Thinking Biblically

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Parables of the Kingdom – Mark 4:21-34

June 19, 2023 /

This sermon was accidentally not recorded. To watch this sermon preached at another church, click here.

Last week, we studied the parable of the soils (Mark 4:1-20). In that parable, Jesus showed that when the gospel (the message of the kingdom of God) is shared, it lands on different types of soil. These different soils represent human hearts. Thus, the gospel is received or rejected by its hearers depending on the state of their hearts.

Today, Jesus continues teaching in parables.

Sermon Text: Mark 4:21-34

The first thing we see is that the message of the kingdom (the gospel) is not meant to be hidden.

The Message of the Kingdom is not Meant to Be Hidden (21-23)

21 And he said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? 22 For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”

In vv. 21-22, Jesus uses the imagery of a lamp. He asks his listeners, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand?” Of course, the answer is no. The purpose of a lamp is to give light and illuminate one’s environment. In biblical times, at nighttime, you needed a lamp or a fire or you would have been in the dark. Thus, a lamp was “brought in” a room to give light (v. 21).

The lamp in this text refers to the word about the kingdom – the gospel message itself.

Contextually, this passage follows the parable of the soils. In the parable of the soils, the seed is the word of the kingdom; that is, the gospel.

In verses 23 and 24, Jesus puts an emphasis on hearing. In fact, look in Mark 4 at the references to hearing and listening to the word:

  • 3 – “Listen!”
  • 9 – “He who has ears to hear, let him hear”
  • 12 – they “may indeed hear but not understand”
  • 15 – “when they hear…”
  • 16 – “the ones who hear…”
  • 18 – “they are those who hear the word…”
  • 20 – “But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it…”
  • 23 – “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”
  • 24 – “Pay attention to what you hear…”
  • 33 – “With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it.”

In case you weren’t counting, there are 10 references in Mark 4 to hearing and listening to the word.

Thus, in verses 21-22, Jesus is saying that he has come to speak the truth of the gospel and the words about God’s kingdom. That message is not something that is to be put under a basket or put under a bed. That message is to be put on a stand and give light to all that surrounds it!

At the time Jesus taught these words, the kingdom of God consisted of a few disciples. Jesus is preparing his disciples for the day that they will replace him as heralds of the gospel message. Remember, Jesus is training them to be fishers of men (Mark 1:17). One day, it would be the responsibility of the disciples to communicate the gospel of the kingdom to the world (Acts 1:8).

Notice verse 22. The truth of Jesus’ message will come to light. After Jesus’ resurrection, it became known that he was no ordinary man. Many who were skeptics of Jesus before his resurrection became his followers. Christianity went on to explode after Jesus’ resurrection, most prominently on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2.

The gospel of the kingdom that the disciples had is the same message that we have — that God has sent his son Jesus into the world and that all who turn from their sin and place their faith in Jesus and his life, death, burial and resurrection can have peace with God.

Rather than experiencing God’s just wrath for our sin in hell, we can have forgiveness through Christ. Paul said in Romans 5:1, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The light of the gospel message is not to be hidden, but it is meant to “come to light” in our hearts and in the hearts of those that we share it with.

This morning, I want to ask you, who are you praying would come to faith in Christ?

Who are you trying to share the gospel with?

We have the greatest message of all time. Let’s share the light of the gospel with others.

We have the greatest message of all time. Let’s share the light of the gospel with others.

In vv. 21-23, we see that the message of the kingdom is not meant to be hidden. In the next section, we see that the message of the kingdom will be revealed to those who listen.

The Message of the Kingdom Will Be Revealed to Those Who Listen (24-25, 33-34)

24 And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. 25 For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

In these verses, Jesus teaches us how God reacts towards one’s response to the word. The measure one gives to hearing will be the measure one receives. Thus, if someone has ears to hear and receives the word joyfully, they will be given more of the word and more truth will be revealed to them.

Whoever seeks to understand the message of the kingdom will receive more, but those who are not good soil and don’t respond to the word in obedience, Jesus says, “even what he has will be taken away.”

I have found this to be true. Those who are humble and teachable are given more truth. Those who are apathetic or hard-hearted will have what truth they do know taken away. In other words, if you do not respond in obedience to the spiritual truths you learn, then you will not be fruitful. And remember, true disciples bear fruit (Mark 4:20).

