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Commit to the Church: Submit to God’s Word

October 11, 2022 /
Sermon Series Graphic

I recently began a new sermon series called Commit at my church on what biblically committed church membership looks like. This post is based off of the fifth sermon in that series, which unfortunately was not recorded due to technical difficulty.

Sermon Text: Acts 2:42; Col 1:18; 1 Tim 3:15; Rom 12:1-2

Our attitude toward God’s Word has eternal consequences. I want to begin this morning by reading two passages. One is from 2 Tim 4 and the other is from Acts 17.

2 Tim 4:3-4

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

Acts 17:10-11

The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

I would submit to you that these two passages illustrate the difference between true and false churches. True churches love the Word of God. False churches turn away from sound teaching.

Brothers and sisters, like those in the early church, we have a choice. We can turn away from sound teaching and find false teachers who will coddle us, or we can be careful students of the Scriptures who know and love the Word of God. If we as a church choose to not endure sound teaching, then we will cease to be a church. If we as a church will submit ourselves to God’s Word, then we can be used of God to further His kingdom.

If a church chooses not to endure sound teaching, then it ceases to be a church.

Today, we continue our sermon series on biblical church membership. We started our sermon series in Acts 2 and I want to again look at a couple of verses from there. If you would, turn to Acts 2.

If you’re reading this, I want you to know that the bulk of my preaching is expositional in nature. That is, my preaching aims to make the main point(s) of the message based the main point(s) of the passage. It is also my normal practice to preach through books of the Bible. I say all of that to give you all time to get to Acts 2 and explain that I’m not being hypocritical since I’ll be advocating expositional preaching today even while preaching and blogging in a more topical way. Let’s again look at Acts 2:41.

Acts 2:41

So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

This verse summarizes the response to Peter’s preaching on the Day of Pentecost, which occurred a few days after Jesus had ascended back to heaven. Those present heard the gospel. Many responded by receiving Peter’s message, repenting of their sins (Acts 2:38), and trusting (believing) in Jesus. After trusting in Jesus, they were baptized and added to the church. So, what happened next? Look at verse 42.

Acts 2:42

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers

We’re not going to read the rest of Acts 2, but Acts 2:42-47 show how the early Christians committed themselves to one another. This is the paradigm we see in the rest of the New Testament – conversion, baptism, committed church membership.

Last week, we looked at the importance of regularly gathering with other believers to worship God and encourage one another. Today, we are going to look at the importance of submitting to God’s Word.

Look at the first phrase of Acts 2:42 again. It says that the early Christians “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.” The apostles were those who had been set apart by Jesus for ministry. Jesus had given the apostles His authority in Matthew 16:18-19 and Matthew 28:18-20. Ephesians 2:20 says that the church was built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets.

So, when the text says that these early Christians devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, it means that they were devoting themselves to the authoritative teachings of the apostles, the authoritative teachings of Christ, and the authoritative teachings of the Old Testament.

Today, there are no apostles. Instead of modern-day apostles, we have the completed canon of Scripture written down. We have the teachings of Christ, the apostles, and the Old Testament. They are found in our Bible, which is one book that is composed of 66 books – 39 in the OT and 27 in the NT.

Just as these early believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, we should devote ourselves to God’s Word. Said another way, we are to submit to God’s Word.

BIG IDEA: We must submit to God’s Word both as a church body and as individuals.

We must submit to God’s Word both as a church body and as individuals.

Why is this so important? In 1 Timothy 3:15, Paul calls the church a pillar and buttress of the truth. One application of this text is that the church is called to proclaim the truth and to protect the truth. As I preach today, I stand here as one who believes that the Bible is God’s Word – that all Scripture is God-breathed and authoritative for life and ministry (2 Tim 3:16-17).

To be a faithful church, we as a church must submit to God’s Word. To be faithful church members, we must personally submit to God’s Word.

As a church, we must corporately submit to God’s Word (Col 1:18)

What does it mean to submit to God’s Word as a church? To submit to someone means that you are yielding to their authority. A church that submits to God’s Word is a church that is therefore ruled by God’s Word.

Col 1:15-18

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

Colossians 1:18 says that Christ is the head of the church. Therefore, as a church, we are not ruled by a pope. We are not ruled by pastors. We are not ruled by deacons. We are not ruled by church members. Ultimately, we are to be ruled by Jesus Christ, who is the head of the church and Jesus rules the church through His Word.

The only authority we have as a church is from Jesus himself. He is the one who purchased the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28). He is the head of the church (Col 1:18). The apostles had been called and equipped by Jesus and that is why the early church devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching (Acts 2:42).

The apostles had been sent out with the authority of Jesus to make disciples (Matt 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). The early Christians took the apostles seriously because they took Jesus seriously. They knew that Jesus was indeed God in the flesh. On multiple occasions, Jesus prophesied His own death and resurrection. Only God can do that!

