Paul is in prison. He was hoping to be present with the Philippians soon. According to verse 24, he was “trusting” the Lord about this matter. This word "trust" is from the Greek word [peitho] which means "to convince or to persuade." The word is used in the perfect tense of the Greek language, emphasizing something that had taken place in the past with a continuing effect. This suggests that Paul had been persuaded in the past and was still convinced at the time of writing that he was going to be released from prison and would be able to visit the Philippians shortly. He had confidence that the Lord was going to do it again. ➔ PEOPLE WHO ARE COGNIZANT OF WHAT GOD HAS DONE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE CONFIDENT IN WHAT GOD WILL DO! However, until that time, Paul felt the person who should serve as the liaison between him and the believers at Philippi was a young man by the name of Epaphroditus. ❖ Epaphroditus means, "charming, lovely or loving." It originally meant, "favored by Aphrodite," who was the Greek goddess of love. His personality was very charming and winsome. He was a very loving man and loved by many. He was willing to be sent anywhere, ready to serve anyone, and prepared to sacrifice anything for others. Epaphroditus did not quit nor forsake Paul in the time of need. He’d been sent to Rome to minister to Paul who was in prison. Epaphroditus became critically ill and almost died. He could have easily returned to Philippi after he recovered, but he did not. He stuck to his call and mission. Epaphroditus was so staunch a believer that Paul gives him 5 titles. 1. HE WAS A CHRISTIAN BROTHER. Note the tenderness: Paul called him "my brother." A brother is a person who has the same parent. Epaphroditus was born of God. He had placed his faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, and God had honored his faith by giving him a new birth “a spiritual birth.” God had made a new creature or new man out of him (2 Cor. 5:17; Ephes. 4:24; Col. 3:10). Therefore, he was a brother to Paul and a member of God's family. "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" (John 1:12). "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty" (2 Cor. 6:17-18). "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God" (Ephes. 2:19). 2. HE WAS A COMPANION IN THE WORK OF THE LORD. Many persons serve in the work of the Lord, but not everyone is a true companion in labor. A true companion is by the side of his friend; he is there with him: understanding, feeling, supporting, consoling, comforting, encouraging, and helping whenever needed. There is nothing between true companions... No distance No envy No withdrawal No competition No neglect No forsaking As stated, a true companion in the ministry is there by the side of his friend and he is always there. He never forsakes his friend regardless of the circumstances. Epaphroditus was a true example of a companion in labor. As I mentioned earlier, Paul was a prisoner about to stand trial for his life and had been forsaken by most believers (2 Tim. 4:16). But note Epaphroditus stood by Paul despite the severe circumstances. And remember, he had become deathly ill, but even then, when he had every reason to return home for recuperation, he stayed in Rome by Paul's side. Epaphroditus was a companion indeed. He was not a quitter! He was not a coward! "A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24). 3. HE WAS A FELLOW SOLDIER. This is the first time this word appears in the KJV Bible. No doubt this refers to the hardiness and steadfastness of Epaphroditus. By sticking so closely to Paul, he ran the risk of being identified as a follower of Paul who was being falsely tried as an insurrectionist against the state. This danger was probably the reason so many believers forsook Paul (2 Tim. 4:16). But not Epaphroditus; he stood fast, he stood as a fellow soldier with Paul... ▪ despite the danger. ▪ despite his own ill health. Epaphroditus was set on completing his ministry and on helping Paul in his ministry as much as possible despite the terrible circumstances of imprisonment and illness that dragged him to the brink of death. Epaphroditus was a true soldier who was willing to risk his life for the sake of the gospel of God's people. HE WAS NOT A QUITTER! HE WAS NOT A COWARD! "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier" (2 Tim. 2:3-4). 4. HE WAS A MESSENGER OF THE CHURCH. The word "messenger" is [apostolos] which is the very word for Apostle. The word means messenger, an ambassador sent on a very special mission. Paul is saying that this dear saint of God had been called as a very special messenger and ambassador for God. He was a very special apostle, a very special messenger of God. 5. HE WAS A VERY SPECIAL MINISTER [leitourgon]. William Barclay points out that this word would have great meaning to the Greek minds of the Philippian church. The word was used only of great men. The title was bestowed only upon great benefactors, men who loved their city, culture, arts, or sports so much that they gave huge sums of money to support these functions. In Ancient Greece, some men loved their cities so much that they would pay for civic projects out of their own pockets. They would defray the expenses of an embassy. They would foot the bill for drama plays of great poets. They would bear the expenses of the training of athletes that represented their city in the Greek games. These men would pay the bills for equipping a warship and paying a crew to serve in the navy of the state. These men of unselfish sacrifice were supreme benefactors of the state and they were called leitourgoi. This is the word Paul uses to describe the sacrifice and love of Epaphroditus.
