PHILIPPIANS – Mircheal Jones

2) What kind of job did He have– Called a Carpenter’s son (Matt 13:25) and a Carpenter (Mark 6:3) but the Gospels do not record any occupation for Him during His 3 years of ministry (Women- and other? – ministered to Him of their substance (Luke 8:1-3).

3) Did the followers of Christ always agree on everything? Almost nothing!

4) Did Jesus ever get angry? And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other (Mark 3:5).

5) What was Jesus’ favorite book of the Bible?- quoted from Deuteronomy more than any other book.

Phil 01:1-18 POSITIVE ATTITUDES IN NEGATIVE SITUATIONS

[This is today’s Teen Sunday School Lesson. It has Tremendous Principles that they NEED to know. Let’s develop a program that guides our youth and instills principles in them that will last a life time. That means we must do more than discuss the way we feel about things, we must develop and learn to practice Biblical Principles.

Nine years ago today my wife was attacked and nearly killed. We didn’t have time to build principles; we had to use the ones God had already built in! GYF has 12 Sundays a year- What are they for?? / Teen class has a beautiful room. What is being taught there??/ Young People must learn to deal with Problems, Peer Pressure, and Decision Making (That’s what VBS is about this year). Are we helping them??]

I. AN EFFECTIVE PRAYER LIFE IS NECESSARY

A) Prayer causes us to be Thankful- 3

B) Prayer cause us to be Joyful-4

C) Prayer causes us to be confident-5-6

1. Consistent Prayer life is needed-Before Problems

2. Persistent Prayer Life is needed-During Problems

3. Resistant Prayer Life is Needed-Against Problems (Deliver us from Evil)

II. HELPING OTHERS GETS OUR MINDS OFF OUR OWN TROUBLES 8-11 Lord turned the captivity of Job when he prayed for his friends

A) Need a Heart of Concern- 8 Need to line our house with Windows, not mirrors.

B) Must be primarily Spiritual- 9-11 Not to win Approval or incur debt but to help the person establish or maintain spiritual principles—sometimes the best help you can give a person is to let them go hungry. As we apply these principles to others, we many times see God applying them to us.

III. GOD HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN OFF GUARD 12-18

A) God turns our circumstances into Victory 12-14 “Have it ever occurred to you that nothing ever occurred to God?” Don’t fret, God is not surprised.

B) God turns people’s malice into good fortune 15-18 Obstacles become opportunities. God can even get glory out of Gossip!! (But that doesn’t mean YOU are supposed to spread it. In you case it might bring chastisement!).

There are 3 Ways People deal with life’s Problems:

1. Rowboat- Use their own power to try to get thru life

2. Sailboat- Allow the winds of circumstances to dedicated what they do and where they go.

3. Steamboat- Power to maintain course and get a job done.

Phil 01:9 11 ABOUNDING LOVE

Phil 1:9 11 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.

Phil 1:9 11 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more and extend to its fullest development in knowledge and all keen insight- that is, that your love may [display itself in] greater depths of acquaintance and more comprehensive discernment; (10) So that you may surely learn to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of real value- recognizing the highest and the best, and distinguishing the moral differences; and that you may be untainted and pure and unerring and blameless, that- with hearts sincere and certain and unsullied- you may [approach] the day of Christ, not stumbling nor causing others to stumble. (11) May you abound in and be filled with the fruits of righteousness (or right standing with God and right doing) which come though Jesus Christ, the Anointed One, to the honor and praise of God- that His glory may be both manifested and recognized.

Abounding Love but DISCERNING Love. That is a mark of maturity. A Child may call all animals dogs but soon learns the difference. Teen boys know the make and model of cars are different.

Character that will not cause others to stumble (offend) in their Christian walk.

Abounding Love needs boundaries; like a river at flood-time. If its volume is not brought within limitations then it will harm instead of good.

Knowledge means knowledge gained by experience. This is done by putting the word of God into practice in daily living.

Approve is from the Greek word which refers to the test given Doctor before they were allowed to practice.

“A Spirit produced Love in the heart and life of the saint, which has been confined like a river within the limiting banks of a full experiential knowledge and a sensitive moral and ethical tact, is the thing that sharpens the moral and spiritual perceptions for the discernment of the finer qualities of Christian conduct.” (Wuest)

Phil 01:20 21 LIVING FOR THE LORD

Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Phil 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Phil 1:20 21 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Keep about your work (that God has Given you) Do not flinch because the lion roars, do not stop to stone the devil’s dog, do not fool away your time chasing the devil’s rabbits, Do your work. Let liars lie, let corporations resolve, let the devil do his worst; but see to it that nothing hinders you from fulfilling the work that God has given you.

He has not commanded you to get rich. He has never bidden you defend your character. He has not set you at work to contradict falsehood (about yourself) which Satan and his servants may start to peddle. If you do those things, you will do nothing else; you will at work for yourself and not for the Lord

Keep at your work. Let your aim be steady as a star. You may be assaulted, wronged, insulted, slandered, wounded and rejected; you may be used by foes, forsaken by friends, and despised and rejected of men. But see to it with steadfast determination, with unfaltering zeal, that you pursue the great purpose of your life and object of your being until at last you can say, “I have finished the work which thou gavest to do. ” Author Unknown

1. Lord of BODY- Magnify Christ in Body / Temple of Holy Spirit

2. LIFE- To Live is Christ

A)- Acknowledge YOUR need

B)- Acknowledge HIS ability to Save

C)- Accept Him as LORD- You as Servant

3. EMOTIONS- Rest in His Love and Leadership

4. DESTINATION- The journey doesn’t matter if the Destination is wrong.

Phil 01:21 CHRISTIAN CONDITIONS

One thing wrong with Christians today is that they try to live the “Christian” Life without realizing it’s supposed to be the CHRIST LIFE lived in and Thru them. All that self effort makes them tired and discouraged so that the Abundant Life become the Agonizing Life. It’s time we looked at what the true CHRISTIAN CHARACTERISTICS are:

I. The Christian’s Past: without Christ. Eph 2:11-12 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, …at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: No Peace, No Pardon, No Purpose in Life—And sinners think coming to Christ will limit their life!!

II. His Present: in Christ. Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Being IN CHRIST makes us New Creatures (II Cor 5:17). We are now free from the debt of sin and have become part of the Body of Christ.

III. His Pattern Life: Christ. Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.

A) Regardless of the Cost- Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death.

B) Regardless of the World- Col 3:1-3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

IV. His Passion in Life: to know Christ. Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; This passion overcomes all other passions and projects- Phil 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.

V. His Purpose in Life: for Christ. Philippians 3:7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. As part of the Body of Christ, He has a function that is specifically suited to him. He realizes that if he does not perform his part in the body then the entire body will suffer. This means living the way God wants instead of the way the World or the Flesh says live. But that brings a Peace that is almost unbelievable when we finally know and occupy our Place in the Body of Christ.

VI. His Power in Life: through Christ. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. ALL THINGS!! WOW!!

VII. His Prospect after Life: the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Not only was there the Prospect of Reward for his Service but also the promise of Resurrection- Philippians 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Are your living the “Christian Religion” or does Christ live IN and Through You???

Phil 01:21 CHRISTLIKENESS: THRU ADVERSITY

The key verse in our study of becoming more like Christ is Phil 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. It is easy for me to get excited about the “gain of dying” but sometimes it’s difficult to follow through on the “Christlike living”; especially when life’s road is bumpy and hard. Today I want us to look at some of the reasons for, and the results of, this adversity in our life; especially as it relates to our becoming more like Christ-

Our verse for today shows us the need of adversity as we develop as Christians- Phil 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; C H Spurgeon said “Sometimes God sends His love letters in black-edged envelopes.” And sometimes we’re so pre-occupied with the envelope until we miss the love. A good example is the example of Job. One of the most important statements he makes during his testing is also the least quoted- Job 2:10 Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? Job realized that God’s had a reason for the bad, as well as the good.

That’s also something we must learn as we pray for God to give us Christlike Character. Sometimes the only way we can be molded is with the hammer or through the oven. Neither one is pleasant but both can be tremendously profitable. The sad truth, however, is that we prefer instant holiness to God’s painful process of developing a disciplined, holy life.