If Christ rules the church and He rules it by His Word, then how can we as a church be submitted to His Word?

(1) We submit to God’s Word over tradition

This was the point of the Protestant Reformation. Not only did the reformers seek to recover the gospel – that salvation came not by good works but by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. They also sought to regulate the church according to God’s Word – not the pope, the Roman Catholic Church, or any other tradition.

We must do the same. Every church has traditions. The point is that if our practices and traditions contradict God’s Word, we must submit to God’s Word.

(2) We submit to God’s Word in our teaching and preaching

We teach and preach Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor 2:2). In my preaching ministry, I seek to mostly preach expositional sermons, where the main point of the biblical text is the main point of the sermon. Topical sermons and series are okay from time to time, but context is still important.

In every teaching ministry of the church, we need to be faithful to God’s Word. Sunday school and Wednesday night teachers should be prepared to teach.

This also includes our music ministry. We teach by the lyrics of the songs we sing as well as our approach. We sing to honor God and encourage others, not to entertain and attract lost people.

We are called to teach and preach the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). We do not water down the truth or apologize for it. If you’ve read the New Testament, you know that Christians were at odd with the culture (see for example Mark 6:14-29). The same holds true today but we must not fear those who can destroy the body – rather, we are to fear the one that can cast our souls into hell (Matt 10:28).

(3) We submit to God’s Word in our polity and governance

God has given us His Word to show us how the church is to be governed. The church is to be ruled by Jesus. The church is to be led by pastors (elders). The church is to be served by deacons. And finally, the church is to be governed by the congregation.

Our pastors and deacons should meet the qualifications of Scripture. We should have biblical standards for church membership and be willing to administer church discipline to those who are in ongoing, unrepentant sin (Matt 18:15-20).

Our constitution and by-laws should reflect God’s Word. Our decision-making processes should seek to be faithful to God’s Word.

(4) We submit to God’s Word in our statement of faith

Our statement of faith should be based on God’s Word. If you don’t know, our statement of faith is the Baptist Faith and Message (2000).

(5) We submit to God’s Word for our mission

Jesus has given His disciples a task – to make disciples by evangelizing, baptizing, and teaching (Matt 28:18-20). We must never deviate from evangelism and discipleship. Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world. While we care about social issues, the way we address social issues is mainly through evangelism and discipleship.

We also help fulfill the Great Commission through our giving. We give to international missions through the IMB. We give to church planting, college ministry, disaster relief, pregnancy centers, jail ministry, theological education and more though the Cooperative Program of the SBC.

Obviously, we could go on and on. A true will church will hold fast to God’s Word. Therefore, as a church body, we must submit to God’s authoritative Word over our traditions, our culture, and our denomination if it comes to that.

Not only should we submit to God’s Word as a church, but we must also do this as individuals.

As individuals, we must personally submit to God’s Word.

Once again, to be submitted to God’s Word means that Scripture is the authority for our lives. We recognize that the Bible is God-breathed, and is useful for teaching us, rebuking us, correcting us, and training us to live in a way that pleases God.

A church will only hold fast to God’s Word if its members are committed to God’s Word. So, how can we as individuals commit ourselves to God’s Word? The answer is actually quite simple. We must know God’s Word and we must obey God’s Word. We could turn to many passages of Scripture, but I’ll limit myself to one.

How can we as individuals commit ourselves to God’s Word? The answer is actually quite simple. We must know God’s Word and obey God’s Word.

Rom 12:1-2

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

In this passage, Paul appeals to the Roman church to live holy lives because of God’s mercy. Paul gives the basis for holy living – God’s mercy. Then he gives us a plan for holy living:

  1. Do not be conformed to the world. (holy living, obedience)
  2. Be transformed by the renewal of your mind. (knowing God’s Word)
  3. By having our minds renewed with God’s truth, we’ll be able to discern God’s will. (holy living, obedience)

Don’t be conformed to the world. Renew your mind. Discern God’s will. In other words, know God’s Word and obey it.

Quickly, I want to give you three ways you can know God’s Word and obey it.

(1) Grow in your knowledge and obedience of God’s Word through personal study

This is easy to say but harder to do. If you want to live a life that is pleasing to God, you must study the Bible for yourself. Get a good study Bible. I prefer the ESV Study Bible, but there are so many good ones out there. If you need help picking one, let me know and I would be glad to help.

Get a Bible reading plan. If you’ve never read the New Testament, start there. Eventually, read the whole Bible. I’ve also found it very fruitful to read books of the Bible repeatedly for a certain amount of time. One great book on how to do this is a book called How to Eat Your Bible.

(2) Grow in your knowledge and obedience of God’s Word through small groups

It’s great to study the Bible in your personal life. It’s also very helpful to study the Bible in small groups. We do this in Sunday school. We do it on Wednesday nights. You can also do this with men’s and women’s groups. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” We need each other’s help to understand God’s Word and we need others alongside us to help us obey it.

