Thinking Biblically

Helping renew your mind with God's Word

Author: Matthew Wilson (Page 11 of 14)

Matthew Wilson is a pastor at FBC Harrisburg, AR. He is married to Bethany and has five children.

Pursing Christ Until He Comes – Philippians 3:12-4:1

August 8, 2022 /
Philippians

This blog is based on a sermon from Philippians. You can listen to the sermon here.

I hope you have realized by now that life is not easy. The Christian life is not easy. Contrary to prosperity theology, life is not always a bed of roses. Jesus said, “In this world, you will have trouble” (John 16:33).

As Christians, we look forward to the coming of Christ. I’ve mentioned that salvation is a process. We are justified by faith. One day we will get our new bodies and be glorified. But what does the Christian life look like between justification and glorification?

The answer is sanctification – the process of growing more like Jesus. The reality is that none of us have “arrived spiritually.” We see this in our text today in Philippians 3.

Paul uses the metaphor of a race to emphasize the need for us to continue to press on toward knowing and experiencing Christ more fully.

Sermon Text: Phil 3:12-4:1

There are three main things in this text I want us to see as we think about pursuing Christ until He comes.

(1) As disciples, we are to passionately pursue Christ (12-16)

In verses 12-14, Paul compares the Christian life to a race. The Christian life is not a sprint, but a marathon. Look at Paul’s words:

  • 12 – “press on”
  • 13 – “forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead”
  • 14 – “press on toward the goal for the prize”

12 – Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.

Paul says that he has not obtained a perfect knowledge of Christ. In other words, he doesn’t know Christ as fully as he should.

This verse shatters any idea of perfectionism theology. If the apostle Paul, whom Jesus called out audibly on the Damascus Road (Acts 9) couldn’t become perfect in this life, then none of us can.

We all need to realize that none of us are perfect. We all still need to grow in our relationship with Christ. When you realize that you’re not perfect, it affects how you live:

  • You will grow less self-righteous.
  • Your view of others will change. You will be less critical because you know you still need to grow as well.
  • You will be quicker to see God at work in others.
  • Your love for the Savior will grow because you know how much you need his grace.

In the Christian life, the more you grow in maturity, the more you realize how much further you have to go to become like Christ.

We see this in Paul’s life[1]I saw this in a Twitter Post by Matt Smethurst.:

“I am the least . . .”

  • AD 55: “of all the apostles” (1 Cor. 15:9)
  • AD 60: “of all the saints” (Eph. 3:8)
  • AD 62: “of all sinners” (1 Tim. 1:15)

Christian maturity is growing more aware of your unworthiness and your need for God’s grace. That’s why if you are truly saved, hymns are more precious to you now than they were years or decades ago.

Notice what Paul says at the end of v. 12: “I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” In that statement, there is a balance of faith and works, of God’s call and the believer’s response.

Paul is not trying to earn his salvation. Instead, he is acknowledging that because he belongs to Christ, he is pressing on toward the end result of salvation – experiencing the power of Jesus’ resurrection and knowing him more fully.

The goal of the Christian life is not to get to heaven or escape hell. The goal of the Christian life is to know Christ (John 17:3; Phil 3:7).

Salvation is not simply fire insurance. Many churches in the southern United States have reduced salvation to walking an aisle, making a profession of faith, and being baptized.

Salvation is not simply fire insurance.

The reality is that once we are truly saved, we will begin to experience the same resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead. When we come to know Christ, we become new creations (2 Cor 5:17). We are raised to walk in newness of life (Rom 6:4).

Salvation is not praying a prayer and going back to living how you always have. True salvation leads to spiritual growth – growing in grace and knowledge of Christ.

Paul says in v. 12 that he presses on. How does he do that? Two ways we see in v. 13:

  • “forgetting what lies behind”
  • “straining towards what lies ahead”

13 – Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,

When you’re running a race, you cannot keep looking behind you. If you do, you will go slower, you will get distracted, or at worst, you might fall.

We are to forget what is behind us. In the Bible, forget doesn’t mean to not remember, but instead it means that we are “no longer influenced by or affected by.” In order to break the power of your past, you must live for the future.

Forget your failures and run forward.

Maybe you’ve had broken relationships or been addicted to drugs. Maybe your kids are not walking with the Lord. Maybe you’ve had wasted years or missed some opportunities for evangelism. Peter denied Jesus three times. Paul persecuted and murdered Christians before he came one.

Forget past achievements

Don’t use past victories as an opportunity to get complacent. Since I’ve been here, I’ve heard a lot about how our church used to be bigger. While that is true, we can’t continue to think about the glory days. Instead, we must, like Paul, press on! If we are stuck looking to  the past, we will never move forward in the present.

Many Christians are satisfied with the spiritual race they are running because they compare their running with other people, many of whom are not making much progress.

In verse 13, Paul says, “One thing I do.” Paul is a man focused on one thing – knowing Christ. If I asked someone close to you, what would they say is your “one thing?”

  • Work
  • Family
  • House and stuff
  • Sports
  • Academics
  • Social media
  • Video games

Our “one thing” must be forgetting what lies behind and straining forward in Christ. If we want others to know Jesus, then knowing Jesus has to be our one thing.

If we want others to know Jesus, then knowing Jesus has to be our one thing.

14 – I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

The prize is “the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” One day, Jesus will come again for His bride – the church. Will you be found in Him?

To be found in Jesus, you must believe the gospel.

One indicator that you are truly saved is that you long for Jesus’ return. If you’re here and you’re fearful about Christ’s return, you probably don’t know Him.

15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

In vv. 15-16, Paul says that if you think you’re perfect and don’t need to keep pressing on in your relationship with Christ, then you are not mature.

If this is how you think and you do have the Holy Spirit, then God will reveal that to you (v. 15b).

These verses are challenging. I want to ask you. How are you living?

  • Have you come to know God through faith in Christ?
  • Are you experiencing the power of the resurrection? By that, I mean are you growing in Christlikeness?
  • Are you looking forward to the return of Christ?
  • Are you content with baptism and church membership or are you continually growing in your faith?

In verses 12-16, we see that we are to passionately pursue Christ. How do we do that? By following the right examples.

As disciples, we are to follow the right examples (17-19)

17 – Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

So far in Philippians, Paul has pointed to Timothy and Epaphroditus as examples (2:19-30). He has pointed to Jesus as our supreme example (2:5-11). Now, Paul encourages the Philippians to imitate him and others like him (17).

What kinds of people are we to look to as examples?

  • Those who promote unity (Phil 2:1-2).
  • Those who are humble and put the needs of others ahead of their own (Phil 2:3-4).
  • Those who are not grumblers and complainers (Phil 2:14-15).
  • Those who are trusting in Christ, not religious works (Phil 3:1-11).
  • Those who are pouring out their lives for the sake of the gospel (Phil 1:29; 2:19-30).
  • Those who are passionately pursuing Jesus (Phil 3:7-11).

These are the kinds of people that we should follow in the Christian life. Paul tells us who to follow, but he also warns the Philippians about ungodly ones. Paul calls these people “enemies of the cross.” Look at vv. 18-19.

18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

It’s likely Paul is here referring to people who were led astray by the Judaizers that he mentioned in Phil 3:2. Paul said in Phil 3:3 that we are to have no confidence in the flesh.

In contrast to Paul, who is pursuing Christ, the Judaizers were pursing earthly things. These “enemies of the cross” were trusting in their own spiritual deeds rather than in Christ.