Isaac Newton discovered the law of gravity when an apple fell on his head. He looked beyond the falling fruit to see the reason he was hit. In the same way, Christians need to learn to discern WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?; what is God trying to do in this situation? That’s why we need to see some of the REASONS THAT TROUBLES COME INTO OUR LIVES:

1. DISCIPLINE– Heb 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; Heb 12:5-7 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

Because of our tendency to wander and disobey, God sometimes must deal harshly with us. If we are guilty of sin, we need to confess, consider the lesson learned, and determine to avoid the same mistakes.

2. DEPTH– Trials can deepen and develop our faith; or they can discourage and depress us. Psychologists affirm that our attitude toward the daily experiences of life have a greater effect than the experiences themselves- Prov 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. As you read through the history of Christians one fact stands out loud and clear- the depth of our commitment is almost in direct proportion to the adversity we face (troubles make us pray!).

Adversity will drive you TO God or FROM God. Which is happening in your life?

3. DEMONSTRATION– Phil 1:12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; The old saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words” is extremely true in the testimony of a Christian. No where is our testimony more vivid, or believable, than during times of trouble and trial.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO ABOUT TRIALS?

1. REJOICE– James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. We can rejoice because we know the Trials are DEVELOPING us instead of DESTROYING us- Rom 5:3-5 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

2. GROW– Rom 8:28-29 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. God gives us a test until we pass it. When we pass it, however, we grow into greater Christlike character- our goal.

Joseph faced rejection by family, slander by boss’s wife, jail time, and being forgotten by friends. When it was over he could say, Gen 50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. As God grew Joseph, he saved millions of people from starvation, as well as his own family.

3. DON’T LOSE HEART– 2 Cor 4:16-18 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. Keep you eyes on eternity. Remember that circumstances can’t change God’s love.

To be like Christ is to throw yourself in absolute trust and confidence on God. It is to rest in God’s love no matter what comes your way. A sculptor, chipping away at an enormous slab of marble, was asked by a curious observer, “What are you making?” “A horse,” he replied. “How can you make a horse out of that?” the onlooker asked skeptically. “Well,” mused the artist, “I simply take away everything that’s not a horse.” God is attempting to chip away from you everything that is not like Christ. Are you fighting His efforts; or rejoicing in the transformation that is taking place?

If you are a sinner, God may be using Troubles to show you your need of coming to Him. What a horrible life- No help in this world and no Hope for the next. Christ can save you and change you, come to Him today.

Phil 01:21 ENJOYING LIVING FOR GOD

God formed us, Sin deformed us. Education informs us. Religion reforms us. But only Christ can transform us. “You will not grow until you know what you do not know” (John Maxwell). I know God is a wave walking, mountain moving, devil defeating, and sin cleansing God but the more I know Him the more I know I need to know Him more. May we have ears to hear and eyes to see the greatness of His stability and love in the midst of a world that is fast falling apart.

I never met a drowning man who did not want to be saved. If you want to have Abundant Life instead of simply living Life then these Principles will Change You:

I> POWERFUL PURPOSE– For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21). One of the greatest needs in churches today is for sinners to see their need of God more than their need of their needs.

II> SUBMISSIVE MIND– Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (Philippians 2:5).

a. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways (James 1:8).

b. But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him: (Daniel 5:20).

III> HEAVENLY GOAL– I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14).

IV> STEADFAST OUTLOOK– Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content (Philippians 4:11).

1. Life is enjoyable when we have Peace. As a Christian we have:

a) Peace with God- Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Romans 5:1).

b) The Peace of God- And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. (Colossians 3:15).

2. Life is enjoyable when we experience Joy– These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full (John 15:11).

3. Life is enjoyable when we feel Safe– The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe (Proverbs 18:10).

4. Life is enjoyable when we feel confident

a. About our Daily Living- For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end (Jer 29:11).

b. About our Future– In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also (John 14:2-3).

DO YOU ENJOY THE LIFE YOU ARE LIVING WITH GOD?

Phil 01:21 THE TRANSFORMED CHRISTIAN

We all should know about HOW to be saved- Repent of sin, Believe Jesus Christ as Savior, and Live for God. Now we would like to see WHAT living the Christian Life is all about.

I. THE LIFE OF THE CHRISTIAN– For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Phil 1:21) The Circumstances of the Christian. Your life is your testimony. Jails, jobs, and joys all join together to manifest Christ. Willing to stay or leave according to God’s plan.

II. THE MIND OF THE CHRISTIAN– Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: (Phil 2:5-7). The Attitude of the Christian. Willing to be put down that God might be lifted up.

III. THE GOAL OF THE CHRISTIAN– I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil 3:14). God’s Plan for your life- Navigator vs steer

IV. THE POWER OF THE CHRISTIAN– I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Phil 4:13). The purpose of power is to give Strength to enable us to accomplish Goals.

A) THE NEED OF STRENGTH- 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 (John 15:5).

B) THE PURPOSE OF STRENGTH I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only (Psa 71:16). To Allow us to Life fo; and Testify of, Christ.

C) THE PECULIARITIES OF STRENGTH-

1> Perfected in WEAKNESS- And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me (2 Cor 12:9).

2> Gained by WAITING- For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not (Isa 30:15). But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint (Isa 40:31). For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly (Rom 5:6).

3> Sustained by CONFIDENT TRUSTING: Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength (Neh 8:10).

Is your Christianity a creed you believe or a life you live?

Phil 01:21CHRISTIAN CONDITIONS

[This is one of Ronnie’s Sermon] One thing wrong with Christians today is that they try to live the “Christian” Life without realizing it’s supposed to be the CHRIST LIFE lived in and Thru them. All that self effort makes them tired and discouraged so that the Abundant Life become the Agonizing Life. It’s time we looked at what the true CHRISTIAN CHARACTERISTICS are:

I. The Christian’s Past without Christ. Eph 2:11-12 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, …at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: No Peace, No Pardon, No Purpose in Life—And sinners think coming to Christ will limit their life!!

II. His Present in Christ. Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Being IN CHRIST makes us New Creatures (II Cor 5:17). We are now free from the debt of sin and have become part of the Body of Christ.

III. His Pattern life is Christ. Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.

IV. His Passion is to know Christ. Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; This passion overcomes all other passions and projects- Phil 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.

V. His Purpose is for Christ. Philippians 3:7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. As part of the Body of Christ, He has a function that is specifically suited to him. He realizes that if he does not perform his part in the body then the entire body will suffer. This means living the way God wants instead of the way the World or the Flesh says live. But that brings a Peace that is almost unbelievable when we finally know and occupy our Place in the Body of Christ.

VI. His Power is through Christ. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. ALL THINGS!! WOW!!

VII. His Prospect is the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Not only was there the Prospect of Reward for his Service but also the promise of Resurrection- Philippians 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Are your living the “Christian Religion” or does Christ live IN and Through You???

Phil 01:22 MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE

Phil 1:22b Yet what I shall chose I wot not. The choices you make affect YOU now and later. They determine what you do and where you go. And, like a stone cast into a pond, they also affect many others. How can you then make the right decisions?

I. FEAR GOD – Ps 25:12 What man is he that feareth the Lord? Him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.

A) REMEMBER THAT GOD WILL JUDGE YOU – Matt 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

B) REALIZE THAT GOD CAN’T BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED – Prov. 1:28‑29 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord.

II. FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD – Is 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, this is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

A) FELLOWSHIP MEANS AGREEMENT (Can two walk together except they be agreed?)

B) FELLOWSHIP MEANS ACCEPTANCE – Ps 32:8‑9 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eyes. Be not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. Learn His Will from His Word. Let the Holy Spirit guide you.

III. FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST – I Pet 2:21 …Leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps. He sought always to do those things that please the Father.

Put the welfare of Others first.

1. Base your choice on the Word of God

2. Make your choice only after fervent prayer

3. Make your choice in light of tomorrow.

4. Make your choice remembering your influence and testimony.

5. Make your choice remembering God. Is 66:3‑4 Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations, I also will chose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer, when I spake, they did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.

LIFE IS FILLED WITH CHOICES. YOU CAN MAKE YOUR DECISION BASED ON “MAGIC” OR CHANCE….OR YOU CAN CHOOSE TO LOOK TO GOD AND FOLLOW HIS PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE. WHICH WILL YOU CHOOSE????

Phil 01:29 SUFFERING FOR HIS SAKE

Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake. As the world slips deeper and deeper into the mire of moral depravity and humanistic standards it will increase its persecution of Godly people and Christian values. The world does not mind if Christians practice their Christianity secluded in the confines of a local church but notice how they react when we stand against their sinful life styles in public. Instead of being respected and admired we are suddenly vilified and scorned as fanatics and hate mongers.