(3) Grow in your knowledge and obedience of God’s Word through listening to biblical preaching

I spoke earlier of our church’s responsibility to teach and preach the Word of God. But it’s not just my responsibility to preach the Word. It is your responsibility to receive it. On at least one occasion, Jesus told His audience to be careful how you hear (Luke 8:18).

When you come to church, expect God to speak through His Word. Have you thought about that? If the preacher is preaching the Bible correctly, then God is speaking through His Word. Therefore,  listening to preaching is an act of worship. As you listen, expect the Holy Spirit to convict you of sin.

Before you come to church, pray for the preacher. Pray for yourself, that you would have ears to hear God’s Word. Get enough sleep Saturday night and eat enough breakfast so that you can better focus on the message instead of your growling tummy.

The regular preaching of God’s Word does more for your soul that you realize. I’ve heard the preaching of the Word compared to the growth of children. I don’t notice my children growing every day, but I can look back at pictures and see how much they’ve grown. You may not realize that you’re growing in God’s Word each day, but over time I hope you can see how far you’ve come.

When you put all three together – personal study, small group study, and preaching, you have a recipe for spiritual growth. Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt 4:4).

Is that you? Are you submitted to God’s Word or are you starving yourself of its lifechanging power?

Conclusion

True churches love God’s Word. False churches turn away from it.

True believers love God’s Word. False believers turn away from it.

We saw in Acts 2:42 that the early believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching. Likewise, we should devote ourselves to God’s Word.

The church is to be a pillar and buttress of the truth. We are called to proclaim and protect the truth of God’s Word. If we’re to be faithful to this task, we must devote ourselves to God’s Word both as a church and as individuals.

We must give God’s Word its proper authority over us and submit to it gladly. Let’s be committed Christians and church members by knowing God’s Word, loving God’s Word, and obeying God’s Word, all to the glory of God.

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.

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?

Paul’s Prayer for the Philippians – Philippians 1:9-11

May 22, 2022 /
Philippians

I recently began a sermon series in Philippians. You can listen to the sermon here.

How’s your prayer life? When you pray for other believers, how do you pray for them?

In our text today, Paul gives us a wonderful prayer to pray for believers – especially Christians who are young in the faith.

Philippians is a letter that Paul sent to a church that he had planted about 10 years earlier. He was writing to the Christians in Philippi who were discouraged and concerned about his imprisonment.

We saw last week that despite being in prison because of his faith, Paul had great joy because of his relationship with Christ and the Christians at Philippi.

Philippians 1:9-11 (click for text)

BIG IDEA: We should pray for other believers to grow in love and purity as we prepare for the return of Christ.

The request of Paul’s prayer (9)

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more”…

Paul wants the Philippians to grow in love – in their love for God and in their love for one another. The latter is probably what Paul has in mind.

As we will see in the rest of the letter, the church was struggling to maintain unity. Later in chapter one, Paul wanted the church to have one spirit and one mind, and to stand firm side by side for the sake of the gospel.

In chapter two, Paul encouraged the church to have unity and to put the needs of others before themselves.

In chapter four, Paul specifically addressed two women in the church and told them to agree in the Lord.

It should be the prayer of all of us that our church would grow in love for God and for one another. Every church should be marked by a love for one another. Jesus said it this way:

John 13:34-35

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Jesus said that the way that people know that we are His disciples – that we are Christians and we belong to Him is by how we love one another. Paul prayed for this church to grow in love because a church will never be unified if the church members do not love one another.

On the flipside, if Christians are growing in love for one another, then there will be unity. Notice I said unity, not uniformity. Though we may love one another, it does not mean we will all have the same preferences or agree on everything. My wife and I love each other very much, but we don’t agree on everything. She likes her bacon a little more crispy than me. She loads the dishwasher differently. But we are unified because of our love for Christ.

Paul writes of this kind of love in the church in First Corinthians.

1 Cor 13:4-7

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

As a church, let’s pray that:

  • We will be patient with one another.
  • We will be kind to one another.
  • We will not envy or boast.
  • We will not be arrogant or rude.
  • We will not insist on our own way.
  • We will not be irritable or resentful.
  • We will not rejoice at wrongdoing but will rejoice with the truth.

When we do sin against each other, we should be quick to forgive.

Eph 4:32

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

If we will commit to loving one another, then will be able to endure anything this world throws at us and the world will know that we belong to Jesus.

Also, notice that Paul wants the love of the Philippians to grow with knowledge and discernment:

“…with knowledge and all discernment…”

Paul doesn’t just want the Philippians to grow in love – he wants their love to be filled with knowledge and discernment.

This is such an important topic today because the world says that if we don’t celebrate certain behaviors that the Bible calls sin, then we are not loving.

