THE GOSPEL OF JOY IN ADVERSE CIRCUMSTANCES - PHILIPPIANS - SOME SIDEROADS #1

TEXT: Philippians 3:12-17 (CSB) – “Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead,  I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus. Therefore, let all of us who are mature think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this also to you. In any case, we should live up to whatever truth we have attained. Join in imitating me, brothers and sisters, and pay careful attention to those who live according to the example you have in us.”

 

Paul is writing an epistle of practicality. Not “seated in the heavenlies” as in Ephesians. Not a great theological exposition as in Romans. But “Rubber hits the Road” Christianity for us to follow.

 

Remember, he is writing to the Saints in Christ at Philippi. This is a message of Joy and Hope in the midst of adverse circumstances.

 

So far in this letter, we have viewed the philosophy on our purpose in life – “To Live Christ.” We have viewed the pattern for living – “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” We are now viewing the prize of living as Paul summarizes its meaning in his life.  Now, we are being urged by Paul to PRESS to the mark – the prize. But to get there, he leads us down a couple of sideroads.

 

Today,  we will travel down Sideroad #1 as Paul will urge us to “Mark and Walk.”

 

Consider Verse 17 above, “Join in imitating me, brothers and sisters, and pay careful attention to those who live according to the example you have in us.”

 

Paul says – “Watch me” – imitate me. Uh-oh, is the old self-confident, boastful Saul resurfacing here? Was pride starting to come to the surface? He had just given his pedigree, called it manure, and spoke of putting that all away for something better – Jesus Christ.

 

No, as Paul is writing in practicalities, he was aware that he was walking so close to the Savior – that he could humbly and  honestly say, “If you walk like me, you will be walking like Jesus.”

 

He also encouraged being in the local church – IN this verse he stated, “pay careful attention to those who live according to the example….” God’s desire is for those who are called by His Son’s name to be in a church.  Not being an active part of one makes you out of God’s Will. If you are not supporting His local church, you are out of His will.

 

Today, muse over the old saying – “If every Christian was just like me, what would the witness the world would see?”  

Tomorrow, we will take Sideroad #2 - Mark the Negative Example.

 

 

 

THE GOSPEL OF JOY IN ADVERSE CIRCUMSTANCES - PHILIPPIANS - THAT I MAY KNOW HIM

          TEXT: Philippians 3:1011 (CSB) – “My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to His death, assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead.”

 

So far in this letter, we have viewed the philosophy on our purpose in life – “To Live Christ.” We have viewed the pattern for living – “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” We are now viewing the prize of living as Paul summarizes its meaning in his life. In this chapter, Paul changes his bookkeeping system of the past, he changes his purpose for the present, and his hope for the future. We saw three warnings that he gave them (and us) about personalities who could steal our joy. He is wanting us to know that to truly know Christ – it is not what we do, but what He has done that provides the means.

 

Here the great Apostle Paul shares with the Philippian Believers (and us today) the PRIZE we can have in living the Christ Life. Knowing Christ and the Power of His Resurrection.

 

Some “Know-it-all” with a boastful pedigree, Paul now daily sought to have an even greater knowledge of his blessed Savior. Paul wanted to know both the person and the power that comes with a truly connected relationship with Christ. What blessings belong to those who accept Christ by the power of His Resurrection.

 

I need more of the reality of Christ in my life – so do you.

 

Many stop at this blessed thought of knowing Him and the POWER of His resurrection,  however, Paul makes it clear that it comes at a cost.

 

“My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings….” Oh, how great was the suffering of our Lord for us. That great work of redemption was a costly, painful work.

 

Salvation is free – to us – it cost God dearly. If you are bored with Him now, with praising and following Him – why do you want to go to heaven?

 

“Reach the resurrection from among the dead.” Paul looked for the Rapture and the Return of Jesus

What does His coming mean to you?

·      “Boy will it get us out of this mess.”

·      To Paul, it meant – “It will get me into His presence.”

 

Paul clearly changed his accounting methods - from himself to Jesus.

 

Today, consider, what are you holding on to, to get you to heaven?

·      Parents?

·      Social Standing?

·      Right church membership?

·      Leadership position?

·      Knowledge of the Bible?

·      Many good works?

·      Moral lifestyle?