The Joy of Being Light Bearers Philippians 2:12-18 12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. 14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe. 16 as you hold out the word of life – in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. The last time we were here we dealt with the mind that Christ possessed and concluded that it is the mind that we all should adopt. According to Paul, Christ had a threefold mind set; He had a selfless mind, he had a servant’s mind, and he had a sacrificial mind. And that at each stage of his life, Christ’s mindset was displayed. • His selfless mind dealt with his position. • His servant's mind dealt with his incarnation. • His sacrificial mind dealt with humiliation. At every stage of his life, Christ main objective was to please God, and serve man in order to save him! Paul here turns on the light on Christ - the light of the world, and in this third section of chapter 2 encourages the Philippians to be light bearers or better yet children of light. Teaching them and us what it means to be light in a dark world. A world that has become dark through various ideologies, philosophies, and theologies. Paul endeavors to show us how we can still shine as lights in this dense darkness. The relevant question to be asked and answered is this: How do you and I find joy in being light bears and by bringing light to the world? [We find joy in being light bears and bringing light to the world when we realize that…] GOD IS WORKING WITHIN US vv. 12-13 12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Notice first that the apostle Paul has made it clear in verses 12 & 13 that God works in us. According to Paul, God has already began working; chapter 1:6, “…He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Notice carefully that this work that God has begun doing, is a work within us which He will continue to do from start to finish. Paul is so sure of God’s work, that he states “God…will carry it on to completion…” Therefore, it is a complete work, which God does in his people until he comes or calls. However, how does an individual know that God is at work within his/her life? We know that God is at work by: · Our Obedience to HIM: notice that Paul says that the Philippians obeyed God not only in his presence, but also in his absence (v.12). When God is at work within us obedience is not an option but a command. Obedience to God is always a must whether in public or private. One can tell, secondly, that God is at work within us, by… · Our Service to HIM: notice again that Paul calls upon the Philippians to work out their own salvation (v.12). Is Paul teaching the Philippians here that salvation is by human effort? When elsewhere he talks about salvation being by faith alone through grace alone. “…Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” is what Paul says. however, he is not advocating nor suggesting salvation by works or human effort. But salvation by divine energy or God working within. It is not faith and works, but a faith that works, a divine synergy between God and man. One can tell, thirdly, that God is at work within by… · Our Submission to HIM: notice carefully that our obedience and our service to God is the result of our submission to his work within us. For verse 13 says, “for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do his good pleasure.” The people on one occasion asked Jesus what we shall do that we might work the works of God. Jesus answered and said unto them, “this is work of God that ye believe on him whom he hath sent” (John 6:29). [Secondly, we find joy in being light bears and bringing light to the world, when we realize that…] GOD IS WORKING THROUGH US vv. 14-15 14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe. Paul then says, clearly that God is working through us as we interact with the world around us. Paul argues that if we are going to be children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, we ought to do so “without complaining or arguing…” Paul here encourages us to do what we are incapable of doing naturally – not to complain, not to argue. Notice carefully what Paul is teaching, that as we do God’s good pleasure, we should do it “without complaining or arguing…” by allowing God to work through us, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe. So, to shine like stars in a dark world, we are to allow God's energy to work through us, that through his energy (grace) we must put away those things that belong to the fallen nature. As he says, "do everything without complaining and arguing." Paul here identifies two main hinderances, that hinders God’s work and our witness in a dark world. 1. Complaining - to express inward discontent or unhappiness about a situation. 2. Arguing - to display outward dispute and disagreement with someone or somebody, continuously or angrily. Paul then says by refraining from these two vices, we would then be characterized by three distinct virtues. 1. We would be blameless – no charge will stick; no fingers will be pointed. 2. We would be pure – you will be seen as sincere and without deceit. 3. We would be faultless – even a character weakness will still be seen as a strength. On the one hand, the vices, Paul argues, has no place in the life of a person whom God is at work within and through. However, on the other hand, the virtues shine through as God’s work in every believer. The aim then is while living in this dark world we are to shine like stars in the universe, that is, we are to be examples to those around us, in contentment, in pleasantness, in blamelessness, in purity, and without fault, which can only be had through Christ. [Thirdly, we find joy in being light bears and bringing light to the world when we realize] GOD IS WORKING WITH US vv. 16-18 16 as you hold out the word of life – in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. Paul then tells us that God is working with us, as we hold out the word of life, that is, as you and I share the gospel with others. Paul is extremely excited that God’s work in them was the result of God’s work in him. He further points out that even if he suffered as a result of their witness to the truth, he was happy to share even in those results, that they in-turn may share in his. We too are to serve those, God has assigned to us, in the way same Paul served the Philippians. By his own example he gives three clear practical ways that we ought to serve others. 16 as you hold out the word of life – in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. · We do IT hopefully, 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. · We do IT sacrificially. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. · We do IT joyfully.
“THE MIND OF CHRIST” Philippians 2:5-7 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” The mind is the most powerful computer in the world. Mind power is composed of your attention, your mental images, and your thoughts. That energy moving across the synapses of your neurons has potent potential to revolutionize your life. A SINGLE THOUGHT CAN ALTAR THE TRAJECTORY OF YOUR LIFE. Just like the wind, which is invisible, but can be powerful, so are your mind and thoughts. ▪ Paul realized the power of the mind and he addressed the issue of the mind all through his letter to the Philippian church. Philippians 1:27 (NKJV) Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, Philippians 2:2 (NKJV) - “Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Philippians 2:3 (NKJV) - “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” Philippians 3:16 (NKJV) - “Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.” Philippians 3:19 (NKJV) - “Whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame--who set their mind on earthly things.” Philippians 4:2 (NKJV) - “I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. THE MIND IS THE BODY’S BATTLEFIELD WHAT IS A BATTLEFIELD? “A parcel of ground upon which a battle is fought”. “The area of contention, conflict, or hostile opposition.” A BATTLEFIELD is a place of hostile opposition. A battlefield is a place where battles are won and lost. Everyday – every moment – there is a battle going on in our minds between right and wrong, good and bad, God’s way or Satan’s way, the Spirit or the flesh. It is our wills that determine who wins control of our minds, and because actions follow thoughts, ultimately who wins control of our very lives. In fact, when writing to the believers in Rome, Paul spoke candidly concerning the war that was raging in his mind. Romans 7:21-23 [NLT] - I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. OUR BEHAVIOR FOLLOWS THE BLUEPRINTS OF OUR MIND Any General