SERMON NOTES FOR NOVEMBER 29, 2010...

EXPERIENCING JOY THROUGH THE RIGHT EXAMPLE

Society is always putting forth examples for us telling us what is hip, what sounds good, what tastes good, and what looks good and as these examples are being put forward there is this implied message that following these examples leads to joy.

In the text for today, I am going to discuss how to experience joy through following the right example.

As we have discussed, during Paul imprisonment at Rome, there are many uncertainties concerning his ministry. Although he mentions in the previous verses that he thinks he will be released, he is uncertain about when that will be. So in his absence he mentions that he hopes to send both Timothy and Epaphroditus to them. Not only that, he also explains in this passage the great characteristics of these two men and looks to them as great examples of what it means to be a follower of Christ.

First he says we should...

1. Follow the EXAMPLE of Timothy

19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.

Timothy was a native of Lystra (Acts 16:1) and was thought to be a convert of Paul’s during his first missionary journey through Lystra. Over the years Paul became extremely fond of Timothy. In fact, Timothy becomes Paul’s right hand man in ministry.

Timothy was also no stranger to the Philippians. He was with Paul when the church was planted initially and was well respected by the Christians at Philippi. In the following verses, Paul puts forth Timothy as an example for the Christians at Philippi to follow.

First he shows that…

1. HE HAS A GENUINE INTEREST IN THE WELFARE OF OTHERS

In v. 20 Paul points to the fact that Timothy has no selfish nor ulterior motives in ministry, but takes a genuine interest in those he ministers to.

He says,

20 I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.

This is not the first time in this book that Paul stresses the importance of selfless service. The reason I believe he continues to show the need for it is because it is what is needed most in ministry, but what is seen the least in God's people. Paul is clear that genuine servants though needed are hard to find. He says,

I have no one else like (Timothy). 21 For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

This is also true for us today isn’t it? The reason the Gospel is not making the impact it should in our world I believe is because there are too many in our churches and in Christian ministry who are looking to their own interests in ministry and too few like Timothy.

2. HIS SOLE DESIRE IS TO BE FAITHFUL
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22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.

The phrase "proven worth" means “proof after testing.” Paul is simply showing in this verse that Timothy has been tested and has proven character.

As I said earlier, Timothy was with Paul when the church at Philippi was started so the Christians in this city were well acquainted with Him. They had witnessed his continued loyalty, dependability and faithfulness to Paul and to the ministry through the years. For this reason, Paul thought highly of Timothy and for this reason Timothy was well received by the churches.

3. HIS PRESENCE MAKES A DIFFERENCE

23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also. ‎‎
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This text clearly reveals Timothy’s importance to Paul and to the work of the gospel. Paul is clear in v. 23 that he needed Timothy a while longer. It’s unknown why Paul felt this way, but what is certain is that Timothy uniquely sustained Paul during this time of uncertainty and Paul felt as if he could hardly get along without him.

Paul also knew that Timothy was exactly what the Christians at Philippi needed as well. In sending Timothy, something was going to be amiss in the life and ministry of Paul, but something would be greatly added to the ministry at Philippi. In other words, Timothy’s presence made a significant difference in ministry.

What a great example for us to follow as believers. As we read about how Timothy’s presence makes a difference in ministry we should be reminded of how ours should as well.

2. Follow the EXAMPLE of Epaphroditus

25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus,

Epaphroditus is the person the Philippians sent to Paul while in jail at Rome. He is sent to Paul to bring news of the churches love for Paul, to bring him a gift from the church and to stay for a time with him to minster alongside him and to comfort and care for him.

Notice the characteristics Paul gives of Epaphroditus.

1. HE IS COMMITTED

25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.

Notice Paul refers to Epaphroditus as more than just a fellow Christian. He says he is also a fellow worker and fellow soldier. In other words, Epaphroditus is a committed Christian who served faithfully alongside Paul.

2. HE HAS A HEART FOR GOD’S PEOPLE

26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.

Here we see that both Epaphroditus and Paul have a heart for people. Because the Christians at Philippi had become worried over news of his illness, Epaphroditus becomes distressed over their distress and develops a deep longing for them. Paul also shows his heart for them by longing for Epaphroditus to be reunited with them.

