Conduct Worthy Of The Gospel- Philippians 1:27-30
INTRODUCTION
1. Up to this point in his epistle, Paul has been informing the church at Philippi concerning his situation
2. We have seen that his attitude was one of joy and confidence
3. With verse 27, Paul begins a series of practical exhortations concerning the Christian life
4. The first exhortation is found in verses 27-30, and it pertains to “Conduct Worthy Of The Gospel” (please read)
[As we examine these verses, let’s first notice some...]
I. “GENERAL” OBSERVATIONS CONCERNING OUR “CONDUCT”
A. LOOKING AT THE WORD “CONDUCT” ITSELF...
1. The KJV translates this word as “conversation”
2. In the Greek, it literally means “behave as citizens”
3. To those at Philippi, this word would likely have special meaning...
a. For the city at Philippi was a Roman colony
b. Most of its citizens were actually transplanted citizens of Rome, retired soldiers who had been encouraged to settle there
c. So though they were living in Philippi, they were expected to “behave as citizens” of Rome
4. Paul applies this term to the life of a Christian...
a. Whose “citizenship” is actually in heaven - cf. Ph 3:20
b. So though we may live on earth, we are to “behave as citizens” of heaven!
5. This leads us to our next observation...
B. OUR “BEHAVIOR AS CITIZENS” IS TO BE “WORTHY” OF THE GOSPEL...
1. This implies that there is behavior that is NOT worthy of the gospel!
2. And to act unworthy of the gospel would bring shame upon the gospel!
a. Just as an American citizen who misbehaves in a foreign country sheds a bad reflection on his home country
b. The apostle Peter would have us remember the importance of proper conduct as we
“sojourn” here in a country not our own - 1 Pe 2:11-12
3. If we are not “behaving as citizens” in a manner “worthy” of the gospel, then the only alternative is behaving in an “unworthy” manner!
C. OUR “BEHAVIOR AS CITIZENS” IS TO BE WORTHY “WITH OR WITHOUT”
THE PRESENCE OF OTHER CHRISTIANS...
1. Note that Paul said “whether I come and see you or am absent”
2. Paul evidently did not want their faith to be simply an “environmental faith”
3. What is an “environmental faith?”
a. A faith totally dependent upon the environment
1) E.g., remaining faithful while under the positive influences of one’s home, church, or “Christian” college
2) But take that person out of such an environment, and his or her faith is lost!
b. Some signs of an “environmental” faith
1) Praying in public, but not in private
2) Studying the Bible when at church, but not in private
3) A lack of personal closeness and dependence upon God and Jesus Christ
4. Paul’s hope was that the Philippians’ “behavior as citizens” was not dependent upon his presence
5. Likewise, our behavior should not be dependent upon the presence of other Christians, but upon the presence of Christ alone!
[Having considered these “general” observations about “Conduct Worthy Of The Gospel”, let’s now look at...]
II. “SPECIFIC” OBSERVATIONS CONCERNING OUR “CONDUCT”
A. IT INVOLVES “STANDING FAST IN ONE SPIRIT”... (27)
1. “Behaving as citizens” involves “standing fast” against those things which would beset us:
a. The lure of the world in which we live, with its immorality and materialism
b. The sin of unbelief, which can strike at even the most mature Christians, during crises of doubt
c. The deceitfulness of false doctrines, showing great promise but leading us away from Christ
-- All such things we must “stand fast” against!
2. Note also that we must stand fast “in one spirit”
a. We are not to stand strong by ourselves, in isolation from one another, but in unity! togetherness
c. The importance of unity in our conduct will be developed further in this epistle
B. IT INVOLVES “WITH ONE MIND STRIVING TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH OF
THE GOSPEL”... (27)
1. “Behaving as citizens” includes:
a. Aggressively promoting the gospel of Jesus Christ (“striving”)
b. Doing this in unity with other Christians (“together with one mind”)
2. Our conduct is unbecoming the gospel if we are:
a. Not striving for the faith of the gospel
b. Not doing it in unity with other brethren
3. Do we not see here the need for “identifying with a congregation” and closely working together with them?
4. Are those who drift around from church to church, never “placing membership”, truly behaving in a conduct worthy of the gospel?
C. IT INVOLVES “NOT IN ANY WAY TERRIFIED BY YOUR ADVERSARIES”...
(28-30)
1. Christians walking in a manner worthy of the gospel will not be troubled by those who may ridicule or even persecute them!
a. For even though the world may consider such “fearlessness” as evidence that we are
crazy...
b. Such courage is actually evidence of our salvation! - cf. Mt 5:10-12
2. There may come times when we who have been “granted to believe in Jesus” are also
“privileged to suffer for His sake”
a. Such was the case with Paul, and evidently the Philippians as well
b. Should it ever be our “lot” to suffer for Christ, remember that it will be a “privilege”
c. Therefore our attitude should be like that of the apostles in Ac 5:41-42
CONCLUSION
1. So here are some of the things involved as “behaving as citizens” of the kingdom of heaven, and having a “conduct worthy of the gospel of Christ...
a. Standing fast in one spirit
b. With one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel
c. Not in any way terrified by our adversaries
-- And this being the case, no matter what the “environment” (moral climate) might be!
2. This is certainly not all that is involved, for in chapter two we will learn more of what is expected of Christians
3. But in view of these things...
a. Is our conduct worthy of the gospel of Christ?
b. Are we behaving as citizens of heaven while sojourning on this earth?
If not...could it be that we have forgotten the privileges we enjoy by “believing in Jesus” and even “suffering for Jesus”?
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Magnifying Christ In Life And Death- Philippians 1:19-26
Magnifying Christ In Life And Death- Philippians 1:19-26
INTRODUCTION
1. As we continue to look into the heart of the apostle Paul, we find a man who despite difficult circumstances still maintained a strong expectation, hope, and confidence concerning the future
2. In our text for this study, we find Paul expressing that strong hope and confidence - Ph 1:19-26
3. Many lessons can be gleaned from this passage, but we will “zero in” on Paul’s expectation and hope that “Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.” - Ph 1:20
a. Why would Paul desire to “magnify Christ” with his life?
b. Why would he want to “magnify Christ” by his death?
c. How would he do it?
[These are some of the questions we’ll look at in this lesson. To begin, let’s consider the idea of Paul...]
I. MAGNIFYING CHRIST BY HIS LIFE
A. WHY WOULD PAUL WANT TO MAGNIFY CHRIST BY HIS LIFE...?
1. Because of Christ’s love for him - 2 Co 5:14-15
2. Because of the strength Christ gave him for daily living - Ph 4:13
3. Because of what Christ would one day do for him - Ph 3:20-21
B. HOW DID PAUL MAGNIFY CHRIST BY HIS LIFE...?
1. By his attitude toward Christ
a. Which was “to live is Christ” (21)
b. He made Jesus the preeminent focus of his life - cf. Ph 3:7-8
2. By devoting his life in serving Christ - cf. Ga 2:20
a. As long as he lived, he would offer fruitful service to Jesus Christ - Ph 1:22
b. As long as he lived, he would so live as to promote the progress of his brethren in Christ- Ph 1:25-26
1) For he knew that what one did for his brethren, he did for Christ!
2) Cf. Ac 9:4-5; 1 Co 8:12; Mt 25:40,45
C. WHAT OF OURSELVES...?
1. Do we desire to magnify Christ with our lives?
2. Are we living in a manner that magnifies Christ?
a. I.e., letting Christ live in us, and we living for Him
b. I.e., so living as to promote progress and joy in the cause of Christ among His brethren who are also our own
1) Do we encourage or discourage the brethren?
2) E.g., do we discourage the brethren by apathy, or negligence of the assemblies? - cf.Pro 18:9
3. Does not Christ provide sufficient motive to do so?
a. He loved us, and gave His life for us!
b. He promises to help us!
c. He will greatly bless us if we do!
[Every Christian has reason to magnify Christ in his or her life! May we all seek to make better use of our lives in this area. But remember that Paul was also concerned about...]
II. MAGNIFYING CHRIST BY HIS DEATH
A. WHY WOULD PAUL WANT TO MAGNIFY CHRIST IN HIS DEATH...?
1. Certainly for some of the reasons already noted
2. But also because of what death would mean to Paul because of Christ!
a. Because of Christ, “to die is gain” (21)
b. To die means to “be with Christ, which is far better” (23)
1) Paul understood that when a Christian dies, they go to be with the Lord! - cf. 2 Co 5:6-8; 1 Th 5:9-10
2) So Jesus Himself promised to the churches of Asia - cf. Re 2:10,26-27; 3:21
3) This appears to the point of the vision seen by John and recorded in Re 7:9-17
3. In view of this wonderful hope, Paul would gladly magnify Christ, even by his death!
B. HOW WAS PAUL WILLING TO MAGNIFY CHRIST BY HIS DEATH...?
1. By his willingness to die in service to Christ and his brethren - Ph 2:17-18
a. He was determined to serve them, even if it killed him!
b. But then, what better way to die, in the service of the Lord?