 

Paul calls it all manure.  Throw it all away. It’s not what – it’s Who. “That which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.” (Verse 9)

 

Today, will you lose what you are holding on to – and let Him hold on to you.

 

THE GOSPEL OF JOY IN ADVERSE CIRCUMSTANCES - PHILIPPIANS - THE CHANGE OF PAUL'S LIFE

TEXT: Philippians 3:7-9 (CSB) – “But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them as dung, so that I may gain Christ, and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God based on faith.”

 

So far in this letter, we have viewed the philosophy on our purpose in life – “To Live Christ.” We have viewed the pattern for living – “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” We are now viewing the prize of living as Paul summarizes its meaning in his life. In this chapter, Paul changes his bookkeeping system of the past, he changes his purpose for the present, and his hope for the future. We saw three warnings that he gave them (and us) about personalities who could steal our joy. He is wanting us to know that to truly know Christ – it is not what we do, but what He has done that provides the means.

 

What a set of credentials that Paul had. And yet, now he says that they were not going to get him into heaven. What changed? What happened to this boastful, self-dependent person called Saul that would change him into the Apostle Paul writing this letter?

 

One day – on the road to Damascus – Paul met the Lord Jesus Christ!   

 

There was a complete revolution in Paul. Verses 7-8 – “But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them as dung, so that I may gain Christ….

 

You see, Conversion stays with you.  It CHANGES you. If you have truly met the Lord Jesus Christ, you will never be the same.

 

Paul flushed his religion down the drain. All the things he used to trust in. Everything he was counting on. All of it. Anything that was man-based – gone. Now, he trusts Jesus and Him alone.

 

Many religious people need to lose their religion.  And find Christ. Billy Graham always said that he believed that as many as 70% of those sitting in pews on Sunday are lost. The church may be one of the largest mission fields for bringing people to a saving relationship with Christ.

 

No righteousness in ourselves – NONE!  All righteousness in Christ –ALL! Verse 9 states,  “and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God based on faith.”

 

Paul gave up his claim to his own righteousness. It comes only by Faith. What faith? The faith that sees that Christ died on the cross, subtracted our sins, rose from the dead and added His righteousness to us. That my friend is pure Grace.

 

We are accepted in the Beloved.

 

 

 

THE GOSPEL OF JOY IN ADVERSE CIRCUMSTANCES - PHILIPPIANS - A GRAND PEDIGREE

TEXT: Philippians 3:3-6 (CSB) – “For we are the circumcision, the ones who worship by the Spirit of God, boast in Christ Jesus, and do not put confidence in the flesh—although I have reasons for confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised the eighth day; of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; regarding the law, a Pharisee; regarding zeal, persecuting the church; regarding the righteousness that is in the law, blameless.”

 

So far in this letter, we have viewed the philosophy on our purpose in life – “To Live Christ.” We have viewed the pattern for living – “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” We are now viewing the prize of living as Paul summarizes its meaning in his life. In this chapter, Paul changes his bookkeeping system of the past, he changes his purpose for the present, and his hope for the future. We saw three warnings that he gave them (and us) about personalities who could steal our joy. He is wanting us to know that to truly know Christ – it is not what we do, but what He has done that provides the means.

 

Now, Paul uses himself to illustrate what he means.

 

Paul says – “Wait a minute!  You want earthly credentials – boy do I have them!  Work your way into heaven?  Wow, could I ever have done that – if it were possible.” He then goes on to list seven things that he had trusted in – at one time. They are important for us to meditate upon because people today foolishly still try to cling to these same things to try to get right with God

 

Look quickly at Paul’s list – you could call it his pedigree that by human standards should open the gate of Heaven for him:

 

1.     “Circumcised on the eighth day,” – Paul declares that he had godly parents.

a.     They made sure that they followed the law to the letter.

b.     Some people rely upon “My mother’s religion…. My father’s religion…”

c.     However, your parents can’t get you into heaven.  They can take you to church, clean you up, show you the way – but they can’t bring you in.

d.     No matter how good, no matter how close they were to God –

e.     In addition, the reverse – ungodly parents are NO excuse for rejecting the Way.

2.     “Of the nation of Israel,” – Paul could have claimed that he came from the right background

a.      He grew up in all the right places.

b.     He had status or social standing.

c.     He was from the right bloodlines.

d.     However, your social standing won’t get you in OR keep you out.