Contractor will tell you, first the BLUEPRINTS, then the BUILDING. Before a building is built, blueprints are drawn up. A sanctuary, fellowship hall, classrooms, offices, and restrooms all are the results of BLUEPRINTS. Contractors, plumbers, electricians, and carpenters will together raise the building. But long before any of this can happen, a set of blueprints must be drawn up. For the purposes of our understanding…the “building” is the behavior; the “blueprints” are the mind. FIRST THE BLUEPRINTS, THEN THE BUILDING; FIRST THE MIND, THEN THE BEHAVIOR. ◼ IF I WANT TO CHANGE THE WAY I ACT, I MUST CHANGE THE WAY I THINK ➔ BRIAN TRACY - “the one fundamental change a person can make that will forever alter the trajectory of their life is their mindset”. ◼ PEOPLE ACT THE WAY THEY ACT BECAUSE THEY THINK THE WAY THEY THINK! Mental Maturity Is Required 1 Corinthians 13:11 - “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. THE MATURE MIND IS THE MIND OF CHRIST! JESUS DIDN’T EXPLOIT HIS STATUS AS SOVEREIGN Philippians 2:6 (NKJV) - who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, ▪ When Paul uses the word “Form,” he’s using the Greek word [Mor-fay], which means, “very nature”. o Philippians 2:6 [NLT] - Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. ◼ Jesus Had Sovereign Status [Jn.1:1] – YOU COULDN’T TELL IT BY HOW HE LOOKED Isaiah 53:2 [NLT2] - My servant grew up in the LORD’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. – YOU COULDN’T TELL IT BY WHERE HE LIVED MATTHEW 8:20 (NKJV) And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head." – YOU COULDN’T TELL IT BY WHAT HE LOVED MATTHEW 6:19-21 [NKJV] "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The point is this, even with having “SOVEREIGN STATUS” Paul said that Jesus had the kind of mindset that He chose NOT to exploit it! He chose NOT to use His power and privilege for personal gain. If we are going to develop a mindset of Christ, we cannot get caught up in STATUS! We must be mindful that we are what we are and have what we have by the grace of God! 1 Corinthians 15:10 [TLB] - But whatever I am now it is all because God poured out such kindness and grace upon me—and not without results: for I have worked harder than all the other apostles, yet actually I wasn’t doing it, but God working in me, to bless me. JESUS DIDN’T EXEMPT HIMSELF FROM SERVING Philippians 2:7 (NKJV) - but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:7 (NLT2) - Instead, He gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, NOTE – JESUS GAVE UP HIS DIVINE PRIVILEGES He emptied Himself of eternal riches. He gave up the riches, blessings, adoration, and worship of Heaven to come to earth and be despised and rejected of men. 2 Corinthians 8:9—For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. Jesus was born in a borrowed stable. He was laid in a borrowed manger. He used as His pulpit a borrowed boat. He fed thousands with a borrowed lunch. He slept in a borrowed bed. He rode as King on a borrowed beast. He observed the Last Supper in a borrowed room. He was mocked as king in a borrowed robe. He was buried in a borrowed tomb. NOTE – JESUS TOOK ON THE FORM OF A SERVANT The word "took" is from the Greek word lambano. This word does not imply an exchange, but an addition. Jesus did not cease to be God when He took the form of a servant. He added humanity to His divinity. The word "form" here is again from the Greek word morphe. The lesson is Jesus was a servant. This never changed for it was the essence of His character. There was no play-acting. He was a genuine servant. He temporarily gave up the highest glory imaginable, the glory of Heaven, to take the lowest position thinkable, the position of a bondslave or servant. There are some great lessons for us here. When we try to impress others, we are assuming a role that is not for us. We struggle for a reputation, but Jesus made Himself of no reputation. He stooped and stepped down. The Sovereign became the servant of mankind. JESUS DEMONSTRATED THAT GREATNESS COMES THROUGH SERVICE MOST people think they could never become great, but they are greatly mistaken. Everyone can be great. Most people think in order to be great, they must be wealthy, popular, or attain some measure of power. Others think they must have great talent in athletics or business. But the truth of the matter is, a person could have all of those aforementioned things and still not be great! Jesus gave us the guide to greatness… Matthew 20:26-28 (NIV) - Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave--just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." ▪ MAHATMA GANDHI - “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others” ▪ MUHAMMAD ALI - “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth” ▪ DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING - “ everybody can be great because anybody can serve” JESUS EXCUSED HIMSELF FROM SUFFERING Philippians 2:8 (NKJV) - And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Each step down brought Jesus into deeper humiliation and finally death. Death marked the ultimate point of obedience, the extent to which He went for us. Jesus chose a form of death reserved for slaves and criminals... the death of the cross. THE DEATH OF THE CROSS As an instrument of death, the cross was detested by the Jews. Galatians 3:13— “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree” The cross became a stumbling block to the Jews. How could one accursed of God be their Messiah? The punishment of the cross was meted out by the Romans for such crimes as Treason, Desertion in the face of the enemy, Robbery, or Assassination. Among the Romans, crucifixion was preceded by scourging to hasten death. Once on the cross, the person was usually left to starve to death. They would also be roasted by the sun, severely chilled by the cold nights, tormented by flies laying eggs in their wounds and biting at their flesh, and also by birds and wild dogs. If the person was nailed to the cross, a drink was given to them to help deaden the pain. The suffering of crucifixion was intense, especially in hot climates. Inflammation and bleeding of jagged wounds produced traumatic fever that was aggravated by the sun, strain on the body, and thirst. The wounds from nails swelled around the nails. Torn tendons and nerves produced extreme pain. Arteries in the head and stomach were surcharged with blood and a terrific throbbing headache ensued. The rubbing of the back wounds on the rough surface of the cross was excruciating. The victim of the cross would die a thousand deaths. Death would be preceded by exhaustion, and unconsciousness. It was a long way down from Heaven's throne to Calvary's cross. However Jesus voluntarily did this for us! The point is this: ▪ HAVING THE MIND OF CHRIST MEANS WE ARE WILLING TO SUFFER 2 Timothy 2:12 (KJV) - If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
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 http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=php+2%3a1-4, there is a Plea for self-denial, humility, mutual concern, and unity. In http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=php+2%3a5-11, 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. http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=ro+8%3a29; http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=eph+4%3a13. 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, http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=jn+16%3a7-11. Now that we are saved, He works within us, http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=jn+16%3a13. 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, http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=jn+5%3a19-20! 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 - http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=eph+2%3a10! God saved us to work and has equipped us for that work, http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=1co+12%3a7, http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=1co+12%3a11. 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”! ⇒ http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=1sa+15%3a22; http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=eph+6%3a6. 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, http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=mt+5%3a14-16! (Remember, you may be the only Bible some folks ever read, http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=2co+3%3a2!) 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, http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=ac+1%3a8! (⇒ 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!)
