"Quote" of the Week

“If I discover within myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world” –C.S. Lewis

SERMON NOTES FOR OCTOBER 10, 2010...

When we think of joy, we often think of the opposite or absence of pain. The truth, however, is that safety and security are far from certain in this life, which means if our happiness is contingent upon the absence of suffering it is uncertain whether we will be able to remain joyful in this life. What Paul shows us from Philippians 1 is that joy can be experienced no matter what happens.

EXPERIENCING JOY NO MATTER WHAT

1) BE PURPOSEFUL NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS (vv. 20-21)

20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

In these verses, Paul shows that he never loses the sense of purpose that he has. Whether he regains his freedom or goes on to be with the Lord, his purpose is constant—that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored…whether by life or by death. The reason he could have this mentality is because he held loosely to the things of this world and was Christ-centered.

It doesn't matter how tightly we try and hold on to the things of this world, they are temporary. John is clear when he says, “The world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever” (1 Jn. 2:17). The world is passing away meaning its appearance of permanence is deceptive. Therefore we like Paul need to loosen our grip of the world and cling to Christ who is permanent. Augustine in a sermon on this text wrote, “Hold fast to Christ. For you he became temporal, so that you might partake of eternity” (Homilies on the First Epistle of John 2.10).

2) BE HOPEFUL NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS (vv.22-24)

22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.

Paul here struggles with which outcome he should desire more. After some discussion, he seems to have a stronger personal desire to depart and be with Christ, but is hopeful no matter what happens. When things don’t go according to plan, especially when trouble comes, although it is OK to be honest with God about troublesome circumstances it is also important to remember that God is in control and trust in Him regardless.

3) BE FAITHFUL NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS (vv.25-26)

25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

Here it seems as if Paul comes to terms with the fact that he will continue with his earthly ministry. Although he was prepared and even looked forward to departing to be with the Lord, he willingly shelves this personal desire so that he can faithfully continue to labor for the cause of Christ. It is also important to note that Paul sees the spiritual benefit in God's decision even though he has a greater personal desire for the alternative. He shows confidence in v. 25 that through his continued faithfulness God will grow the Christians at Philippi.

I think the reason our faithfulness often gets put on hold when things don’t go according to plan is because we fail to see the spiritual benefit in the alternative. When times get tough our response is often, “Really God? This? How can any good come from this?” When we begin to question whether or not there is spiritual benefit in the dark storms of life, I think it is helpful to look to the cross.

Although Jesus understood the horror of the cross, he also understood the spiritual benefit of the cross and went willingly even though his disciples had a difficult time accepting his death because they saw no benefit in a crucified Messiah. For example, Peter tried on more than one occasion (Mt. 16:22; Jn. 18:10) to prevent Christ from going to the cross. The ironic thing is that although many failed to see the importance of the cross, it ends up being the most important and spiritually beneficial accomplishment in all of human history. Through the cross the impossible (being right with God) is made possible due to the person and work of Christ.

If God was at work in the darkest moment of history and if the cross is the most important and spiritually beneficial accomplishment in all of history, then we should trust that He is at work in the darkest of storms and trust that there is spiritual benefit for us in seemingly tragic circumstances.

"Quote" of the Week

All of our plans for tomorrow’s activities can be shattered by a thousand unknowns whether we stay at home under the covers or ride the freeways. -John Piper, Don't Waste Your Life.

SERMON NOTES FROM OCTOBER 3, 2010...

When I was young, I used to think that the greatest thing in the world would be to own a time machine. I thought it would be great to go back in time knowing what I know now and live life with uncertainties removed. The truth of the matter is that we hate uncertainties don't we? We think that if only we could remove uncertainties we would be able to sleep better at night.

Yesterday I continued with the series on Joy from Philippians and how it is found in unlikely places and under unlikely circumstances. In Philippians 1:12-19, Paul shows how joy can be experienced in times of uncertainty.

I talked previously about the fact that Paul is in prison and uncertain about His future and in the text for today we are going to discuss how there were several uncertainties surrounding Paul and the ministry.