3.     “Of the tribe of Benjamin,” – hey, Paul said that he went to the right Church or denomination

a.     People are asked, “Are you saved?” And they answer by saying “I’m a ____”

b.     It is not the breed or the creed – it’s the deed of Christ that opens Heaven’s gates.

c.     Not the denomination, but the application – of the blood of Christ personally to our hearts.

d.     The church won’t get you into heaven.  It can lead the way – but it can’t do it for you.

4.     “A Hebrew born of Hebrews;”  - Paul declares that he was a leader in his religion.

a.     Again, it is not WHAT you do, but WHO He is that opens the gates.

b.     Being a Pastor, teacher, deacon, singer, etc. – won’t get you into heaven.

5.     “Regarding the law,” – Paul in his day was very highly educated. He was full of knowledge.

a.     How much you know won’t get you into heaven.

b.     Knowing all the facts won’t get you in, knowing the person will.

c.     Not the precepts, but the person!

6.     “Regarding zeal, persecuting the church;” – Paul was one who was abundant in working for his religious beliefs. He had zealous works.

a.     Not HOW much you do. (How many times do we need to hear this?)

b.     A busy life is not necessarily a converted life. In fact, busyness can keep us from a full relationship with God.

c.     You can quit your job – devote 18-20 hours a day to church work and still be lost.

7.     “Regarding the righteousness that is in the law, blameless.” – Paul states that he lived a good moral lifestyle.

a.     Not sincerity – you can be sincere and be sincerely wrong.

b.     Not good ethics – by whose standards?

c.     Not good morals – the world’s or God’s?

 

None of these will do it.  Paul before his conversion was a highly respected religious man – a super-saint in the world’s eyes. But, when he met Jesus on the Damascus Road, he realized that it was not what he was – but who Christ is that makes the difference.

 

Today, ponder over what it is that you are counting on, holding on to, using to try to get into Heaven. If it isn’t Christ alone, by Grace alone, then pray that God will open your eyes to the truth and you will surrender to Him that has done what is needed for our Salvation.

 

THE GOSPEL OF JOY IN ADVERSE CIRCUMSTANCES - PHILIPPIANS - WARNINGS TO THEM AND US

TEXT: Philippians 3:1-2 (CSB) – “In addition, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. To write to you again about this is no trouble for me and is a safeguard for you.

Watch out for the dogs, watch out for the evil workers, watch out for those who mutilate the flesh.”

 

So far in this letter, we have viewed the philosophy on our purpose in life – “To Live Christ.” We have viewed the pattern for living – “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.”

 

Now we will view the prize of living as Paul summarizes its meaning in his life. In this chapter, Paul changes his bookkeeping system of the past, he changes his purpose for the present, and his hope for the future. We must start in this chapter with the factor that Paul is writing a thank-you note to the Philippian believers.

 

He is not writing as he had to other churches. Here there are no burdens, no corrections. He calls it a joy to write this letter.  They had been a joy to him – and now he literally commands them to “rejoice in the Lord.”

 

In fact, his whole letter is one of joy in spite of the circumstances around him. He warns them to be alert to things that would destroy their joy. He gives them a warning about three personalities that could steal their joy.

 

“Watch out for the dogs….” What a statement to start this section. This was not a warning to the mailman. He is warning them (and us today) to watch out for those whose comfortable, non-convicting teachings lull us to sleep. They make us “feel good.” We are wrapped in a blanket of affluence – with holes sprouting everywhere. Beware of those who will keep us from salvation and from serving by the “feel good” messages that do not challenge or convict us about our lifestyles.

 

Then, he calls out to them to watch out for “the evil workers ….” These are those who will abuse and use other believers for their own personal gain. It could be monetary, prestige, or anything that makes them stand out about the crowd (for their glory, not God’s).

 

The third personality he warns about are “those who mutilate the flesh.” He is not talking about tattoos or body piercings (that is a whole different subject). He is speaking of circumcision, and those who made it a way for salvation. We have a term for that today - Legalists! A legalist is anyone who adds anything to the Cross of Christ to get saved, and those who add anything to the Cross of Christ to stay saved. Salvation is plainly taught in the New Testament that it is not the outward rituals, but the internal change – a new heart attitude toward God.– we can’t work our way to heaven.

 

In verse 3 Paul reminds them (and us) that we “do not put confidence in the flesh….” Not what we do, but what has been done.