The world embraces homosexuality, transgenderism, co-habitation, fornication (pre-marital sex), no-fault divorce, and pornography.

The world says, “All you need is love” and, “If it feels good, do it.”

Many individuals make this argument – “This person makes me happy. I wish you would just love me.”

I had a conversation with a relative years ago that said, “I know I’m just supposed to love people.”

Here’s the problem with that statement: without the Bible, we wouldn’t know how to love someone. Love must be rooted in the knowledge of God, because God is love (1 John 4:8).

To truly love someone means that we tell them the truth. We just read 1 Cor 13:6, which says that love rejoices with the truth. We tell them the truth about God and what His Word says. We point them to Jesus. We speak the truth in love.

Of course, we are called to love our neighbors. The best way to do that is to tell them that they are sinning against God, destroying their lives and their families, and that they need to repent.

To enable someone’s sin is not to love them – it’s to hate them. The Bible says it this way – “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him” (Pro 13:24).

Our love must be filled with knowledge and discernment. We are to love the things that God loves and to hate the things that God hates.

We are called to be loving people who are biblically informed. We must submit to the authority of God’s Word – not to our feelings or the opinions of the culture.

Paul wants the Christians in Philippi to be able to ask and answer this question: “What is the best way to love this person based on what God’s Word says?”

“What is the best way to love this person based on what God’s Word says?”

How would our church be different if we prayed this prayer regularly – “Lord, based on what your Word says, help me to love my church family well.”

What if we prayed this about every relationship?

“Lord, based on what your Word says, help me to love my son or daughter that is watching pornography, or living with their boyfriend/girlfriend, or having sex before marriage.”

See how that prayer changes things. Instead of trying to indulge someone’s happiness, which is based on their feelings, we speak the truth in love, knowing that God’s way is what is truly best. They may not like what you say. They may even despise you for a time. Guess what – many people didn’t like Jesus either and they crucified Him for telling the truth.

Let’s side with Jesus, not our feelings or the culture.

Before we go further, let’s pray:

Father, please increase our love for one another. Help us to be faithful to love one another based on our knowledge of Christ and His Word. Help us to speak the truth in love. Amen.

In verse 9, we see The request of Paul’s prayer.

In verse 10, we see The purpose of Paul’s prayer (10a) – “to approve what is excellent.”

The purpose of Paul’s prayer (10a)

“…so that you may approve what is excellent…”

The verb that is used here means to “test and approve.” It’s the same Greek word used in Rom 12:2.

Again, Paul wants the Philippians love for one another to abound more and more. But this love is not a worldly, hippie love – it is a love that is discerning and is based on a knowledge of biblical truth.

What Paul means by this phrase “so that you may approve what is excellent,” is that the Philippians are to set their affections on the most important and excellent things rather than things that distract us.

Aren’t churches prone to get distracted and do this? Here are a couple of quick examples:

We tend to focus on the style of music and our own preferences when the real purposes of singing in church are to glorify God and encourage one another.

Sometimes churches fight over using a hymnal or using a projector. However, the important thing is not the way we read the lyrics, but that we are truly worshipping the Father in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24).

The purpose of Paul’s prayer is that we would be able to approve what is excellent – that we as a church will be so focused on glorifying God, making much of Christ, and being filled with the Spirit that we don’t spend time arguing and fighting about trivial things.

We’ve seen The request of Paul’s prayer. We’ve seen The purpose of Paul’s prayer.

And finally, we see the desired results of Paul’s prayer (10b-11)

The results of Paul’s prayer (10b-11)

“…and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ…”

When we are able to approve what is excellent according to God’s Word, then we will be pure and blameless when Christ returns.

This phrase speaks of moral purity and completeness. In plain English, when we know the Word of God, we can judge what is right and wrong and live pure lives. Paul wants the Philippians to live in a pure way and to be spiritually mature as the return of Christ approaches.

The fact that Jesus is coming back should encourage us to live this way.

When Jesus comes back, I hope that He will find us pure and blameless. The word blameless means to not cause offense. We should not be doing anything that might cause division in the church – whether it’s gossiping, complaining, or arguing.

Look at the next phrase. Not only should we be pure and blameless, but Paul says we should be

“…filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ…”

Paul means here that as Christians, we should be producing spiritual fruit because of our relationship with Christ. If we have been made righteous because of Christ, then we should be producing spiritual fruit.

During John the Baptist’s ministry, he told the Pharisees to “bear fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matt 3:8).

As Baptists, we believe there’s nothing we can do to earn our salvation, but we recognize that those who have come to know Jesus should produce spiritual fruit (John 15:8).

Just as you can recognize an apple tree because of its apples, you should be able to recognize a Christian because of their love for God, their love for others, and the fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23.

As you read this:

  • Are you someone that is filled with the fruit of righteousness?
  • Are you growing in your love for God and other Christians?
  • Are you growing in your knowledge of God’s Word?