One of three things will happen as the battle intensifies and comfortable Christians are called upon to make a stand instead of simply fill a seat-

1) Some will run from the fight and leave the work of God. Many today “follow Christ” for the respect they gain and the riches they hope to earn. Being a church member gives social acceptance today but when Christianity is no longer the “in thing” to do then they will abandon the church as quickly as they give up the ever changing fads of the world.

2) Some will refuse to fight and “hide their heads in the sand”. Tradition and long help customs will replace Biblical preaching and teaching. These people will be content to “go to church” and go through the motions as they try to ignore the collapse of society all around them. They will be so busy making sure all the seats are in place until they disregard the fact that the ship is sinking!

3) Some, however, will rise up and become Heros of the faith. They will see the opposition as opportunity and make a difference for Christ in these last days. They will suffer for His sake and make a difference for eternity. What will you do? What will keep you going when Christianity is no longer popular?

When the going gets tough and Christianity turns from a game you play into a war you fight will you remain faithful to God or will you wilt in the heat of battle? Here are three things to remember when the going gets tough.

1) Remember what is Before You- Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1 2).Jesus could endure the pain, rejection, and persecution that was before Him because He focused on the joy that awaited Him.

2) Remember who is With You- And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (John 14:16). The Holy Spirit is your friend and guide and He will be with you all the way.

3) Remember who is In You- Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4). No problem or pain can separate you from Christ who lives within you providing strength and ability in every circumstance of life- Glory!

Phil 02:1-4 WHEN A CHURCH GETS IT RIGHT

When Paul wrote to the church at Philippi (2:1-4) he gave a simple description of what a church should look like when it “gets it right” and the people in the church begin to act the way people in church are supposed to act. If Churches today could get back to this model it would make a tremendous difference in the power they had with God and the influence they have in the community. With that in mind, here are the four characteristics Paul said should exist in properly functioning Christians.

1) Joy should increase. Paul said that Christians who relate to Christ as they should will bring forth joy. Jesus said we would have abundant life. Now contrast that with people who must be begged or browbeaten in order to get them to come to Church and worship God and tell me what is wrong that that picture.

2) Strife should decrease. Church should be a place of harmony and unity. Tell me how it advances the cause of Christ when Christians can not get along with other Christians in a church so they go a mile or two down the road and build another Church or they abandon church services all together.

3) Pride should cease. Dying to self means just that. Paul calls self exalting pride vain (worthless) glory. That is a good description.

4) Concern for others should be obvious. The world will know we are Christians by our love. This kind of love is not mushy sentiment but active involvement. It does not just talk, it acts.

How do we “Get it Right?” Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.

A) Accepted who He was- Equal with God. We are not God but we are children of God and have received authority from God- Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. (John 14:12)

B) Willingly accepted a place of Service- Thought of others and not of himself.

C) Received his glory from God by obeying God until it was God’s time to exalt Him.

Communion and Feet Washing is about accepting a place of service until God comes to exalt us.

Bread: For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

Cup: After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.

Warning: Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come (1 Corinthians 11:23-34)

Phil 02:1-8 HOW TO SOLVE EVERY PROBLEM IN LEBANON FWB CHURCH

Philippians is about “Joy in the Journey”. In chapter one Paul showed how Circumstances come our way and seek to dampen our joy. In chapter two Paul warns how Conflicts with people can also rob us of our joy. Most problems in a Church come from PEOPLE within instead of PROBLEMS without. People sometimes lose their joy and quit the Church (and even quit serving the Lord!!) because of what people say or do. How can we correct his problem?

Paul spent the first chapter of Philippians telling how the fellowship of the Philippian Church had encouraged him and how his present suffering for Christ had brought Joy to his life because it had helped further the Gospel. Now he gets to the “heart” of this letter as he presents one of the most important Christian principles in the Bible- The Son of God took the nature of a servant in order to put God’s will above his wants- This fits the doctrine of the Trinity perfectly, since it shows that the Trinity are equal in nature but are so perfect in love that they seek to glorify each other rather than themselves. (Holy Spirit- Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you (John 16:13-14)

I. The EXHORTATION: 2:1-2

A) vs 1- If Christianity is about Consolation in Christ, Comfort in Christian Love, Fellowship in the Spirit, and a fellowship of people who have a deep sense of affection and mercy then it will-

B) vs 2- Fulfill the JOY of those who lead us and watch us because people in the Church will have the same Purpose, Passion, Path, and Plan (Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.)

II. The URGING to put others first: 2:3-4

A) vs 3- End Power Struggles and Prideful seeking after self glory by placing the needs and opinions of others above self.

B) vs 4- Amplified Bible “Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not merely his own interests, but also each for the interests of others. “

III. The EXAMPLE: 2:5-11 The Servant Mind of Christ. Note some things about this Example:

1. Voluntary- “LET” this mind be in you- You can’t MAKE it be in you but you can allow the Holy Spirit to form it in you as you yield to His directions.

2. Sacrificial- “Equal with God”- a man with nothing to lose doesn’t mind losing it but the more a man has the more he fears losing it. Christ was (and is) equal with God; you don’t get any higher than this! (People are glad someone gets saved. They just do not want them taking their place in the power structure of the church!)

3. Progressive- Note the Progression- God- Man- Servant- Criminal. He became the Lowest that we might reach the highest. See the Things Jesus gave up:

A) His Reputation

B) His Rights- Servant

C) His Royalty- Became a common man

D) His Life- Death on the Cross.

Don’t forget this truth- You gain more than you give- Jesus gave up all these things in order to serve God better but look at WHAT GOD GAVE BACK to him- vs 9 Wherefore God hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Some final words from Warren Weirsbe.

It is important that we understand what the Bible means by “humility.” The humble person is not one who thinks lowly of himself; he simply does not think of himself at all! Humility is that grace that, when you know you have it, you have lost it. The truly humble person knows himself and accepts himself (Rom. 12:3). He yields himself to Christ to be a servant, to use what he is and has for the glory of God and the good of others. “Others” is the key idea in this chapter (Phil. 2:3-4); the believer’s eyes are turned away from himself and focused on the needs of others.

The “submissive mind” does not mean that the believer is at the beck and call of everybody else or that he is a “religious doormat” for everybody to use! Some people try to purchase friends and maintain church unity by “giving in” to everybody else’s whims and wishes. This is not what Paul is suggesting at all. The Scripture puts it perfectly: “ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Cor. 4:5).

Phil 02:5-8 THE MIND OF CHRIST

Phil 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Philippians is one of my favorite books of the Bible. It bubbles over with joy and commitment and “catchy little sayings”- “To live is Christ, to die is gain”. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. But the main thing I like about the book is it’s emphasis on how our relationship with Christ should effect our entire life- Chapter 1- Christ our Life; Chapter 2- Christ our Mind; Chapter 3- Christ our Goal; Chapter 4- Christ our Strength. All of this brings together the central theme of “Joy in Jesus” and as such it’s a book we should read several times during this Christmas season.

We especially need to read the part about the Mind of Christ. That’s because one of the most difficult parts of the Christmas Season is the stress and strain that come with it- Christmas parties, buying gifts, winter colds, Christmas cooking and decorating, family get-togethers, etc. There is very little that can be done about the fact of these but there is something that can be done about the Stress of them; IF we are willing to follow the example of the Mind of Christ. And, after all, isn’t Christmas supposed to be about HIM!

Paul begin the second chapter of Philippians with an EXHORTATION to have the same Mind, Love, Direction, and Spirit (vs 2). Then in vs 3-4 he shows how this can be accomplished- With a mindset of service that seeks to lift up others instead of self (Wouldn’t this kind of mind set make a tremendous difference during this Christmas season!).

But he doesn’t just give us an Exhortation; he gives us an EXAMPLE, the greatest example in the world, the humble mind of Christ. Note some things about this Example:

1. “LET” this mind be in you- You can’t MAKE it be in you but you can allow the Holy Spirit to form it in you as you yield to His directions.

2. “Equal with God”- a man with nothing to lose doesn’t mind losing it but the more a man has the more he fears losing it. Christ was (and is) equal with God; you don’t get any higher than this!

3. Note the Progression- God- Man- Servant- Criminal. He became the Lowest that we might reach the highest.

4. See the Things Jesus gave us:

A) His Reputation

B) His Rights- Servant

C) His Royalty- Became a common man

D) His Life- Death on the Cross.