Look at how Paul describes them:

  • First, “their end is destruction.” They will be condemned to hell.
  • Second, “their god is their stomach.” They were perhaps given to gluttony. More likely, they were preoccupied with Jewish dietary laws.
  • Third, “their glory is in their shame.” They were focused inappropriately on their circumcision.
  • Fourth, their “minds are set on earthly things.” They were living for earthly things instead of looking to eternal things.

In the Christian life, there are two kinds of people you can look to as an example:

The first are people like the Judaizers who profess to be Christians but are really trusting in their works.

The people in vv. 18-19 were confident that circumcision and some moral living (dietary laws) were sufficient. Their hearts had not been changed and they were not focused on Christ.

There are many today who live like this. They think that walking an aisle, being baptized, living a moral life, and voting Republican will get them to heaven. All the while, their minds are set on earthly things–perhaps work, hunting, or football. They are not straining towards the goal of knowing Christ. They are not seeking to build the kingdom of God.

Let’s get real there are many people on our church roll that don’t bother to come to church. Their minds are set on earthly things, and they don’t have any desire to worship Christ or hear the Word preached or to fellowship with other believers.

You can follow the first group of people or you can follow those who are in Christ and humbly admit they don’t have it all together but are seeking to know Christ and the power of his resurrection.

As disciples, we are to stand firm as we look for the return of Jesus (3:20-4:1)

20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

As opposed to the Judaizers, whose minds are on earthly things, we as Christians are rejoice in our heavenly citizenship.

Philippi was a Roman colony with many Roman military veterans. These veterans were proud of their Roman citizenship.

This is something we need to remember. We are proud to be Americans. We celebrate America on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veteran’s Day.

We are grateful for our American citizenship, and we are thankful for our military veterans. But brothers and sisters, Christianity is not an American religion. There are many Americans who are not Christians and there are many Christians who are not Americans.

As Christians, our true citizenship is in heaven.

As Christians, our true citizenship is in heaven.

You may not know this, but Roman citizens called the emperor “savior.” Roman citizens were looking to an earthly savior. Friends, we live on earth, but our Savior is not an earthly king. He is the Alpha and the Omega – the Beginning and the End.

We have a Savior that has “the power…to subject all things to himself” (Phil 4:1).

When we see Christ coming in the clouds and get our new bodies, at that moment, all the things of this world will be worthless to us! If they will be worthless then, they should be worthless today. When Jesus comes, he will “subject all things to himself.”

If you don’t know Christ, turn from your sin and trust in Him.

4:1 says to “Stand firm.” Roman soldiers were commanded to “stand firm” and never retreat even when their life was in danger.

Whatever happens in this life, we are to stand firm in the Lord and pursue Him with all we have as we look for His return!

References

References
↑1 I saw this in a Twitter Post by Matt Smethurst.

In Christ Alone – Philippians 3:1-11

July 26, 2022 /
Philippians

This blog is based on a sermon from Philippians. You can listen to the sermon here.

If I were to ask you, “How do you know you’re a Christian?,” what would you say? Or, perhaps I could ask it this way: “How can we be righteous before God?”

The Bible teaches that God is perfectly righteous (2 Cor 5:21); that He is perfectly upright and moral. The Bible also teaches that we are unrighteous (Rom 3:10-11).

So, the question remains, how can we be righteous before God? In our text today, we find the answer to this question.

Sermon Text: Philippians 3:1-11

BIG IDEA: Our righteousness before God is found in Christ alone.

In vv. 1-2, we see Paul’s warning to look out for false teachers.

Look out for false teachers (1-2)

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. (1-2)

1

When Paul refers to the “same things,” he probably meant what he had taught them in person, which of course is the gospel.

By reminding them of the gospel, Paul was protecting them from the danger of legalism, or works righteousness.

As Christians, we are to continually remind one another that our righteousness doesn’t come by our good works. There is nothing we can do to earn our salvation (Eph 2:8-9). Rather, salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

Paul’s teaching would keep the Philippians same from false teaching (“is safe for you”). We see here a clear reminder of the importance of doctrinal preaching and teaching (Acts 20:27).

Like Paul’s day, there is still so much false teaching today, even within churches. Look at Paul’s warning in the very next verse.

2

In verse 2, we see a repeated command: Paul says to “Look out!”

Who does Paul tell the Philippian church to look out for? Paul refers to them as “the dogs, the evildoers, and those who mutilate the flesh.” They are the false teachers known as the Judaizers.

As we saw in our Scripture reading in Acts 15, these men wanted to force new Gentile believers to adhere to Jewish law (especially circumcision) as a part of salvation.

Acts 15:1

But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”

You probably know that under the Old Covenant (the Old Testament), anyone that wanted to become a Jew had to be physically circumcised.

Well even after this special council in Acts 15, these Judaizers believed that early Christians must first be circumcised. The Judaizers were essentially trying to force new Gentile converts had to be circumcised in order become Jews before becoming Christians. D. A. Carson said that the Judaizers “thought of Christianity as Judaism plus a little extra, almost a sect of Judaism.” [1]D.A. Carson, Basics for Believers: An Exposition of Philippians, 81

And so, Paul warns the Philippians: look out for those who would have you to be circumcised.

Look at the descriptors Paul uses:

First, he calls these false teachers “dogs.” We think of dogs as pets, but in biblical times they were nasty, unclean, and dangerous. The Pharisees commonly used the word “dog” to insult Gentiles. With great irony, Paul says that the Judaizers, not the Gentiles deserve to be called dogs.

“Like dogs, these Judaizers snapped at Paul’s heels and followed him from place to place “barking” their false doctrines.” [2]Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2, 84.

Paul also calls them “evildoers” – these men had an evil mission – to distort the gospel of grace.

Finally, Paul said to look out for “those who mutilate the flesh.”

Paul is warning the Philippians: look out for those who emphasize physical circumcision. As we’ll see in verse 3 that physical circumcision is not what’s important. Rather, what’s important is that your heart has been circumcised.

Thus, Paul says those who teach circumcision to become Christians are mutilating themselves.

I thought of a modern day example. When a woman cuts off their breasts, that doesn’t make her a man. Likewise, then a man cuts off his penis, that doesn’t make him a woman.

Here, Paul is saying that just because you circumcise yourself, that doesn’t make you a Jew or a Christian. The truth is that even as Gentiles, we don’t have to be circumcised because Jesus came and died for our sins. We’ll talk see this more in vv. 3-4.

Today, I don’t know of anyone that is forcing people to be circumcised to be saved. However, sinful people are always trying to manufacture our own righteousness.

I want to quickly give you three modern day examples:

First, I thought of wokeness. Many people in our culture think that white people are inherently racist and must divest themselves of whiteness. However, the Bible doesn’t say that we need to change our skin color. The Bible says we need a new heart. Once we are saved, the Bible says there is no condemnation for those who are in Jesus.

Second, I thought of Catholicism. The Catholic church teaches salvation by works. Straight off the Catholic News Agency website, I found a section on the seven sacraments. Again, this is straight from their website:

“The [seven] sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us.”

In other words, if you do these seven things, then you’ll have eternal life.

Third, I thought of the Church of Christ’s view on baptism. In vv. 1-2, we clearly see the warning to look out for false teachers who add to the gospel of grace. The Church of Christ does this by teaching baptismal regeneration.

If someone says that you need more than repentance of sin and faith in Christ to be saved, then flee from those false teachers.

So, we’re to look out for false teachers. But we’re also to put no confidence in our own flesh.

Put no confidence in your own flesh (3-6)

3 | Paul’s clarification

For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— (3)

Paul says that “we are the circumcision.” Not those who are forcing physical circumcision but those who have experienced the circumcision of the heart.