LET’S STAY TOGETHER PHILIPPIANS 2:1-4 (NKJV) Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. PHILIPPIANS 2:1-4 (MSG) If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care—then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. In the first chapter of the book of Philippians, the Apostle Paul in writing to the believers at Philippi dealt with the PHILOSOPHY OF CHRISTIAN LIVING, and he summed it up in one verse: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." This one verse highlighted the fact that Christ was at the very center of Paul's life and His existence in Paul’s life governed his existence in the world. However, in this chapter, Paul deals with the PATTERN FOR CHRISTIAN LIVING, which is the mind of Christ, which should be the goal of ever believer. As we’ve already mentioned, the Philippian church (like the Antioch church) was a strong church—a very strong church. I emphasize that because whenever a church is strong, it is always full of vision and planning, and is always working out a strategy to carry forth the gospel of Jesus Christ. A strong church launches ministry after ministry and program after program. A strong church is never still and never complacent—neither are the minds of the people nor the hands of the people who comprise that church. A strong church is purpose driven and not personality driven. Because a church is all of that, there is ALWAYS the danger of differences of opinion, differences in vision, differences in desires, differences in concern, differences in emphasis, and differences in interest in a strong church. There are ALWAYS different ideas as to what direction the ministry should be heading in or what ministry projects the church should undertake and support. One group thinks we’re doing too much, another group thinks we aren’t doing enough. One group thinks we ought to change, another group thinks we are fine the way we are. One group loves our stadium seating; another group wishes we’d kept the pews. One group loves our in-person worship, while another group thinks AVC is a Godsend! The point is this: the more strength and activity a church has, the more attention must be placed on the maintenance of unity. Why? Because where more people are working together, differences are bound to arise. • THERE’S A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DISAGREEMENT AND DISUNITY “Honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress” - Mahatma Gandhi “Managing dissent is about recognizing the value of disagreement, discord and difference” – Noreena Hertz 2 Timothy 2:20 (NKJV) - But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Paul knew how damning and debilitating disunity could be; he knew that his main ministerial mandate was to put the Philippian church on guard against disunity and division. Therefore, in the first verse Paul opens the chapter by saying: “IF there be therefore any consolation in Christ, IF any comfort of love, IF any fellowship of the Spirit, IF any bowels and mercies [Philippians 2:1] It’s important to understand that the "IF" which begins this verse is NOT the “if” of condition – Paul is not uttering a conditional clause. When you study the scriptures, one of the things you’ll discover is that many times Paul used the word “if” as a point of ARGUMENT rather than a CONDITION. Therefore, the better translation for verse one would be: "Since there is consolation in Christ, and since there is comfort of love, and since there is the fellowship of the Spirit, and since there are bowels [tenderness] and mercy." Not “IF” but “SINCE”. A good example is Romans 8:31: Paul wrote, “What shall we say to these things? If [since] God be for us who can be against us?” The text should read like this… Therefore since there consolation in Christ, since there is comfort of love, since there is fellowship of the Spirit, since there is affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Paul Mentions 4 Keys to Unity: [CONSOLATION, COMFORT, COMMUNION, COMPASSIOn] I. CONSOLATION This word "consolation" comes from the Greek word paraklesis which means "a calling to one's aid, comfort, or encouragement." Paul is suggesting that what Jesus Christ had done for us should be an incentive to pursue unity peacefully and purposefully with others. We Need to Be Reminded… The Lord Has Come to Our Aid! We Have Been the Recipient Of Consolation 2 Timothy 4:16-18 (NKJV) - At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen! II. COMFORT The word "comfort" is from the Greek word paramuthion which means "to speak closely with someone or to give them comfort." The tenderness of God's love and comfort should urge all of us to live together in a spirit of unity. The point Paul is stressing is that since God loved them enough to sacrifice His Son for them, they should love one another with the same sacrificial love. THERE IS NO INTERNAL STRIFE WHERE GOD'S LOVE IS APPRECIATED. The moment the love of Christ ceases to be real to us and in us, we will lose our affection for others! When we get concerned about loving others and encouraging one another, that’s when there will be unity in the church. 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-7 (NIV) - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. III. COMMUNION The word "fellowship" means "joint partnership." Notice what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12. 1 Corinthians 12:13—For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. As members of one body, indwelt by the same Holy Spirit, there must be unity and like-mindedness. The Holy Spirit's indwelling makes us co-partners with Him. Our confession of Jesus Christ as Savior makes us “Partners”. 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20—What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. When the Holy Spirit is in control of us, the by-product is unity. Yielding to His control will help keep your church together. IV. COMPASSION — 2:1-4 Since we are Christians, we are to live for others and help them. Doing this will produce joy in our lives. Verse one gives a four-fold appeal for unity and humility. In the second verse, Paul gives us a practical approach for accomplishing the appeal. Paul says, "Fulfill my joy" which means "fill it to the full." How were they supposed to do this? A. Be Likeminded They were to think the same things or be unanimous in their decisions. In other words, they were to be on the same wavelength. B. Have the Same Love Unity is the result of loving the same things. There must be unity in love for God's word, work, workmen, and God's world of lost sinners. C. Be of One Accord The word "one accord" comes from the Greek word that means "to be one in soul." The hearts of every believer in every local church must be knit together and mutually motivated by the same urge and desire. D. Be of One Mind Four times in five verses this word "mind" appears." It deals with our mental attitude, especially of those who have a different viewpoint than our views. Christians are not going to see eye-to-eye on every detail. Our thoughts and actions are influenced by heredity, environment, education, or lack of education. It is impossible to find a group of Christians who see everything from the same viewpoint. How then shall we resolve our differences and solve our problems? Philippians 2:3—Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Being like-minded is what Paul thought, sought, and wrought. At no time and under no condition should believers strive among themselves. Disputing and quarreling ought never to exist among brethren in Christ. The word "strife" comes from a Greek word which means "selfishness, rivalry, infighting, and carries the idea of building oneself up by tearing down another person." The word "vainglory" comes from a Greek word which means "empty conceit”. Strife involves tearing down a person and vainglory involves pulling yourself up. After approaching the problem from a negative point of view, Paul now adds a positive approach. We are to be concerned about others with "lowliness of mind." This means we are to have an attitude of humility or modesty. It involves having an honest evaluation of one's own nature and a proper assessment of yourself. This leads to glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ and will also help keep your church together. If you take the cocky roosters out of the church, you will be amazed at the unity and peace that settles over the congregation. John 15:5—I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