2. Of course, this is how Paul eventually did magnify Christ by his death - cf. 2 Ti 4:6-8
a. He faithfully served His Lord and his brethren
b. And he died because of his service to them (tradition says that he was beheaded by
Nero)
C. WHAT ABOUT US...?
1. We have the same motives to magnify Christ by our deaths
a. The assurance of eternal life
b. The assurance of being with our Lord
2. Will we magnify Christ by our deaths?
a. Unless the Lord returns first, we will all die anyway
b. What better way to die, in a manner which magnifies the One who makes even death a
blessing!
3. How can we magnify Christ today by our deaths?
a. It is unlikely we will suffer martyrdom for our faith
b. But we can still determine to wear out in our service to the Lord, rather than rust out!
1) Too many Christians “retire” in their service to God when they retire from their
secular jobs
2) They allow the infirmities of age or sickness to render them virtually fruitless
3) Or they allow the fear of death to be overly cautious about what they do
a) E.g., fear of an accident keeps many aged Christians from coming to services
b) But wouldn’t be better to die in service to the Lord, than to just rust away,
sitting at home?
c. More Christians need to have the attitude of Paul and other Christians I have known - cf. Ac 20:22-24; 21:13
1) Who would rather be “poured out” in their service to Christ, rather than become a
“stagnant pool”
2) They are those described in Re 12:11
3) And they are also like those described in Psa 92:12-15
4. Indeed, the way we face impending death, whether young or old, can be a means of
magnifying Christ!
CONCLUSION
1. If we are going to be able to say with Paul, “To live is Christ, to die is gain”, we have to magnify Christ both in life and in death!
2. Jesus has certainly given us every motive for doing so!
3. So let’s encourage one another in both word and deed to so live, and to so die, that we magnify Jesus Christ!
INTRODUCTION
1. As we continue to look into the heart of the apostle Paul, we find a man who despite difficult circumstances still maintained a strong expectation, hope, and confidence concerning the future
2. In our text for this study, we find Paul expressing that strong hope and confidence - Ph 1:19-26
3. Many lessons can be gleaned from this passage, but we will “zero in” on Paul’s expectation and hope that “Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.” - Ph 1:20
a. Why would Paul desire to “magnify Christ” with his life?
b. Why would he want to “magnify Christ” by his death?
c. How would he do it?
[These are some of the questions we’ll look at in this lesson. To begin, let’s consider the idea of Paul...]
I. MAGNIFYING CHRIST BY HIS LIFE
A. WHY WOULD PAUL WANT TO MAGNIFY CHRIST BY HIS LIFE...?
1. Because of Christ’s love for him - 2 Co 5:14-15
2. Because of the strength Christ gave him for daily living - Ph 4:13
3. Because of what Christ would one day do for him - Ph 3:20-21
B. HOW DID PAUL MAGNIFY CHRIST BY HIS LIFE...?
1. By his attitude toward Christ
a. Which was “to live is Christ” (21)
b. He made Jesus the preeminent focus of his life - cf. Ph 3:7-8
2. By devoting his life in serving Christ - cf. Ga 2:20
a. As long as he lived, he would offer fruitful service to Jesus Christ - Ph 1:22
b. As long as he lived, he would so live as to promote the progress of his brethren in Christ- Ph 1:25-26
1) For he knew that what one did for his brethren, he did for Christ!
2) Cf. Ac 9:4-5; 1 Co 8:12; Mt 25:40,45
C. WHAT OF OURSELVES...?
1. Do we desire to magnify Christ with our lives?
2. Are we living in a manner that magnifies Christ?
a. I.e., letting Christ live in us, and we living for Him
b. I.e., so living as to promote progress and joy in the cause of Christ among His brethren who are also our own
1) Do we encourage or discourage the brethren?
2) E.g., do we discourage the brethren by apathy, or negligence of the assemblies? - cf.Pro 18:9
3. Does not Christ provide sufficient motive to do so?
a. He loved us, and gave His life for us!
b. He promises to help us!
c. He will greatly bless us if we do!
[Every Christian has reason to magnify Christ in his or her life! May we all seek to make better use of our lives in this area. But remember that Paul was also concerned about...]
II. MAGNIFYING CHRIST BY HIS DEATH
A. WHY WOULD PAUL WANT TO MAGNIFY CHRIST IN HIS DEATH...?
1. Certainly for some of the reasons already noted
2. But also because of what death would mean to Paul because of Christ!
a. Because of Christ, “to die is gain” (21)
b. To die means to “be with Christ, which is far better” (23)
1) Paul understood that when a Christian dies, they go to be with the Lord! - cf. 2 Co 5:6-8; 1 Th 5:9-10
2) So Jesus Himself promised to the churches of Asia - cf. Re 2:10,26-27; 3:21
3) This appears to the point of the vision seen by John and recorded in Re 7:9-17
3. In view of this wonderful hope, Paul would gladly magnify Christ, even by his death!
B. HOW WAS PAUL WILLING TO MAGNIFY CHRIST BY HIS DEATH...?
1. By his willingness to die in service to Christ and his brethren - Ph 2:17-18
a. He was determined to serve them, even if it killed him!
b. But then, what better way to die, in the service of the Lord?
2. Of course, this is how Paul eventually did magnify Christ by his death - cf. 2 Ti 4:6-8
a. He faithfully served His Lord and his brethren
b. And he died because of his service to them (tradition says that he was beheaded by
Nero)
C. WHAT ABOUT US...?
1. We have the same motives to magnify Christ by our deaths
a. The assurance of eternal life
b. The assurance of being with our Lord
2. Will we magnify Christ by our deaths?
a. Unless the Lord returns first, we will all die anyway
b. What better way to die, in a manner which magnifies the One who makes even death a
blessing!
3. How can we magnify Christ today by our deaths?
a. It is unlikely we will suffer martyrdom for our faith
b. But we can still determine to wear out in our service to the Lord, rather than rust out!
1) Too many Christians “retire” in their service to God when they retire from their
secular jobs
2) They allow the infirmities of age or sickness to render them virtually fruitless
3) Or they allow the fear of death to be overly cautious about what they do
a) E.g., fear of an accident keeps many aged Christians from coming to services
b) But wouldn’t be better to die in service to the Lord, than to just rust away,
sitting at home?
c. More Christians need to have the attitude of Paul and other Christians I have known - cf. Ac 20:22-24; 21:13
1) Who would rather be “poured out” in their service to Christ, rather than become a
“stagnant pool”
2) They are those described in Re 12:11
3) And they are also like those described in Psa 92:12-15
4. Indeed, the way we face impending death, whether young or old, can be a means of
magnifying Christ!
CONCLUSION
1. If we are going to be able to say with Paul, “To live is Christ, to die is gain”, we have to magnify Christ both in life and in death!
2. Jesus has certainly given us every motive for doing so!
3. So let’s encourage one another in both word and deed to so live, and to so die, that we magnify Jesus Christ!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
4.4. Effecting Biblical Change- Approach to Problems
4.4. Effecting Biblical Change- Approach to Problems
Feelings
( Matt. 12:33-37 ) We are the sum of what we encountered in life and our reactions to
these events. Being conditioned by life's experiences, we are prone to react to life
impulsively and instinctively rather than to respond on the basis of considered judgment. Man's words and manner of speech reveal his inner life, his focus, and who and what determines his peace and joy ( 1 John 2:3-6 ; Matt. 5:44 ; Gal. 5:19-21 ; Col. 3:5-9).
"Separated from God, fallen man became a flesh person, living from the created flesh as the source and center of life. In the realm of creature flesh, man searched for the meaning of life within his brains, intellects, memories, emotions, feelings and passions, which all exists in the organs of his body." He looked to himself for the means to survive which became the meaning and purpose of his life - self-interest, self-protection, self defensiveness: traits that characterizes fallen man.
Man thus becomes vulnerable to what others have done or failed to do to make him
secure - it is the fault of others. This state of apprehension opens the door to self-pity,fear, worry, anger, bitterness, jealousy, despair, depression and the like... All these reactions are 'feelings', and 'feelings' are fertile areas in which Satan operates and upon which he feeds ( Gen. 4:7 ).
Doing
( John 14:21 ; James 1:22-25 ) Residuals of the fallen life exist in our members: the
self-defensive, self-interest, self-protective life mechanisms. We are responsible to deal with these areas in which feelings initiate reactions rather than being prompted by the word of God. Regardless of feelings, we are to do what God's word says to do: practicing loving our enemies, being kind to those who hate you, blessing those who curse you, and praying for those who insult you. By God's grace, you will eventually change maliciousness and retaliation to compassion and benevolence. Anything done without faith, without reference to God's word is sin ( James 4:17 ; Eph. 4:29 ; Rom. 2:6-9 ; John 3:21 ; 1 John 2:3-6 ; Prov. 1:22-31 ; Rom. 8:13 ; Luke 6:27-31 ).
Root
( 2 Cor. 5:17 ) Our responses or reactions to life reflect our true roots: the source of our being. The essence or substance of a man are his thoughts, his speech and his actions. Here we can identify the sin patterns and strongholds developed over the years that characterize the lifestyle and personality of the individual. Be aware of the 'body'. It is not an entity unto itself, but the body is God's vehicle to establish His Kingdom on earth. Accordingly, through our body, our thoughts, our speech, our actions are to reflect the taproot- the character of Christ Himself.