Because God has a heart for people, those who have been called by Him to be imitators of Him are to also have a heart for His people. This is true of Epaphroditus and Paul and is to be true of us.

3. HE HAS A SACRIFICIAL SPIRIT

This just means that Epaphroditus viewed the work of Christ to be more important than His own life.

Paul says,
29 Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.

Although there are certain risks that are not worth taking, at times risk is right especially when it is done for Christ. Here Paul is lifting up Epaphroditus as a model for the Philippian church to emulate because he has risked his life for the sake of Christ. Paul also calls for the church to welcome him with open arms and to honor men like him who sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel.

CONCLUSION

Notice that these characteristics found in the life of Timothy and Epaphroditus are also the very characteristics of Christ and are to be found in us.

Our world is going to continue to put forth role models and there is going to be this implied message that by following these examples—we will experience joy. God’s word, however, tells us that we are to follow Christ and to follow those who are following Christ and in that following we will experience joy.

"Quote" of the Week

A good example has twice the value of good advice. -Unknown

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 118:1

SERMON NOTES FOR NOVEMBER 21, 2010...

As I have said before, there are some obvious places that people look to find joy, but what Paul shows us in Philippians is that joy is found in some unlikely places and under some unlikely circumstances. The passage for today is no exception. What we are going find from today’s passage is that though obedience is a necessary mark of a believer, what results from obedience is not a life of misery, but one of joy.

EXPERIENCING JOY THROUGH OBEDIENCE

I. “DON’T JUST STAND THERE” AND “DON’T JUST DO SOMETHING” (vv. 12-13).
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12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Verse 12 causes problems for some because by changing a single word in the verse ones “grace-based” theology, which teaches that “salvation is by grace alone through faith in Christ alone,” is turned on its head. Notice, however, that Paul does not say “'Work up' 'at' or 'for your salvation,'” but says, “work out your salvation.”

Paul is speaking to believers and is simply urging them to prove that God has saved them in the past by acting and living and obeying like it in the present. He wants the Christians at Philippi to know that Christian maturity is not something that happens automatically, but is to be pursued.

Paul then goes on to say in v. 13, “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” What we have here is a paradox because in verse 12 Paul calls for believers to “put in the work” and in the next verse informs them that God is working in them.

Paradoxs are found throughout the Bible. For example, Scripture clearly states that God is one and three, Jesus is fully God and Fully Man, and that God is Sovereign and Man is responsible. What many have a tendency to do when they cross these teachings in Scripture is to pick and choose or emphasize one at the sake of another. The proper way to interpret paradoxs in Scripture is to affirm both in measure.

The point Paul is making in these verses is that for us to be what God has called us to be we are going to have to put forth the effort, but are also going to have to see our need of God’s grace and be completely dependent upon Him to work in us so that we can work outwardly.

SO “DON’T JUST STAND THERE” AND “DON’T JUST DO SOMETHING,” BUT INSTEAD GO FORWARD BY THE GRACE OF GOD.

II. HAVE THE RIGHT ATTITUDE BECAUSE THE WORLD IS WATCHING (vv. 14-16).

‎Paul says, Do all things without grumbling or questioning,

‎A popular saying we are all familiar with is “Actions speak louder than words.” Here Paul takes that point a step further by showing that “attitudes speak louder than actions.”

The problem with the Philippian Christians wasn’t that they were doing the wrong things; Paul is clear that they were faithful and had been since he first started the church. The issue was that they were doing the right things with the wrong attitude.

He goes on to say,

15 Be blameless and innocent children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

The reason why it is imperative that the church have the right attitude as well as the right actions is because we are representatives of God in a world that is hostile to Him. Paul is clear that the Christians at Philippi need to clean up their act in order to be an effective witness in the world. His advice for the church is summed up in the phrase “Be blameless and innocent children of God without blemish.”

Now know that Paul is not telling them to be perfect, but is just calling for the church to be “above reproach” or “without accusation” so they will be able to minister effectively in the world. Paul goes on to say, “…among whom you shine as lights in the world.” His point here is that when the church is blameless and pure, they bring the truth of the Christian message to light in this dark world. Jesus told His followers, “You are the light of the world…. Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Mt. 5:14-16).