EXPERIENCING JOY THROUGH UNCERTAINTY

1) SEE THE GOD SIDE OF A DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCE (v. 12)

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,

The Philippians were concerned for two reasons--first for Paul's well-being and second for the future of the Gospel. In response, they sent one of their own to accompany Paul. Paul then writes to assure them that there was good in this difficult circumstance. He informed the Christians at Philippi that God had actually used his imprisonment to advance the gospel. He basically says, “Yeah I’m in prison and may die here, but here is the good news..."The Gospel is advancing all the more through my imprisonment."

One thing the enemy wants more than anything is for you to ruin an opportunity to make much of God in a difficult circumstance. Paul truly saw the God Side of his difficult circumstance. May this also be true of us.

2) REMAIN FAITHFUL IN UNCERTAIN TIMES (vv. 13-14)

So that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.

Although Paul was down in that he was confined to prison at Rome, he was certainly not out. While in Prison at Rome he had freedom to teach, preach, and write and makes mention in v.13 that he has remained faithful to the cause of Christ by making Him known in chains. He says "it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard (the elite troops housed in the emperor's palace) and to everyone else (others probably in the palace, other believers, those who came to visit Paul, those in power, and members of the Jewish community) that my imprisonment is for Christ."

Often when times of uncertainty and difficulty come our spiritual life gets put on hold until it has past. Paul, however, did not miss a beat but remained faithful in uncertain times because he realized that his current circumstances were not as important as what he did with them.

3) KNOW THAT GOD CAN USE ANY SITUATION FOR HIS GLORY (vv. 15-18)

Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.

Another issue Paul faced while in prison was that there were some who were preaching Christ out of envy and rivalry with their minds set on afflicting Paul. Paul simply responds by saying, "What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice." Paul rejoiced because whether they had false or pure motives, Christ was being preached.

I believe if it was written in Paul’s day, his favorite song would have been, "In my life Lord." Paul, however, might have added some verses to his version. His song might be sung, "In these chains Lord, Be glorified, Be glorified...Whether in life or in death Lord, Be glorified, Be glorified...Through the words of the arrogant and envious Lord, Be glorified, Be glorified."

What's the song you need to sing? "In my financial difficulty Lord, Be Glorified, Be glorified...Through the loss of a loved one Lord, Be glorified, Be glorified...In my bout with cancer Lord, Be glorified, Be glorified?” Know and trust that God can use any situation for His glory.

4) RELY UPON THE PRAYERS OF GOD'S PEOPLE AND THE PROVISION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance,

Paul’s strength to continue on in this period of uncertainty came from two sources. First, Paul was encouraged knowing that fellow believers were holding him up before the Lord in prayer. He also recognized and was thankful for divine assistance as well.

Paul was encouraged and confident in this difficult circumstance because of the provision of the Holy Spirit. The word provision describes a full and sufficient supply of what is needed. In other words, Paul is making the point that the Holy Spirit is his sufficient resource for everything.

When you are in your time of need, how do you handle it? Let me encourage you, no matter the situation to do two things. 1) Seek out prayer from the people of God 2) And rely upon the power and presence of the Spirit.

CONCLUSION:

Paul could have become depressed, discouraged, or disillusioned. He could have wallowed in self-pity and despair. He could have demanded answers to the uncertainties he faced, but instead, he regarded his imprisonment as being appointed by God and did not waste this opportunity to make much of Him in this time of uncertainty. He never got angry with God, but instead was grateful for the way God cared for him through the prayers of His people and the provision of His Spirit.

"Quote" of the Week

"My cross is not my wheelchair; it is my attitude. Your cross is your attitude about your dead-end job and your in-laws. It is your attitude about your aches and pains. Any complaints, any grumblings, any disputings or murmurings, any anxieties, any worries, any resentments or anything that hints of a raging torrent of bitterness--these are the things God calls me to die to daily." -Joni Eareckson Tada

SERMON NOTES FROM SEPTEMBER 26, 2010...

Many today and throughout history have been on the same mission to find joy and most then as well as today have looked in the same obvious places. One place in particular people try and find joy is away from others in solitude.

I think if people were honest, many would agree that that they have felt like Eddy Arnold at one time or another when he sang, “Make the World Go Away.” There are times when we think the best solution for life's difficulties is to "shut the door on the world." Paul, however, teaches us in Philippians 1:1-11 that true joy comes from others.