Mark’s comments in vv. 33-34 give a glimpse of the measure described in vv. 24-25.

33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. 34 He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.

He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear, but he explained everything to his disciples.

You’ve heard it said that the poor get poorer and the rich get richer. This is exactly what Jesus is saying about spiritual truth. Those who do not have ears to hear will become mired in a pit of ignorance and indifference. Brothers and sisters, we in America have much access to biblical truth. We must be careful to have ears to hear!

  • Do you have ears to hear?
  • Are you the good soil that was mentioned last week (Mark 4:20)? Remember, those will hearts of good soil hear the gospel, accept, and bear fruit.
  • How do you react to God’s Word?
  • Are you reading it?
  • Are you learning from it?
  • Are you applying it?
  • Are you bored by the preaching of God’s Word?
  • Do you seek to learn from the preached word? Do you take notes?

My caution to you this morning is that if you’re not seeking to understand and apply God’s Word that your heart will grow indifferent and even what you know will be taken away. Those are Jesus’ words, not mine!

The message of the kingdom is not meant to be hidden. The message of the kingdom will be revealed to those who listen. In the rest of our passage, Jesus promises hope regarding the kingdom of God!

First, Jesus teaches that God brings about the growth of his kingdom.

God Brings About the Growth of His Kingdom (26-29)

In vv. 26-29, Jesus uses a parable about the sowing, growing, and harvesting of a seed to describe the kingdom of God.

26 And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. 28 The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

Notice in the parable that the sower plays a minimal role. The seed grows without his effort. He sows the seed and “the seed sprouts and grows.” In fact, the text says, “He knows not how.”

Jesus wants to encourage his disciples that as the seed of the kingdom is sown, that eventually there will be a harvest. Just as “the earth produces by itself,” God is at work to bring about the growth of His kingdom.

Jesus says the kingdom of God is like this. As Christians scatter the seed of God’s Word, it will succeed because God is active. There is no amount of human effort that can bring about a harvest in God’s kingdom. We are dependent on his power for there to be a harvest.

John 15:5

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

1 Cor 3:6-7

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”

Rom 1:16

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

This parable should do two things.

First, the parable should remove a burden from us. We learn that as we share the gospel, we don’t have the power to save anyone. These verses show that ultimately the result is not up to us. I’ve heard it said that “Evangelism is sharing the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God.” Notice what the sower does in the parable. He sleeps and rises. He sows the seed and leaves it be. We are not ashamed of the gospel! God is at work and he will give the growth and build his church (Matt 16:18)!

Second, the parable should drive us to our knees in prayer. Because God is the one that brings about the harvest, we must pray to him as we share the gospel with others. We pray that the Father would draw, the Holy Spirit would convict of sin, and that people would come to faith in Christ. Sometimes we see a blade, sometimes an ear, and sometimes the grain!

R.C. Sproul:

“That’s the way the kingdom is. We often do not know what God does with our service. We plant the seed, go to bed, and, while we sleep, God germinates the seed so that life grows and eventually produces a full harvest. Then God Himself reaps for His own glory. We simply need to forget about trying to see the fruit of our service immediately. It does not matter if we ever see it. We are called to take the light and let it shine, then let God do with it whatever He pleases.”[1]R.C. Sproul, Mark, 76.

As a church, we must learn the lesson from this parable and the parable of the soils. As we sow the seed of the gospel, will fall on different kinds of hearts. But as we sow broadly and pray earnestly, then inevitably, we will see a harvest. It may be slow, but we will see one!

Jesus assures us in verse 29 that there will indeed be a harvest.

God’s Kingdom Will Grow Large (30-32)

In vv. 30-32, Jesus likens the kingdom of God to the growth of a mustard seed. Though the mustard seed is very small, eventually it grows much larger!

Read 30-32

30 And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? 31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, 32 yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”

A mustard seed’s diameter is only about 1/10 of an inch, but the plant itself grows into a very large shrub (about 10-12 feet tall). When Jesus first called his disciples, the kingdom of God looked insignificant. Jesus was teaching them that eventually the kingdom of God would be much larger than they could have imagined.

Jesus is telling his disciples that the kingdom of God is going to be massive. It will be proportionately much larger than its humble beginnings. Jesus started with 12 disciples and today there are millions of people who are followers of Jesus.