Romans 2:28-29

For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.

Galatians 6:15

For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.

Notice, the rest of verse three fleshes out what a true Christian looks like. Someone that has had been made new and experienced circumcision of the heart.

When your heart has been circumcised, you:

  1. Worship by the Spirit of God (Gal 5:16; John 4:23-24).
  2. Glory in Christ Jesus (Phil 1:21)
  3. Put no confidence in the flesh.

4-6 | Paul’s credentials

4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.

In vv. 4-6, Paul is saying that if anyone should have confidence in the flesh, it would be him. He gives a list of his credentials:

  • He was circumcised on the 8th day in accordance with Levitical law (Lev 12:3).
  • He was of the people of Israel.
  • He was of the tribe of Benjamin. Saul, Israel’s first king, came from this tribe. Paul was perhaps named after Saul.
  • He was a Hebrew of Hebrews. Both Paul’s parents were Hebrews. He was not from a mixed bloodline.
  • As to the law, he was a Pharisee.
  • As to zeal, he was a persecutor of the church. He oversaw the stoning of Stephen in Acts 7.
  • As to righteousness under the law, Paul was blameless.

Our tendency is to read this text, wonder how people could’ve been confused by these false teachers and move on.

While we don’t have people that are encouraging physical circumcision, we are always in danger of trying to manufacture our own righteousness.

Below, I’m going to lay out what Paul’s list of spiritual credentials would look like today:

“circumcised on the eighth day”

In Paul’s day, the Judaizers put their confidence in the ritual of circumcision. In our day, people put their confidence in the ritual of baptism, church attendance, or speaking in tongues.

“of the people of Israel”

In Paul’s day, the Judaizers put their confidence in their ethnicity and citizenship. In our day, American Christians put their confidence in their American citizenship, claiming, “America is a ‘Christian’ nation.”

“of the tribe of Benjamin”

In Paul’s day, the Judaizers put their confidence in their rank. In our day, some Christians put their confidence in their denomination of church. I’ve heard some Church of Christ folks claim that they’re the only ones going to heaven.

“a Hebrew of Hebrews”

In Paul’s day, the Judaizers put their confidence in their family traditions and upbringing. In our day, many people put their confidence in the fact that they came from a family of churchgoers.

“As to the law, a Pharisee”

In Paul’s day, the Judaizers put their confidence in their rule keeping. In our day, some Christians put their confidence in their Bible knowledge.

“As to zeal, a persecutor of the church”

In Paul’s day, the Judaizers put their confidence in their zeal. In our day, many believe that it doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you’re sincere. Many are very sincere, but they are sincerely wrong.

“As to righteousness under the law, blameless”

In Paul’s day, the Judaizers put their confidence in their obedience. In our day, many people do the same things. Here are some examples:

  • I attend church every time I can.
  • I don’t drink alcohol or do drugs.
  • I don’t have any tattoos
  • My Bible translation is the only true one.
  • We don’t have certain instruments in the church, so our church is more pleasing to God.
  • I’ve never had a divorce.
  • All of my children go to church.

To these things, Paul says “Put no confidence in the flesh” (Phil 3:3)!

Like most “religious” people today, Paul had enough morality to keep him out of trouble, but not enough righteousness to get him into heaven.

Paraphrase of Warren Wiersbe

Friends, when it comes to your eternal salvation:

  • It doesn’t matter how spiritual you are.
  • It doesn’t matter how much good you’ve done in your life.
  • It doesn’t matter how much you’ve attended church.
  • It doesn’t matter how good of a Christian home you came from.
  • It doesn’t matter what party you vote for.
  • It doesn’t matter if you’re a better person that most people you know.

When we look at ourselves or compare ourselves with others, we may consider ourselves to be righteous.

However, what happens when you compare yourself to Christ? How do you measure up to God’s perfect Son?

Once we compare ourselves to Christ, we clearly see that we need the righteousness that only Christ can give.

Look at verses 7-8.

Place your faith in Christ alone (7-11)

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ. (7-8)

If you keep holding on to your spiritual credentials and your good works, then you cannot gain Christ. That’s what Paul is saying here.

The ESV uses the word “rubbish,” but the word can also be translated “garbage” or “dung.” In other words, it’s all worthless compared to knowing Christ.

You can have the Bread of Life or a pile of poop. Do you want to try to make it to heaven with your own efforts or will you trust in Jesus?

Paul continues in verse nine.

9

9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—

In v. 9, Paul explicitly states what he meant in vv. 7-8: “and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith.”

To be “found” in Christ means to trust in and take refuge in something to save.

The point is clear: our righteousness before God doesn’t come from obedience to the law, but through faith in Christ. When we add extra requirements to what God has freely given, we have distorted the gospel. That is why Paul was astonished at the churches in Galatia (Gal 1:6-9).

This verse summarizes the difference between Christianity and other religions. Every other religion promotes works-based righteousness, but the gospel is about receiving Christ’s righteousness as our own (2 Cor 5:21).

Every other religion promotes works-based righteousness, but the gospel is about receiving Christ’s righteousness as our own (2 Cor 5:21).

Our justification comes through faith in Christ: He is our righteousness.

10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

Paul says that we will never know Christ and the power of His resurrection if we are still depending on our good works.

Once we know Christ, we should be willing to suffer for his sake (“share his sufferings”) and to die for Him if necessary (“becoming like him in his death”).

If you truly know Jesus, then you will become more like him. The process of become more like Jesus is called sanctification.

As we experience deeper intimacy with Christ, we begin to experience the spiritual power that comes from union with Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Is there any spiritual power in your life?

11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

The only way that we can “attain the resurrection of the dead” (v. 11) is to “be found in Him” (v. 9).

Conclusion

Paul met Jesus and was changed. He used to be an extremely religious person, but he didn’t know Christ. When he traded religion for the righteousness of Christ, he found life.

Everything that Paul used to value paled in comparison to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ.

Do you value Christ more than anyone else or anything else?

Are you trusting in the righteousness of Christ, or are you trusting in Christ and your good works?

This wonderful text of Scripture reminds us that:

  • We are to look out for false teachers.
  • We are to put no confidence in the flesh.
  • We are to not trust in our own good works.
  • We cannot justify ourselves before God.
  • Rather, our salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone!

Glory in Christ as you sing In Christ Alone!

References

References
↑1 D.A. Carson, Basics for Believers: An Exposition of Philippians, 81
↑2 Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2, 84.

Recognizing Gospel Workers – Philippians 2:19-30

July 17, 2022 /
Philippians

This blog is based on a sermon from Philippians. You can listen to the sermon here.

Many people today are looking for an extraordinary worship experience. They attend their church’s worship gathering or watch a service online hoping to get an emotional high and feel a certain way. Vaughan Roberts calls them the “liver shivers.” [1]See True Worship by Vaughan Roberts.

Instead of constantly seeking an emotional worship experience or a particular feeling, we should seek to be faithful day-to-day. Most of the Christian life is not extraordinary. In many ways, the Christian life is ordinary. We are to pour our lives out, little by little, as we serve Christ and others throughout our lives.

As we live the Christian life, we need faithful examples of Christ to follow that will encourage us to live for Jesus.

That is what we see in our text today in Philippians 2:19-30. This passage is an excellent example of why preaching through books of the Bible is so valuable. Rarely would this text be used for a topical sermon, but its truths are so needed in our day.

My sermon title is, “Recognizing Gospel Workers.”

What do you think of when you hear the words gospel worker?

Perhaps you think of Billy Graham, Adrian Rogers, or John MacArthur. I would bet that in America most Christians think of a gospel worker as someone that is in public ministry.