Finally, Note this- He gave up FOR God but note the thing that God gave BACK to him- vs 9 Wherefore God hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Phil 02:9 ABOVE EVERY NAME

Php 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

Most people know we are to end our prayers “in the name of Jesus” because of John 14:13-14 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. But did you know that the Name of Jesus should impact many other areas of our life?

Our Worship: Php 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

Our Companions: 2Th 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

Our Work: 1Ti 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.

Our Conduct: 2Ti 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Our Perception of Persecution: 1Pe 4:14 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.

Our Salvation: 1Jo 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

Our Commitment: Re 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Phil 02:11 LIVING FOR THE LORD

Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Phil 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Christ should be LORD of:

1) BODY- Magnify Christ in Body / Temple of Holy Spirit

2) LIFE- To Live is Christ

A) Acknowledge YOUR need

B) Acknowledge HIS ability to Save

C) Accept Him as LORD- You as Servant

3) EMOTIONS- Rest in His Love and Leadership

4) DESTINATION- The journey doesn’t matter if the Destination is wrong.

Phil 02:13-14 CHRISTIAN MOTIVATION

Motivation: To provide with an incentive; move to action

Just as a car must have gas or a flashlight must have batteries; so a person must have motivation. This motivation is the driving force in their life. When Young people talk about “finding themselves” they are talking about determining what will motivate them in the days to come. When an adult goes through a “mid-life crisis” they are re-evaluating the motives and driving forces in their life (Children gone, financially stable).

Note that we are talking today about CHRISTIAN Motivation. This is not the same thing that motivates the world (Although we live in the world and are effected by these same forces). 3 Basic motivations guide the world- (1) Basic Necessities: Hunger, thirst, shelter. (2) Desire (Lust) for Pleasure, Profit, Recognition. (3) Freedom- Power to control their own destiny while at the same time being able to control the destiny of others (Young People want to play music as loud as they want, thus making everyone else listen to the same music just as loud)

We need to look at CHRISTIAN Motivation today because many have lost the joy and desire to serve God. They are willing to attend Church sometimes but are unwilling to be actively involved in the services. Somehow they need to be motivated to do all they can for God.

MOTIVATION IS:

1. GIVEN BY GOD– Phil 2:13 14 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. We call this VISION- Isaiah in Is 6:-, Moses at Burning Bush, Paul on Damascus Road. Its IMPACT is probably best described by Jeremiah in Jer 20:9 Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

2. STIRRED BY VIEWING THE PROBLEM– Jesus: (Mat 9:36) But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Paul: Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry (Acts 17:16). I always say, “If I can get you in India; I can get India in you”
3. SUSTAINED BY FAITH– You must Believe the Work is Necessary and if you use God’s Plan and God’s Power it will eventually accomplish God’s Purpose. Heb 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. When Discouraged or Depressed, like the little train, we must learn to look at mountains and say, “I think I can”.
4. DRIVEN BY LOVE- John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. Our Hands and Feet are “moved to action” by the Love and Compassion God has shown and expressed to us.

IF GOD IS WORKING IN YOU THEN YOU WILL BE AMAZED AT WHAT GOD CAN DO WITH YOU!

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us (Ephesians 3:20).

CONCLUSION- Have you Lost your Motivation?? Let’s find it again-

1. From God- Spend time listening to God- 1/2 hour a day this week.

2. By Viewing the Problems- Find someone to Visit this week

3. Believe in God’s Ability- Memorize Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

4. Rewards- Do something for someone and remember that Feeling

5. Devotion- Take Part in the Lord’s Supper as you remember what Christ did for you.

Phil 02:25-30 EPAPHRODITUS

Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me. (Philippians 2:25-30)

EPAPHRODITUS was

A) A BALANCED Christian 2:25

1. Brother- Knew fellowship of Gospel

2. Companion in labor- furtherance of the Gospel

3. Fellow Soldier- battled for Faith

(We need all 3. Some want fellowship without furtherance of the Gospel or battling for the Faith. We need to re member the example of Nehemiah who had a sword in one hand and a trowel in the other- building and battling)

B) A BURDENED Christian 2:26-27

1. Burdened enough for missions to carry Paul the offering

2. Burdened for the Church lest they worry about him

(Need concern for Sinners and Saints)

C) A BLESSED CHRISTIAN 2:28-30. He was to be honored because he was willing to work for the cause of Christ even to death.

His service- As a brother, companion in labor & fellow soldier

His Sickness- a sick nigh unto death

His Sorrow- longed after you all, and was full of heaviness. (Deeply homesick because of his sickness and his concern for their worry (No phones, they might think him dead!)

That’s the kind of LOVE Church members need for each other.

Coming into a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ is a life changing experience. Take the case of Epaphroditus found in the book of Philippians. He came from a pagan background (His name means “devoted to Aphrodite”, the pagan god of sex) and his mentor (Paul) was presently living in a jail cell in Rome. He had every reason to be less than the best but notice how Paul described him.

He was a “brother” (part of the family of God because of faith in Christ), a “companion in labor” (co-worker in the ministry), a “fellow soldier” (active in the fight against evil), a “messenger” (trusted with a very important communication task), who “ministered to Paul’s wants” (Willing to serve those in need). He also had great compassion (“longed after you”) and a worthy reputation.

May the Lord give us communities filled with Christians like Epaphroditus!

Phil 02:25-30 EPAPHRODITUS EXAMPLE

Paul was a “Hebrew of the Hebrews”; Timothy was part Jew and part Gentile (Acts 16:1); and Epaphroditus was a full Gentile (as far as we know). He was the member of the Philippian church who risked his health and life to carry their missionary offering to the apostle in Rome (Phil. 4:18). His name means “charming” and a charming Christian he is!

Thought Questions to begin:

Who would you think of if I said- Beautiful Spirit, Servant Heart, Compassionate Christian?

Who would you think of if I said- Argumentative Spirit, Constant Criticism, Selfish Christian?

I. EPAPHRODITUS’ CHARACTER 25-27

a) Brother- Family of God- Born Again

b) Companion in Labor- Fellow Worker. Willing to work with the group

c) Fellow soldier- God your back. Helping you fight the enemy

d) Your Messenger- Trusted with an important task.

e) Ministered to my wants- Served those who served. Willing to be a Background believer

f) Filled with heaviness- A compelling Compassion for the body of Christ. Genuine love for the feelings of other Christians.

II. EPAPHRODITUS’ COMMISSION 28-30

a) Bring Rejoicing by his presence. Everyone is glad to see him come into the Church

b) Built a Reputation for Sticking to his job under hard circumstances- His Godly Character led to greater usefulness for the Lord.

Phil 03:1-11 THE LEAST PRAYED PRAYER IN THE BIBLE

I can not guarantee this but it appears that the most prayed prayer recorded in scripture is the simple phrase “Help Me” (Used in prayer at least 10 times). I can understand the reason that Prayer would be so popular. On the other hand, I submit to you that the least prayed prayer I have heard is found in Phil 3:10. Let us look at this prayer and see why we should turn it into our most prayed prayer.

I. Paul had A Previous Religion that did not add up. 3:1-9- But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ (Phil 3:7)

a) His old religion was a Job instead of a Joy- vs1-3 Beware of people who turn the Blessings of a relationship with the Lord into a heavy Burden of law keeping.

b) His old religion met Human Standards of “goodness” but it did not meet God’s requirements for a Righteous Relationship. Vs 4-7 It is one thing to be religious enough to get into the church, but quite another to be righteous enough to get into heaven

c) His old religion was a Righteousness that had to be Earned; and no matter what you did it was never enough! Now he was part of the body of Christ through Faith.

– Faith was the way Abraham (the “father of Israel”) became the “friend of God”- And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God (James 2:23) (See also Romans 4:22).

– Faith made “dung” out of man’s ideas about how to have a relationship with God through our own righteous efforts- For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. (1 Corinthians 1:18 19)

2. Paul prayed for a Religion that was transforming 3:10-11- This is the thing we pray for the least!! We want a Religion that makes us Happy, Prosperous, Popular, and Trouble Free.

a) Paul prayed to be like Christ in his actions and attitude!

1) He prayed for an Intimate Knowledge of Christ in his heart- I want to be so acquainted with Christ until my heart beats like His heart and my mind thinks like His Mind.