THE 3 CHALLENGES OF PAUL Philippians 1:27-30 (NKJV) Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me. Up to this point, the book of Philippians has been mostly autobiographical. At verse 27 however, Paul shifts the direction to an application of spiritual truths for his readers. He shifts the focus from their PRIVILEGES to their OBLIGATIONS. He makes this shift because the church at Philippi felt it owed its existence to Paul. They had come to depend on Paul so much they were in danger of leaning upon him rather than upon Christ. Paul knew if they depended upon him or any man, their experience was inauthentic and they’d become spiritually ill equipped. However if they were truly the Lord's, they would look to Him for needed strength and wisdom. Paul therefore issues 3 challenges. The Challenge To Stand Courageously For Christ - v.27a The Challenge To Strive Collectively For Christ - v.27b The Challenge To Suffer Consistently For Christ – v.29 I. STAND COURAGEOUSLY FOR CHRIST “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit…” Paul opens his appeal by stating the importance of the believer maintaining a Christian lifestyle. The inference that’s being made is that a person's manner of living was to be a credit to the Gospel of Jesus. The believer’s life was to bring honor to Jesus Christ. CHRISTIANS ARE TO LIVE AS CITIZENS OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. • The word "becometh" [KJV] is interesting. We hear that someone's clothing does or does not become him or her. What is meant is the color or cut of the clothes enhances the face and personality of the person. When it does, the garment is "becoming." Our lives should reflect Jesus Christ. Paul says, "that you stand fast in one spirit." The words "stand fast" are from the Greek word {steko} which means "to hold your ground regardless of danger." It means, “to keep standing”. The word was used of a soldier defending his position at all costs. The basis for this whole plea is the fact that there is a spiritual war taking place. We are to strive as one man for the faith. Christians are engaged in a great conflict as Paul points out in Ephesian 6:10-17. THE GOSPEL HAS AN ENEMY. Ephesians 6:10-17 (NKJV) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the SPIRIT, WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD; Remember that Paul was in prison, awaiting trial on a capital charge. There was a chance he would be executed for a false crime. He thought he would be released, but he was not absolutely sure. Therefore, whether he was able to return to the church or not, there was a much needed exhortation that the church must heed: the exhortation to stand fast. The church must stand fast in unity: "in one spirit, with one mind." ⇒ One spirit means that all the members of a church must be born again by the Spirit of Christ. All members must have a renewed spirit from the same source, from the same Person. They must all be committed to the Lord Jesus Christ. They must all have a heart given to Him. ⇒ One mind means that all members must be set upon the same purpose; they must all be focused upon the purpose of Jesus Christ. The point is this: the world—its people, families, and nations—may be split and divided, arguing and differing, fussing and feuding, fighting and divorcing, warring and killing, seeking and grasping; but the church is not to live that way. The church is to be unified; it is to be one in spirit and one in mind; one in heart and one in purpose. II. STRIVE COLLECTIVELY FOR CHRIST “…with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.” The church must stand fast in striving together for the faith of the gospel. The word "striving together" is the word taken from an athletic contest. It is the picture of a team working and struggling together against strong opposition (compare a football team). The church—every member of it—is to strive for the faith of the gospel: strive, work, struggle, push, exert all the energy possible; everyone cooperating together, not a single person letting up or turning aside or walking off the field. The opposition is difficult; therefore, the faith of the gospel needs every member working and struggling together. 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NKJV) Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 2 Corinthians 13:10-14 (NKJV) Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification and not for destruction. Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen. III. SUFFER CONSISTENTLY FOR CHRIST “…For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.” Being a Christian believer in a corrupt world is hard. People oppose our stand for Christ and righteousness. It may be next door, in the office, at school or a hundred other places—the Christian believer is sometimes... • avoided • ridiculed • mocked • isolated • cursed • questioned • abused • mistreated • ignored • neglected • overlooked • by-passed • slandered • persecuted • imprisoned • martyred Note the exhortation: we are not to be terrified by our adversaries. There are four reasons why. 1. Persecution is a sign that the persecutors are doomed. And note: it is a sign to them. The Spirit of God is able to take their persecution of us and convict their hearts of the evil they are doing. Their persecution of a fellow human being strikes the fact of doom and judgment to their hearts: it convicts them, and by that conviction they stand a better chance of being saved. 2. Persecution is a sign of salvation for us. Of course, it is not the only sign, but it is one sign. If a believer stands fast in persecution, it is a clear sign that he is being strengthened by the Spirit of God and is a true believer. 3. Persecution is a privilege, not a terror. When we are persecuted, we are suffering for Christ, the Sovereign Majesty of the universe. Christ is not some insignificant rebel, some leader of men hiding out in some remote spot who embarrasses us and of whom we should be ashamed. Christ is the Son of God, the Lord of lords, the God of the universe, the Sovereign Majesty of all. It is a privilege to be numbered among His followers and to represent Him. If we happen to be cornered by some who oppose and rebel against Him, we are not to deny Him, nor be ashamed to own His name. We are not to be terrified by persecution. It is the highest honor imaginable to represent and serve the Lord God of all. He is coming soon to subject all opponents and enemies and to rule and reign over all. We could have no greater privilege than preparing the way for Him—even if some do oppose us. 4. Paul (and others) had left the church a dynamic example to follow in bearing persecution. Paul had been arrested, beaten, and jailed when he was in Philippi; and the church had witnessed the whole scene. He bore it all for Christ. Therefore, we are to follow in his steps and bear whatever persecution is launched against us—all for Christ. The great Christian soldier can bear it—through the presence and power of Christ—bear it as a great Christian soldier for Christ. "But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues" (Matthew 10:17). "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake" (Matthew 24:9). "Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also" (John 15:20). "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake" (Philippians 1:29). "That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto" (1 Thessalonians 3:3). "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12). "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified" (1 Peter 4:12-14). "Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf" (1 Peter 4:16).