III. KNOW THAT OBEDIENCE THOUGH IT INVOLVE SACRIFICE BRINGS JOY (vv. 17-18).

But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.

Paul’s language he is using is the language of the Old Testament sacrificial system. A drink offering was a type of offering that involved pouring out wine onto an altar along with an animal or grain sacrifice. In this verse, Paul shows that this type of offering vividly illustrates how he has been poured out for God’s service.

Like I said a few weeks ago, people do not like to hear words like suffering, opposition and sacrifice. They want Christianity without these things. The problem is that a life lived for God—in obedience to Him—is not void of these things. Nevertheless, there is joy to be had in a life lived for Him even in the midst of difficulty. ‎

CONCLUSION

When God first created the world, all living creatures—man especially—lived under God’s rule and reign and in perfect obedience to Him and it was as God said “Very Good.” Believe me when I say this is still the case today even though the world tells us otherwise. We were made for God and will not be complete and experience lasting joy until we live for Him.

"Quote" of the Week

"I believe a fitting description for the church would be this: A community of people who stand firm in the truth over time against raging currents of opposition and who present living proof of a loving God to a watching world." -Robert Lewis.

SERMON NOTES FOR NOVEMBER 14, 2010...

In the passage from last week, Paul gives the Christians at Philippi a challenging task. He calls for them to be unified and shows that humility is the way to unity. His says in vv. 3-4, “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Last week I also discussed that the reason this calling is challenging is because selfishness and pride are the most common problems in our lives. Paul knowing this is the case and knowing that good examples of humility are few and far between puts forth the perfect model for them to follow. He says in v. 5, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” In other words, "Look to Christ and follow His supreme example of humility."

EXPERIENCING JOY THROUGH HUMILITY

I. DON’T THINK TOO HIGHLY OF YOURSELF

‎ 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,

‎Paul begins by explaining that Christ has the highest status imaginable. In v. 6 Paul says “although He existed” showing that Christ has always existed even before coming to earth and then he goes on to say “in the form of God” meaning Christ is equal in person to God the Father.

Paul goes on to say that although Christ was equal in nature, essence and form with God, he tells us that Christ refused to selfishly cling to His equality with God.

This doesn’t mean he gave up his authority, title or essence as God, but just means that he did not cling to all the advantages that come with being God. What’s ironic is that Christ who is God who could have clung tightly to the advantages of being God chose to humble himself, while we, who are not even close to being what he is, refuse.

May we learn to think in this way--If Christ, who is infinitely greater than any thought of us did not consider his status as something to cling to, but instead humbled Himself then so should we.

II. DON’T REFUSE TO SERVE BECAUSE OF STATUS

7 (Christ) made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

Paul says tells us that Christ emptied himself by “taking the form of a servant”—by “being born in the likeness of men.” By becoming a man, Christ did something he did not have to do and took on a role that he did not have to take on.

If this is true of Christ, how much more so should this be true of us? Many often think that being in a certain position of authority means that there are certain areas of service that are beneath that status. Although Christ had every right to stay where he was and cling to all the benefits that accompany His divine status, instead He humbled Himself and came to us in our time of need. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 8:9, ‎"Though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”

III. BE WILLING TO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND FOR OTHERS

And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Paul shows us in this passage that Christ went above and beyond for us. He not only refused to cling to His equality with God and not only emptied himself by taking on flesh, but was also obedient to the point enduring a painful death on a shameful cross. And Paul says to make the point, “If Christ humbled himself to this extent, how much more so should we be willing to humble ourselves?”

Often times, believers are willing to serve others as long as it doesn't cost too much when it comes to ones health and wealth. What they are looking for is a cross that doesn’t cost. God’s word is clear, however, that if we are going to follow Christ’s example, we are going to have to sacrifice.

If the purest of all to ever live could endure betrayal, denial, trial, beating, mockery, crucifixion and the very wrath of God for us, how much more should we be willing to obey God and sacrifice by going the above and beyond for others?