2) He prayed for the transforming Power of Christ’s Resurrection in His Ministry– What can you do with a man who has battled with death and won!!! You can not head him off if you cut off his head! Most Christians stop at the Cross (Where the Disciples found defeat and discouragement) instead of celebrating the victory of the empty tomb.

3) He prayed to know the “fellowship of Christ’s Suffering” in his soul– You cannot love like He loves unless you are willing to suffer like He suffered. (The example of Mel Trotter who agonized over the sins of New York).

b) The Reason for this prayer was so the Transforming Power of the Resurrection would operate in Paul’s Life- vs 11. It is not enough to pray to be like Christ if you do not want to live like Christ in your Life!! If your religion does not change you then you need to change religions!

Do you pray for God to bless you or for Christ to be formed in you? A million years from now which will be important?

Phil 03:7-10 DONE WITH DUNG

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; (Philippians 3:7-10).

THINGS PAUL ONCE USED AS A BASIS OF HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD:

1) Heritage– Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; (Philippians 3:5A). Came from a “Religious” Background

2) Holiness– as touching the law, a Pharisee; (Philippians 3:5B). Publically seen as a “Religious” Person

3) Enthusiasm– Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; (Philippians 3:6A). Enthusiastically Active in “Religious” Endeavors

4) Scrupulous Life Standards– touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless (Philippians 3:6B). A life that followed the “Religiously” Righteousness Rules.

All of that sounded great until I recognized my Constant Failures and my Empty Heart. Then I came to Faith in Christ and BECAUSE OF MY RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD THRU CHRIST I NOW COUNT ALL THESE THINGS BUT DUNG (Waste). I found the Abundant Life when I Stopped trying to BE GOD and Started BELIEVING IN GOD and finding Pardon and Peace beyond words.

Do not stand before God and say, “I was Really Good” and hear God say, “Depart from me, I never KNEW you!”

Phil 03:8-11 KNOWING CHRIST

Written by Paula Jones- GOAL: What it means to KNOW CHRIST.

I. Know Christ PERSONALLY through salvation. First of all, we must be saved; the only way to know Christ is to accept Him by Faith as Savior.

II. Knowing the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF CHRIST. We can’t have the righteousness of Christ unless we are saved by faith in Christ. When we are saved God washes away our sin with the blood of Jesus and then He gives us the righteousness of Christ so we can be pure before Him, because our righteousness is as filthy rags before Him (Isaiah 64:6).

III. Knowing the POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION. The power that raised Christ from the dead is the same power that makes the transformation in our hearts when we are saved and is also available to us to give us victory over sin and temptation and any problem in our life. It is also the power we need to be the witnesses of Christ that we should be.

IV. Knowing the FELLOWSHIP OF HIS SUFFERING. As we share His righteousness and His power we must also share His sufferings. That means we must be willing to be persecuted for His sake (Matt 5:11).

CONCLUSION: Everyone needs to know Christ as his Savior in this life. Then the Power of His resurrection will prepare them for death.

Phil 03:12 14 HEAVENLY GOALS

Another year has come and gone. Did you accomplish what you wanted to in 1986?? Did you “get thru” the year? or did you have things you wanted to get done? [Last Year I told about some of the goals for our church for 1986- 1) Remodel Pulpit area, 2) New lights, 3) New shubbery around Church (Partcially COMPLETED), 4) Parking area lined off (COMPLETED), 5) New Carpet in Parsonage (COMPLETED). We have completed some of these and are on the way to completing the remainder]. For 1987 I want us to complete our remaining goals while accomplishing some new ones- 1) paint and rework Sunday School rooms & 2) Plant trees or shrubs along west side of Church.

But MORE IMPORTANT in 1987 I want to see Souls Saved in our Church services. I want us to double our present attendance to 75 in Sunday School (I don’t want this to be a goal we talk about but one we reach!!). I want to see us have large Primary, Junior, and Teen classes. I want someone to work with and develop our young people for the Lord before the Devil captures them.

We all need goals. Something to work toward, something to accomplish that makes us feel as if we have done something that matters. Everyone seeks the approval of someone. I hope that your “someone” is God and I hope that the desire is so great that you will do something to gain that approval.

Paul also had aspirations as He talked to the Philippians in today’s scripture. Let’s see how he went about accomplishing them and apply these Principles to our Lives this year.

I. DISSATISFACTION– “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect”. There will be no growth without dissatisfaction- only complacency!! When you say “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing;” (Rev 3:17) then you are indeed poor. There generally must be Pain if there is to be Progress (Diet, Muscles, etc).

As long as we are satisfied with 35 we won’t have 75. As long as we are content to let others do things then they generally won’t get done. As long as you are content to live in Sin and face a devil’s Hell then you’ll never be saved. As long as you are content to live a slack, lukewarm life then you’ll never amount to much for God. Are You Satisfied with your Life? with your relationship to God, with your destiny? God, Grant us some “Divine Dissatisfaction”!!!

II. DIRECTION– “I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus”. Recognize God’s plan for your life and get in it. You’ll never be happy or complete until you become at Peace with God.

Sin is coming short of the Glory of God- missing God’s plan for your Life (The reason it’s wrong to lie, cheat, steal, do drugs, etc. is because it is not God’s plan for our lives.). Are you drifting thru life like the chaff from wheat; to end up in the fire! I KNOW that part of God’s Plan for me is our outreach ministry– even though I don’t have the talent or the time to do what I think needs to be done, yet God has gripped my soul with this. (Somewhere down in the depths of YOUR heart there is a burden for something– something you’re dismissing because of circumstances or courage. Allow God to fulfil His plan in your life today. That’s what Abundant Life is all about; accomplishing God’s Purpose and Plan for You.

III. DISTRACTION FREE– “this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.”

Don’t allow Past mistakes or pleasures to hold you- Heb 12:1 “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”

“The cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, the lust of other things enter in and choke the word and it becomes unfruitful” There are generally 2 time periods that cripple men- the Past and the Future!! You can’t go back to change the past or recapture a past pleasure but you can waste your life waiting for the “Future” to produce the “right” moment or set of circumstances. We need to pray with the Psalmist, “Teach us to number our days, O Lord, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”

What is hindering you from running the race God has set before you-God can conquer your circumstances (Daniel in Lion’s Den, Hebrews in fiery furnace, Habakkuk’s doubts, Hosea’s adulterous wife), Slay your enemies (David and Goliath), and provide strength to overcome (Joshua at Jericho).

IV. DETERMINATION– “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Most people’s problem is that they think the whole purpose of life is to “cuddle” them!! They aren’t willing to deny themselves, Take up their cross, and follow Christ— and one day they will hear Jesus say, “Depart from me, ye that work iniquity, I never knew you.”

What is your objective in Life??? If Christ is not at the center of it then you need to change it. What are your Obstacles to living for God??? God is greater than any problem you have or may encounter. What are your Options if you continue down the road you’re on?? Will you end up controlled by Sin and Satan and in Hell forever? Will you have a mansion with Christ forever because you have accepted Christ as Savior and now live for Him?

Phil 03:12 21 LIVING TO MAKE HEAVEN YOUR HOME

I plan to spend eternity in Heaven. How should I live now that God has saved me and I’m Heaven bound?? How can I live to make Heaven my home? (I’m already Saved- These are not things I do to be saved but things I do BECAUSE I’m saved).

I. RECOGNIZE YOUR GOAL 12 14 (If you don’t know what God wants from you or what you are supposed to do then you’ll never be satisfied).

A) Know what God has called you for. 12 (Part of the Body ). Keep growing- You’re not already perfect (mature). Be satisfied with Christ but not with Self. Don’t think you have “Arrived” just because you’re Saved; God saved you for a purpose. Find God’s Plan and get in it.

B) Don’t “Bog down” in past failures 13 Remember the Lesson of past failures but don’t allow them to cripple you.

C) Press toward Christ likeness 14 God’s Goal for you.

II. PRACTICE LIVING LIKE YOU WERE IN HEAVEN 15 21 (vs 20 For our conversation is in heaven: means our “Citizenship” is in Heaven).

A) Be Common Minded 15 16 As Christ the servant See 2:5 8 Each serving the Lord and each other: not division or strife but same minded.