There will come a day when the kingdom of God will surpass every kingdom that has ever existed on earth. We know from the previous parable that even though we don’t see all of it now, one day we will.

There will come a day when the kingdom of God will surpass every kingdom that has ever existed on earth.

Notice the reference to the birds making nests in the shade of the mustard plant in v. 32.

In biblical times, the image of great trees symbolizing great kingdoms was common. We see this in the Old Testament in Ezekiel 17, Ezekiel 31, and Daniel 4. Specifically, in Ezekiel 17:22-24, there is a messianic prophecy that says that under the rule of the Messiah, nations will come to salvation, and the Gentile nations are pictured as birds coming to lodge in the tree of blessing. It is almost certain that Jesus is borrowing from this imagery and thus, in our text, the birds represent the Gentile nations.

Again, though the kingdom of God has been inaugurated with the coming of Jesus, one day, Jesus tells his disciples, that the kingdom of God is going to be much larger than they could’ve ever imagined.

Revelation 7:9-10

“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

Conclusion

These last two parables show us that even at times when the kingdom of God may seem hidden, God is at work to produce a harvest that is bigger than we can imagine. We must be faithful to the commission of our Lord Jesus to sow the seed of the gospel!

References

References
↑1 R.C. Sproul, Mark, 76.

True Disciples Follow Jesus – Mark 1:14-20

February 27, 2023 /

Unfortunately, there is no sermon video due to technical problems.

So far in Mark, we’ve looked at Mark’s introduction to Jesus. Mark introduced us to John the Baptist, who himself pointed to Jesus. Where John baptized with water, Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:8).

Jesus was baptized by John. Jesus’ baptism was a kind of commissioning service. The Spirit descended on Jesus, a sign that the Spirit would empower Jesus during his ministry. The Father declared his approval of the Son.

Immediately after Jesus’ baptism, the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to do battle with Satan. While in the wilderness for 40 days, Jesus overcame Satan where those before him had failed. Jesus proved to be the new and better Adam – the true Son of God (see Rom 5:12-21).

In our text today, Mark tells us that John has been arrested (Mark 1:14). We know from Matthew 4:13 that Jesus is living in Capernaum.

Jesus’ Early Ministry – from the ESV Study Bible

Sermon Text: Mark 1:14-20

Mark 1:14-15

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

These verses are a summary of Jesus’ ministry. Verse 15 is the core message that Jesus preached during his earthly ministry; that the kingdom of God is at hand and to repent and believe in the gospel.

The kingdom of God is the new age that began when Jesus came. While the Jews were expecting a Messiah who would liberate them from the rule of the Romans, Jesus came as a preacher. Later in his ministry, Jesus would say that his kingdom was not of this world.

The kingdom of God represents God’s rule on earth. It was started when Jesus came, and it will be consummated when he returns. Jesus gave us a glimpse of what the kingdom of God looks like during his ministry. He healed the sick, delivered the demonized, and brought the dead back to life.

In the present dimension of God’s kingdom, we are called to repent of sin and believe in the person and work of Jesus. In the future dimension of God’s kingdom, we will live with Jesus in the New Creation after he comes again.[1]Robin Sydserff, Teaching Mark: From Text to Message, 145-46.

In my first sermon in Mark, I said that Mark wants us to know who Jesus is, why he came, and what that means for us. Today’s message focuses on who Jesus is and what that means for us.

Mark 1:16-20

16 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.

I live in the southern part of the United States. If I was to talk to someone in my community that professed to be a Christian and ask them how they know that they are a Christian, I might get answers like this:

  • I have been baptized.
  • I am a member of a church.
  • I regularly attend church and faithfully give.
  • I believe in God.
  • I believe in Jesus.

Of course, all Christians should be able to affirm those statements. I will argue later that if belief merely constitutes intellectual assent (believing a fact to be true) then that does not constitute saving faith. In America, we usually use the words Christian or believer to describe a Christ follower. Those are okay words to use, but by far the most popular word in the New Testament to describe a follower of Christ is the word disciple.

In his book Spiritual Discipleship, J. Oswald Sanders notes that the New Testament knows nothing of a Christian that is not a disciple. The word disciple is used 269 times while the word Christian is only used three times, and the word believer only twice![2]J. Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Discipleship, 8.