IV. TRUST THAT THERE IS JOY TO BE HAD IN HUMILITY

9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Though Jesus humbled himself and put aside divine privileges that were rightfully His and became a servant and was obedient to the point of death on a shameful cross, it is imperative that we rememberhe did not remain in that lowly state. God the Father responds to Christ’s humility by highly exalting Him and by giving Him a name that is above every name. Paul goes on to say that there is also coming a day when every knee is going to bow before Him and every tongue is going to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The message here is clear. Though humility is tough, the joy to be had through it is unmatched. A reoccurring principle throughout Scripture is that God punishes the proud but exalts the humble. Proverbs 3:34 tells us, “(The Lord) mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.” Christ also says in Matthew 23:11-12, “The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

Are you upset when you don’t feel appreciated for your service or feel as if you get taken advantage of when you put others before yourself? Know that God is pleased with your humility and rest in the fact that God blesses and brings joy to the humble.

"Quote" of the Week

"Ministry that costs nothing accomplishes nothing." Dr. John Henry Jowett

SERMON NOTES FROM NOVEMBER 7, 2010...

Disunity is the most common problem in any church and is addressed by Paul in some way in every letter he wrote. The reason why disunity is so common is because selfishness and pride are prevalent in the lives of God’s people.

The more selfish we become as believers and the more we let pride rule in our lives the more divided we will be as a church. Also, the more divided our churches the more miserable we will be as individuals. Because let’s be honest, whether it be in the church, with our children, spouse, boss, and/or friends, when there is disunity in our relationships there is a lack of joy in our lives.

In Philippians 2:1-4, we discover that the church at Philippi, though healthy, had issues. So far, in the previous verses, there have been no mention of problems, but what we learn from this passage is that the Christians at Philippi struggled with being unified.

EXPERIENCING JOY THROUGH UNITY

I. HAVE THE PROPER MOTIVES FOR SPIRITUAL UNITY (2:1-2a)

‎So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being like-minded.
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In v. 1 Paul gives several "if...then" statements to provide the proper motivation for the Philippian Christians when it comes to unity.
These are known as first class conditional statements, meaning these phrases can literally be translated "Because...then or assuming...then."

In this passage Paul is basically saying, “Because you are united with Christ and have fellowship with the Spirit then make my joy complete by being like minded.” Paul here is trying to motivate the believers by grace to be unified with one another. He is basically saying, “Look at all of the wonderful things that God has done for you and let that be your motivation to live for God by being unified with one another.”

II. IDENTIFY THE PROPER MARKS OF SPIRITUAL UNITY (2:2)

being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

Here Paul shows the Christians at Philippi what true unity looks like. He says…

Being of the same mind

What this means is that each believer should have the mind (or attitude) of Christ, which is one of humility that values the thoughts and opinions of others and works to understand.

It's an attitude that says, “I may not agree with this person, but I am going to try my hardest to understand where that person is coming from and get on the same page with them.”

having the same love

The word love used here is agape, which speaks not of an emotional love, but a love of the will. It is not of preference or attraction but a conscious choice to seek the welfare of another.

This is the kind of love that God showed us. Romans 5:8 says, “God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” It is also the kind of love that Christ expects from us. In John 15:12, Jesus tells us "Love one another as I have loved you.”

This kind of love promotes unity, brings joy, and is the kind of love that is to be seen in lives of believers and the church.

being in full accord

This just means that believers are to have a kindred affection for one another. If believers are like minded and have the same love, what will naturally result is being in full accord.

and of one mind or also translated being intent on one purpose

We are not to be unified for unities sake, but are to be unified around the truth of the Christian message and are to have a common God given purpose. In Philippians 1:27, Paul says that we are to be putting aside our differences so that we can work together to advance God's Gospel.

So in this verse, Paul makes it clear that there is more to unity than simply not being at odds with one another. Unity takes work. It is important that believers examine their lives not by what they are not doing, but by what they are doing.