B) Follow the example of other Christians and set one yourself 17 -19 See II Tim 2:2 Note the description of the enemies of Christ: Their End is Destruction. Their God is their Belly (Feelings) Their Glory is actually their shame. Their mind is on this world

C) Remember you’re a citizen of Heaven and a Pilgrim and stranger in this world 20 21

Do you know What God is wanting you to do?? Are you Practicing living like you were in Heaven??

Phil 03:12 BECOMING

The heart desire of every Christian is to become more like Jesus each day. But even the Apostle Paul knew that this is not a one moment event but a life to be lived- Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus (Phil 3:12).

It is a continual process of “Becoming” more and more like Christ. How can we become what we are supposed to be?

I. YOU BECOME WHAT YOU THINK– For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee (Prov 23:7).

Sow a thought, reap a deed

Sow a deed, reap a Habit

Sow a Habit, reap a character

Sow a Character, reap a destiny

A) The Wrong Thoughts- Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2 Cor 10:5). Some Wrong Thoughts that we surrender to are:

WORRY- We worry about the weather report while Jesus slept in a boat in a storm! We worry about curtains for our home while Jesus did not have a place to lay His head!

LUST- Lust of the Mind- There can no woman or man be as perfect in real life as they are in our fantasies (Real life is full of bad breath, rejection, and physical inabilities). Because of that we more and more want to live in a “Dream world” and refuse to deal with reality.

PRIDE- For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith (Rom 12:3).

B) The Right Thoughts- EIGHT THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Phil 4:8).

C) The Changing of Thoughts- And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; (Eph 4:23).

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Rom 12:2).

Change your thought patterns so that you Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:(Phil 2:5). (The mind of Christ knew that the Will of God is the most important thing to consider. That made Him become Humble unto death, even the death of the Cross).

II. YOU BECOME WHAT YOU LOVE AND WORSHIP– That’s why young people dress and talk like rock star “idols”. That’s why Adults wear the latest fad clothing and have the latest fad appliances; they’re trying to “keep up with the Jones”. The thing we love is the thing we look for. Lot loved Egypt and when he saw that the valley of Sodom was like Egypt that’s where he went. He became a “chief man” in Sodom and enjoyed the “onions of Egypt” but in the city of Sodom he lost his testimony, his riches, his family, and his wife.

This wrong Love can even lead to departure from the Lord- For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia (2 Tim 4:10).

III. YOU BECOME LIKE THE THINGS YOU LIVE WITH–

A) Accent- That’s why Yankees talk so funny; they hang around other Yankees!

B) Food- The Jones Family has Oyster Stew at Thanksgiving and at Christmas because we think it’s great. Some families have crazy things like Turkey and Dressing and Bar-B-Que!

C) Attitude- If you live in an attitude of Love and Trust you will develop Love and Trust. If you live in an attitude of Hate and Strife then it will show in your life.

We must develop Contact without contamination- Joseph in Egypt lived Pure / Daniel in Babylon lived pure. This must be Separation not isolation – The Blessed man of Psalm 1 did not fellowship with Sinners but he was a Witness to them. Jesus dined with “Publicans and Sinners” often but He did not partake of their sins.

If we are to Become the person God wants us to be then we must learn to:

Think like Jesus

Love and worship Jesus

Live like Jesus

WHAT ARE YOU BECOMING???

Phil 03:12 GOALS

We all need goals. Something to work for, something to accomplish that makes us feel as if we have done something. Everyone seeks the approval of someone. I hope that the someone is God, and I hope that the desire is so great that you will do something to gain that approval.

Paul gives us some idea about this in:

PHI 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

PHI 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

PHI 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

With this in mind, I would like to challenge you to make your Goal the prize of the high calling to which God called you. Paul had aspirations as He talked to the Philippians in today’s scripture. Let’s see how he went about accomplishing them and apply these Principles to our Lives this year.

I. DISSATISFACTION– “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect”. There will be no growth without dissatisfaction- only complacency!! When you say I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing;” (Rev 3:17) then you are indeed poor. There generally must be Pain if their is to be Progress (Diet, Muscles, etc).

Sin is coming short of the Glory of God- missing God’s plan for your Life (The reason it’s wrong to lie, cheat, steal, do drugs, etc. is because it is not God’s plan for our lives.). Are you drifting thru life like the chaff from wheat; to end up in the fire! I KNOW that part of God’s Plan for me is our outreach ministry– even though I don’t have the talent or the time to do what I think needs to be done, yet God has gripped my soul with this (Somewhere down in the depths of YOUR heart there is a burden for something– something you’re dismissing because of circumstances or courage. Allow God to fulfil His plan in your life today. That’s what Abundant Life is all about; accomplishing God’s Purpose and Plan for You.

God called everyone to be a WITNESS (ACT 1:8 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 Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.).

Everyone is encouraged to STUDY (2TI 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth).

Everyone needs to PRAY (1TH 5:17 Pray without ceasing).

III. DISTRACTION FREE– “this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.” Don’t allow Past mistakes or pleasures to hold you- Heb 12:1 let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. “the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, the lust of other things enter in and choke the word and it becomes unfruitful”

There are generally 2 time periods that cripple men- the Past and the Future!! You can’t go back to change the past or recapture a past pleasure but you can waste your life waiting for the “Future” to produce the “right” moment or set of circumstances. We need to pray with the Psalmist, Teach us to number our days, O Lord, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

What is YOUR OBJECTIVE in Life??? If Christ is not at the center of it then you need to change it.

What are your OBSTACLES to living for God??? God is greater than any problem you have or may encounter.

What are your OPTIONS if you continue down the road you’re on?? Will you end up controlled by Sin and Satan and in Hell forever? Will you have a mansion with Christ forever because you have accepted Christ as Savior and now live for Him??.

Phil 03:12-14 GOALS2

Want to Change your life- Read Philippians every day for a month!

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:12-14).

Amplified Bible- 12 Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me and made me His own. 13 I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.

There are few things in life that bring the same satisfaction as accomplishing a task or reaching a goal- What if you had set your goal for 50 today and then had 55 in attendance- What a great day of celebration this would be.

1. Recognize the need- Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended He who aims at nothing normally hits it. What needs to be accomplished? Start at the finish so it is easy to finish the start- Lose weight, pay bills, grow spiritually

2. Prioritize your work– this one thing I do. A double minded man is unstable.

3. Do not let past failures defeat you- forgetting those things which are behind, forgiven, forsaken, forgotten. Don’t allow Past mistakes or present pleasures hold you- Heb 12:1 let us lay aside every weight, and the sin whch doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

4. Become excited about your potential- reaching forth unto those things which are before

I can do all things through Christ – There is nothing God wants me to do that I cannot do.

5. Set a goal that will make a difference- I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

As long as you are satisfied with 35 you will not have 75.

As long as you are content to live a slack, lukewarm life then you will never amount to much for God.

As long as you are content to live in Sin and face a devil’s Hell then you’ll never be saved.

Are You Satisfied with your Life? with your relationship to God, with your destiny? God, Grant us some “Divine Dissatisfaction”!!!

Sin will take you further than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay. Sin produces fruit you do not want to reap (sow the wind and reap the whirlwind) and a debt you do not want to pay.

Is your goal Heaven or Hell? Is your goal to live for God or for self? Come to Christ today.

Phil 03:13-14 GOAL GUIDELINES

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil 3:13-14). As we begin a new year, we, like Paul, need to determine to accomplish God’s will for our lives in 1992. Let’s look at several guidelines to help us as we Pursue our Goals for God.

1. DOES THE GOAL GLORIFY GOD?- Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31). Many of the goals we want to accomplish will glorify our selves- lose weight, be better workers, etc. Do you have a Goal that will glorify God and make you a better Christian??

2. IS THE GOAL GOD’S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE? David wanted to build the temple but God wanted Solomon to do that. Paul wanted to go to Asia and preach to the Jews. God wanted him in Europe preaching to the Gentiles. Is it God’s Plan or your plan??

3. WILL THE GOAL DRAW YOU CLOSER TO GOD OR TEMPT YOU TO STRAY FROM GOD’S PLAN FOR YOU. Can you stand the stress and temptation of the accomplishing the Goal? Some people want to work with drug addicts but they would be tempted to take drugs. God may use you to help drug addicts but in an entirely different area than you want.