What is a disciple? A disciple is a learner, follower, or apprentice. In our culture, we think of prospective doctors working a residency, a student teacher spending time with a veteran teacher, or an aspiring plumber working under a master plumber.

Something that is interesting about Jesus’ call to these first disciples is that he called them. In biblical times, it was normally the students that would choose a rabbi to follow. Instead, Jesus called his disciples. Notice that he does not call them to a vocation or a particular teaching. Rather, the disciples were called them to model themselves after Jesus himself. It should be noted that this was not the first time that these men had encountered Jesus (see John 1:35-51).

In today’s post, I want to talk about what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus. The bottom line is this: true disciples follow Jesus!

Disciples of Jesus recognize the true king (15)

The first mark of a disciple is that they recognize the true king. They recognize Jesus as the true Son of God. Sure, at this time these early disciples didn’t fully understand who Jesus was. But by the end of their time spent with him, they knew that Jesus was truly God in the flesh. A true disciple of Jesus must recognize him for who he is – the perfect Son of God who became a man in order to save his people (John 1:14; Matt 1:21).

Disciples of Jesus practice repentance (15)

What is repentance? Repentance is not just feeling bad or guilty about our behavior. Rather, repentance is a reorientation of worship from our idols to God. An idol is something you cannot be fulfilled without. It could be money, other’s opinions, security, comfort, children, sports, or many other things.

1 Thess 1:9

For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.

That’s what repentance looks like. Disciples turn from worshiping themselves and idols to worshiping God. God gives us a new heart, resulting in a transformed life. Paul Washer says it this way: when you become a Christian, you hate the sin you once loved and love the righteousness you once hated.

Disciples of Jesus believe the gospel (15)

What is belief or faith? Biblical faith is not just intellectual assent to facts. For example, there are many people that would affirm that Jesus is the Son of God and he has died for their sins. Biblical faith doesn’t just mean knowing something with your head. It means that you know it in your heart – so much so that you’re willing to build your life upon the words of Jesus (Matt 7:24-25).

By way of example, if I asked you to go skydiving with me, you can say all day long that you believe in parachutes. But the moment that you truly show your belief to be true is when you jump out of the plane! At that moment, you are trusting in that parachute to keep you alive. It’s the same with biblical faith. When Jesus says that we must believe in the gospel, he means that we are trusting in his life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (1 Cor 15:3-4) rather than our good works.

True faith will be evidenced by a continuing obedience to the words of Jesus (John 8:31-32; Jam 1:22; 1 John 2:3-6). Jesus doesn’t say that we should trust a prayer, a baptism, or church membership as evidence of true faith. Rather, true faith is evidenced by a life of obedience (Jam 2:14-17).

Disciples of Jesus are from every walk of life (16, 19)

Jesus was living in Capernaum (Matt 4:13). In verses 16 and 19, Jesus calls his first disciples. These disciples were fishermen. But Jesus also called a tax collector (Mark 2:13-14) and a zealot (Luke 6:15). Tax collectors were seen as traitors to their own people while zealots were Israelite patriots who resented the Romans. However, Jesus brings them together. You see, Jesus calls rich people and poor people to follow him. He calls the blue collar and the white collar. He calls people from cities and the hills. He calls black people, white people, Hispanics, and Asian people. He calls people from every tribe, nation, and tongue to follow him (Rev 5:9; 7:9).

Disciples of Jesus count the cost of following Jesus (14, 18, 20)

Disciples realize that they must count the cost to follow Christ. Jesus only began his ministry after John was arrested (v. 14). Simon and Andrew “left their nets and followed him” (v. 18). James and John “left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.” James and John left a profitable business (they had hired servants) that they stood to inherit from their father. And yet, these disciples recognized that following Jesus was ultimate.

This text and other texts such as Luke 9:57-62 and Luke 14:25-33 indicate that Christ demands that being his disciple is the primary commitment in one’s life. Following Christ is more important than our family and our vocations. This doesn’t mean that our families or jobs are unimportant. It means that we must be loyal to Christ even if our families reject us. We are to be loyal to Christ even if means that we are persecuted for our beliefs (for instance, read this article about Jack Phillips, a Colorado cake baker).