If you’re not, then you need to repent of your sin and believe the gospel.

All these things that Paul has prayed for the Philippians point to one overarching goal. Look at the last phrase in verse 11.

“…to the glory and praise of God.”

The glory and praise of God is why we exist and why our church exists. We exist to make much of Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

This morning, that is my prayer for our church.

Prayer

Father, help us to pursue what matters most – knowing Christ, loving others, and fulfilling the Great Commission. Give us pure motives. Help us to be people that seek to be blameless. Above all, help us to seek to glorify You in all that we do. Help us to live for Your glory in how we love, by the way we think, and by the way we live. Help us to live in view of the return of Your Son, Jesus. In His name we pray, amen.

Finding Joy in Christ and Community – Philippians 1:3-8

May 20, 2022 /
Philippians

I recently began a sermon series in Philippians. Unfortunately, this sermon was not recorded. Here is an older version of the sermon I previously preached (click here).

An Overview of Philippians (PDF)

“I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”

Perhaps you’ve heard that song by U2. I looked up the song this week on YouTube, and it’s been played almost 140 million times.

That song is so popular because people are looking for something. Ultimately, whether they realize it or not, people are looking for something that will bring them purpose and joy.

Do you have joy in your heart as you’re reading this post? I hope that you do.

But I also know it’s very possible that you are not joyful. Maybe you’re discouraged for whatever reason. Maybe your job isn’t going well. Maybe you have problems in your marriage or with your children. Maybe your health is not good.

In Philippians 1:3-8, we see how that we can have joy, even during difficult circumstances.

Last week, I introduced the book of Philippians (see post).

One of the things that we looked at was the back story of the church in Philippi, which is found in Acts 16.

As you recall, Paul loved the church at Philippi, which he founded about 10 years before he wrote this letter. He wrote this letter in part because the church was discouraged that Paul, a missionary whom they had financially supported, was now imprisoned for preaching the gospel.

So, Paul wrote this letter to encourage these Christians who were young in the faith and discouraged. In the early verses of the letter, Paul writes with a tone of joy – that the Philippians (and us) can have joy because of Christ and the gospel.

Consider this: Paul was in chains because of the gospel, and yet he was likely the happiest man in Rome (if that is where he was imprisoned). How could this be? Ancient Rome was like a modern-day Las Vegas. There were games, sexual pleasures, parties, and more. And yet, the happiest man in Rome sat in prison.

Do you think you need something other than Jesus to find real joy? Perhaps you wish you could make more money or build a bigger house or build a bigger church. I agree with Tony Merida when he says that what we really need is a bigger vision of God. [1]Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Philippians, 23

The reason that Paul was happy even in prison is this: when you come to know God through His Son, Jesus Christ, you can have a joy that can never be taken away no matter what is going on in your life. This morning, we see four ways we can experience joy in the Christian life from our text.

  1. We can know the joy of prayer (Phil 1:3-4)
  2. We can know the joy of gospel partnerships (Phil 1:5)
  3. We can know the joy of God’s work within us (Phil 1:6)
  4. We can know the joy of affection toward other believers (Phil 1:7-8)

Philippians 1:3-8 (click link for text)

First, I want to encourage you, to know the joy of prayer.

Know the joy of prayer (3-4)

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,…

Every time Paul thought about the Philippians, he thanked God for them. As Paul thought of the Philippians, he was overwhelmed by joy.

Notice that Paul emphasizes that he was grateful for all of the Philippian Christians. In verses 4, 7, and 8, Paul makes it clear that he is thankful for all the Christians there. Even though the church wasn’t perfect, Paul was grateful for them.

  • Like Paul, we should look for evidence of grace in people’s lives.
  • If you’re a super critical person who is always focused on what’s wrong in the church, then you will not have joy.
  • Don’t allow something small or petty within the church rob you of your joy and gratitude for the church and its leadership.
  • Look at the big picture and give thanks to God!

A question you might ask yourself is this: “Are you the kind of Christian who brings joy to your pastors and fellow church members when they think of you?”

“Are you the kind of Christian who brings joy to your pastors and fellow church members when they think of you?”

When Paul interceded on behalf of the Philippians, Paul had great joy. Paul was faithful to pray for the Philippian church because he loved them.

Are we as a church a prayerful people?

Are we faithful to thank God for those who have ministered to us? Perhaps it’s a previous pastor or church member, or a family member.

Maybe you lack joy because you are too focused on your own problems instead of being thankful to God for those who brought you the gospel.

The great thing about having the joy of prayer is that God is always listening. No matter where you are or what you’ve done, God always listens to those who call out to Him in faith.

Paul was in prison for the sake of the gospel, but he knew the joy of prayer.

And like Paul, we can know the joy of gospel partnerships.