We might think of those with a large church or a large following on social media. Perhaps they’ve written numerous books and are eloquent speakers. Adherents to the prosperity gospel (which I despise, by the way) would argue that a faithful gospel worker should be materially rich. In fact, this wealth is “evidence” that God is blessing this person’s ministry.

While certainly pastors and missionaries should be gospel workers, I am not limiting the term gospel worker to someone in full-time ministry. I use the term to mean anyone who is seeking to serve the kingdom of God – whether in a vocational or volunteer sense. We see this in our text – Timothy was Paul’s assistant and Epaphroditus was a layperson in the Philippian church.

Biblical Text: Phil 2:19-30 (click to read)

As we get started, remember Paul’s Situation. He is writing from a Roman prison. Today, we might say that he is under house arrest, perhaps even in Caesar’s house (Phil 4:22). He is chained to a guard at all times but does have some freedoms. He is allowed visitors and to write letters such as Philippians to local churches.

In our text, Paul outlines his plans to the Philippian church. He is sending Timothy to the church later than he originally expected and Epaphroditus sooner than he originally expected.

Epaphroditus was sent by the Philippian church with a gift to Paul (Phil 4:18). The Philippian church expected Epaphroditus to stay and minister to Paul while he was in prison.

You’re probably aware that Paul normally puts his travel itineraries at the end of his letters. So, why does Paul put this one in the middle of his letter to the Philippians?

We can’t know for sure, but it’s probably because Timothy and Epaphroditus provide examples (or illustrations) of what Paul’s been talking about so far in chapters 1-2.

Timothy and Epaphroditus are real-life examples of the kind of living that Paul has commended in this letter. Both of these men were passionate about Christ. Both were living worthy of the gospel, suffering for the sake of Christ, serving with humility, not grumbling or arguing, and holding fast to the gospel.

There are only two commands in vv. 19-30 and both are found in v. 29 – “receive” and “honor.” These commands form our only main point for this message. Of course, like any good preacher, I’ve cheated by adding subpoints.

We are to receive and honor faithful gospel workers (19-30)

The question becomes, how do we identify faithful gospel workers? Our text helps us to answer this question. Gospel workers are those who are working for the sake of the gospel in some way.

As Paul writes to the Philippians, he wants the church to benefit as much as they can from these two gospel workers.

The Benefits of Gospel Workers (19-20, 28)

Timothy (19-20)

Paul’s benefit – He will be cheered by the good news of Timothy’s report about the Philippians (v. 19).

The Church’s Benefit – Timothy “will be genuinely concerned for [their] welfare” (v. 20).

Like Timothy, I hope that you want what is best for the church and the kingdom of God. We are to be concerned more about the good of the church and the kingdom of God than ourselves.

Epaphroditus (28)

As I said, Epaphroditus had brought the gift to Paul that the Philippian church had sent (Phil 4:18).

Paul’s Benefit – He will be less anxious because Epaphroditus’ will be with the Philippians (v. 28).

The Church’s Benefit – The church will be able to rejoice because they were worried about Epaphroditus and his illness (v. 26). The return of Epaphroditus would bring the Philippians joy.

The church loved Epaphroditus and he loved them. I wonder, do we love and care for one another? Do we care for the sick among us? I pray that we do.

In vv. 19-24, we see the example of Timothy.

The Example of Timothy (19-24)

What made Timothy a faithful gospel worker?

First, we see that Timothy loved the church (v. 20). Paul said that Timothy would be “genuinely concerned for your welfare.” Remember, Timothy was with Paul in Acts 16 when the church was founded. Timothy loved the church as Paul did.

Second, Timothy had proven character (v. 22). Paul wrote, “But you know Timothy’s proven worth.” Paul had plenty of opportunities to observe Timothy’s character.

Often, churches value a resume over proven character and faithfulness. May it never be.

Often, churches value a resume over proven character and faithfulness. May it never be.

Third, Timothy sought the interests of Jesus Christ and the gospel (vv. 21-22). Paul wrote this about Timothy: “they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But…Timothy…has served with me in the gospel.

In chapter one (Phil 1:15), there were those that served out of envy and rivalry. But Paul says that Timothy serves with pure motives.

Like Timothy, we are to serve with compassion and care for others instead of trying to make a name for ourselves.

Timothy was a faithful gospel worker who loved the church and sought the interests of Jesus above his own. Today, there are many people who are in pastoral positions that use them to promote themselves instead of seeking to serve the church. Check out Justin Peters’ website if you need some evidence.

We’ve looked at the example of Timothy. Now let’s look at the example of Epaphroditus.

The Example of Epaphroditus (25-30)

What made Epaphroditus a faithful gospel worker?

First, we see that Epaphroditus labored for the church (v. 25). This is obvious for a number or reasons, but the title “fellow worker” removes any doubt.

In fact, Paul gives him five titles in verse 25:

  • “brother” – Paul calls him a brother in Christ. When we go through hard times with brothers and sisters in Christ, we form deep relationships with one another. Epaphroditus had come to minister to Paul while he was in prison – both his physical and spiritual needs.
  • “fellow worker” – A gospel worker is not lazy. We should not be lazy when it comes to the gospel and ministering to others.
  • “fellow soldier” – Paul had been through spiritual war with Epaphroditus.
  • “messenger” – Epaphroditus delivered the financial gift to Paul (Phil 4:18) and likely delivered the letter to the Philippians when he returned to them.
  • “minister” – Epaphroditus offered sacrificial service, ministering to the needs of Paul and the Philippians.

Tony Merida writes, “Wouldn’t these five terms be wonderful on a tombstone?”

Second, we see that Epaphroditus loved the church (v. 26). Paul writes, “he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was will.”

Epaphroditus has been longing for the church since he left.

How about you? Do you long for the church? Do you love the people of Christ? Are you a committed member of a local church? If not, then you are living in disobedience.[2]See Church Membership by Jonathan Leeman.

In our social media age, many Christians we would be “tagging” Paul, “checking in” at Caesar’s house (Phil 4:22) and posting pics on social media. But Epaphroditus was not in Rome for a photo op. He was ministering to Paul and longing for the church back in Philippi.

Third, Epaphroditus loved Christ more than his own life (vv. 27, 30). He was was willing to die for the work of Christ.

He had been changed by Jesus and he wanted others to know Jesus.

Epaphroditus had gotten deathly sick en route to Paul from the Philippians (4:18). Contrary to the prosperity gospel, Christian living involves suffering and sacrifice (Phil 1:29; 2:3-4).

When was the last time you sacrificed for the gospel?

When was the last time you prayed for an unbeliever?

When was the last time you had lunch (or better yet, into your home) with an unbeliever and tried to share the gospel?

In your budget, do you seek to give sacrificially to God’s work?

The bottom line is this – we are to honor and receive men like Timothy and Epaphroditus (v. 29).

Men like Timothy and Epaphroditus are to be and received and honored because they are modeling what it means to follow Christ. Consider how Timothy and Epaphroditus modeled Christ:

In service

  • Timothy served with Paul in the gospel (Phil 2:22).
  • Jesus took the form of a servant (Phil 2:7).
  • As Christians, we should serve others (Phil 2:3-4).

By looking to the interest of others

  • Epaphroditus looked to the interests of others by traveling from Philippi to Rome. This trip would have been between 700-1200 miles and would have taken between six weeks to three months, depending on the route (Phil 4:18). [3]https://matthewsharmon.com/2012/10/05/fridays-in-philippians-pauls-circumstances/
  • Jesus looked to the interests of others by traveling from heaven to earth (Phil 2:5-8).
  • We should look to the interest of others and be willing to travel to those who are lost – whether around the world or next door (Matt 28:18-20).