EXPERIENCING JOY THROUGH OTHERS

1. BE A TEAM PLAYER (vv. 1-2)

1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul begins this letter by saying “Grace and peace to you.” This is a standard greeting given by Paul that basically means, “May God’s Grace be with you” or “May all things be well with you.” What is so ironic about this statement is that Paul is writing to encourage others while he sits in jail uncertain about whether he will live or die.This was Paul’s mentality throughout his ministry. In fact, the reason he was in prison was for the cause of Christ and the sake of others.

The reason Paul was able to have this kind of mentality was because he saw himself for what he truly was—just a piece of the bigger picture. Paul understood that what God was doing was much bigger than himself. His only concern was for God’s people to continue to be faithful and avoid falsehood so that the Gospel would continue to advance.

2. SEE YOUR NEED OF OTHERS (vv. 3-6)

3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.

Paul’s joy comes as a result of the Philippians faithfulness and continued partnership. The church at Philippi had been a big help to Paul in ministry and he did not take this support for granite.

For example…

1. During Paul’s second missionary journey, He receives money from the Philippians at least twice, once in Thessalonica and once in Corinth.
2. On Paul’s third missionary journey, he raised money for the Jerusalem church. He went to visit Philippi and told them not to give since they had already given so much and since they did not have very much. The Philippian church insisted on giving money once again.
3. Paul then took the money to Jerusalem. Shortly after, he was arrested and sent to Rome. While in Rome, the church sent one of their members, Epaphroditus, to visit Paul and take another love offering to him. Paul sent Epaphroditus back to them with this letter.

Although these are the only times mentioned, I think it's safe to assume that the Philippians partnered with Paul more times than this. In fact Paul said that they had partnered with him "...from the first day until now." In other words, day after day they had supported Paul in one of a number of ways.

So Paul needed them and they also needed Paul. Paul's faithfulness to the call was one of the reasons the gospel went to the Philippians in the first place. We also learn from this letter that Paul continued to pour his life into the Christians at Philippi from that day until the time of this letter. He encouraged them, challenged them to grow in godliness and also instructed them on the importance of unity and how to obtain it and warned against falsehood.

Notice the great word of encouragement Paul gives to the Philippians in v.6. He says,"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

Paul is basically saying, no matter what you go through, no matter the inward struggles, the spiritual defeats--God finishes what he starts. He assures them that their fabulous beginning and faithful continuance will end with God's finishing touches.

So Paul needed them and they needed him and we as believers need one another. We must avoid having a "lone ranger" view of the Christian faith and see our need of God's appointed people for our spiritual benefit.

3. DEVELOP MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS (vv. 7-8)

7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Paul’s love for the Philippians is obvious in this passage. Although he had a love for all the people he ministered to, his relationship with the Philippians was special and brought him great joy.

How many deep, meaningful and god-honoring relationships do you currently have--relationships like Paul had with the Christians at Philippi? We as believers should be seeking out these types of relationships because they will bring us great joy and do nothing but benefit us spiritually.

4. ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER IN GODLINESS (vv. 9-11)

9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Because Paul enjoyed such a deep, meaningful and god-honoring relationship with the Christians at Philippi, he was not ok with “status quo Christianity." This is why in vv. 9-11 he prays for them to be growing in godliness.

Notice Paul doesn't simply pray for them to love and do the right thing, but prays that the Philippians would have an ever increasing love for God and an unconditional love for others that stems from an accurate knowledge of God's Word. He also prayed that their knowledge and discernment would result in them living as fully and as faithfully for God as possible.

May we adopt this mentality from Paul. You want to be a true friend? Refuse to be ok with “status quo Christianity," but instead encourage one another in godliness. The more loving we become and the more fully and faithfully we follow God, the more healthy we will be as Christians and as a church.

CONCLUSION

Although we think that joy is often found away from the crowds by our self, Paul shows that the opposite is true. Joy is found in a loving, caring and supportive Christian community.

"Quote" of the Week

"Congregational life (is) the very means whereby believers are shaped into Christlikeness and Christian maturity through the ministry of the Word, the fellowship of the saints, and the normative patterns of church life…Only the briefest of glances at the New Testament, looking particularly at the book of Acts and at the various letters to the churches, would reveal the centrality of preaching, discipline, congregational fellowship, and the central practices of baptism and the Lord’s Supper."-Al Mohler