 

Today, ponder over the teachings that Paul gives in these verses. Paul tomorrow will show us a pedigree that should fill the bill – but doesn’t.

 

 

THE GOSPEL OF JOY IN ADVERSE CIRCUMSTANCES - PHILIPPIANS - MESSENGERS

TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 2:19-30 (CSB): “Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon so that I too may be encouraged by news about you. For I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests; all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know his proven character, because he has served with me in the gospel ministry like a son with a father. Therefore, I hope to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. I am confident in the Lord that I myself will also come soon.

But I considered it necessary to send you Epaphroditus—my brother, coworker, and fellow soldier, as well as your messenger and minister to my need— since he has been longing for all of you and was distressed because you heard that he was sick. Indeed, he was so sick that he nearly died. However, God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. For this reason, I am very eager to send him so that you may rejoice again when you see him and I may be less anxious. Therefore, welcome him in the Lord with great joy and hold people like him in honor, because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up what was lacking in your ministry to me.”

 

The Apostle Paul is chained, imprisoned – facing possible execution for his belief, his faith in the Lord. He was going through some very trying circumstances, still, he is able to pen these words of encouragement – of joy in the midst of turmoil. But, Paul writes of the joy that overshadows the tribulation. So, where does this come from? It comes from God and from one another.

 

We need each other more than ever in these times.  These are not times to draw apart – but to draw closer to one another. Paul uses Epaphroditus to picture this in four areas. We will look at one each day over four days. We first saw the picture that we are BROTHERS – THE CHRIST LIFE IS A FAMILY. The second picture that Paul painted with Epaphroditus was that we are COMPANIONS IN LABOR. Then there was picture number three – we are to be FELLOW SOLDIERS. And we conclude this passage of thoughts today with the reminder that we are MESSENGERS.

 

The Christian life is a message. And that message is a Person – that person is Jesus Christ.

 

We have a message to a lost and dying world. But we also have a message to our brothers and sisters.  A message to our companions in labor.  A message to our fellow soldiers.

 

That message is – no matter how dark, no matter how dismal, no matter how bleak – “Lift up your heads for your redemption draws nigh” as the Psalmist declares in the Old Testament.

 

This is the message of the promise of the victory – the victory we have in Jesus Christ. A song that I have requested to be sung at my funeral is that old favorite – Victory in Jesus. Consider these words and meditate upon them today –

 

“I heard about a mansion, He has built for me in glory, And I heard about

the streets of gold beyond the crystal sea; About the angels singing and

the old redemption story, And some sweet day I’ll sing up there

the song of victory.”

 

Paul has given us four pictures of our calling through the example of his beloved brother, co-worker, fellow soldier, and messenger – Epaphroditus.

 

THE GOSPEL OF JOY IN ADVERSE CIRCUMSTANCES - PHILIPPIANS - FELLOW SOLDIERS

TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 2:19-30 (CSB): “Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon so that I too may be encouraged by news about you. For I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests; all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know his proven character, because he has served with me in the gospel ministry like a son with a father. Therefore, I hope to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. I am confident in the Lord that I myself will also come soon.

But I considered it necessary to send you Epaphroditus—my brother, coworker, and fellow soldier, as well as your messenger and minister to my need— since he has been longing for all of you and was distressed because you heard that he was sick. Indeed, he was so sick that he nearly died. However, God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. For this reason, I am very eager to send him so that you may rejoice again when you see him and I may be less anxious. Therefore, welcome him in the Lord with great joy and hold people like him in honor, because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up what was lacking in your ministry to me.”

 

The Apostle Paul is chained, imprisoned – facing possible execution for his belief, his faith in the Lord. He was going through some very trying circumstances, still, he is able to pen these words of encouragement – of joy in the midst of turmoil. But, Paul writes of the joy that overshadows the tribulation. So, where does this come from? It comes from God and from one another.

 

We need each other more than ever in these times.  These are not times to draw apart – but to draw closer to one another. Paul uses Epaphroditus to picture this in four areas. We will look at one each day over four days. We first saw the picture that we are BROTHERS – THE CHRIST LIFE IS A FAMILY. The second picture that Paul painted with Epaphroditus was that we are COMPANIONS IN LABOR. Now, let’s ponder today over picture number three – we are to be FELLOW SOLDIERS.

 

The Christian life is a battle.  We are wrapped up in the battle.