Several years ago there was a study done to see what Christians in America believed. The findings were summarized in a term called moralistic therapeutic deism. In short, most people believe that (1) God exists, (2) God wants me to be a good person, (3) God makes me feel good about myself, (4) God is not really involved in my life.

This is not biblical Christianity. Christianity is not something we just tack on to our lives. Jesus demands that we follow him with everything (Mark 8:34-36). We worship Him above all else. We are given a new identity (2 Cor 5:17). Jesus doesn’t just make us nice people. He makes us new people! We abandon our life without Jesus for a life with Jesus.[3]Robin Sydserff, Teaching Mark, 146.

Jesus doesn’t just make us nice people. He makes us new people!

Disciples of Jesus make disciples (17)

From the beginning of his call, Jesus intended to mold his disciples for the mission. Notice, he says to his first disciples: “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” Jesus called these men for a purpose – to follow him and to make more followers.

Jesus made this even more explicit in the Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20). Jesus told his followers to go with the gospel, baptize those who respond, and teach them to obey him in all of life for the rest of life.

The message has not changed in 2000 years. We preach Christ and him crucified (1 Cor 2:1-2). When we fish, it kills the fish. When we fish for men, we are seeking to hook them with the gospel. We want to see people die to their sins and become alive to Christ and his mission.

This passage describes Christianity in a nutshell – King Jesus has come, and he demands that we turn from our sin and believe in him, and follow him. But it doesn’t stop there – we are also to help others know and follow King Jesus.

As you read this post, I want you to consider – are you living as a disciple of Jesus?

  • Have you recognized Jesus as your true king? Is he the lord of your life?
  • Do you practice repentance? Do you hate your sin?
  • Do you believe the gospel – not just with your mind but your heart?
  • Are you dying to yourself and following Jesus?
  • Are you seeking to make disciples and to fulfill the great commission? 

Being a Christian is not just attending a service and believing the right facts about God. Being a Christian means that I am a slave to Christ that seeks to honor him with my whole life (1 Cor 6:19-20).

References

References
↑1 Robin Sydserff, Teaching Mark: From Text to Message, 145-46.
↑2 J. Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Discipleship, 8.
↑3 Robin Sydserff, Teaching Mark, 146.

Gospel Work Requires Sacrificial Giving – Philippians 4:10-23

August 16, 2022 /
Philippians

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

So far in Philippians, we’ve seen that Paul is concerned about two main things:

  • External opposition (Phil 1:27-30; 3:1-2)
  • Internal division (Phil 2:1-4)

Paul has told the Philippians that because of the gospel, they can overcome these challenges. Despite these challenges, they can have unity, humility, and joy because of Christ and the gospel.

In my last post, we saw that we can have contentment in any circumstance through the power of Christ within us.

Today, we finish the book of Philippians by looking at the importance of giving sacrificially to gospel work.

I told my church that I had no axe to grind and was not after their money. This is one reason why I preach through books of the Bible. You can preach on difficult topics and church members don’t have to wonder who I’m preaching to.

Sermon Text: Phil 4:10, 14-23

BIG IDEA: We should give sacrificially to gospel work as we trust God to meet our needs.

When I use the term gospel work, I’m referring to any work that advances the gospel of Jesus Christ. The first thing I want us to see is that we should provide for the needs of gospel workers.

We should provide for the needs of gospel workers (14-16, 18a)

14-16 – Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.

The Philippians had partnered with Paul to advance the gospel (Phil 1:5). Gospel workers should get their living from the gospel. Sometimes we think that pastors and missionaries should get “real jobs.” There were times when Paul made tents to support his work. However, the clear teaching of Scripture is that we are to provide for the needs of those who help meet our spiritual needs.

1 Cor 9:9-14

9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.” Is it for oxen that God is concerned? 10 Does he not certainly speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop. 11 If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 12 If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? 14 In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.

This is why our church partners with Southern Baptist mission work. Just as Paul was advancing the gospel in his time, we have NAMB and IMB missionaries doing the same thing today.[1]I’m aware of the problems within the SBC and am definitely concerned about a lack of transparency and accountability. The focus of this post is more about giving to gospel work than debating … Continue reading

I am thankful that our church gives to missions and we should continue to do so. If the church ever gets to a point where we can’t give to missions, then we should just close our doors, because at that point we will have forgotten what it means to be a church.