Category of root problems are many: hypocrisy, manipulation, lying, cheating, stealing, boasting, blame shifting, self-centeredness, self-protection, self-interest, anger, impatience, self-pity, lust, immorality, greed, malice, deceit, and the like - a life characterized by self being on the throne of life.
• Key: We establish godly roots by changing 'I' to 'We', you in union with
Christ. This begins with the new birth, followed by daily renewal of the
mind as we begin to confront life on the basis of God's word ( 2 Cor.
10:3-5 ; Gal. 5:22-23 ; 2 Pet. 1:3-8 ; Eph. 4:22-24 ; Col. 3:10 ).
Approach to Solutions
Perspective
( Isa. 55:8-9 ; Prov. 14:12 ) We are to look at life from God's perspective, His view,not from our way, experiences, ideas, opinions, what others say, the world's philosophy or its psychology. The basic problem and the supreme challenge you will face in making Christ-honoring changes is dying to self. The biblical perspective concerning 'self' is exactly opposite to what the wisdom of this world proclaims ( Luke 9:23-24 ). Accordingly, to live biblically is to respond to life's challenges in a manner that pleases and honors God - no longer pleasing and gratifying self ( 1 Cor. 3:19-20 ; 1 John 2:15-17 ; 1 Cor. 2:12-13 ; 1 John 2:20,27 ).
Hope
( Heb. 6:18-20 ) Hope is an anchor of the soul because it affects our mind and
emotions. Christ within me, the Anointed One, breaks the yoke of life's pressures on me. My job is to develop this inner image of Christ within me, that in Him, I am more than a conqueror, never under but always over circumstances, no matter what I face in life. To really believe this in the inner core of my being that all God's promises are mine depends upon my living in and by the living word of God ( John 16:33 ; James 1:2-4 ).
( Ezek. 36:26-27 ) God gave me a heart of flesh, put His Spirit within me. He gives me power to carry out His commands.
( 1 Cor. 2:12-13 ) Being a child of God, I receive revelation knowledge by the word of God in and through my human spirit.
( Rom. 8:28-29 ) No matter what happens to me in life when I call upon God He will
intervene in my life. He will reach into my experiences, redeem my past, and cause
things to work out for my benefit.
( 1 Cor. 10:13 ) God is the One who is faithful. As I put my faith in Him, He will bring me out successfully.
( Heb. 4:15-16 ; Heb. 7:25 ) All I have to do is ask boldly, and God's Grace is available to me. The blood of Jesus Christ intercedes always, washing and cleansing from all sense of guilt and shame whether real or imaginary.
( Rom. 6:3-6 ) My old human nature and all my past has been buried with Christ when I
was baptized into His death. At the burial I was also raised with Him into the newness of life, freed from the power of sin, and free now to do acts of righteousness.
Change
( Gen. 4:7 ; Eph. 5:14-16 ) We must choose to change. We cannot take living for
granted, being careless or casual about our thinking, speaking and acting. God put us on this earth to actively replace evil with righteousness.
( Matt. 7:1-5 ; 1 Cor. 11:28-31 ) Critical that I judge myself daily, that I am walking in the Spirit, responding to life God's way. Then I will be in the position to help restore others.
( Rom. 12:1-2 ) My total being belongs to the Lord for His use. This requires a total
overhaul of my person, separating myself from my past, the world's system and
influences in order to be conformed to the ways of the Lord.
( Eph. 4:25-32 ; Col. 3:5-17 ; Rom. 12:9-21 ; 1 Pet. 2 ; 1 Pet. 3 ) Listed in these
references are the basic put-offs and put-ons to guide and lead one to live a biblical lifestyle.
( Rom. 8:29 ; 1 John 3:8 ) Examine self daily to see if I am living by God's standards for that day, being a blessing and destroying the works of the devil
( Ps. 1:1 ; John 15:5 ) The enemy never stops working which compels us to be
completely dependent upon the Lord 24 hours a day. We are to be always conscious of
His Presence - to be actively involved in the pursuit of establishing His righteousness in all of life's endeavors.
Feelings
( Matt. 12:33-37 ) We are the sum of what we encountered in life and our reactions to
these events. Being conditioned by life's experiences, we are prone to react to life
impulsively and instinctively rather than to respond on the basis of considered judgment. Man's words and manner of speech reveal his inner life, his focus, and who and what determines his peace and joy ( 1 John 2:3-6 ; Matt. 5:44 ; Gal. 5:19-21 ; Col. 3:5-9).
"Separated from God, fallen man became a flesh person, living from the created flesh as the source and center of life. In the realm of creature flesh, man searched for the meaning of life within his brains, intellects, memories, emotions, feelings and passions, which all exists in the organs of his body." He looked to himself for the means to survive which became the meaning and purpose of his life - self-interest, self-protection, self defensiveness: traits that characterizes fallen man.
Man thus becomes vulnerable to what others have done or failed to do to make him
secure - it is the fault of others. This state of apprehension opens the door to self-pity,fear, worry, anger, bitterness, jealousy, despair, depression and the like... All these reactions are 'feelings', and 'feelings' are fertile areas in which Satan operates and upon which he feeds ( Gen. 4:7 ).
Doing
( John 14:21 ; James 1:22-25 ) Residuals of the fallen life exist in our members: the
self-defensive, self-interest, self-protective life mechanisms. We are responsible to deal with these areas in which feelings initiate reactions rather than being prompted by the word of God. Regardless of feelings, we are to do what God's word says to do: practicing loving our enemies, being kind to those who hate you, blessing those who curse you, and praying for those who insult you. By God's grace, you will eventually change maliciousness and retaliation to compassion and benevolence. Anything done without faith, without reference to God's word is sin ( James 4:17 ; Eph. 4:29 ; Rom. 2:6-9 ; John 3:21 ; 1 John 2:3-6 ; Prov. 1:22-31 ; Rom. 8:13 ; Luke 6:27-31 ).
Root
( 2 Cor. 5:17 ) Our responses or reactions to life reflect our true roots: the source of our being. The essence or substance of a man are his thoughts, his speech and his actions. Here we can identify the sin patterns and strongholds developed over the years that characterize the lifestyle and personality of the individual. Be aware of the 'body'. It is not an entity unto itself, but the body is God's vehicle to establish His Kingdom on earth. Accordingly, through our body, our thoughts, our speech, our actions are to reflect the taproot- the character of Christ Himself.
Category of root problems are many: hypocrisy, manipulation, lying, cheating, stealing, boasting, blame shifting, self-centeredness, self-protection, self-interest, anger, impatience, self-pity, lust, immorality, greed, malice, deceit, and the like - a life characterized by self being on the throne of life.
• Key: We establish godly roots by changing 'I' to 'We', you in union with
Christ. This begins with the new birth, followed by daily renewal of the
mind as we begin to confront life on the basis of God's word ( 2 Cor.
10:3-5 ; Gal. 5:22-23 ; 2 Pet. 1:3-8 ; Eph. 4:22-24 ; Col. 3:10 ).
Approach to Solutions
Perspective
( Isa. 55:8-9 ; Prov. 14:12 ) We are to look at life from God's perspective, His view,not from our way, experiences, ideas, opinions, what others say, the world's philosophy or its psychology. The basic problem and the supreme challenge you will face in making Christ-honoring changes is dying to self. The biblical perspective concerning 'self' is exactly opposite to what the wisdom of this world proclaims ( Luke 9:23-24 ). Accordingly, to live biblically is to respond to life's challenges in a manner that pleases and honors God - no longer pleasing and gratifying self ( 1 Cor. 3:19-20 ; 1 John 2:15-17 ; 1 Cor. 2:12-13 ; 1 John 2:20,27 ).
Hope
( Heb. 6:18-20 ) Hope is an anchor of the soul because it affects our mind and
emotions. Christ within me, the Anointed One, breaks the yoke of life's pressures on me. My job is to develop this inner image of Christ within me, that in Him, I am more than a conqueror, never under but always over circumstances, no matter what I face in life. To really believe this in the inner core of my being that all God's promises are mine depends upon my living in and by the living word of God ( John 16:33 ; James 1:2-4 ).
( Ezek. 36:26-27 ) God gave me a heart of flesh, put His Spirit within me. He gives me power to carry out His commands.
( 1 Cor. 2:12-13 ) Being a child of God, I receive revelation knowledge by the word of God in and through my human spirit.
( Rom. 8:28-29 ) No matter what happens to me in life when I call upon God He will
intervene in my life. He will reach into my experiences, redeem my past, and cause
things to work out for my benefit.
( 1 Cor. 10:13 ) God is the One who is faithful. As I put my faith in Him, He will bring me out successfully.
( Heb. 4:15-16 ; Heb. 7:25 ) All I have to do is ask boldly, and God's Grace is available to me. The blood of Jesus Christ intercedes always, washing and cleansing from all sense of guilt and shame whether real or imaginary.
( Rom. 6:3-6 ) My old human nature and all my past has been buried with Christ when I
was baptized into His death. At the burial I was also raised with Him into the newness of life, freed from the power of sin, and free now to do acts of righteousness.