In sacrifice

  • Epaphroditus risked his life to minister to Paul’s need (Phil 2:30).
  • Jesus gave his life to meet our greatest need (Phil 2:8).
  • We should be willing to give our lives for the sake of the gospel (Phil 1:29).

I hope by now, you see that we should value a gospel worker’s faithfulness over his or her fame and following.

We should value a gospel worker’s faithfulness over his or her fame and following.

Is that true of you?

Do you value faithfulness over fame and following?

If I asked you, “Who is someone you look up to in the Christian life?” Your answer will give you insight into what you value.

Do you love the church like Timothy and Epaphroditus?

Are you laboring for the church?

Do you serve your fellow church members?

Are we willing to sacrifice for the cause of Christ?

As soon as Epaphroditus left the comfort of his normal routine in Philippi, he opened himself up to the risk of suffering as he traveled to Rome to minister to Paul.

Who are the people in your life like Timothy and Epaphroditus that can help you live for Christ?

On the day of judgment, Jesus will not ask you about the number of members in your church. He won’t ask about our church’s budget.

He won’t ask how many followers we have on social media. He won’t ask how many Christian conferences we attended or spoke at or how many degrees we have or how much Greek or Hebrew we knew.

Instead, Jesus will look at our faithfulness.

In the end, being faithful to Christ is the true mark of a faithful gospel worker. Not fame. Not fortune. Not following.

There is only one way to hear the words “Well done, good and faithful servant.” It’s by being a good and faithful servant.

References

Living as Gospel Lights in the World – Philippians 2:12-18

July 5, 2022 /
Philippians

This blog is based on a sermon from Philippians. You can listen to the sermon here.

If you’re like me, you love looking at a beautiful night sky and enjoying the stars. At my parents’ house, there is no streetlight on their property and a clear night sky is something to behold. Of course, the reason that the view is so wonderful is that the stars shine brightly without being dimmed by other light sources.

In our text today in Philippians 2, Paul says that we as Christians are to shine as lights in the world. Just as those stars shine brightly in a clear sky, we are to shine as gospel lights in a world that has been darkened by the stain of sin and lawlessness.

To recap the last few weeks:

  • In Phil 1:27, Paul told the Philippians to let their manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.
  • In Phil 2:1-4, Paul emphasized unity in the church. This unity is achieved through practicing humility and serving others.
  • In Phil 2:5-8, Paul told the Philippians to have the attitude of Christ, who made himself nothing, took the form of a servant in order to serve the very people he created, and died on the cross for their sins.
  • In Phil 2:9-11, we saw that one day we will bow the knee and exalt Jesus. The Father has made Him Lord of all.

Sermon Text: Phil 2:12-18

BIG IDEA: As God works within us, we will produce good works and shine as gospel lights in the world.

We are to work out our own salvation as God works within us (12-13)

“Therefore”

The word “therefore” ties our passage to the previous section. Paul is referring all the way back to Phil 1:27, where he told the Philippians to live in a manner that is worthy of the gospel. Paul then told the church that there should be unity, humility, and service within the church.

Paul wants the church to work together to rid themselves of divisions and disunity. We see this especially in Phil 4:2-3.

“my beloved”

This phrase indicates that Paul deeply loves the Philippians church.

“as you have always obeyed”

Obedience is the greatest evidence of true conversion. Jesus told His disciples, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Eugene Peterson says it like this: The Christian life is “a long obedience in the same direction.”

“so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling…”

Paul tells the church, whether in his presence, or in his absence, to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. Paul is not telling the Philippian believers to work for their salvation but that they are to work out their salvation.

Paul is not telling the Philippian believers to work for their salvation but that they are to work out their salvation.

It’s not enough to know the gospel in your head. It must penetrate your heart and lead to actions with your hands. Paul is saying, “Because you are followers of Jesus, you are to live in a new way. By doing this, you are ‘working’ out your own salvation.”

Remember the context. Paul has been addressing disunity within the church. Thus, in this context, Paul wants the Philippian church to work out their salvation by humbling themselves, serving one another, and pursuing unity.

In other words, Paul is telling the Philippians (and us) to follow the example of Jesus (Phil 2:6-8).

Paul wants the Philippians to grow in humility, personal holiness, and selfless service by the power of God’s grace.

If someone was to watch how you are you working out your salvation, what would they say?

  • Would they say you are humble or proud?
  • Would they say you are holy or defiled by sin?
  • Would they say you are selfless or selfish?

Not only are we to work out our own salvation, but Paul also says there’s an attitude we should have: “with fear and trembling.”

In Phil 2:9-11, we saw that Jesus is Lord over all and one day we are going to bow before Him. Therefore, Paul says, “we are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.”

Proverbs 9:10 says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Our knowledge of God’s holiness should lead us to live in obedience as we work out our own salvation.

Our knowledge of God’s holiness should lead us to live in obedience as we work out our own salvation.

The reality is that one day we will all stand before a holy God in judgment. God is holy, and the Bible says that we’ve all sinned and fallen short of His perfect standard. Therefore, we are guilty and stand condemned. But the good news is that God in His love, sent His one and only Son. God’s Son took on human flesh, was born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, and died on the cross, substituting himself for us. He paid the penalty for our sin, and we can be reconciled with God because of the work of Jesus Christ. Our response to Jesus is to repent of our sins, trust in Christ, and follow Him as Lord.

I’ve explained what Paul means by working out our salvation, but how do we do it? God has not left us alone!

Look at v. 13 – “…for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”

God does not leave us how He found us (Phil 1:6). He gives us His Holy Spirit, to will and to work for his good pleasure. Look at Jesus’ words in John 14:

John 14:16-17

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

As we submit to God’s work within us and humbly serve one another, we will indeed live in a manner of worthy of the gospel and have unity within the church. The more unified our church is, the more we will shine as lights in the world.

This is exactly what we see in verses 14-16.

As a unified church, we shine as lights in the world (14-16a)

14 – “Do all things without grumbling (complaining) or questioning (disputing, arguing)”

In v. 14, we further see Paul’s call for unity. Paul says that one way to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” is by “not grumbling or questioning.”

As Christians, we should not spend our time and energy complaining to God and arguing with one another. If we are always complaining and arguing, then Paul says that we are like disobedient Israel, who was called a wicked generation.

Look at verse 15:

15 – “…that you may 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…”

Paul says that if we are grateful people who don’t complain and argue that we will shine as gospel lights in the world – we will be “blameless and innocent…in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation.”

The world’s philosophy is that joy comes from aggression: if there is something you want, then fight everybody to get it. Perhaps, once you get it, you’ll be happy. We see this today in the form of violent protests and riots. If you don’t get what you want, threaten them. Blackmail them. Curse them. Attack them. Lie about them. Rig the system.

But the way of Christ is different. Consider this:

  • Jesus never used a sword, yet he won the greatest battle in human history.
  • He defeated hatred with love.
  • He overcame lies with the truth.
  • Jesus achieved victory by surrendering His rights.

As I said in my introduction, there is hardly anything more beautiful than looking up into a clear night sky and seeing the stars. As I contemplated that this week, I looked it up and the nearest visible star we have is 5.88 trillion miles away. But it’s so bright, we can see it from earth!

In the same way, Paul says that when we are grateful people who are full of joy, thanksgiving, and contentment, we shine like the stars in the sky. We stand out from those who are always complaining and arguing to get their own way.

Just as we see a star that shines brightly, when we have unity in the church, the world will see the brightness and beauty of our Savior.