But I know there are some of you that come to church and never give or perhaps you give a token gift to ease your conscience. This passage implies that if someone isn’t giving then they aren’t partners. They are customers or consumers. I implore you, don’t be a consumer. Instead, be a faithful giver to God’s kingdom work through our church and beyond.

Tony Merida writes, “When a person is receiving sound instruction, which leads to life and godliness, and when a person is receiving pastoral care, they have the privilege and the responsibility of giving to support the mission of the church.” [2]Tony Merida, Christ-Centered Exposition: Philippians, 193

Gospel workers rejoice when they are cared for (10, 14)

10 – I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.

Paul doesn’t say why the Philippians had not given. Perhaps it was due to their poverty or because they simply didn’t know where Paul was. Paul says that though they lacked opportunity, they never lacked concern.

Missionaries need to know that they are not alone. Today, we can communicate instantly via technology. We should be faithful to pray for, communicate with, and support missionaries and other gospel workers.

14 – “Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.”

We are called to bear one another’s burdens and the burdens of gospel workers are often great. Let us lift them up in prayer. Let us care for them well.

Sacrificial giving reaps eternal rewards (17)

17 – Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.

I love this verse because Paul wants the Philippians to know that he’s not trying to get rich. Rather, he is happy because he is seeing the fruits of the Philippians’ faith. The same is true for me. I would love for everyone in my local church to give generously but I don’t want them to do that just so the church has a lot of money in the bank. Rather, I get more excited about a generous heart, because this is the fruit of a person who is growing in spiritual maturity. That is the main goal!

A generous heart is the fruit of a person who is growing in spiritual maturity.

Are you bearing fruit in this area? Are you giving sacrificially?

An additional benefit to generous giving is that those who give to gospel work are storing up heavenly treasures (“the fruit that increases to your credit”).

How awesome is that? Not only do we get to give to gospel work and see it bear fruit, but we are storing up heavenly treasures when we do! When we give sacrificially, we are laying up treasures in heaven.

Look at Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:19-21:

19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

While it’s surely a good idea to have an IRA (individual retirement account), it’s even better to have an IEA (individual eternal account). If you have an IRA, you may have it set up for automatic contributions. You probably know around how much is in it.

What if I were to ask you about your individual eternal account? How much have you given? Do you prioritize kingdom giving? When was your last contribution?

In December, our church will be collecting money for the International Mission Board’s Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Every dollar that we give goes straight to funding international missions. What does it say about our priorities if we buy hundreds or even thousands of dollars of Christmas presents and give little to nothing to international missions? It says that we treasure material goods over human souls.

Material things will pass away, but can you imagine the joy you will experience in heaven when you meet someone that came to Christ because you gave to missions?

Sacrificial giving is an act of worship (18b)

18 – “I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.”

When we give sacrificially, with the right motive, it is a fragrant offering and an acceptable sacrifice that is pleasing to the Lord (Rom 12:1).

We give sacrificially because Jesus sacrificially gave His life for us!

We give sacrificially because Jesus sacrificially gave His life for us!

Do you want to please the Lord? One way to do that is to give sacrificially.

As we give, God will continue to provide for us (19)

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

Many of the Philippians were not rich people like us. And yes, we are rich. We live in the most prosperous nation in the history of the world. If you make $25,000 per year, you are in the top 23% of income earners in the world. If you make 50,000 per year, you are in the top 10%. If you make $75,000 per year, you are in the top 6% of income earners in the world.[3]You can see those numbers at https://howrichami.givingwhatwecan.org/. They were current as of August 11, 2022.

Look at this passage where Paul describes the Philippians’ giving:

2 Corinthians 8:1-5

We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia [the churches of Macedonia were in cities such as Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea], 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

When we give, Paul says, “God will supply every need of yours, according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus”.

You’ll never give sacrificially if you don’t trust that God will provide for your needs.

The aim of sacrificial giving and gospel work is God’s glory (20)

20 – To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Through Paul’s ministry, God had done a work in the heart of the Philippian church (Phil 1:6; 2 Cor 8:5). When you become a Christian, the Bible says you are a new creation. Only then will you live for God’s glory and have a desire to make a difference through sacrificial giving.