After reading this verse, believers should ask themselves, “Are these marks true of me and seen in my relationships with others? Am I working to understand one another—to be on the same page with them? Do I value the opinions of others even though I may not agree with them? Is agape love one of the marks of my relationships? Am I committed to and do I love others the way Christ is committed to and loves me? Do I have a kindred affection for one another and am I unified around the truth of the Christian message—putting aside pride, personal preference and petty differences to work together to accomplish God's purposes?”

III. TAKE THE PROPER STEPS TOWARD SPIRITUAL UNITY (vv. 3-4)

‎Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
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In this passage, Paul reveals what is causing disunity and gives the Christians at Philippi the proper steps to take for them to be unified. He says, "Do nothing from rivalry." This simply means that they should not be motivated by personal glory, but by the glory of God. In 1 Corinthians 10:31 Paul says, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

Paul also says "Do nothing from empty conceit.” Here he is referring to those who think too highly of themselves—who think their opinions and ideas matter more than others. Paul is clear that this kind of mentality destroys spiritual unity.

Instead, Paul states that unity is possible when believers humbly put others before themselves and when they look not only to their own interests, but also to the interests of others.

CONCLUSION

Let's be honest, being like minded with the same love, being one in spirit and purpose and putting others first are not characteristics we see in many relationships in our world. This is why Paul encourages believers to follow the example of Christ. He says, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (2:5).

Jesus not only left us a perfect example, but has also provided us with a way to achieve spiritual unity. If we are to be on good terms with one another, we must first be on good terms with God Himself and that is only possible through the person and work of Christ. By becoming sin for us and being punished in our place, Christ offers us His righteousness and a way to be at peace with God so that we can in turn can be at peace with one another.

"Quote" of the Week

"Too often our churches are rent asunder not by theological differences but by selfishness, pride, and lack of love." -Thomas Schreiner

November is a big missions month for our church. We are currently gathering gifts for Operation Christmas Child (OCC) and have a team preparing to leave for Nicaragua at the end of the week. So I thought it a good time to discuss why we as believers should value missions.

What we learn from Scripture about missions…

1) MISSIONS IS FROM THE MIND OF GOD

From the beginning, we learn that God’s interest is not for one single nation, but for the nations. In Genesis 12:1-3, God enters into a Godless culture, picks a pagan in a wicked city from a Godless family (Josh. 24:2), and blesses him so that through him the nations will be blessed. God says,

2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.

Although this was not fulfilled in Abraham’s lifetime and has not yet come to fruition with us, Scripture teaches that one day all the families of the Earth will be blessed because of the person and work of Christ. Though this clearly does not refer to every single person, Revelation 7:9 teaches us that in the end there will be a multitude of people from every nation, which no one can number, who will stand before the throne and enjoy the blessings of the Lord’s gracious rule.

2) MISSIONS IS A MANDATE FOR THE CHURCH

In Matthew 28:18-20, Christ gives His Great Commission to the church. Four times in this passage, He uses the word “All” to clarify this task.

First, Christ says He has “All Authority.” This simply means He has absolute right over both Heaven and Earth—therefore, what He says goes.

Second, He says the church should make disciples of “All Nations.” Once again, although there are no Gentile believers or churches at this time, we see God’s heart is for the nations.

Third, Jesus says the church should be teaching converts “All that He Commands.” Here He calls for His followers to invest in new believers, teaching them how to live under His Lordship.

Finally, Christ assures His followers He will be with them “All the Days.” He has not (nor will He ever) abandon His followers, leaving the task to them alone, but promises to be with them always.

3) MISSIONS IS THE NECESSARY MEANS FOR WORSHIP

The third reason we should emphasize missions is because “you and I were made for worship,” and worship is what is lacking in our world. On page 17 of his book “Let the Nations Be Glad,” John Piper states, “Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exists because Worship doesn’t…When this age is over, and the countless millions of the redeemed fall on their faces before the throne of God, missions will be no more. It is a temporary necessity. But Worship abides forever.”

"Quote" of the Week

"God is so overflowingly, unashamedly satisfied with his own glory that he devotes all his energies to making this glory known. The creation of the universe, the history of redemption, and the consummation of all things are driven ultimately by this great passion in the heart of God--to exult fully in his own glory by making it known and praised among all the nations." -John Piper