On the other hand, Paul says that people who grumble and complain and argue are part of a crooked and twisted generation. Paul is alluding to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 32:5.

Deuteronomy 32:5

They have dealt corruptly with him;
    they are no longer his children because they are blemished;
    they are a crooked and twisted generation.

In Exodus 16, these people grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. They grumbled against the Lord. They were an ungrateful people who didn’t fear God or follow the leaders he had appointed over them. God had just delivered them from 400 years of slavery, and this is the question they asked a mere 2.5 months later:

Exodus 16:2-3

And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, and the people of Israel said to them, “Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”

The point is clear – those people who constantly complain to God and argue with our pastors, and fellow church members are at best discontent and ungrateful people and at worst may not even be Christians at all.

The people that Moses referenced in Deut 32:5 were judged and not allowed to enter the promised land. Just as they were not allowed to enter the promised land, those who are perpetually ungrateful to God will not enter heaven.

Considering these words, I want to ask you:

Are you shining brightly before the world, or is your witness clouded by complaining and arguing?

Remember, a transformed life is an effective witness to the power of God at work within us (v. 13). Instead of grumbling, we are called to glorify God in all that we do (1 Cor 10:31).

Those that shine the brightest are those who are “holding fast to the word of life” (16a). Paul means that we are to hold fast to the word of life, the gospel.

Paul is saying, “Look! God has begun a good work in your heart through the gospel. He is still at work in you and he will bring that work to completion. Be unified around this gospel!”

Instead of complaining to God about your circumstances, you should thank God for sending Jesus.

Instead of grumbling about your pastor(s), you should pray for him.

Instead of arguing with church members, you should serve them.

We could summarize verse 14-16 like this: We are to be a proclaiming church, not a complaining church.

We should be glad and rejoice as we look forward to the day of Christ (16b-18)

Paul says that if the church cannot get along and advance the gospel, then his work among them would have been in vain (16b): “so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.”

In the Old Testament, God commanded the Israelites to pass down their faith from generation to generation (see Ps 78:1-8). Similarly, for Paul, it was not enough for the church at Philippi to receive the gospel and be saved; he wanted them to also further the gospel.

Otherwise, Paul says, that he would have “labored in vain.” As a church, we must realize this – to the extent we complain and argue and bicker and are focused on ourselves, we will have a terrible witness and will not be able to advance the kingdom of God.

Brothers and sister, what do your kids learn from you at home about God?

What do they hear you say about the church, its leadership, and its members?

What do they hear you say about the worship service?

Are your words building up their faith or undermining it?

Do your words point to the goodness of God or do they reveal a grumbling and argumentative heart?

It always confuses me when people who go to church their whole lives and always complain about the church and then wonder why their children and grandchildren don’t want to go to church.

Paul continues in vv. 17-18: “Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise, you also should be glad and rejoice with me.” (17-18)

In verse 17, Paul uses Old Testament language. He speaks of the faith of the Philippians as a sacrificial offering. Paul sacrificed to bring the gospel to the Philippians, and he says that the Philippians’ faith is a sweet sacrifice to God.

The drink offering that Paul mentions is wine or water that was poured on top or in front of the sacrificial offering. Once this drink offering was given, steam would rise up from the sacrificial offering, signifying that the sacrifice had gone up to God.

Paul sees his death as worship, a sacrifice, and a life that is consecrated to God (Rom 12:1).

In the same way, the Philippians are to give themselves to Christ and His gospel, whatever the cost.

If Paul must give up his life, then his sacrifice is merely a drink offering poured out on top of their sacrifice. But here’s the kicker: The drink offering is meaningless unless it is poured out on a more substantial sacrifice.

In other words, if the Philippians faith doesn’t endure, then Paul’s sacrifice to get them the gospel is worthless. But praise the Lord, Paul is sure that God will bring his work to completion (Phil 1:6).

If Paul had to die, he was content, knowing that he had brought the gospel to Philippi and helped the church live for Christ.

Friends, the gospel is not just for us. If we have been saved by the gospel, then we must work out our salvation and shine as lights in the midst of a wicked generation.

Conclusion

  • As you read this, is God at work in your life?
  • Is your life any different from the world?
  • How has your life changed since you came to know Christ?
  • Are you working out your own salvation?
  • Are you producing good works?
  • Are you a grateful person or a complaining person?
  • Are you a person that brings peace or are you argumentative?
  • Are you pouring yourself in service to others?

Church:

  • Let’s work out our own salvation as God works within us.
  • Let’s be unified and shine as lights in the world.
  • Let’s be glad and rejoice as we look forward to the return of Christ.

Christian Analysis of the SCOTUS Decision on Abortion

June 27, 2022 /
The Supreme Court of the United States

I was out of town without access to a computer when the SCOTUS decision came to fruition on Friday, June 24. That is why I’m delayed in writing this blog.

As a Bible-believing Christian, I am elated with the news that the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) has overturned Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. Effectively, this ruling removes the federal “right” to an abortion and returns the legality of abortion back to the people and their elected representatives.

It is beyond tragic that millions of lives have been lost since the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973. Abortion is a sin against God because it kills those who are made in His image (Exo 20:13; Gen 1:27).

If you have had an abortion, then you have sinned against God and will experience His just wrath. The good news of the gospel is that you can be forgiven by God, reconciled to Him, and saved from His wrath because of the person and work of Jesus Christ.

You should note that false teachers such as Beth Moore, Steven Furtick, Joel Osteen, Kenneth Copeland, Joyce Meyer, and others have been completely silent on the ruling (while at the same time promoting their books and events). It’s entirely plausible that they don’t believe abortion is wrong. It’s certain that they don’t want to offend their followers and lose money. For them, the dollar is more important than proclaiming truth. This is a clear way to spot false teachers.

I have had time to read several articles and listen to a couple of podcasts this morning. I want to share with you some of the best ones from a Christian perspective:

Here is a statement from the Conservative Baptist Network.

Here is a pointed article by Jared Longshore.

Here is a short article by Albert Mohler at World.

Here is a special edition of The Briefing by Albert Mohler recorded on the day of the SCOTUS decision.

Here is Monday’s edition of The Briefing by Albert Mohler.

Here are some thoughts from Denny Burk.

Here are some key quotes from the decision from a Baptist Press article.

Here is a short article by Joe Carter at The Gospel Coalition.

If you only read or listen to one thing, make it the special edition of The Briefing by Albert Mohler. If you have an article or resource to suggest, you can comment below.

The Humiliation and Exaltation of Jesus – Philippians 2:5-11

June 22, 2022 /
Philippians

This blog is based on a sermon from Philippians. Unfortunately, the sermon was not recorded. I previously preached this sermon at another church, when you can view here.

We’ve been walking through Philippians, which is a letter that Paul wrote from prison to a church that he loved very much.

In the last two posts, we’ve seen:

First, that we should live worthy of the gospel in the face of external opposition (1:27-30).

Second, that our church should be marked by unity and we should practice humility, and service (2:1-4).

We cannot achieve unity in our church simply by me preaching on it. I agree with Tony Merida:

“Unity is a result of people adoring and emulating Jesus. The more we behold His glory and imitate His character, the more unified we will be as a church.”

tony merida

In simple terms, we should adore Jesus and live like Jesus.

Our text today is one of the most famous passages in the New Testament and is one of the foremost Christological passages. It is sometimes referred to as the humiliation and exaltation of Jesus.

Sermon Text: Philippians 2:5-11

BIG IDEA: The humiliation and exaltation of Jesus should lead us to follow Jesus’ example and to worship Him as Lord of all.