We share a common bond with other Christians (21-23)

21-23 – Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

In verse 22, Paul mentions the saints “from Caesar’s household.” This probably refers to those who served in various ways in Caesar’s home. This reference reminds us of the power of the gospel. Even those in the most powerful household in the world were coming to faith through the powerful gospel (Rom 1:16). This must have been encouraging for the Philippians as they were encountering opposition from local authorities and the Judaizers.

Friends, God is at work in our church, our community, our state, our nation, and our world. Let’s thank Him for the good gospel work that is being done in our community and around the world.

References

References
↑1 I’m aware of the problems within the SBC and am definitely concerned about a lack of transparency and accountability. The focus of this post is more about giving to gospel work than debating the validity of the SBC. Maybe that will be the subject of a future post.
↑2 Tony Merida, Christ-Centered Exposition: Philippians, 193
↑3 You can see those numbers at https://howrichami.givingwhatwecan.org/. They were current as of August 11, 2022.

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.

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?

Living Worthy of the Gospel – Philippians 1:27-30

June 21, 2022 /
Philippians

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

Sermon Text: Philippians 1:27-30

So far in Philippians 1, Paul has reminded the Philippians that he is grateful for them and that they are a source of joy to him even in prison. He has informed them that the gospel continues to go forth even in his imprisonment. He has told them about his situation and that he hopes to visit them again.

In Phil 1:27-30, he begins to give some instructions to the Philippian church.

BIG IDEA: Our manner of life should be worthy of the gospel of Christ.

27

“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.” (ESV)

Some translations say,  “as citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

We should probably start with an explanation of the gospel. The gospel starts with God. God is holy, perfect, and righteous. He created us in His image, but we have all fallen short of His perfect standard. Therefore, we deserve His just wrath. But in His love and mercy, God sent His perfect Son, Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins in our place. Because of Jesus, we can be reconciled with God and spend eternity enjoying His presence rather than separated from Him in hell.

Paul is not saying that we could ever be worthy of Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins. He is saying that because Jesus has died for our sins, that we should live in a way that reflects our gratitude. As the hymn says, “Jesus paid it all, all to him I owe.”

Salvation is not a one-time decision. Salvation affects our whole lives. Someone that is truly saved will be truly changed.

Look at Romans 6:1-4:

1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Romans 6:1-4

Elsewhere, in Ephesians 4:1, Paul writes, “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.”

What Paul is saying in verse 27 is that “our manner of life” (the way we live) should be worthy of the gospel. We should live in a way that is consistent with the truth of the gospel.

When we live in a way that is inconsistent or contrary to the gospel we claim to believe, the world rightly sees us as hypocrites. Listen to these words from John MacArthur:

“When the unsaved look at the church and do not see holiness, purity, and virtue, there appears to be no reason to believe the gospel it proclaims. When pastors commit gross sins and are later restored to positions of leadership in the church; when church members lie, steal, cheat, gossip, and quarrel; and when congregations seem to care little about such sin and hypocrisy in their midst, the world is understandably repulsed by their claims to love and serve God. And the name of Christ is sullied and dishonored.”

John Macarthur

My hope is that all of us desire to live in a way that is worthy of the gospel. In our text, we see at least three ways we can live worthy of the gospel:

First, we should be unified around the gospel (27).

“Standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.”

Many churches spend more time fighting one another than they do the real enemy. When Paul speaks of “standing firm,” he is using military language. Remember, many of the citizens of Philippi are retired Roman soldiers. Paul is saying to stand firm in the face of intimidation and external opposition.

Paul also says that he wants to find the Philippians “striving side by side.” This is sports language. Just as a team must be unified to win the game, as Christians and as church members, we must be unified around the gospel.

“When you get the gospel, you get joy. When you focus on the gospel, you get unity.”

Tony merida

In the church, our unity should not come from our financial status, our geographical location, our family ties, our skin color, or our worship style. Our unity comes from a shared understanding of the gospel and God’s Word.

When our unity comes from a right understanding of the gospel, our church can be a place where we have rich and poor people, people of all ethnicities, people of all ages, broken families, cowboys, and bikers.

We don’t have to have a church for only certain kinds of people because it’s the gospel that unites, not these other cheaper things.

We are to be unified around the gospel, but please don’t misunderstand me – we must never seek unity at the expense of truth. This is why I preach through books of the Bible and explain the gospel in every sermon.

Second, we should not be afraid of those who oppose the gospel (28).