Philippians 1:19-26 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me. "The Joy of Living for Christ" The last time we were here we saw how Paul found joy in advancing the gospel. And we endeavored to wrap our minds around three big ideas from Paul’s experiences in verses 12-18. From his experiences we have drawn three powerful principles for our own lives. 1. That our acceptance of our predicament serves to advance the gospel vv. 12-13 2. That our aim in proclaiming serves to advance the gospel vv. 14-17 3. That our attitude towards preaching serves to advance the gospel v. 18 Paul had refused to be overcome by problems, preachers and preaching, choosing instead to rejoice. It is remarkable to me that Paul does not feel sorry for himself, nor does he seek the sympathy of others. But rather he was filled with the joy of the Lord and encourages us to be filled with the same. Matter of fact he is recorded as saying “and because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice…” Paul has been discussing two things so for that seemingly had the potential of robbing him of his joy (1) the problems he faced (his imprisonment) and (2) the preachers he flagged (those who sought to elevate themselves at his expense). The apostle now reveals two other potential joy robbers (1) the threat of impending death and (2) the trials of living this life. These last two things are arguably the worse of a plethora of joy robbers, too numerous to name. However, here Paul talks about the threat of death and the trials of life, these two seem to snuff out the joy of living from everything we say and do. However, in the face of death and life, Paul understood this one truth that “in everything God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28). And that joy is birth out of a love that is inseparable which comes from a living relationship with God. Therefore, relevant question to be asked and answered, this is this how did Paul find this joy in living for Christ? And how can we experience this same joy while living for Christ? {Note it is…} By Accepting our Afflictions as a Means of Magnifying Christ vv. 19-20 19. For I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be shamed but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. Paul accepted his afflictions as a means of magnifying Christ. Notice that Paul says clearly that he was able to accept his afflictions primarily for two reasons. He mentions two things that helped in aiding him in his afflictions, and as a result he knows, with certainty, that “what has happened…will turn out for his deliverance” (v. 19). These two reasons he says helped him through his hardships (1) the saints’ prayers and (2) the Spirit’s power. Paul says because of these two things “the saints’ prayers” and “the Spirit’s power”; he knows that whatever he goes through will turn out for his deliverance or salvation, more literally his release. Notice here the importance Paul places on the prayer of the saints and the power of Spirit, a twofold relationship we should never take for granted. Now most prisoners in prison charged with a capital crime that may carried with it the penalty of death, their hope and eager expectation is to be pardon, release from the penalty of death or given a lesser sentence or punishment. However, Paul does not hope for any of these things, he says that because of the saint prayers and the Spirit’s power, that his only expectation and hope, is never to be ashamed of Christ, but to always be courageous, to always be brave, to always be strong, to always be undaunted and to always be bold enough regardless of what the circumstances might be, regardless of their outcome, that both now and always, his “eager expectation and hope” was to remain the same – to magnify Christ, whether he lives or dies. Is this the testimony of our lives to magnify Christ in whatever circumstance we find ourselves in, in this life? {Not only by Accepting our Afflictions as a Means of Magnifying Christ, but secondly…} By Assessing our decision as a Means of Strengthening ourselves vv. 21-24 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Paul assesses his decision as a means of strengthening himself Notice that in the mind of the apostle Paul two things are of great significance. For Paul, those two were (1) living and dying for Christ and (2) laboring and discipling follow Christians. First, Living and dying for Christ Paul says, “for me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Notice carefully that Paul sees living and dying for Christ as one in the same. To live for Christ is to die for Christ and to die for Christ is to live for him, both physically and figuratively. Paul’s view of death here is revelatory. Here death is viewed as a departure and an arrival all at once. Paul writes, “to depart and be with Christ.” In other words, it is the spirit vacating this body, which then would give the body an appearance of sleep. Until life once again returns to it. • Peter describes the moment of death, speaking of the body as something he “will soon put…aside” – 2 Peter 1:14 • Paul describes it in another place as an “earthly tent” that “…is destroyed.” – 1 Corinthians 5:1 • Jesus speaks of Lazarus as having “fallen asleep.” – John 11:11 • Luke the physician says of Stephen the martyr after being stoned to death “he fell sleep.” The scriptures seem to focus more of what happens to the body rather than to the spirit. At death the spirit leaves (Acts 7:59), after death the body decays (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). and in the resurrection, it’s all miraculously transformed (1 Corinthians 15:51-55). Secondly, Laboring, and discipling follow Christians Paul says, “if I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me.” Paul saw not dying as an opportunity to serve even to a greater degree. Paul here flirts with the thought of choosing whether to go or stay, live or die, slip away or serve. And so, between these two realities that stare him square in the face, he raises the question “Yet what shall I choose? I do not know he says I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.” Paul is torn between leaving and laboring. His decision to choose between the two is hard. For his decision is a mixture of desire and need. He desires on the one hand to leave this life and be with Christ, while on the other hand to stay with the Philippians which more needful for them. {Not only by Accepting our Afflictions as a Means of Magnifying Christ, and by Assessing our Decision as a Means of Strengthening ourselves, but thirdly…} By Affirming our Convictions as a Means of Encouraging Others vv. 25-26 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me. Paul affirmed his convictions as a means of encouraging others Paul was convinced that he would remain with the Philippians, as a matter of fact he writes, ‘I am convinced of this,’ another translation says, ‘since I am sure of this,’ still another says, ‘being confident of this’ and yet another ‘this indeed I know for certain.’. Carefully notice the things Paul is not convinced of: 1. Paul was not convinced that he would remain for the sake of the accoutrements and enjoyment of life. 2. Paul was not convinced that he would remain just to be free and released from prison. 3. Paul was not convinced that he would remain to do as he like and live as he please. Note carefully that Paul was convinced that God would preserve his life for three reasons: 1. Paul was convinced that he would stay a while. 2. Paul was convinced that he would share a while. 3. Paul was convinced that he would serve a while.