Change
( Gen. 4:7 ; Eph. 5:14-16 ) We must choose to change. We cannot take living for
granted, being careless or casual about our thinking, speaking and acting. God put us on this earth to actively replace evil with righteousness.
( Matt. 7:1-5 ; 1 Cor. 11:28-31 ) Critical that I judge myself daily, that I am walking in the Spirit, responding to life God's way. Then I will be in the position to help restore others.
( Rom. 12:1-2 ) My total being belongs to the Lord for His use. This requires a total
overhaul of my person, separating myself from my past, the world's system and
influences in order to be conformed to the ways of the Lord.
( Eph. 4:25-32 ; Col. 3:5-17 ; Rom. 12:9-21 ; 1 Pet. 2 ; 1 Pet. 3 ) Listed in these
references are the basic put-offs and put-ons to guide and lead one to live a biblical lifestyle.
( Rom. 8:29 ; 1 John 3:8 ) Examine self daily to see if I am living by God's standards for that day, being a blessing and destroying the works of the devil
( Ps. 1:1 ; John 15:5 ) The enemy never stops working which compels us to be
completely dependent upon the Lord 24 hours a day. We are to be always conscious of
His Presence - to be actively involved in the pursuit of establishing His righteousness in all of life's endeavors.
Monday, August 23, 2010
4.3. Why There is Hope- Your Hope in the Midst of Trials
4.3. Why There is Hope- Your Hope in the Midst of Trials
1. Those in Christ are freed from the power and penalty of sin ( Rom. 6:3-
7,14,18,23 ). The past is dealt with once and forever. To listen to the past is to
listen to demons, and to dishonor the Blood of Christ ( Heb.l0:10,14-22 ). We
are to give our time and effort to the present.
2. God will not allow believers to be tested or tempted beyond what they
can bear. He gives His grace and strength to endure every test and resist every
temptation so that you never have to sin ( Rom. 8:35-39 ; 1 Cor. 10:13 ; 2
Cor. 4:7-10 ; 2 Cor. 12:9-10 ; Phil. 4:13 ; Heb. 4:15-16 ; 2 Pet. 2:4-9 ).
3. Our Lord Jesus Christ will grant mercy and provide grace to help in every
need . He constantly intercedes as an advocate for you to God the Father and
fully understands your weaknesses ( Heb. 2:18 ; Heb. 4:15-16 ; Heb. 7:25 ;
Rom. 5:10 ; John 20:23 ). Don't defend self when treated unfairly, or suffering
injustices. As your advocate, let Jesus handle evil done to you on earth. Our job
is to love our enemies, do good to those who persecute you, to express goodwill
to them: put them in the hands of God; pray that they may receive spiritual
blessings in Christ ( Rom. 12:19 ).
4. Trials and testings will develop and mature you in Christ if you respond to
them in God's way ( Rom. 5:3-5 ; James 1:2-4 ). He never devises evil or harm
for you, rather His plans for you are for good ( Gen. 50:20 ; Deut. 8:2,5,16 ;
Ps. 145:17 ; Jer. 29:ll-13 ; Rom. 8:28-29 ; Prov. 24:10 ; Prov. 21:22 ).
5. God's peace and joy are available to believers regardless of others,
possessions or circumstances ( Luke 6:35-38 ; Matt. 6:33 ; Rom. 5:3-12 ;
John 14:27 ; John 15:11 ; John 17:13 ; Rom. 14:17 ; Phil. 4:4-7 ; 1 Pet.
1:6-9 ). Follow God's will, His word which is His righteousness and the Kingdom
of God is yours to proclaim. We reign in life through righteousness.
6. Only God can change people ( Ezek. 36:26-27 ; Phil. 1:6 ; Phil. 2:13 ). You
cannot and are not responsible for changing others. You are accountable to God
solely for your own deeds ( Jer. 17:10 ; Ezek. 18:1-20 ; especially verse 20;
Matt. 16:27 ; Rom. 2:5-10 ; Col. 3:23-25 ; 1 Pet. 1:17 ), and are to do your
part in living at peace with others ( Matt. 5:23-24 ; Mark 11:25 ; Rom. 12:9-
21 ; Rom. 14:19 ; 1 Pet. 3:8-9 ; 1 Pet. 4:8 ).
7. When you confess your sins, God forgives and cleanses you ( 1 John 1:7-
9 ; Rom. 5:10 ; Heb. 7:22-25 ; Heb. 10:22-23 ). Our job is to honor the Blood
of Jesus by acting and proclaiming ourselves forgiven by His great sacrifice for us.
To act guilty, condemned or self-pitying is to make the cross ineffective. Self-pity
is negative pride, worshiping the devil.
As we follow God's way, walking in His word, living by His truths as so stated, we enter into His promises of an abundant life now, here on earth, as well as in eternity ( 1 Cor.6:17 ; John 5:24 ; John 4:24 ; John 10:10 ).
Memory Verse(s):
John l6:33 : Meditate on this verse, read and listen to it carefully, mull it
over until you really understand. We are 'overcomers' in Christ. It is about
time, we begin to replace evil with righteousness.
1. Those in Christ are freed from the power and penalty of sin ( Rom. 6:3-
7,14,18,23 ). The past is dealt with once and forever. To listen to the past is to
listen to demons, and to dishonor the Blood of Christ ( Heb.l0:10,14-22 ). We
are to give our time and effort to the present.
2. God will not allow believers to be tested or tempted beyond what they
can bear. He gives His grace and strength to endure every test and resist every
temptation so that you never have to sin ( Rom. 8:35-39 ; 1 Cor. 10:13 ; 2
Cor. 4:7-10 ; 2 Cor. 12:9-10 ; Phil. 4:13 ; Heb. 4:15-16 ; 2 Pet. 2:4-9 ).
3. Our Lord Jesus Christ will grant mercy and provide grace to help in every
need . He constantly intercedes as an advocate for you to God the Father and
fully understands your weaknesses ( Heb. 2:18 ; Heb. 4:15-16 ; Heb. 7:25 ;
Rom. 5:10 ; John 20:23 ). Don't defend self when treated unfairly, or suffering
injustices. As your advocate, let Jesus handle evil done to you on earth. Our job
is to love our enemies, do good to those who persecute you, to express goodwill
to them: put them in the hands of God; pray that they may receive spiritual
blessings in Christ ( Rom. 12:19 ).
4. Trials and testings will develop and mature you in Christ if you respond to
them in God's way ( Rom. 5:3-5 ; James 1:2-4 ). He never devises evil or harm
for you, rather His plans for you are for good ( Gen. 50:20 ; Deut. 8:2,5,16 ;
Ps. 145:17 ; Jer. 29:ll-13 ; Rom. 8:28-29 ; Prov. 24:10 ; Prov. 21:22 ).
5. God's peace and joy are available to believers regardless of others,
possessions or circumstances ( Luke 6:35-38 ; Matt. 6:33 ; Rom. 5:3-12 ;
John 14:27 ; John 15:11 ; John 17:13 ; Rom. 14:17 ; Phil. 4:4-7 ; 1 Pet.
1:6-9 ). Follow God's will, His word which is His righteousness and the Kingdom
of God is yours to proclaim. We reign in life through righteousness.
6. Only God can change people ( Ezek. 36:26-27 ; Phil. 1:6 ; Phil. 2:13 ). You
cannot and are not responsible for changing others. You are accountable to God
solely for your own deeds ( Jer. 17:10 ; Ezek. 18:1-20 ; especially verse 20;
Matt. 16:27 ; Rom. 2:5-10 ; Col. 3:23-25 ; 1 Pet. 1:17 ), and are to do your
part in living at peace with others ( Matt. 5:23-24 ; Mark 11:25 ; Rom. 12:9-
21 ; Rom. 14:19 ; 1 Pet. 3:8-9 ; 1 Pet. 4:8 ).
7. When you confess your sins, God forgives and cleanses you ( 1 John 1:7-
9 ; Rom. 5:10 ; Heb. 7:22-25 ; Heb. 10:22-23 ). Our job is to honor the Blood
of Jesus by acting and proclaiming ourselves forgiven by His great sacrifice for us.
To act guilty, condemned or self-pitying is to make the cross ineffective. Self-pity
is negative pride, worshiping the devil.
As we follow God's way, walking in His word, living by His truths as so stated, we enter into His promises of an abundant life now, here on earth, as well as in eternity ( 1 Cor.6:17 ; John 5:24 ; John 4:24 ; John 10:10 ).
Memory Verse(s):
John l6:33 : Meditate on this verse, read and listen to it carefully, mull it
over until you really understand. We are 'overcomers' in Christ. It is about
time, we begin to replace evil with righteousness.
Making Good Out Of Ill- Philippians 1:12-18
Making Good Out Of Ill- Philippians 1:12-18
INTRODUCTION
1. As we continue our study, we should really begin to appreciate the statement that “this epistle is like a window into the apostle’s own bosom.”
2. We have already seen Paul’s fondness for the saints at Philippi, as expressed in his thanksgiving(Ph 1:3-8) and prayer (Ph 1:9-11)
3. In this lesson, we shall see Paul’s joy, despite circumstances which would cause most people to be despondent
4. The title of this lesson is “Making Good Out Of Ill”, for this is what Paul did, as we find in our text (Ph 1:12-18)
[Notice first, that Paul was “Making Good Out Of Ill”, even...