“And not frightened in anything by your opponents”

Paul tells the Philippians that they are not to be frightened by their opponents.

Who are these opponents? Perhaps Paul is speaking of the Judaizers mentioned in chapter three, but more likely he is referring to pagans living in Philippi, maybe even civil authorities. Remember, Paul was arrested in Acts 16 because he was “advocating customs” that were not Roman in nature.

The fact is that we are not living worthy of the gospel when we fear men and refuse to stand up for the truth.

Listen to Jesus in Matt 10:28:

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.“

Jesus, Matthew 10:28

“this is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.”

Paul says that the church’s unity and boldness is a sure sign that these saints have indeed experienced salvation. When people are willing to endure great hardship for the sake of the gospel, it indicates that they truly believe and have been changed by it.

We live worthy of the gospel when we’re unified around the gospel and when we stand up to those who oppose the gospel. A third way we can live worthy of the gospel is to be willing to endure suffering for the sake of the gospel.

We should be willing to endure suffering for the sake of Christ and the gospel (29-30).

“It has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake” (29)

We should not just believe in Christ, but be willing to live for Christ, even when it costs us. We saw this clearly in our Scripture reading from Luke 14.

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.“

jesus, luke 14:26-27

Paul writes, “It has been granted to you.” Suffering is a gift in the sense that it helps us to see if we really belong to Christ. Many young adults make a profession of faith early in their childhood, but go to college and “abandon” the faith. In most cases, they were never Christians to begin with (1 John 2:19). Most never had their faith tested before leaving home. This is why it can be dangerous to baptize young children.[1]See here and here.

Saving faith is faith that is willing to suffer for Christ. Again, hear the words of Jesus from Matthew 10:

“So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.“

Jesus, matthew 10:32-33

When we suffer for the sake of the gospel, we identify with Christ, who suffered on the cross for us.

Paul’s words are a much-needed corrective for us in the American church. So few of us have really had to count the cost of following Jesus and even fewer are prepared to suffer for Christ.

Most people want the benefits of the gospel without the cost of discipleship:

  • We are glad to have Jesus as our Savior. We don’t want him as Lord.
  • We want to go to heaven, but we don’t want to deny ourselves and forsake our sins.

Paul says that we should be willing to suffer for Christ, but many people can’t even make it to church more than once or twice a month.

  • Many give little or no money to the kingdom of God.
  • We would rather scroll through social media than the pages of God’s Word.
  • We think suffering is attending church instead of being on the lake or in the duck blind.
  • We think we’re suffering if we the worship service lasts more than an hour.

It’s no wonder that many church buildings are more than half empty most of the time. If we’re honest, most of the time, we don’t live lives that are worthy of the gospel.

I’m not trying to beat you up this morning, but rather I’m trying to challenge us to action.

30 – “engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have”

Paul was on the frontlines of gospel advancement and the Philippians were engaged in the same conflict that Paul was – spiritual war.

In Ephesians 6:11-13, Paul told the Ephesians to put on the armor of God. You only put on armor if you’re going to war. Friends, the devil is scheming against us! There are cosmic powers and spiritual forces of evil that want to destroy us. We are in a spiritual war!

We are crazy if we think that reaching people with the gospel will be easy. Paul was trying to spread the gospel message and he was imprisoned, awaiting trial. Satan wants to steal, kill and destroy people! Peter wrote that the devil is like a prowling lion, seeking who he may devour (1 Pet 5:8).

We cannot expect to win the spiritual war if we’re not ready to be engaged in battle and to be willing to suffer losses for the kingdom of God.

For us to win people to Christ:

  • It’s going to take more than letting the pastor do it.
  • It’s going to take prayer.
  • It’s going to require us to commit to Christ and the church and to not treat Sundays as an optional event in our schedules.
  • It’s going to take boldness.
  • It’s going to take us being willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel.
  • It’s going to take committing ourselves to the truth of the Word when it conflicts with our church’s traditions.

Church, we should live our lives in a way that is worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ! Jesus died for us. Let us live for him!

Let’s be unified around the gospel.

Let’s not fear those who oppose the gospel.

Let’s be willing to endure true suffering for Christ and the gospel.

If we are willing to do those things, then we will indeed be living in a way that is worthy of the gospel!

References

References
↑1 See here and here.
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