4. WILL THE GOAL BUILD UP OTHER PARTS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST OR ARE YOU BUILDING YOUR OWN LITTLE KINGDOM? The man who made the world famous Stradivarius Violins couldn’t play in concert but he could build great violins. (Most church divisions come from people building their kingdom instead of God’s kingdom)

5. ARE YOU DEVELOPING AS THE GOAL DEVELOPS SO THE GOAL WILL HAVE A FOUNDATION OF STABILITY? Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; (Isa 54:2)

6. DO OTHER PEOPLE ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR GOAL AS GODLY? Not public Opinion but confirmation by other brothers.

7. ARE YOU WILLING TO WORK ON YOUR GOAL UNTIL IT’S TIME FOR FRUIT? And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Gal 6:9)

8. ARE YOU WILLING TO QUIT YOUR GOAL IS DIRECTED BY GOD? Don’t let your goal become your God.

9. DO YOU HAVE ENOUGH FAITH IN YOUR DREAM TO MAKE IT PUBLIC? Have a Dream, Tell a dream, do a dream. Public proclamation.

10. IS YOUR GOAL SOMETHING YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED BY? By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh (Heb 11:4).

Are you just running thru life or are you pursuing a Goal for God? What a horrible thing to come to die and then find you’ve just been spinning your wheels.

Phil 03:13-14 HOW TO LEAVE LUKEWARM

Reading the book of Philippians every day for a month will change your life- It’s four chapters show Christ is our life, mind, goal, and strength. (Friendship church in India is wired with lights and has a power pole 6 feet from the power box but the power is not connected because of government hindrance. A lot of people are just like that).

You are not accountable for your:

Beginning (Your family and birth location)
Basic Looks- (Color of skin, male/female, etc)
Basic Abilities- (Some can sing, some are “smarter” than others, some have more athletic skills)

You are accountable for:

Your reputation- Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right (Proverbs 20:11). What you do with what you have and who you are.
The things you allow to influence you- Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? (2 Cor 6:14-16).
Your actions- Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment (Ecclesiastes 11:9).

HOW TO REACH YOUR POTENTIAL:

Desire to Change- Brethern, I count not myself to have apprehended, but this one thing I do. You can let life control you or you can control life.
Determine to Change- forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before Do not let the past determine your future. If you are satisfied being who you are then you will never become the new creation God wants you to be.
Do what it takes to Change- I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Being a good Christian can change your life, your family, your friends, and your eternity. Get on board with God and do something great!

You will never be great as long as you are satisfied being good.
You will never become what you need to be if you remain what you are.

There are greater things than you can imagine ahead of you and there is a great God walking beside you- I can do ALL things through Christ which strengthens me.
Remember YOU are accountable for your Sins- The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. (Ezekiel 18:20).

A man in South Africa built a cabin in an area known for diamonds but never could do anything more than make ends meet. One day he noticed something shiny in the rock he had roll to his door as a door step. It was one of the largest diamonds ever discovered. He was stepping on his riches every day.

Phil 03:17-18 HOW IS YOUR WALK?

The Witnessing Walk of Brother Buster is what stirred a desire in my heart to know God.

(Phil 3:17-18) Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

You need a:

1) WORKING WALK– (Eph 2:8-10) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: {9} Not of works, lest any man should boast. {10} For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

2) WORTHY WALK– (Eph 4:1) I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

3) WATCHFUL WALK– (Eph 5:15) See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise. Stepped on a Snake when I was not watch where I walked!

4) WILLING WALK– Spurgeon- “What a man does against his will is not in truth done by himself at all”- (Eph 5:2) And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

THERE IS ONE OTHER WALK TO BE AWARE OF:

5) WICKED WALK– (Eph 2:2-3) Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: {3} Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. End of this walk is destruction, misery, and pain. No help in this world and no hope in next!

Phil 03:17-20 EXAMPLES OR ENEMIES

In writing about the wonderful joy of being a Christian to the church at Philippi the Apostle Paul describes two situations are of vital interest to everyone here today.

PURPOSE OF CHURCH: Place to Prepare to meet God, Promote worship of God, Provide example of God to community and world.

REASONS PEOPLE ATTEND CHURCH:

Parents / Partners- To please family

Popular- would you be a Muslim if you were born in Iraq?

Problems- Marriage, Money, Medical, Mind (Depression)

People- Friendship (Main reason people begin attending a church)- Example

I. THE EXAMPLE OF PAUL– vs 17

A) The Admonition- “Follow me” (Also the call of Christ). Here are some Mission Questions:

1> Who do you represent?

2> Where are you going?

3> Why should I follow you?

4> How can I get on the road you are traveling?

B) The Guidance- “Mark [be able to recognize]” those who follow my example. Three Ways to recognize something is wrong- Ro 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

1) Isolated interpretation of scripture- 2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

2) Superior Spirituality attitude- Different stages of spiritual growth is normal. Holier than thou is dangerous.

3) Pharisaical Pronouncements- Must do everything my way: Ga 2:11-16 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

A) Different in Temptation- One man’s worm is another man’s bait

B) Different in Preferences- Colors, Cars, Companions (Glad my wife is mine)

II. THE ENEMIES OF THE CROSS

– A common Situation- “Many walk” Broad way / A Sad Situation- “even weeping”

1) God is their belly- Pleasure driven. Want entertainment instead of enlightenment.

2) Glory is in their shame- Character corrupted. Sin of their sin is boasted in (Homo)

3) Mind Earthly things- Wrong thought references- Every man did that which was right in his own sight.

4) End is destruction

Christians are chastised- Here “Send worst of the Nations” Ez 7:24 and Hereafter: Judgement seat of Christ. [Basketball player disqualified from game. Football player thrown off team]

Sinners are condemned. A man with Cancer who was more interested in Model planes than God.

Phil 04:1 STAND FAST

Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved (Philippians 4:1).

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself (Philippians 3:20-21).

“Therefore” is because we are citizens of Heaven and it is used as the basis of Paul’s exhortation for us to “stand fast” in our work for the Lord.

1) Make sure you are standing on a firm foundation: I once found myself sinking in quicksand and had to be rescued because I was chasing a wild goose! Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12).

2) Make sure you stay at your position in Christ: Charles Spurgeon said, “The beginning of religion is not the whole of it” And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved (Matthew 10:22). In the parable of the seed some fell by the wayside, some developed not root, some became unfruitful because of their “weedy world”, but some brought forth various fruit.

And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God. (Psalms 78:8).

A) Do not Wander into Sin

B) Do not be Weary in Well Doing

C) Do not Warp under the heat of problems and persecution

3) If you are not on a firm foundation then you might find yourself in trouble- Walking one day without looking where I was going and found a rattle snake between by feet!

Jack Rabbits think they can get away by running but they soon weary and are caught. Cotton Tail Rabbits hide under a rock and stay safe.

Phil 04: GOD’S CURE FOR WORRY

Many Christians lose their happiness and peace of mind because of Worry? The word “worry” comes from a word that means “to strangle”; and worry will strangle people physically, mentally, and spiritually. It is like a Cancer that eats at the very heart of a man.

Although the word “Worry” is not found in the Bible phrases like “be careful for nothing” (Phil 4:6) and “take no thought for the morrow” (Matt 6:34) mean we should defeat the worry that invades our life. When Paul declares we should “be careful for nothing” in verse 6 he is literally saying we not worry by being anxious about things.

“Be careful” literally means “to be torn apart.” What a great description of what worry does in the life of an individual! Worry comes when circumstances in our life cause the thoughts of our mind and the feelings in our heart to pull us in different directions and we are “torn apart”. With the mind we know we should not fret; but with the heart we cannot help ourselves! We have to break this circle of worry before we can have peace and happiness.

Worry normally comes from wrong thinking and feelings about people, circumstances, or things. Notice that in Chapter 4 Paul has no worry about people (1-5), circumstances (10-13), or the material things of life (14-19). Paul has told about experiencing the joy of the Christian Life in the first 3 chapters. Now he gives us God’s four-fold remedy for worry so we can learn in whatsoever state we find ourselves to be content (Phil 4:11).

I. The First cure for Worry is GOD’S PRESENCE 4:1-5

A) Stand fast in the Lord

B) Be of one mind in the Lord- Conflict comes from different thoughts

C) Rejoice in the Lord

D) Look for the Lord- Have “sweet reasonableness” (Moderation) because the Lord is near at hand.

II. The Second cure for Worry is GOD’S PEACE 4:6-9 Peace WITH God is ours at Salvation- The Peace OF God is ours when we practice:

A) Right Praying (6-7) “Adoration” is what the word thanksgiving means in vs. 6. We worship Him, we request from Him, and we thank Him. Then the Peace of God will keep (Guard) our heart.