 

God constantly pictures us as soldiers – going forth to battle throughout the Old and New Testaments. Many of our Christian hymns picture this – consider these for example:

·      Onward Christian Soldiers

·      Soldiers of Christ, Arise

·      The Fight is On

·      Am I a Soldier of the Cross?

·      My God fights my Battles

 

But the best thing with God – we don’t go into battle alone. We go into battle together.  We are not sent to fight the war alone. Remember, we are not Lone Rangers. So, we must trust one another – we fight the same enemy – not each other. We must depend upon each other. As the battle heats up, we come to each other’s aid. We are called to seek the victory over the enemy – The World, The Flesh, and The Devil.

 

When the battle cry is sounded – when we see one another caught up in the conflict – we must shoulder our arms and join the fight.

In this day – we can’t afford to set the sidelines and let someone else fight – we must, we must, we must take our place in the front lines and fight.

 

Today, have you taken your suit of God’s Armor out of the closet? Have you put it on? Are you ready to face the enemy? Are you ready to come to your fellow believer’s aid when needed? It is imperative that we stay battle-ready. The fight is all around us. Join hands in the call of God today.

 

THE GOSPEL OF JOY IN ADVERSE CIRCUMSTANCES - PHILIPPIANS - COMPANIONS IN LABOR

TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 2:19-30 (CSB): “Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon so that I too may be encouraged by news about you. For I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests; all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know his proven character, because he has served with me in the gospel ministry like a son with a father. Therefore, I hope to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. I am confident in the Lord that I myself will also come soon.

But I considered it necessary to send you Epaphroditus—my brother, coworker, and fellow soldier, as well as your messenger and minister to my need— since he has been longing for all of you and was distressed because you heard that he was sick. Indeed, he was so sick that he nearly died. However, God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. For this reason, I am very eager to send him so that you may rejoice again when you see him and I may be less anxious. Therefore, welcome him in the Lord with great joy and hold people like him in honor, because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up what was lacking in your ministry to me.”

 

The Apostle Paul is chained, imprisoned – facing possible execution for his belief, his faith in the Lord. He was going through some very trying circumstances, still, he is able to pen these words of encouragement – of joy in the midst of turmoil. But, Paul writes of the joy that overshadows the tribulation. So, where does this come from? It comes from God and from one another.

 

We need each other more than ever in these times.  These are not times to draw apart – but to draw closer to one another. Paul uses Epaphroditus to picture this in four areas. We will look at one each day over four days. We first saw the picture that we are BROTHERS – THE CHRIST LIFE IS A FAMILY.

 

Today we find Paul painting a picture that we are COMPANIONS IN LABOR.

 

We are co-workers together in the Kingdom. Fellow workers.  Striving for the same goal.  Working together to see the same end result.  The Christian life is a life of labor.

 

A definition that I have founds states that a co-worker is “one with whom a person associates, a partner.”

 

As Kingdom citizens, we are to have the same goal and concern in life.  We are striving to do the work of Christ – the King. In the Old Testament, it asks the question – “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3, KJV) Paul touches on the answer to this – when he teaches here that we are companions, we walk together, we work together because we have the “same mind.” That doesn’t mean that we all think totally identically it means that we see a world lost, dying, going to Hell – and we hear the Father speaking through the Son saying – “go and make disciples of all nations”

 

Big task. Tremendous challenge. The Great Commission. However, we are not alone in the task. We are not called to be Lone Rangers. God places us together in churches to be brothers and companions. We mutually share love and fellowship in the work of Christ.  When others are down, wounded, under a heavy load – we as brothers and companions must come alongside with love and “bear one another’s burdens.”

Today, consider ways that you are a co-worker with others in the building of the Kingdom. What task is your part that God has called you to?

 

THE GOSPEL OF JOY IN ADVERSE CIRCUMSTANCES - PHILIPPIANS - BROTHERS

TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 2:19-30 (CSB): “Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon so that I too may be encouraged by news about you. For I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests; all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know his proven character, because he has served with me in the gospel ministry like a son with a father. Therefore, I hope to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. I am confident in the Lord that I myself will also come soon.