I. IN IMPRISONMENT (12-14)
A. PAUL INFORMS THEM OF THE PROGRESS OF THE GOSPEL... (12)
1. The Philippians were aware of Paul’s circumstances - cf. Ph 4:14
2. Yet he does not want them to be overly concerned
a. For he had “good news” - not bad news!
b. The “gospel” was still being spread!
3. Now, Paul could have looked at the bad side of his situation...
a. His own imprisonment
b. His restriction in travel
4. But Paul looked at life from the viewpoint of the gospel...
a. If the gospel was spreading, it was “good news”!
b. And his imprisonment was actually increasing the progress of the gospel!
[How? Let’s read on...]
B. THERE WERE SERMONS IN HIS CHAINS... (13)
1. Being under “house arrest” (cf. Ac 28:30-31) constantly made reference to the cause of Jesus Christ
a. He was not there for normal reasons (e.g., crimes)
b. So his situation naturally sparked interest and discussion
2. In this way, the message of the gospel was made known to “the whole palace guard”
a. Most likely the emperor’s own guards, who were put in charge of special prisoners
awaiting their appeal before Caesar
b. Though allowed some freedom, Paul was still under constant guard - cf. Ac 28:16
c. But these guards were also under the constant influence of Paul and the gospel!
1) They could not help overhearing what Paul taught others! - again cf. Ac 28:30-31
2) It is almost certain Paul would have tried to teach his “captive audience” (those
soldiers chained to him)
d. So it is possible that some of them were converted (for they would be included of those “who are Caesar’s household” - cf. Ph 4:22)
3. The message was also being spread “to all the rest”
a. Perhaps by word of mouth
b. And by visitation - again cf. Ac 28:30-31
4. And so, Paul could see “good out of ill”!
a. Being in protective custody gave him free rein to preach the gospel to guards and his visitors!
b. But he saw even more “good out of ill”...
C. HIS EXAMPLE WAS PROMPTING OTHERS TO ACTION... (14)
1. His imprisonment caused most brethren to be more confident and bold themselves
a. They saw that he was at liberty to teach, “with all confidence, no one forbidding
him” - Ac 28:31
b. That prompted them to “speak the word without fear” - Ph 1:14
2. So the gospel was being spread, and to Paul, that’s good news!
[There is an application for us to make today, but before we do so, let’s notice another example of how Paul was “Making Good Out Of Ill”, even...]
II. IN PERSECUTION (15-18)
A. SOME WERE PREACHING TO HURT PAUL... (15a,16)
1. Such individuals were motivated by “envy”, “strife”, and “selfish ambition”
2. They thought they could add affliction to Paul’s chains
3. These individuals could either be “Judaizers” or jealous church leaders
B. BUT WE SEE PAUL’S CONQUERING JOY SHINING THROUGH THE GLOOM...(15b, 17-18)
1. First, because he did not lose sight of those preaching out of “love” and “goodwill”
a. Those who knew Paul was imprisoned because of the gospel
b. Those who knew their preaching would increase the gospel and thus encourage Paul
c. And so, Paul did not fall into the trap of “self-pity” and “despair” so common among preachers
1) Who when persecuted, think they are the only ones who are faithful
2) Who when persecuted, lose sight of the faithful because of the unfaithful
2. Secondly, because he could see those seeking to persecute him were inadvertently
spreading the gospel! - Ph 1:18
a. Though in pretense, though from envy and strife, Christ was still being preached!
b. And since “preaching Christ and Him crucified” was Paul’s main purpose in life (cf. 1 Co 2:2), he could find cause to rejoice even when Christ was preached by those who meant him harm!
[So we see how Paul could was “Making Good Out Of Ill”, even in imprisonment and in
persecution. What applications can we make from this today?]
III. DRAWING SOME APPLICATIONS FROM THIS TEXT
A. UNDERSTANDING THE “KEY” TO “MAKING GOOD OUT OF ILL”...
1. For Paul, it was making the proclamation of Jesus Christ his goal, his purpose in life, his highest joy!
2. So it can be for us! If we do the same...
a. We can experience a joy greater than any other (just as John did - cf. 3 Jn 4)
b. We can “make good out ill” in just about any circumstances, for example...
1) Hospital confinement (as we communicate the gospel in both word and life to
those ministering to our needs)
2) Difficult situations at work, with family, and even with the church (as we
demonstrate the impact the gospel can have in dealing with these problems)
3) Even in death and dying (as we will learn more about in our next lesson)
3. If we make magnifying Christ our primary focus in life, we can always “make good out of ill”!
B. TAKE HEART KNOWING THAT GOD CAN USE “IMPERFECT” TEACHERS...
1. Many get discouraged by all the “false teachers” we see on TV and radio, etc.
a. But much of their error is interspersed with some truth
b. God is able to use them to lead others who are seeking the truth a little closer to His truth
c. The false teachers will be held accountable for their error; we can at the least rejoice that to some degree, Christ is preached!
2. Many who would teach others about Christ, hesitate to do so out of fear they may say the wrong thing
a. Yet we see in our text that God could use those who were imperfect in motive to
proclaim Jesus to others - Ph 1:18
b. If God can use those imperfect in motive, can He not also use those imperfect in
ability?
1) Paul certainly claimed lack of ability to some degree - cf. 1 Co 2:3-4
2) So God can use us, to whatever degree we are able!
3) And wherever we may be lacking, can use someone else to supplement our efforts!
CONCLUSION
1. To put it another way, not only was Paul “making good out of ill”, but God is able to “make good out of ill”!
2. And so can we, if we like Paul make “preaching Christ” the major focus in life! Do we?
Even if you are lost in sin, or a child of God who has strayed away, you can let Christ make good out of your ill circumstances by obeying His gospel...
INTRODUCTION
1. As we continue our study, we should really begin to appreciate the statement that “this epistle is like a window into the apostle’s own bosom.”
2. We have already seen Paul’s fondness for the saints at Philippi, as expressed in his thanksgiving(Ph 1:3-8) and prayer (Ph 1:9-11)
3. In this lesson, we shall see Paul’s joy, despite circumstances which would cause most people to be despondent
4. The title of this lesson is “Making Good Out Of Ill”, for this is what Paul did, as we find in our text (Ph 1:12-18)
[Notice first, that Paul was “Making Good Out Of Ill”, even...
I. IN IMPRISONMENT (12-14)
A. PAUL INFORMS THEM OF THE PROGRESS OF THE GOSPEL... (12)
1. The Philippians were aware of Paul’s circumstances - cf. Ph 4:14
2. Yet he does not want them to be overly concerned
a. For he had “good news” - not bad news!
b. The “gospel” was still being spread!
3. Now, Paul could have looked at the bad side of his situation...
a. His own imprisonment
b. His restriction in travel
4. But Paul looked at life from the viewpoint of the gospel...
a. If the gospel was spreading, it was “good news”!
b. And his imprisonment was actually increasing the progress of the gospel!
[How? Let’s read on...]
B. THERE WERE SERMONS IN HIS CHAINS... (13)
1. Being under “house arrest” (cf. Ac 28:30-31) constantly made reference to the cause of Jesus Christ
a. He was not there for normal reasons (e.g., crimes)
b. So his situation naturally sparked interest and discussion
2. In this way, the message of the gospel was made known to “the whole palace guard”
a. Most likely the emperor’s own guards, who were put in charge of special prisoners
awaiting their appeal before Caesar
b. Though allowed some freedom, Paul was still under constant guard - cf. Ac 28:16
c. But these guards were also under the constant influence of Paul and the gospel!
1) They could not help overhearing what Paul taught others! - again cf. Ac 28:30-31
2) It is almost certain Paul would have tried to teach his “captive audience” (those
soldiers chained to him)
d. So it is possible that some of them were converted (for they would be included of those “who are Caesar’s household” - cf. Ph 4:22)
3. The message was also being spread “to all the rest”
a. Perhaps by word of mouth
b. And by visitation - again cf. Ac 28:30-31
4. And so, Paul could see “good out of ill”!
a. Being in protective custody gave him free rein to preach the gospel to guards and his visitors!
b. But he saw even more “good out of ill”...
C. HIS EXAMPLE WAS PROMPTING OTHERS TO ACTION... (14)
1. His imprisonment caused most brethren to be more confident and bold themselves
a. They saw that he was at liberty to teach, “with all confidence, no one forbidding
him” - Ac 28:31
b. That prompted them to “speak the word without fear” - Ph 1:14
2. So the gospel was being spread, and to Paul, that’s good news!
[There is an application for us to make today, but before we do so, let’s notice another example of how Paul was “Making Good Out Of Ill”, even...]