Know the joy of gospel partnerships (5)

“…because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.“

Why was Paul joyful every time he prayed for the Philippians? It’s because, as v. 5 says, Paul had a partnership in the gospel with this church.

Last week, we saw that Paul planted the church during a missionary journey through Macedonia (Acts 16). Since that time, the church at Philippi had supported Paul’s missionary endeavors.

In chapter 4, Paul said that the Philippian church was the only one that helped him financially after he left Macedonia (Phil 4:15–16).

Notice in v. 5 that the Philippian church had partnered with Paul “from the first day.” From the beginning of its existence, the church at Philippi was supportive of Paul’s work of advancing the gospel.

  • When we share in the work of the gospel, it is a sign that God is working in us and through us.
  • We must remember that we are partners in ministry with other likeminded churches (association, SBC) and even churches that are from other denominations but preach the message of grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
  • We are not competing with other churches – there are plenty of lost people to be reached with the gospel and discipled to spiritual maturity.
  • In partnering together for the gospel, we recognize our differences, but we celebrate our unity in Jesus and commit to the mission of making the gospel known.

The word that is translated partnership is koinonia, which is more commonly translated as fellowship.

As we see in this text, true fellowship, or partnership, is not just spending time with other Christians (although that’s not a bad thing).

In true Christian fellowship, the koinonia relationships exist because of the gospel (what God has done for us in Christ) and for the purpose of advancing the gospel (which God does through us).

D.A. Carson writes, “Both from Paul’s example and from that of the Philippians…we learn that the fellowship of the gospel, the partnership of the gospel, should be at the center of our relationships with other believers.” [2]Basics for Believers: An Exposition of Philippians, 19

What do you talk about w/ other believers? Weather? Sports? Politics?

It’s okay to talk about these things from time to time, but the point is that we are meant for deep, meaningful relationships within the church.

My encouragement for you is to find other church members who will help you become more like Christ and spend time with them!

We can know the joy of prayer and of gospel partnerships. And third, we can know the joy of God’s work within you.

Know the joy of God’s work within you (6)

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.

Verse 6 speaks to both God’s work in the life of the church at Philippi and in the life of the individuals that make up the church.

Paul says that God has begun a work in the Christians at the church at Philippi and that he will bring it to completion.

This verse is important for a number of reasons.

  • First, it tells us that God is the one that begun a good work in us. Romans 5 says that even while we were weak, even while we were ungodly, even while we were sinners and enemies of God that Christ died for our sins.
  • Second, this verse tells us that God finishes what he starts. If we are united with Christ (that is, we have been saved), then God will eventually complete the work of conforming us to the image of his Son (Rom 8:29). We don’t have to worry about losing our salvation. If we are truly saved, then we can count on the promise of Scripture that God finishes what he starts.
  • Third, this verse shows us that we cannot be perfect (without sin) in this life (“will bring it to completion”). It’s rare, but occasionally you may talk with someone who believes in Christian perfectionism – the idea that someone can live without sin in this life. This verse, along with several others in Philippians (Phil 1:25; 3:12-14, 20-21) destroys this idea.

Typically, we think of salvation as a one-time event. But biblically, we have been saved, we are being saved, and one day we will be saved. This verse teaches all three:

  1. First, God began a work in you. That is justification, a one-time event when we were saved. In justification, God, through Christ has worked for us – we are justified.
  2. Second, God is working in us to make us more like Christ. This is called sanctification. Sanctification occurs from the point in time where you were converted, or justified, to the time that you die. All through your life, God is working in you and through you.
  3. And when Jesus comes back, He will bring the work of sanctification to an end. He will complete His work and we will get our new bodies. This is called glorification.

Here is a graphic illustrating this:

Salvation in Philippians 1:6
Salvation in Philippians 1:6

Kent Hughes, a longtime pastor, said it this way:

“As I reflect on my fifty plus years in Christ it is indeed God who has kept me. It is not my grip on God that has made the difference, but his grip on me. I am not confident in my goodness. I am not confident in my character. I am not confident in my history. I am not confident in my “reverend” persona. I am not confident in my perseverance.” (Kent Hughes)

John MacArthur has famously said, “If you could lose your salvation, you would.”

I can’t help but read verse 6 and have joy. I am convinced that if we mediate what God has done in our lives and what He continues to do in our lives that we will have joy.

And finally, may we know the joy of affection toward other believers.

Know the joy of affection toward other believers (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.

Clearly, Paul loved this church. He says that he holds them in his heart. That is, the Christians at Philippi have a special place in Paul’s heart.

Paul loved this church the way that grandparents love their grandchildren. He was proud of them and the work that God was doing both in them and through them. He goes on. He writes:

“…for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.”

Paul is referring to the common bond that he shares with the Philippians. They are partakers with him of grace. They are united in fellowship because of the gospel.

The glue that holds the church together should be the gospel. It’s not the color of our skin, our social status, our income level, or our political beliefs or that we’re all Cowboys and like to ride horses.