But I considered it necessary to send you Epaphroditus—my brother, coworker, and fellow soldier, as well as your messenger and minister to my need— since he has been longing for all of you and was distressed because you heard that he was sick. Indeed, he was so sick that he nearly died. However, God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. For this reason, I am very eager to send him so that you may rejoice again when you see him and I may be less anxious. Therefore, welcome him in the Lord with great joy and hold people like him in honor, because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up what was lacking in your ministry to me.”

 

The Apostle Paul is chained, imprisoned – facing possible execution for his belief, his faith in the Lord. He was going through some very trying circumstances, still, he is able to pen these words of encouragement – of joy in the midst of turmoil.

 

Boy, we live in terrible, troublesome times. Stress, fear, confusion runs high.

·      Troubled economy

·      World on the brink of war

·      Scientists predicting global calamities

·      Not many bright spots in this coming year

 

Yet – Christians in that first century found it no picnic either.

·      Cost them their jobs, families – lives

·      Slaughtered, used as amusements in the Coliseum, torches to light parties – horrendous things – just because they taught about that rabbi

 

But, Paul writes of the joy that overshadows the tribulation. So, where does this come from? It comes from God and from one another.

 

We need each other more than ever in these times.  These are not times to draw apart – but to draw closer to one another. Paul uses Epaphroditus to picture this in four areas. We will look at one each day for these next four days.

 

Without further ado – let’s see these four pictures of what we should be to one another.

 

The first picture that Paul paints is that of reminding us we are – BROTHERS – THE CHRIST LIFE IS A FAMILY.

 

A good definition of a brother is “any person closely united to another by some common bond or interest, as of occupation, class, profession, society, etc.  One who resembles another in manners or disposition.

 

When we accept Christ as our savior, we are adopted into the family of God. We become brothers and sisters. No matter the ethnicity, nationality, social standing, or any other form of division we as men can create – the only division God sees is believers and unbelievers. As Christians, we have a  bond, a closeness that is not known by any others.  We have the same bloodline – the Blood of Jesus Christ.

 

The concept of brotherly love – has always been held in high regard.  The Greeks even had a special word for it – PHILEO.

 

Jesus commanded us to love one another – and during troublesome times, we need that love. We must draw together – we must realize that we are brothers and sisters in Christ. As we see our brothers and sisters hurting – we must rush to their sides – bringing strength, comfort, encouragement, and love.

 

So, today muse over the ways that we can draw closer together as brothers and sisters in Christ. How can we show the world a better way – the way of the Master.

 

 

Honoring Our Fathers

TEXT: "Honor your father and your mother…." Exodus 20:12 (KJV)

This verse is a part of the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses on Mt. Sinai. It is Commandment #5. God gives us 4 commandments on our relationship with Him, and 6 commandments on our interaction and relationship with others. The first of these horizontal commandments deal with our family – our father and mother. I believe He gave it in this order to help us understand the value of our parents, and for parents to understand their responsibility in the economy of God.

Thus, today we celebrate special days to honor our fathers and mothers. There are a couple of variations on the establishment of this holiday, let me share one of them that seems the most widely accepted. Father's Day, celebrated in the United States on the third Sunday of June, got a jump-start from the formation of Mother's Day. Credit for beginning Father's Day celebrations is given to Sonora Smart Dodd from Spokane, Washington.

At the turn of the century, Mother's Day observances were growing across the United States. The federal government had yet to recognize the holiday, but many states had adopted the third Sunday in May as a special celebration day honoring mothers. It was during a Mother's Day church service on June 20, 1909, that Sonora Smart Dodd was struck with the idea of creating a special holiday to honor fathers, too.

When Sonora was 16, her mother died while giving birth to her sixth child, the last of five sons. Back then, like today, single parenthood was no easy task. By Sonora's account, though, Mr. Smart did a wonderful job. Because of this love and esteem, Sonora Smart Dodd believed that her father deserved a special time of honor just like that given to mothers on Mother's Day.

In 1909, Sonora Smart Dodd approached the Spokane YMCA and the Spokane Ministerial Alliance and suggested that her father's birthday — June 5 — become a celebration day for Father's Day. Because they wanted more time to prepare, the Ministerial Alliance chose June 19 instead.

The first Father's Day was thus observed in the State of Washington on June 19, 1910. The idea of officially celebrating fatherhood spread quickly across the United States, as more and more states adopted the holiday. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge recognized Father's Day as the third Sunday in June of that year and encouraged states to do the same. Congress officially recognized Father's Day in 1956 with the passage of a joint resolution.