II. IN PERSECUTION (15-18)
A. SOME WERE PREACHING TO HURT PAUL... (15a,16)
1. Such individuals were motivated by “envy”, “strife”, and “selfish ambition”
2. They thought they could add affliction to Paul’s chains
3. These individuals could either be “Judaizers” or jealous church leaders
B. BUT WE SEE PAUL’S CONQUERING JOY SHINING THROUGH THE GLOOM...(15b, 17-18)
1. First, because he did not lose sight of those preaching out of “love” and “goodwill”
a. Those who knew Paul was imprisoned because of the gospel
b. Those who knew their preaching would increase the gospel and thus encourage Paul
c. And so, Paul did not fall into the trap of “self-pity” and “despair” so common among preachers
1) Who when persecuted, think they are the only ones who are faithful
2) Who when persecuted, lose sight of the faithful because of the unfaithful
2. Secondly, because he could see those seeking to persecute him were inadvertently
spreading the gospel! - Ph 1:18
a. Though in pretense, though from envy and strife, Christ was still being preached!
b. And since “preaching Christ and Him crucified” was Paul’s main purpose in life (cf. 1 Co 2:2), he could find cause to rejoice even when Christ was preached by those who meant him harm!
[So we see how Paul could was “Making Good Out Of Ill”, even in imprisonment and in
persecution. What applications can we make from this today?]
III. DRAWING SOME APPLICATIONS FROM THIS TEXT
A. UNDERSTANDING THE “KEY” TO “MAKING GOOD OUT OF ILL”...
1. For Paul, it was making the proclamation of Jesus Christ his goal, his purpose in life, his highest joy!
2. So it can be for us! If we do the same...
a. We can experience a joy greater than any other (just as John did - cf. 3 Jn 4)
b. We can “make good out ill” in just about any circumstances, for example...
1) Hospital confinement (as we communicate the gospel in both word and life to
those ministering to our needs)
2) Difficult situations at work, with family, and even with the church (as we
demonstrate the impact the gospel can have in dealing with these problems)
3) Even in death and dying (as we will learn more about in our next lesson)
3. If we make magnifying Christ our primary focus in life, we can always “make good out of ill”!
B. TAKE HEART KNOWING THAT GOD CAN USE “IMPERFECT” TEACHERS...
1. Many get discouraged by all the “false teachers” we see on TV and radio, etc.
a. But much of their error is interspersed with some truth
b. God is able to use them to lead others who are seeking the truth a little closer to His truth
c. The false teachers will be held accountable for their error; we can at the least rejoice that to some degree, Christ is preached!
2. Many who would teach others about Christ, hesitate to do so out of fear they may say the wrong thing
a. Yet we see in our text that God could use those who were imperfect in motive to
proclaim Jesus to others - Ph 1:18
b. If God can use those imperfect in motive, can He not also use those imperfect in
ability?
1) Paul certainly claimed lack of ability to some degree - cf. 1 Co 2:3-4
2) So God can use us, to whatever degree we are able!
3) And wherever we may be lacking, can use someone else to supplement our efforts!
CONCLUSION
1. To put it another way, not only was Paul “making good out of ill”, but God is able to “make good out of ill”!
2. And so can we, if we like Paul make “preaching Christ” the major focus in life! Do we?
Even if you are lost in sin, or a child of God who has strayed away, you can let Christ make good out of your ill circumstances by obeying His gospel...
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Paul’s Prayer For The Philippians- Philippians 1:9-11
Paul’s Prayer For The Philippians- Philippians 1:9-11
INTRODUCTION
1. True to the form found in several of his epistles, Paul follows his salutation and thanksgiving with a prayer for his readers
2. Found in Ph 1:9-11, we find in this prayer that Paul is concerned about four things in the spiritual growth and development of the brethren at Philippi
[The first of these is...]
I. THAT THEIR LOVE MAY ABOUND (9)
A. “STILL MORE AND MORE...”
1. We have seen were they had excelled in their love toward Paul and others in the past
a. Towards Paul - Ph 4:15-16
b. Towards the needy saints in Jerusalem - 2 Co 8:1-5
2. But a cardinal principle of Christian growth is that it should never stop!
a. In developing the graces of a Christ-like character, we should always be increasing - cf. 2 Pe 1:5-8
b. Even if we are in no need for someone to teach us “how” to love, we can always use
the admonition to “increase” our love! - e.g., 1 Th 4:9-10
3. And so, Paul prays that their love may abound “still more and more”
B. “IN KNOWLEDGE AND ALL DISCERNMENT...”
1. These are the “guidelines” in which their love was to abound
a. “in knowledge” - according to the right moral principles (which comes from God’s
Word)
b. “all discernment” - using wisdom to apply these moral principles most effectively
(such wisdom comes from asking for it in prayer - Ja 1:5; Pro 2:1-9)
2. Thus Paul’s prayer is that their love may abound for the right things and in the right way!
[If Paul felt such was necessary for the Philippians, how much more for ourselves today! May we never be satisfied with the degree of love that we may have, but strive to increase our knowledge and wisdom of how to love others more abundantly. As Paul continues, it is his prayer for the Philippians...]
II. THAT THEY MAY APPROVE THE THINGS THAT ARE EXCELLENT (10a)
A. THE “PURPOSE” OF ABOUNDING IN LOVE STILL MORE AND MORE...?
1. It is possible that Paul is being progressive in his thoughts here
2. I.e., rather than just listing four equal but unrelated thoughts in this prayer, each of the four are related and the last three are but building on the thoughts which precede them (a form of “stair-like” progressive parallelism common in Hebrew writings)
3. If such is the case, then Paul is now explaining “why” our love should abound...
B. “MAY APPROVE THE THINGS THAT ARE EXCELLENT...”
1. To “approve” is to “try, test, demonstrate”
2. This passage is reminiscent of Ro 12:2, where we learn that we are to “prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God”
3. Prove to whom?
a. To ourselves? Certainly...
b. But even more so, to prove to others that God’s way is the best way! - cf. 1 Pe 2:15
[Therefore, by abounding in love still more and more with all knowledge and discernment, we are able to demonstrate by our “actions” that God’s way is the more excellent way! But there is another reason, as we continue to see that Paul is concerned for the Philippians...]
III. THAT THEY MAY BE SINCERE AND WITHOUT OFFENSE (10b)
A. DEFINING “SINCERE” AND “WITHOUT OFFENSE”...
1. “sincere” involves:
a. Having perfect openness toward God and man
b. With a clear conscience (not hypocritical)
2. “without offense” means not to provide occasions for others to stumble - Ro 14:13
B. SUCH VIRTUES WILL BE FOUND IN THOSE WHO ARE...
1. Abounding in love still more and more, in knowledge and all discernment!
2. Approving the things that are excellent by their conduct!
-- See Paul’s progression in thought?
C. PAUL’S CONCERN IS THAT THESE VIRTUES WILL LAST “TILL THE DAY OF CHRIST”...
1. This is the second time in this epistle Paul has referred to this “day” (cf. 1:6)
2. He is referring to the day when Christ comes again, a day of “destruction” for some, but “glory” for others! - 2 Th 1:7-12
3. Perhaps Paul’s concern that these virtues of being “sincere and without offense” lasting till the day of Christ is based upon what will happen to those in the kingdom who are guilty of such things - cf. Mt 13:41-43
[Such a strong warning by Jesus Himself should encourage us to take the thoughts of Paul very seriously! Finally, we notice in Paul’s prayer for the Philippians a concern for their...]
IV. BEING FILLED WITH THE FRUITS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (11)
A. WHICH APPEAR TO BE THE RESULT OF...
1. Abounding in love still more and more in knowledge and all discernment
2. Approving the things that are excellent
3. Being sincere and without offense
-- Notice again the “stair-like” progressive parallelism!
B. SUCH FRUITS POSSIBLE ONLY “BY JESUS CHRIST”...
1. For without Him, we would not know what true love really is! - 1 Jn 3:16
2. For without Him, we would not have the ability to demonstrate what is excellent - Ph 4:13
C. SUCH FRUITS TO BE OFFERED “TO THE GLORY AND PRAISE OF GOD”...
1. Just as Jesus said in letting our light shine - Mt 5:16
2. Just as Peter wrote in speaking of our good works - 1 Pe 2:12
3. And rightfully so, for it is God who through the gift of His Son has...
a. Shown us what love really is
b. Taught us what things are really excellent in His sight
c. Empowered us to be able to demonstrate the excellence of His Will, that we may be
sincere and without offense!
CONCLUSION
1. Such is Paul’s prayer for the Philippians, for a church that had demonstrated it’s love and faithfulness to Paul again and again
2. Even as excellent as the church was, Paul could still pray for them to abound still more and more!
3. How much more, then, should we! May we take the prayer of Paul, and make it our own for ourselves and for brethren we know!
INTRODUCTION
1. True to the form found in several of his epistles, Paul follows his salutation and thanksgiving with a prayer for his readers
2. Found in Ph 1:9-11, we find in this prayer that Paul is concerned about four things in the spiritual growth and development of the brethren at Philippi
[The first of these is...]