This means that you should have more in common with a Chinese Christian than your neighbor across the street that hates God but votes the same way that you do.

The gospel must be the central focus in our church!

The reason we gather each week is because of what Christ has accomplished on the cross. We gather to celebrate the work of Christ, to hear the Word of God preached, and to grow into Christlikeness. If something besides the gospel becomes our central focus, then we should no longer call ourselves a church!

Paul wanted to thank the Philippians for supporting him through prayer and the financial gift they had sent to him while he was in prison. In the ancient world, imprisonment was a source of great shame, and the Philippians had encouraged Paul with a financial gift as he preached and defended the gospel.

8 – “For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.”

Paul yearned to see the people he loved. His source of affection for them was the love of Christ. I hope you feel the same way about your fellow church members as well as other Christians that you know.

Paul couldn’t just Facetime these believers to check in. It would be many months before he would see them again. Fortunately for us, we are able to see each other almost every week.

I wonder though, do you yearn to see your brothers and sisters each week? Do you miss the fellowship of other believers when you are apart?

If you don’t love your brothers and sisters in Christ, then you need to check your heart.

When the gospel is central in our relationships with other believers, we will know the joy of affection toward them.

Conclusion

This morning, I hope that you can have the joy that Paul had. Even in difficult circumstances, Paul had great joy because of Christ and the community of fellow believers.

Do you have the joy that comes from knowing Christ as Lord and Savior?

Do you know the joy of prayer?

Do you know the joy of gospel partnerships?

Do you know the joy of God’s work within you?

Do you know the joy of affection towards other believers?

If you know Christ, then you have access to all these sources of joy. Take every thought captive and make them obedient to Christ. Do not look at your circumstances. Look around and see God’s hand at work in your own life and in the lives of others.

Look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith and our greatest source of joy.

References

References
↑1 Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Philippians, 23
↑2 Basics for Believers: An Exposition of Philippians, 19

Introduction to Philippians – Philippians 1:1-2

May 20, 2022 /
Philippians

I recently began a sermon series in Philippians. This is the first sermon in the series, which can be viewed here. Please overlook the poor audio quality. We have fixed the issue for future sermons.

Here is another version of the sermon I previously preached (click here).

An Overview of Philippians (PDF)

Have you written or received an affectionate thank you letter lately?

Philippians is a letter to the church in Philippi from Paul. The church had sent Paul a financial gift to help meet his needs while he was in prison. Paul and the church had an ongoing partnership for the advancement of the gospel.

I want to introduce this book by giving you the back story of Philippians, the big picture of Philippians, and the beautiful introduction.

The Back Story (Acts 16:6-40)

The story of God’s work in Philippi begins with radical life change. In Acts 16, Luke tells us that through a vision, God called Paul and his associates to the region of Macedonia. Philippi was one of the first cities Paul visited in Macedonia.

City of Philippi

  • Philippi was a leading city in the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony (Acts 16:12).
  • Of all the cities Paul visited, Philippi was most like Rome in its architecture and customs.
  • Philippi was part of the Roman Empire and was made one of the stations along the main overland route connecting Rome with the East.
  • It was used as a military outpost, and was populated with Roman military veterans, as well as Thracians and Greeks.
  • Consequently, those who lived in Philippi were considered citizens of Rome and enjoyed all the benefits of Roman citizenship.
  • The city was inhabited predominantly by Romans, but many Macedonian Greeks lived there as well.
  • Its people were proud of their city, proud of their ties with Rome, proud to observe Roman customs and obey Roman laws, and proud to be Roman citizens (cf. Acts 16:21).
  • In fact, in Philippians 3:20, Paul appeals to their pride as Roman citizens, and emphasizes that those in Christ are ultimately citizens of heaven.

After Paul and his friends arrived in town, they went to a place of prayer on the Sabbath and found Lydia, a seller of purple goods. Evidently there was a very small (or maybe nonexistent) Jewish population in Philippi since there was no synagogue. If there were at least 10 Jewish men in the town, then a synagogue would have been present.

Because there was no synagogue, Paul attended a ladies’ prayer meeting and shared the gospel. The text (Acts 16:14) says that, “The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.” After the Lord opened Lydia’s heart, she opened her home to Paul and his companions and asked them to stay for a while.

The next week, while Paul and his friends were on the way to the prayer meeting, they encountered a slave girl that practiced divination. She followed Paul and his companions for days, telling everyone who they were. Paul eventually got annoyed with this and exorcised a demon out of her (Acts 16:16-18).

Her owners were not happy, and Paul and Silas are beaten and then thrown in prison (Acts 16:19-24).