Ten years later, in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson issued a proclamation calling for the third Sunday in June to be recognized as Father's Day. In 1972, President Richard Nixon permanently established the observance of the third Sunday in June as Father's Day in the United States.

Sonora Smart Dodd lived to see her idea come to fruition. She died in 1978 at the ripe old age of 96.

When I think about Father’s Day I always think about my own Dad and our heavenly Father. When I was young my relationship with my Dad was different than after I grew up, got married, and had a family of my own. My relationship with God is different now than it was when I was growing up. I was always taught to love God because He first loved me and I did. A number of years ago I realized it wasn’t about how much I loved God, where I went to Church, or how often I did. It was that moment when I realized “just how much that He LOVES me.”

When we look at our grandchildren playing we have so much love and pride. We think to

Ourselves, “We’ve got the cutest and smartest grandkids EVER.” When they don’t do what we tell them our love for them doesn’t change. We just take the time to show them why and how it is to their benefit that they listen to our instruction. No matter what they do right or wrong our love for them never changes. We have loved them since the time that they were in their Mother’s womb.

Then I think about our heavenly FATHER. When I am going through my day and asking Him to give me direction in what I am doing or if I am not seeking Him for direction “He loves me just the same.” I don’t have to be PERFECT to receive His love, because HE LOVES ME. HE CHOSE ME. That is such a freeing realization for me.

As you celebrate Father’s day this month, for many of us our fathers have gone on. But, our memories remain. We need to honor them in our thoughts. And in turn, I pray that our Heavenly Father will reveal Himself to you in such a way that you know… that you know… that you know… that you are LOVED BY HIM!

THE GOSPEL OF JOY IN ADVERSE CIRCUMSTANCES - PHILIPPIANS - SANCTIFICATION DESCRIPTION

TEXT: Philippians 2:12-18 (CSB) – “Therefore, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose. Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world, by holding firm to the word of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn’t run or labor for nothing. But even if I am poured out as a drink offering on the sacrificial service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. In the same way you should also be glad and rejoice with me.”

Paul is giving us a very good picture of the Biblical Doctrine of Sanctification. Sanctification is the process of setting apart or the state of being set apart – for God and from the world. We looked yesterday at the definition of Sanctification, and today, we will look at the description of Sanctification.

When we come to this study, we find that there are two sides to this issue – the Divine side and the Human side – or – God’s part and Our part.

Let’s begin with God’s part –Reread verse 13 – “For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.” In the Phillips translation it states,  “For it is God who is at work within you, giving you the will and power to achieve His purpose.” And, the Living Bible translates it as “For God is at work within you helping you to want to obey Him, and then helping you to do what He wants.”

Ultimately, Paul wants us to see that it must be God who sanctifies (sets apart) us. As one of my mentors would say, “God the Father planned it; God the Son provided it; God the Holy Spirit performs it.”

So, what is Our Part? Well, relook at verses 14 – 16a – “. Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world….”

The question then becomes, “How do we do this?”

First – Salvation; Second – Education; Third – Dedication

We start by faith in Christ’s redemptive work. It is faith in Christ that sets us apart. The Scriptures teach us that it is “by faith” –

·      We live (Rom 1:17)

·      We walk (2 Cor. 5:7)

·      We stand (2 Cor. 1:24)

·      We fight (1 Tim. 6:12)

·      We overcome (1 John 5:4)

As we become aware of what Christ has done – to what extent He has redeemed – bought us back – from the world and sin, we become separated. This is accomplished through the Word of God – “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). The Word read, believed, and obeyed is an effective way of sanctification. That is why I always challenge people to read their Bibles daily.

And, also through the complete dedication of our life. Romans 12: 1,2 – “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” The problem with being a living sacrifice is that we want to climb off the altar. And, we dedicate ourselves through self-judgment, personal renunciation of sin, and the active pursuit of holiness

So, Sanctified Saint – how do you measure up?  Do you walk as close to the world as possible? Or, DO you seek to live as a citizen of a heavenly kingdom?

Two sides – God’s and Our’s.

God will willingly uphold His end.

How about you? Are you aware of God working in you? Do you desire to live that life that is pleasing to the Father?

Commit today to:

·      Trusting Christ – not for just the future – but for life now.

·      Bible Study – Read, Believe, Obey

·      Dedicate your whole being to God.