I. THAT THEIR LOVE MAY ABOUND (9)
A. “STILL MORE AND MORE...”
1. We have seen were they had excelled in their love toward Paul and others in the past
a. Towards Paul - Ph 4:15-16
b. Towards the needy saints in Jerusalem - 2 Co 8:1-5
2. But a cardinal principle of Christian growth is that it should never stop!
a. In developing the graces of a Christ-like character, we should always be increasing - cf. 2 Pe 1:5-8
b. Even if we are in no need for someone to teach us “how” to love, we can always use
the admonition to “increase” our love! - e.g., 1 Th 4:9-10
3. And so, Paul prays that their love may abound “still more and more”
B. “IN KNOWLEDGE AND ALL DISCERNMENT...”
1. These are the “guidelines” in which their love was to abound
a. “in knowledge” - according to the right moral principles (which comes from God’s
Word)
b. “all discernment” - using wisdom to apply these moral principles most effectively
(such wisdom comes from asking for it in prayer - Ja 1:5; Pro 2:1-9)
2. Thus Paul’s prayer is that their love may abound for the right things and in the right way!
[If Paul felt such was necessary for the Philippians, how much more for ourselves today! May we never be satisfied with the degree of love that we may have, but strive to increase our knowledge and wisdom of how to love others more abundantly. As Paul continues, it is his prayer for the Philippians...]
II. THAT THEY MAY APPROVE THE THINGS THAT ARE EXCELLENT (10a)
A. THE “PURPOSE” OF ABOUNDING IN LOVE STILL MORE AND MORE...?
1. It is possible that Paul is being progressive in his thoughts here
2. I.e., rather than just listing four equal but unrelated thoughts in this prayer, each of the four are related and the last three are but building on the thoughts which precede them (a form of “stair-like” progressive parallelism common in Hebrew writings)
3. If such is the case, then Paul is now explaining “why” our love should abound...
B. “MAY APPROVE THE THINGS THAT ARE EXCELLENT...”
1. To “approve” is to “try, test, demonstrate”
2. This passage is reminiscent of Ro 12:2, where we learn that we are to “prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God”
3. Prove to whom?
a. To ourselves? Certainly...
b. But even more so, to prove to others that God’s way is the best way! - cf. 1 Pe 2:15
[Therefore, by abounding in love still more and more with all knowledge and discernment, we are able to demonstrate by our “actions” that God’s way is the more excellent way! But there is another reason, as we continue to see that Paul is concerned for the Philippians...]
III. THAT THEY MAY BE SINCERE AND WITHOUT OFFENSE (10b)
A. DEFINING “SINCERE” AND “WITHOUT OFFENSE”...
1. “sincere” involves:
a. Having perfect openness toward God and man
b. With a clear conscience (not hypocritical)
2. “without offense” means not to provide occasions for others to stumble - Ro 14:13
B. SUCH VIRTUES WILL BE FOUND IN THOSE WHO ARE...
1. Abounding in love still more and more, in knowledge and all discernment!
2. Approving the things that are excellent by their conduct!
-- See Paul’s progression in thought?
C. PAUL’S CONCERN IS THAT THESE VIRTUES WILL LAST “TILL THE DAY OF CHRIST”...
1. This is the second time in this epistle Paul has referred to this “day” (cf. 1:6)
2. He is referring to the day when Christ comes again, a day of “destruction” for some, but “glory” for others! - 2 Th 1:7-12
3. Perhaps Paul’s concern that these virtues of being “sincere and without offense” lasting till the day of Christ is based upon what will happen to those in the kingdom who are guilty of such things - cf. Mt 13:41-43
[Such a strong warning by Jesus Himself should encourage us to take the thoughts of Paul very seriously! Finally, we notice in Paul’s prayer for the Philippians a concern for their...]
IV. BEING FILLED WITH THE FRUITS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (11)
A. WHICH APPEAR TO BE THE RESULT OF...
1. Abounding in love still more and more in knowledge and all discernment
2. Approving the things that are excellent
3. Being sincere and without offense
-- Notice again the “stair-like” progressive parallelism!
B. SUCH FRUITS POSSIBLE ONLY “BY JESUS CHRIST”...
1. For without Him, we would not know what true love really is! - 1 Jn 3:16
2. For without Him, we would not have the ability to demonstrate what is excellent - Ph 4:13
C. SUCH FRUITS TO BE OFFERED “TO THE GLORY AND PRAISE OF GOD”...
1. Just as Jesus said in letting our light shine - Mt 5:16
2. Just as Peter wrote in speaking of our good works - 1 Pe 2:12
3. And rightfully so, for it is God who through the gift of His Son has...
a. Shown us what love really is
b. Taught us what things are really excellent in His sight
c. Empowered us to be able to demonstrate the excellence of His Will, that we may be
sincere and without offense!
CONCLUSION
1. Such is Paul’s prayer for the Philippians, for a church that had demonstrated it’s love and faithfulness to Paul again and again
2. Even as excellent as the church was, Paul could still pray for them to abound still more and more!
3. How much more, then, should we! May we take the prayer of Paul, and make it our own for ourselves and for brethren we know!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Paul’s Thanksgiving For The Philippians- Philippians 1:3-8
Paul’s Thanksgiving For The Philippians- Philippians 1:3-8
INTRODUCTION
1. In the last study we examined the salutation of Paul and Timothy to the brethren at Philippi (1:1-2)
2. As is quite common in Paul’s epistles, an expression of thanksgiving follows the salutation
3. In this epistle to the Philippians, we find Paul’s thanksgiving in verses 3-8, where we begin to look into “the window of Paul’s own bosom”
[As we examine this passage, three things stand out, the first being that Paul is...]
I. THANKFUL FOR THEIR FELLOWSHIP (3-5)
A. THE MEMORIES OF THEIR FELLOWSHIP WAS A SOURCE OF GREAT JOY...
1. Every time he remembered them, it made him glad!
2. The memories were a source of frequent joy, because every time he prayed, he included them
a. Here we get a glimpse into the prayer life of the apostle Paul
b. It evidently included frequent prayers for those with whom he had labored in the past - cf. Co 1:3; 1 Th 1:2
3. The joyful memories were the result of sharing together in the work of the gospel
a. “From the first day...”
1) From the day that Lydia opened her home to him
2) As recorded in Ac 16:15
b. “...until now.”
1) This would include the “giving and receiving” when he first left Macedonia and also in Thessalonica - Ph 4:15-16
2) And now that he is in Rome, with the gift sent to him by Epaphroditus - Ph 4:18
B. THIS ILLUSTRATES THE BLESSING OF “PLEASANT MEMORIES”, AND THE “FELLOWSHIP” THAT CREATES THEM...
1. Pleasant memories are a blessing in difficult times
a. Despite imprisonment, Paul could pray with joyful thanksgiving as he remembered the Philippians
b. As one person put it: “God gave us memory so that we might have roses in
December.”
2. But memory can be a curse instead of a blessing!
a. If we have spent our lives in sin and have troubled those around us, memory can be a curse!
b. As someone said: “Most people live the first half of their life making the second
half of their life miserable!”
c. For memories to be a blessing to us, we must be a blessing to others!
3. The sort of fellowship experienced between Paul and the Philippians creates the most precious memories!
a. Fellowship in the gospel of Christ!
b. Sharing together in spreading the Word, either directly by teaching or indirectly by supporting those who teach
[How comforting it must have been for Paul, though experiencing imprisonment, to be able to look back upon his relationship with the Philippians with such joyful memories! What kind of memories are we creating today? It will affect the kind of future we have! As Paul continues his expression of thanksgiving, he writes that he is...]
II. CONFIDENT GOD WILL COMPLETE HIS WORK IN THEM (6-7)
A. THE BASIS FOR SUCH CONFIDENCE...
1. Certainly it involves the faithfulness of God Himself, as expressed throughout the
Scriptures
a. E.g., in helping us to handle temptations - 1 Co 10:13
b. E.g., in providing forgiveness when we succumb to temptations - 1 Jn 1:9
2. But Paul also took into consideration the faithfulness of the Philippians
a. They were willing to share in his chains - cf. Ph 2:29-30
b. They were willing to share in the defense and confirmation of the gospel (through their support of Paul)
c. As such, they were sharing together in the grace of God!
B. THIS PASSAGE SHOULD REMIND US THAT WE ARE NOT ALONE IN OUR GROWTH AS CHRISTIANS...
1. That God “began a good work” in our conversion, a work that involved:
a. His providence, in giving us an opportunity to hear the gospel - Ti 2:11
b. His regeneration, when we responded to the commands of the gospel - Ti 3:4-7
2. As we continue to “work out our own salvation”, God is right there with us:
a. Certainly we must cooperate with God - Ph 2:12
b. But God is truly at work within us! - Ph 2:13
c. And He provides whatever help we need - Ph 4:13
3. This Divine Help will be with us “until the day of Jesus Christ”
a. The “Day” when Christ comes to be glorified - 2 Th 1:10
b. The same “Day” we will be glorified with Him, by virtue of God’s goodness and work in conjunction with our faith - 2 Th 1:11-12
[With such help as the basis of our confidence, as long as we are faithful and partakers of God’s grace, He will complete His work in us! (but note carefully He 3:12-14). Finally, we notice in this thanksgiving of Paul...]
III. HIS DEEP LONGING FOR THEM (8)
A. IN EXPRESSING THE DEPTH OF HIS AFFECTION FOR THEM...
1. He calls upon God as a witness!
a. He Who knows the hearts of all men
b. And certainly Who knows the heart of Paul!