As Paul and Silas were in prison, they were praying and singing. God sent an earthquake and all of the prisoners’ chains came off. The Philippian jailer almost killed himself, thinking that all of the prisoners had escaped. Paul told the jailer to not harm himself, and the jailer, moved by Paul and Silas’ love for Christ, comes to know Jesus. In fact, his whole household was converted. (Acts 16:25-34)

Paul and Silas were eventually released, and they went back to Lydia’s house (Acts 16:35-40). And thus, the church at Philippi was born.

The book of Philippians is packed with many memorable verses and rich theology, but it is also a tender and personal glimpse into the lives of Paul, Timothy, Epaphroditus, and a church they dearly loved.

So that is the back story of Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. Now I want to give you the big picture of the book.

Big Picture

If you’re like me, when you think about Philippians, you think of all the memorable verses that are contained in the book.

Phil 1:6 – 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.

Phil 1:21 – For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Phil 2:9-11 – Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Phil 3:7-8 – But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 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

Phil 3:20-21 – 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.

Phil 4:6-7 – do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Phil 4:13 – I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Phil 4:19 – And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

These verses are some great ones to memorize. But Paul didn’t just write a few verses. He wrote a letter to the Philippians. Philippians is a wonderful letter about partnering together for the advance of the gospel and advancing the gospel with joy, even in the midst of hardship.

Philippians is a wonderful letter about partnering together for the advance of the gospel and advancing the gospel with joy, even in the midst of hardship.

As Paul and the Philippians had challenges advancing the gospel in their day, we too have some challenges facing us today as we try to advance the gospel. Philippians offers us encouragement in our task of the Great Commission.

Along with Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon, Philippians is one of Paul’s prison letters. Paul is writing from a Roman prison (1:7) in either Caesarea, Ephesus, or Rome. When I say prison, it was more like Paul was under house arrest. He was able to see and speak to guests, and even write this letter.

About 10 years had passed between the founding of the church in Acts 16 and the writing of the letter. This was a church that Paul loved and knew quite well.

The Philippian church was discouraged and fearful because Paul and been imprisoned for preaching the gospel. When you read Philippians, think of Paul writing to a church filled with young, scared, and discouraged Christians.

Paul was hundreds of miles away from this church in prison, and yet Paul was thinking of the church, praying for them, and encouraging them. He served them even while in prison.

Philippians is a letter saturated with gospel living. The word gospel is found eight times in the book. In Philippians, we will see how the gospel comes to bear on our lives:

  1. We should partner with missionaries for the sake of the gospel (Phil 1:3-8; 2:19-30; 4:10-19).
  2. We should be willing to suffer and die for the sake of the gospel (Phil 1:12-30).
  3. We should have unity and humility because of the gospel (Phil 1:27-2:4; 4:2-3).
  4. We should rejoice in Christ because of the gospel (Phil 1:18; 3:1; 4:4).
  5. We should be content in all circumstances because of the gospel (Phil 4:11-13).

Other things we will learn from Paul in Philippians
• That Christ is to be treasured above all things
• That we can have hope in death because of Christ
• The importance of prayer
• The secret of having joy and contentment in any circumstances

We’ve seen the wonderful back story of the book. We’ve looked at the big picture. Now, let’s look at the beautiful greeting of the book, found in Phil 1:1-2.

Beautiful Greeting (Phil 1:1-2)

Three evidences of grace in this greeting

First, grace is displayed in the life of the senders of the letter: Paul and Timothy (1:1a).

Paul used to be a Jew that hated Christians. Now, he is a doulos, a servant or slave of Christ. When Paul speaks of his conversion in Phil 3, he explains that though he was a very religious person, he could not earn righteousness. We can only be righteous by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

Timothy had a Jewish mother and a Greek father. He had heard the gospel and believed and was now a missionary along with Paul.

What’s your story? Have you experienced God’s grace and the transformation that comes along with it? Paul later says that “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Is that true for you? Is Jesus your greatest treasure? Are you a slave of Christ?

Second, grace is displayed in the life of the recipients of the letter: the church in Philippi (1:1b).

Paul calls them saints. These saints are “in Christ Jesus.”

You may regularly attend church, but that does not mean you are in Christ. To be in Christ, you must repent of your sins and put your complete trust in Christ and His life, death, burial, and resurrection and submit to Him as your Lord.

Paul mentions the two offices of the church: overseers (the same office as elders/pastors) and deacons. Overseers are the men are to shepherd the flock through the teaching of the Word and prayer. Deacons are to serve the church and help others serve within the church.

Third, grace is displayed in the name of Jesus Christ (1:2).

Many people wish that they could experience grace and peace, but they look for them in all the wrong places. Grace and peace ultimately come from God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Paul writes that Jesus Christ is Lord. You may not know it, but in the first century, you could be killed for saying that Jesus, not Caesar, is Lord. Paul was saying that Jesus is King, not Caesar!

Is Jesus your king?

Can you, like Paul say, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain?”

If not, repent of your sins and believe the gospel!

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