B) Right Thinking (8) (Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee. Is. 26:3). Paul lists a great list of things to think on in order to guard our mind against worry.

C) Right Living (9) Paul declares that if we will follow his example then God’s peace will be with us.

III. The Third cure for Worry is GOD’S POWER 4:10-13

A) For Supply- I have learned, in whatsoever state I find myself, therewith to be content. (I know God CAN meet my needs. I should not worry if God’s timetable is not my timetable.

B) For Strength- I can do all things through Christ who energizes me. Life does not bring a situation that God and I cannot handle- Glory!

IV. The final Cure for Worry is GOD’S PROVISION 4:14-23. MY GOD shall supply all YOUR NEED according to HIS RICHES in glory by Christ Jesus. When the Child of God is in the will of God, all of the universe works for him; but when he is out of the will of God, he stumbles and falls as he struggles in his own strength.

Phil 04:3 BOOK OF LIFE

Having your name in the Book of Life:

1) Makes us Part of God’s People: Php 4:3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

[Danger of removal!: Re 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels].

2) Gives you Power to Overcome: Re 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

3) Endues us with Perception to Recognize: Re 17:8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

4) Used at Basis of Judgment: Re 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. Re 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

5) Provides a Passport to Heaven: Re 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

That is why we should always CONSIDER THE BIBLE’S ENTIRE CONTENT: Re 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Phil 04:4 JOYFUL PRAISE

Phil 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. / 1 Th 5:16 Rejoice evermore.

JOY (Or Sadness) IS CONTAGIOUS-1 Cor 12:26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

REASONS TO REJOICE:

1. BECAUSE YOU’RE SAVED– Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

2. BECAUSE OTHERS ARE SAVED– Luke 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

3. FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRIST BRINGS JOY– Psa 16:11 Thou wilt show me the path of life: IN THY PRESENCE IS FULNESS OF JOY; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

4. PERSECUTION FOR CHRIST SHOULD PRODUCE JOY-Luke 6:22-23 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

5. OBEYING GOD BRINGS JOY– Acts 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

5. THE WORD OF GOD IS REASON TO REJOICE– Psa 119:162 I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.

RESULTS OF REJOICING:

1. STRENGTH FOR LIFE- Neh 8:10 …for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

2. JOY GIVES UP PERSEVERANCE- Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3. PRAISE JUST LOOKS RIGHT ON GOD’S PEOPLE- Psa 33:1 Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. Psa 68:3 But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.

GOD EXPECTS HIS PEOPLE TO APPRECIATE WHAT THEY GET FROM HIM- Deu 26:11 And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the LORD thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you.

DELIVERANCE FROM TROUBLE IS GROUNDS FOR JOY- Psa 31:7 I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;

YOUTH HAVE REASON TO REJOICE- Eccl 11:9 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.

Psa 71:23 My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.

SIN SHORT-CIRCUITS OUR JOY- Psa 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Psa 85:6 Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?

Phil 04:13 THE SOURCE OF STRENGTH

Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Phil 4:13) (NIV)– “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”. (Wuest)– “I am strong for all things in the One who constantly infuses strength in me”. (Amp Bible)– “I have strength for all things in Christ who empowers me-I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses inner strength into me, (that is, I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency).”

One of the major problems we have in Christian Circles today is the practice of taking a verse out of context and then making it say what we want it to say. Our verse for this message is that way. People proudly quote it and claim it’s “Promise”; but end up in disaster or doubt when they try to push it’s meaning beyond what God intended. I want us to avoid the dangers in what it doesn’t mean, claim the victory for what it does mean, and then turn it from a Sunday Morning message into a life style.

I. WHAT CAN WE DO – ALL THING!!!

A. What it doesn’t mean- I can’t fly! I can’t sing. In fact, I find it difficult to lose the 15 lbs of extra fat I’m carrying around each day! I also can’t keep my hair from falling out or my body from deteriorating. Why, I can’t even make people come to Church!! So this is not a “Magic Verse” that allows me to become a god. It has tremendous promise but it also has it’s limitations.

B. What it really means- In order to find those limitations we must look at the Context of the Verse (That means looking at the verses immediately before and after this verse to see the theme of what Paul was saying). Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Not withstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction (Phil 4:11-14).

Some people had accused Paul of being in the Ministry simply to live off other people. To combat this, Paul usually earned his living as a tent maker while he did his mission work. Like anyone traveling from city to city, this was not a very stable living. Sometimes he would get along great; other times he went hungry! Sometimes he could buy a new suit and sometimes he couldn’t even get patches for the suit he had!

It is in this context that he makes the statement of verse 13. He isn’t saying he’s superman through Christ; he’s saying he’s able to face anything life sends his way through the strength he receives from the indwelling Christ (Note that, even with that in mind, he uses the verse after verse 13 to thank people for their part in helping him).

II. HOW CAN WE DO IT – THROUGH HIM. How could Corrie Ten Bloom pray for her Nazi guards and keep up her faith in a death camp? How can Christians today face death, disaster, disease, and disappointment? Only Through HIM–Christ. It is not our will power or stamina but our Savior that makes the difference. (Without my glasses, everything in the world is fuzzy and out of focus. I stumble around and continually get lost. With my glasses on I must face the same obstacles but now I can see how to avoid or overcome them!).

III. WHY CAN WE DO IT – HE GIVES ME STRENGTH Our main question now becomes HOW DOES HE GIVE US STRENGTH????

A. Inclination– I CAN if I WILL (Jesus told about 2 sons, One said he would and didn’t. The other said he wouldn’t and did. It was the one who actually did the work that obeyed the Father). Most of the work in the Church that goes lacking does so because people say “I can’t” when they really mean “I won’t”.

Christ does not give me strength and then let me decide if I want to do the job; once I dedicate myself to the work, he gives me strength to do what he wants done.

B. Faith– “All Things” means depending on His sufficiency. It is trusting God for strength for whatever comes your way. (I was reading in an old “Grace and Glory” the other day and saw the preacher had said this church could reach MILLIONS with the Gospel. Either he’s crazy; or he believes God can give the strength needed IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE!)

C. Submission– “Through Christ” means I take up my cross and follow Him. I turn away from my own will and ways and walk submitted to His plan for my life. I don’t expect God to empower me to “do my own thing”. I do expect Him to be my power for any thing He asks me to do.

D. Receiving– “Who gives me strength: (Builds me up)

1. Inner strength- Because the Holy Spirit lives within

2. Wisdom- To make the right choices, to say the right things.

3. Patience- To wait on God’s time, to endure life’s problems.

We offer you today, not a clique about the good life; but a life changing Christ. He can change your Destination as well as your Disposition. He can enable you to face life as it really is; and come out victorious. Won’t you accept Him today.?

Phil 04:19 MEETINGS NEEDS

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

I believe this is a true statement and God will meet the Needs of His people. Here are some things you need to know about HOW GOD MEETS NEEDS: Example of food for my family. I can pray with CONFIDENCE because I KNOW IT IS THE WILL OF GOD that I provide food for my family? But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel (1 Timothy 5:8).

Here are ways God can answer the Prayer of Providing Food.

• EARN IT– In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return (Genesis 3:19). God always opened the door for a job so I could support my family.

• EXPECT GOD TO GIVE IT when you cannot earn it. Provides it in an extraordinary way: And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat. …Gather of it every man according to his eating, (Exodus 16:15-16). NOTE: When Israel again became able to provide their food “by the sweat of their brow” the manna ceased and God expected them to work- And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that yea. (Joshua 5:12). [JOEL PROVIDE MEAL AT SHONEY]

Provide it through a Miracle– And the ravens brought (Elijah) bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook (1 Kings 17:6). [FAX MACHINE REPAIR FOR APOLLO 12]

Provide it through Someone Else– And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son (1 Kings 17:13). [DEACON WHO SENT $100 in “Let’s God Fishing” Bulletin after God reminded me that He paid tax from the mouth of a fish]

However God provides, He expects us to use the resources He gives you wisely- After the feeding of the 5000 with the two fish and five loaves Jesus said unto his disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.”(John 6:12).

There is another Need God is able to meet in your life- And Jesus must needs go through Samaria (John 4:4). There was a woman in Samaria who was thirsty but she needed Living Water. Jesus can meet that need today! [Feel the Presence of the Spirit of God in Nam while my Church prayed for me]