Philippians 1:12-19 12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. "The Joy of Advancing the Gospel" The last time we were here, we considered chapter 1 verses 6-11, which dealt with the marks of spiritual maturity. This evening we will be looking candidly and carefully at verses 12-18. Where Paul is still addressing the marks of spiritual maturity, and highlights perhaps one of its greatest experiences, which is to have joy regardless of how difficult, unpleasant, painful, or even life-threating our circumstances can get. And shows in these verses how none of these things ought not rob us of joy but rather cause it to increase in an effort to advance the gospel. Paul gives us one incident that caused a threefold advancement of the gospel because of his inner state of joy. First… OUR ACCEPTANCE OF OUR PREDICAMENT SERVES TO ADVANCE THE GOSPEL vv. 12-14 “12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.” Notice First, that Paul wanted the Philippians to know something that was crucial not only to him but to them as well. Paul says, “Now I want you to know brothers”, he wanted them to know that something happened to him which served to advance the gospel. Well, what happened to Paul? Paul was placed in prison for preaching the gospel. And so, it was Paul’s imprisonment that served to advance the gospel. He simply saw his circumstances and a means of advancing the gospel. Paul viewed himself not as a prisoner of Nero, but as a prisoner of Christ. We should never allow these and other circumstances to get us down, or wear us out, we must endeavor to rejoice in Christ regardless of the situations and circumstances that come our way, for our predicaments only serve to advance the gospel. And because Paul had this perspective in mind it resulted in the gospel spreading in two ways… • The gospel was spread outside the church • The gospel was spread inside the church How do you view the things that have happened to you? Do you see them as a means to advance the gospel, or do you see them as hinderance to the gospel? {Not only does Our acceptance of Our Predicament Served to Advance the Gospel, but secondly…} OUR AIM IN PROCLAIMING SERVES TO ADVANCE THE GOSPEL vv. 15-17 “15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.” Paul’s incarceration served not only to help the prisoners in prison, and the Christians in churches but Paul’s incarceration help to encourage the preachers in proclaiming. Paul’s imprisonment, affected preachers in two different ways… • Some preach Christ from bad motives • Others preach Christ from good motives Those who proclaimed Christ from bad motives were not heretics, they were theologically sound. The problem was not with their message but with their motives. Paul said they were preaching “Christ out of envy and rivalry.” • Envy - The desired to deprive others of what was rightfully theirs, to wish they did not have it, or had it to a lesser degree. • Rivalry/Strife – refers to contention, especially with a spirit of hostility. Now those who proclaimed Christ from good motives, did so with the aim of doing what was best for others, in contrast to those who were doing what was best for themselves. Their motives were clear, and so were their ministry. Paul said they were preaching “from good will.” • Good will – is the desire to do what is best for others. Paul identifies that latter as preaching out of love. In context it is love for God, for him and for God’s people. Paul said that they did so knowing the reason – that he was in prison, for the defense of the gospel. Do our circumstances, predicaments, tribulations, troubles and trials help us to defend the gospel or causes us to be offended by it? Paul then identifies the former as preaching “Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely”, and did so for the propose of stirring up more trouble for Paul while he was imprisoned. What is your aim in serving the Lord? Why are you serving the Lord? What is your motive for being believer? {Not only does Our acceptance of Our Predicament Served to Advance the Gospel, and Our aim in proclaiming Served to Advance the Gospel, but lastly…} OUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS PREACHING SERVES TO ADVANCE THE GOSPEL v. 18 “18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.” Paul says clearly, “But what does it matter?” remember the situation is not preaching a false message. It is preaching from false motives. Paul says the important thing here is that Christ is preached, whether from false motives or true. • Whether their preaching is for things or in truth • Whether their preaching for show or sound • Whether their preaching is for gain or godliness • Whether their preaching is for selfishness or selflessness • Whether their preaching is from wrong attitudes or right attitudes Paul’s conclusion was “in every way Christ is preach, Christ is proclaimed, Christ is made known, and I still have joy” What is your attitude towards the preaching of the gospel?
THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS MARKS OF MATURITY – PT.2 PHILIPPIANS 1:3-8 (NKJV) I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. What are the marks of a mature Christian believer? What are the marks of a dynamic, mature Christian church? In this passage the Apostle Paul answers these questions. Concisely and clearly, the marks so desperately needed by believers and churches are spelled out in this narrative. 1. The Mark of Thankfulness (v.3) 2. The Mark of Prayer (v.4) 3. The Mark of Joy (v.4) 4. The Mark of Fellowship (v.5) 5. The Mark of Confidence in God's Salvation (v.6) 6. The Mark of Partnership (vv.7-8) 7. The Mark of a Growing and Discerning Love (vv.9-10) 8. The Mark of Righteousness (v.11) 5. (1:6) The Mark of Confidence in God’s Assurance: there is the mark of confidence in God's salvation. Confidence and assurance are two of the striking traits of genuine believers. Believers know that God is at “work” on their behalf. 1. The believer has absolute confidence that the work of salvation or redemption has commenced in his life. Paul said, “Being confident of this very thing that He which hath BEGUN a good work…” Þ Our acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is evidence that His work has begun in our lives. The divine construction permit has been pulled! Though the work has begun, remember… ■ At the commencement of any project there is very little evidence of change. In fact, in most cases you can’t look at a project at the begging and tell it’s under construction. ■ The INTERNAL CONFIGURATION happens before the EXTERNAL MANIFESTATION. 2. The believer has the absolute confidence that the work of salvation or redemption will be constructive for his life. Paul said, “Being confident of this very thing that He which hath begun A GOOD WORK IN YOU…” Þ The word “Good” [Greek Agathos] means, “beneficial” “useful” ■ No matter what kind of life a person was living, once God converts him, the new believer begins to live a good life: a life of... • Righteousness, purity, and holiness. • Love, joy, and peace. • Faith, humility, and control. ➔ Cr. Psa.1: 3 “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” 3. The believer has the absolute confidence that the work of salvation or redemption will be completed in his life. Paul said, “Being confident of this very thing that He which hath begun a good work in you WILL PERFORM IT until the day of Jesus Christ.” ■ The good work is incomplete as long as the believer lives on this earth. He is never perfected, not while in human flesh. There is always work for God to do; therefore, God is always working within the life of the believer to mature him more and more. God is always working to make the man more and more pure and more and more faithful in his service to the Lord Jesus. ■ The good work is to be completed when Jesus Christ returns to this earth. At that time the believer will be transformed into a perfect vessel and given a perfect body. He will become a perfect vessel who will live in the new heavens and earth with Christ. And he will worship and serve the Lord Jesus in perfection throughout all eternity. 6. (1:7-8) The Mark of Partnership: there is the mark of "Christian partnership" The spiritual mature believers see themselves in “partnership” with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul had an incredible affinity for the Philippian believers because… 1. They were Sowers in the Gospel. Paul loved them as he loved himself; he held them ever so dear to his heart and they constantly filled his thoughts. 2. They Suffered for the Gospel. This means... • that they were sympathizing with Paul in his imprisonment. • that they were sending hope to Paul while he was in prison. • that they had or were themselves suffering because of the Gospel just as Paul was. The point is this: the affection between Paul and the Philippians was so tender that their hearts went out to each other. What one experienced, the other felt, even the sufferings of each other. THOUGHT 1. What a striking picture of the kind of sympathy needed for those who suffer. We must learn to be partners in suffering. Then and only then can we bear each other's burdens and truly minister to each other. Þ "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves" (Romans 15:1). Þ "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). Þ "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:15-16). Þ “Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body” (Hebrews 13:3). 3. THEY WERE SHARERS OF THE GOSPEL. The Philippians had not given up the gospel, nor had they become silent or complacent in sharing the gospel. They were actively defending and proclaiming the truth of the gospel. The church and its members were busy for Christ—actively bearing witness to the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. They were taking the great commission of our Lord seriously. Þ “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:19-20). Þ “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Þ “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Þ “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). Þ “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God” (2 Tim. 1:8). . 7. (1:9-10) The Mark of Growing and Discerning Love: there is the mark of a growing and discerning love. Note this: LOVE IN THE BIBLE NEVER FOCUSES UPON GOOD FEELINGS. Feelings may and usually do come to the person who truly loves another person, but feelings are never the focus—not with true love. What then is the focus of biblical love? ¨ THE FOCUS OF BIBLICAL LOVE IS SACRIFICE. Þ John 3:16 (KJV) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Þ John 15:13 (KJV) “Greater love hath no man than this, that A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE for his friends.” Þ Ephesians 5:25 (KJV) “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.” Þ 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NRSV) “Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1. BIBLICAL LOVE MUST BE EXPRESSED - John 13:34-35 (NRSV) “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” 2. BIBLICAL LOVE MUST BE EXPANDABLE - Philippians 1:9 (NRSV) “And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight…” 3. BIBLICAL LOVE MUST BE EXPOSING - Philippians 1:10-11 (NRSV) “…to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless” 8. (1:11) The Mark of Righteousness: there is the mark of righteousness. Righteousness means two simple but profound things. It means both to be right and to do right. 1. There are those who stress being righteous and neglect doing righteousness. This leads to two serious errors. a. False security. It causes a person to stress that he is saved and acceptable to God because he has believed in Jesus Christ. But he neglects doing good and living as he should. He neglects obeying God and serving man. b. Loose living. It allows one to go out and do pretty much as he desires. He feels secure and comfortable in his faith in Christ. He knows that what he does may affect his fellowship with God and other believers, but he thinks his behavior will not affect his salvation. He thinks that no matter what he does he is still acceptable to God. 2. There are those who stress doing righteousness and neglect being righteous. This also leads to two serious errors. a. Self-righteousness and legalism. It causes a person to stress that he is saved and acceptable to God because he does good. He works and behaves morally and keeps certain rules and regulations. He does the things a Christian should do by obeying the main laws of God. But he neglects the basic law: the law of love and acceptance—that God does not love him and accept him because he does good, but because he loves and trusts the righteousness of Christ. b. Being judgmental and fault-finding. A person who stresses that he is righteous (acceptable to God) because he keeps certain laws often judges and finds fault with others. He feels that rules and regulations can be kept, he keeps them. Therefore, anyone who fails to keep them is judged, criticized, and censored.