We are to have the attitude of Christ (5)

v. 5 – “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,”

The ESV says “mind”. The NIV says “mind-set.” Most translations say “attitude.”

We are to think like Jesus, and value what he values. In this context, we see that Jesus values humility and service more than self-exaltation.

The attitude of Christians should reflect the attitude of their master, Jesus Christ.

When Paul says that we are to have the mind or attitude of Christ, he is saying that we should not be prideful and selfish, but rather that we should be humble and selflessly serve others.

In this passage, we see the attitude of Christ. First, we see his humility:

“did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped” (6)

“emptied himself” or “made himself nothing” (7)

We also see his service:

“took the form of a servant” (7)

“became a man and died on the cross” (8)

The world lives to get and get and get—more pleasure, more praise, more money. What Paul is saying to us is that as Christians, we are to imitate Christ, who came to give and give and give.

As we look at Philippians 2:6-11 this morning, I want you think about these questions:

  • Do you seek to get, get, and get, or to give, give, and give?
  • Do you have the mind/attitude of Christ?
  • Are you humbly seeking serve others within the church as well as those outside the church?

We are to have the attitude of Christ. We are also to learn humility from Christ.

We are to learn humility from Christ (6-8)

Jesus’ Humble Renunciation (6)

“who, though he was in the form of God”

The phrase “form of God” doesn’t mean that Jesus “had some Godlike qualities or appearance, but that he was of the same nature or essence.”

Jesus was the true and exact nature of God. This phrase means that Jesus was and is equal with God.

Biblical Christianity says is that there is one God who has eternally existed in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus is the eternal Son of God. He was not created. There was never a time when the Son of God did not exist.

“We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father.  Through him all things were made.”

Council of Nicea (325 AD)

John 1:1-3

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

John 17:5

And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.

“did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped” (6)

This means that although Jesus was God, He did not use his high position for His own advantage but chose to serve and to give. Jesus deserved the praise of every person He encountered but He lived open-handedly and provided an example for all of us to follow.

So often, we live exactly the opposite of how Christ lived.

  • We want to exalt ourselves, but Jesus made himself nothing and submitted to the will of the Father.
  • We want to be in charge, but Jesus took the form of a slave.
  • We reject God’s Word in sinful disobedience, but Jesus perfectly obeyed God’s Word.
  • We so often give in to temptation, but Jesus always overcame temptation.

What are you grasping for? What are you holding onto?

Are you living for pleasure?

Are you seeking power and position?

Are you living for money?

Have you bought into the lie of the prosperity gospel? Do you think that if you come to church and give that God will make you happy, healthy, and wealthy?

Christians are not immune to pride and selfishness.

We see it in the SBC with denominational politics – pastors promoting themselves and slandering others on social media.

We see women seeking to be pastors when God has forbidden it.

In many churches, there are some people who want all the power in the church but don’t want to serve in any way.

In our marriages, are we seeking to serve or be served?

Friends, Paul is calling us to live like Jesus, who, rather than grasping for a position of power, took on the form of a servant.

How can we do this? We need the gospel, as Paul shows us in the next verses.

Jesus’ Humble Incarnation (7)

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

Jesus did not cease to be God when he took on human form but rather gave up his rights. He rightfully deserved to remain at the right hand of God, but He took on the form of a servant and was born as a baby.

Jesus, the perfect Son of God, took on human flesh. John 1:14 says, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…”

Norm Geisler writes, “Jesus’ incarnation was not the subtraction of deity, but the addition of humanity.”

A.W. Tozer said, “Jesus veiled His deity but He did not void it.”

Jesus took on the form of a servant.

Have you noticed in the Gospels that Jesus is always serving others and not the other way around?

While American Christianity says to live your best life now, to become a better you, to love yourself, and to slay your giants, Jesus exemplified true greatness by serving and dying.

Imagine what would happen in the church if we all followed the example of Jesus and sought not to grasp for power and position but to seek to humbly serve one another.

Jesus’ Humble Crucifixion (8)

“And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death…”

Jesus’ whole life was marked by humility:

  • He was not born in Rome, Athens, or Jerusalem, but Bethlehem.
  • He lived 30 years in relative obscurity in Nazareth.
  • In his earthly ministry, he was known for loving the unlovable.
  • At this death, he was nailed to a cross between two criminals.

Notice that the text says that Jesus humbled himself. No one humbled Jesus.

“No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”

Jesus, John 10:18

“…even death on a cross.”

In the Roman empire, crucifixion was the cruelest form of official execution. Depending on who you read, some say that Roman citizens could not be crucified. Others say that Roman citizens could only be crucified if they were convicted of high treason. Certainly, crucifixion was commonly reserved for the lower classes, especially slaves.

The Jews believed a person was cursed if he died by crucifixion. And yet, Scripture says that Jesus became a curse for us (Galatians 3:13).

Christ went from the highest position imaginable (the right hand of the Father) to the lowest (crucified between two criminals) because of His love for His people. His selfless love was an expression of His deity.

Even Hollywood understands what a powerful story the gospel is.

In the live action Lion King movie, Mufasa tells Simba this: “While others search for what they can take, a true king searches for what he can give.”

In The Dark Knight Rises, Batman (who is billionaire Bruce Wayne) fights to save Gotham and its people when he could’ve lived for pleasure and himself. Instead, he serves the city of Gotham by putting his life on the line every night.

Because of the gospel, we should be marked by service and love to others.

As Christians, we are to have the attitude of Christ. We are to learn humility from Christ. Finally, we are to bow the knee and exalt Jesus Christ.

We are to bow the knee and exalt Jesus Christ (9-11)

Jesus’ Exalted Position (9)

Jesus humbled himself, and God has highly exalted Him.

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, (9)

The phrase “the name that is above every name” refers to Lord (see v. 11). The Father has given Jesus a new name – “Lord” (Phil 2:11; cf. Isa 45:23-24). This name that is above every name is Lord. The Greek word is kurios, which was the word used to translate Yahweh into the Septuagint (the Greek version of the Old Testament).

Look at one verse from the Old Testament:

Is 42:8
I am the Lord; that is my name;
my glory I give to no other,
nor my praise to carved idols.

Yahweh (Lord) is the awesome covenant name of the God of Israel – “the name that is above every name.”

Our Adoration and Confession (10-11)

 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Notice that Paul mentions heaven, earth, and under the earth.

Every part of creation will bow. No part of creation is exempt:

  • In heaven, the angels will bow.
  • On earth, humanity will bow.
  • Under the earth, the demons and Satan will bow.

Every creature will bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.

Every creature will bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.

In New Testament times, Christians were persecuted and could be killed for saying that “Jesus is Lord” rather than Caesar.

Every week, we gather as Christians to declare that Jesus is Lord – not Caesar, not President Biden, and not anyone else on earth.

Romans 10:9 says, “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

To be saved, we must repent and believe the gospel.

At Christ’s exaltation, Jesus will be acknowledged by all creation as Lord of all Creation.

  • Every one of us will bow the knee.
  • Some will bow before Him and confess Him as Lord with great joy.
  • Others will bow before Him and confess Him as Lord with despair and anguish.

How would you answer these questions?

  • Have you bowed the knee to Jesus?
  • Do you have the attitude of Jesus?
  • Are you serving others like Jesus?
  • Are you seeking to exalt yourself or to exalt Jesus?

Gospel Unity – Philippians 2:1-4

June 21, 2022 /
Philippians

This blog is based on a sermon from Philippians. You can listen to the sermon here (unfortunately, some of the sermon was not recorded).

Sermon Text: Philippians 2:1-4

If you’ve been a part of a church for a while, you’ve probably experienced or witnessed conflict within the church.

Why is it that so many churches seem to have so much conflict?

Of course, no church will never be able to eradicate all conflict because every church is made up of sinful people.

But what if there is some way that we can minimize conflict within the church? Our text this morning speaks to this issue.

Last week, as we finished Philippians 1, Paul began giving instructions to the Philippian church.

Paul told the Philippians to “live worthy of the gospel” by:

  • Being unified around the gospel (27)
  • Not fearing those who oppose the gospel (28)
  • Being willing to suffer for the sake of Christ and the gospel (29-30)

In last week’s text, Paul was addressing external opposition. In today’s text, we see Paul focusing on how to have unity within the church.

BIG IDEA: Our church will have unity as we practice Christlike humility and service.

Our church should be marked by unity (1-2)

We see in verse 2 Paul’s command to have unity. But before he gives the command, he provides the basis for Christian unity and fellowship in verse 1.

The basis of unity and Christian fellowship (1)

Phil 2:1 – So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,

Paul uses the conditional statement “if” to get the Philippians to consider whether these qualities are present in their lives.

  • Encouragement in Christ – nothing should lift our spirits more than knowing that we are in Christ. Paul is encouraging these believers when he himself is in prison.
  • Comfort from love – because we know the love of Christ, we are to love others. See 1 John 4:19.
  • Participation (or fellowship) in the Spirit – since all who are in Christ have the Holy Spirit within them, this should bring unity.
    • If the Holy Spirit truly lives within us, then we will be united around the Bible, which is breathed out by the Holy Spirit (2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:20-21).
    • If someone in the church consistently causes division, this text implies that they do not have the Holy Spirit living within them.
  • Affection and sympathy – affections and sympathy (or mercy) towards others flows from our union with Christ.

Because we are in Christ, we should be encouraged and comforted, knowing that we are loved by him.

Furthermore, because we are indwelt by the same Holy Spirit, we should have unity and love one another.

In other words, Paul is saying if we have truly come to know Christ, then as true believers, we will be progressing in the faith.

These qualities will be increasingly present in our lives. Remember, Paul said in Phil 1:6 that where God has begun a work, He will bring it to completion.

So, our union with Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit within our hearts is the basis for unity in the church.

We see the basis for unity in verse 1. We see the command for unity in verse 2.

The command for unity (2)

Phil 2:2 – complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

Paul says to the Philippians, since the things from verse 1 are present in your lives, “Complete my joy”, or “Make my joy complete”.

How could the Philippians complete Paul’s joy?

First, by “being of the same mind” – As Christians, our minds should be in tune with God’s Word.

Second, Paul says, “Having the same love” – We should love Christ as well as other Christians.

And finally, “being in full accord and of one mind” – We should be in agreement about the purpose of the church – to make disciples of Jesus (Matt 28:18-20).

Each of these phrases Paul uses in verse 2 point to unity. Paul, who is imprisoned for the sake of the gospel, says that his joy would be complete if the Philippians would live in unity. This shows us how important unity is in the church.

Why is Paul so concerned with unity?

If believers cannot live in unity, the transformative power of the gospel comes into question and the gospel message loses credibility among unbelievers.

If believers cannot live in unity, the transformative power of the gospel comes into question and the gospel message loses credibility among unbelievers.

How can we say we believe the gospel and have been transformed by the gospel if we are unwilling to forgive one another and to serve others (see Matt 6:14-15; 18:21-35)?

Just as a house divided against itself cannot stand, neither can a divided church. A divided church will be spiritually weak and no threat to the kingdom of darkness.

What are some ways we can cultivate unity?

  • By assuming the best of others’ motives.
  • By listening in order to understand the perspective of others.
  • Be refusing to speak ill of our Christian brothers and sisters.

We should practice Christlike humility and service (3-4)

Phil 2:3 – Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Remember from Phil 1:15 that Paul said some people were preaching out of envy and rivalry.

Some people, in their selfish ambition, join a church for the wrong reasons. They think it will increase their stature in the community – perhaps to win a vote or to market their business.

Others will leave a church and join another church if they are not given a certain position within the church. A person who is conceited believes he is always right and expects others to agree with him. He is only happy when he gets what he wants. I’ve heard it said that you see someone’s spiritual maturity (or the lack of it) when they don’t get their way.

Both those who are driven by selfish ambition and those driven by conceit are not seeking to make much of Christ, but to make much of themselves. They are seeking to advance their own agenda rather than that of Jesus.

This attitude is totally different than that of Jesus, who took emptied himself, took on the form of a servant, and humbled himself to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Notice that Paul continues in v. 3: “but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”

Paul wants us to see that selfish ambition will ruin a church, but humility helps build it.

Selfish ambition will ruin a church but humility helps build it.

When Paul wrote Philippians, humility was not considered a virtue. There were likely many retired Roman soldiers who were members of the Philippian church. These were proud men of position, but Paul told them to have humility.

Paul says that rather than being motivated by selfish ambition or conceit, we as Christians should walk in humility by counting others more significant than ourselves.

In verse 4, Paul shows what it looks like to put others first.

Phil 2:4 – “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

I’ve heard it said that humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less. A humble person thinks of others while a selfish person thinks only of himself.

In a culture that is all about me, myself, and I, Paul says that we should seek to put others first.

Many people in America attend a worship service to get something (a good message, good music, God’s blessing) for themselves rather seeking to serve their fellow church members and exalt Jesus.

In reality, church is not a service you attend but a people to belong to – other baptized Christians who are seeking to further the kingdom of God.

Conclusion

So, Paul’s argument in vv. 1-4 is this: if we are truly Christians, then we should be unified. The problem is that in our flesh we are driven by selfish ambition and conceit. But we are to put off those things and grow in humility and service.

As we grow in humility and service, we will grow in unity.

First, how can we grow in humility?

1. We can grow in humility by reflecting on the cross (see Phil 2:6-8).

There is no room for pride when we realize that we deserve nothing but God’s wrath and eternal punishment.

2. We can grow in humility by reflecting on the glory of Jesus (see Phil 2:9-11).

Rather than making much of ourselves, we should bow the knee to King Jesus.

3. We can grow in humility through prayer.

When we refuse to pray, we are pridefully refusing to acknowledge that we need God’s help. We should also pray to God for humility, asking him to help us love others more than ourselves.

4. We can grow in humility by serving others (Mark 10:45)

Mark 10:45 – For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

As we serve others, we are reminded that we are not the center of the universe.

Second, what are some practical ways we can look to the interests of others within the church?

  • Pray for one another.
  • Show hospitality by having church members into your home, especially those that you don’t know well.
  • Invite someone to your Sunday school class.
  • Take someone a meal when they have a baby or are sick.
  • A younger Sunday school class might give up the nicer classroom on the first floor to the senior adults who have a hard time climbing the stairs.
  • Older members can serve younger members by being okay with adding an instrument or two to the church music (so long as the congregational voices are still featured).
  • Serve in the nursery even when you don’t have kids.

The important thing to remember is this – we should look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others.

We should not think in terms of “us vs them” but instead “let’s make much of Jesus together.”

When Christians are controlled by humility and love, they will be genuinely united in spirit and will not allow small differences to divide them or hinder their service for the Lord.

Why do many churches have so much conflict? Because of of pride and selfishness.

How can we avoid conflict within the church? Through humility and service.

As a church, are we united?

Are we humble?

More personally:

Has your life been changed by the gospel?

Are you walking in a manner worthy of the gospel?

Do you promote unity within the church?

Is your life marked by humility and service?

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