2. He describes it as the “affection of Jesus Christ”!
a. I.e., the same sort of love Jesus has toward us
b. Even as Jesus commanded His disciples, to love one another as He loved us - Jn 13:34
B. THIS SORT OF LOVE SHOULD CHARACTERIZE ALL DISCIPLES...
1. This is how the world will know that we are truly the disciples of Jesus - Jn 13:35
2. Such love comes only by being taught by God - cf. 1 Th 4:9-10
3. And how does He teach us? Through the example of His Own Son! - 1 Jn 3:16
CONCLUSION
1. How close Paul must have felt toward the brethren at Philippi!
2. And this is understandable, because it was the pleasant memories of their fellowship in the gospel of Christ that gave Paul such joy and confidence in the well-being of the Philippians
3. Note how all these things relate together:
a. Joy and confidence comes from pleasant memories
b. Pleasant memories come from fellowship in the gospel of Jesus Christ
4. If we lack the joy and confidence we desire, the key is to create pleasant memories by sharing with other workers in the spread of the gospel!
5. Finally...
a. Has God begun a good work in you? (via your obedience to the gospel?)
b. Will He complete it until the day of Jesus Christ? (via your faithful service to the Lord?)
INTRODUCTION
1. In the last study we examined the salutation of Paul and Timothy to the brethren at Philippi (1:1-2)
2. As is quite common in Paul’s epistles, an expression of thanksgiving follows the salutation
3. In this epistle to the Philippians, we find Paul’s thanksgiving in verses 3-8, where we begin to look into “the window of Paul’s own bosom”
[As we examine this passage, three things stand out, the first being that Paul is...]
I. THANKFUL FOR THEIR FELLOWSHIP (3-5)
A. THE MEMORIES OF THEIR FELLOWSHIP WAS A SOURCE OF GREAT JOY...
1. Every time he remembered them, it made him glad!
2. The memories were a source of frequent joy, because every time he prayed, he included them
a. Here we get a glimpse into the prayer life of the apostle Paul
b. It evidently included frequent prayers for those with whom he had labored in the past - cf. Co 1:3; 1 Th 1:2
3. The joyful memories were the result of sharing together in the work of the gospel
a. “From the first day...”
1) From the day that Lydia opened her home to him
2) As recorded in Ac 16:15
b. “...until now.”
1) This would include the “giving and receiving” when he first left Macedonia and also in Thessalonica - Ph 4:15-16
2) And now that he is in Rome, with the gift sent to him by Epaphroditus - Ph 4:18
B. THIS ILLUSTRATES THE BLESSING OF “PLEASANT MEMORIES”, AND THE “FELLOWSHIP” THAT CREATES THEM...
1. Pleasant memories are a blessing in difficult times
a. Despite imprisonment, Paul could pray with joyful thanksgiving as he remembered the Philippians
b. As one person put it: “God gave us memory so that we might have roses in
December.”
2. But memory can be a curse instead of a blessing!
a. If we have spent our lives in sin and have troubled those around us, memory can be a curse!
b. As someone said: “Most people live the first half of their life making the second
half of their life miserable!”
c. For memories to be a blessing to us, we must be a blessing to others!
3. The sort of fellowship experienced between Paul and the Philippians creates the most precious memories!
a. Fellowship in the gospel of Christ!
b. Sharing together in spreading the Word, either directly by teaching or indirectly by supporting those who teach
[How comforting it must have been for Paul, though experiencing imprisonment, to be able to look back upon his relationship with the Philippians with such joyful memories! What kind of memories are we creating today? It will affect the kind of future we have! As Paul continues his expression of thanksgiving, he writes that he is...]
II. CONFIDENT GOD WILL COMPLETE HIS WORK IN THEM (6-7)
A. THE BASIS FOR SUCH CONFIDENCE...
1. Certainly it involves the faithfulness of God Himself, as expressed throughout the
Scriptures
a. E.g., in helping us to handle temptations - 1 Co 10:13
b. E.g., in providing forgiveness when we succumb to temptations - 1 Jn 1:9
2. But Paul also took into consideration the faithfulness of the Philippians
a. They were willing to share in his chains - cf. Ph 2:29-30
b. They were willing to share in the defense and confirmation of the gospel (through their support of Paul)
c. As such, they were sharing together in the grace of God!
B. THIS PASSAGE SHOULD REMIND US THAT WE ARE NOT ALONE IN OUR GROWTH AS CHRISTIANS...
1. That God “began a good work” in our conversion, a work that involved:
a. His providence, in giving us an opportunity to hear the gospel - Ti 2:11
b. His regeneration, when we responded to the commands of the gospel - Ti 3:4-7
2. As we continue to “work out our own salvation”, God is right there with us:
a. Certainly we must cooperate with God - Ph 2:12
b. But God is truly at work within us! - Ph 2:13
c. And He provides whatever help we need - Ph 4:13
3. This Divine Help will be with us “until the day of Jesus Christ”
a. The “Day” when Christ comes to be glorified - 2 Th 1:10
b. The same “Day” we will be glorified with Him, by virtue of God’s goodness and work in conjunction with our faith - 2 Th 1:11-12
[With such help as the basis of our confidence, as long as we are faithful and partakers of God’s grace, He will complete His work in us! (but note carefully He 3:12-14). Finally, we notice in this thanksgiving of Paul...]
III. HIS DEEP LONGING FOR THEM (8)
A. IN EXPRESSING THE DEPTH OF HIS AFFECTION FOR THEM...
1. He calls upon God as a witness!
a. He Who knows the hearts of all men
b. And certainly Who knows the heart of Paul!
2. He describes it as the “affection of Jesus Christ”!
a. I.e., the same sort of love Jesus has toward us
b. Even as Jesus commanded His disciples, to love one another as He loved us - Jn 13:34
B. THIS SORT OF LOVE SHOULD CHARACTERIZE ALL DISCIPLES...
1. This is how the world will know that we are truly the disciples of Jesus - Jn 13:35
2. Such love comes only by being taught by God - cf. 1 Th 4:9-10
3. And how does He teach us? Through the example of His Own Son! - 1 Jn 3:16
CONCLUSION
1. How close Paul must have felt toward the brethren at Philippi!
2. And this is understandable, because it was the pleasant memories of their fellowship in the gospel of Christ that gave Paul such joy and confidence in the well-being of the Philippians
3. Note how all these things relate together:
a. Joy and confidence comes from pleasant memories
b. Pleasant memories come from fellowship in the gospel of Jesus Christ
4. If we lack the joy and confidence we desire, the key is to create pleasant memories by sharing with other workers in the spread of the gospel!
5. Finally...
a. Has God begun a good work in you? (via your obedience to the gospel?)
b. Will He complete it until the day of Jesus Christ? (via your faithful service to the Lord?)
Sunday, August 15, 2010
4.2. Prerequisites to Biblical Change- Four Stages of Spiritual Development
4.2. Prerequisites to Biblical Change- Four Stages of Spiritual Development
1. Born-again stage is the new birth, new life - eternal life from above.
• ( John 1:12 ) Child of God, God is now the Father of our spirits.
• ( Phil. 2:12-13 ) Salvation is not just a destination change. It is the beginning stage of the development of a new life. We were the slaves of Satan, but now we are children of God, joint-heirs with Jesus. Accordingly, we are to resist the residual evil tendencies of the old life by submitting the natural life to the spiritual life on a continuous basis until we "become like little children" ( Matt.18:3 ). Takes a moment to be born-again from above, but a lifetime to work out being conformed to the image of Our Lord.
• ( 1 John 2:3-6 ; John 14:21 ) To obey is to really hear, to really listen, to see, and to understand what I listened to, and to act upon what I heard. If we are obeying, we will walk as Jesus walked.
• ( 1 Cor. 3:16 ) Obedience builds the temple. Doing the word are the bricks of the temple making it suitable for God to dwell in it.
2. Spiritual stage is knowing the fullness of the Holy Spirit, being fully empowered
to live the Christian life.
• ( Luke 11:13 ) Simply ask and receive.
• ( Luke 24:48-49 ) Receive power from on high.
• ( Acts 1:8 ) When the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will receive power to be His witnesses.
• ( 1 Cor. 6:17 ) One spirit with Him. You are a co-worker.
• ( Rom. 5:5 ) Love is poured out into our hearts, act by faith upon this truth. Love is ready to flow out as a river of living waters. Faith, hope and love flows from obedience.
3. Pathway of the cross stage is a daily exercise of getting down into the death of
Christ, to allow Christ to live out His life through us.
• ( Rom. 6:3-6 ) Old nature buried, no longer slaves of sin. As we put-off daily sins, we arise immediately in the newness of life in Christ and able to respond biblically to all of life's encounters.
• ( Eph. 4:22-24 ) We must do the doing: putting-off corruptions - renewing ourselves in the spirit of our minds - and putting-on truth in all areas of living. Daily, we have our calvary, our resurrection, and our ascension.
• ( Luke 9:23-24 ) No longer defend or protect self, but practice death to private aims, selfish passions and prejudices, to worldly reputation and honor.
• ( Phil. 2:3-5 ) As with Jesus, now I am to seek the interests and betterment of others. I am no longer central but to use self to be a blessing to others.
4. Ascension/overcomer/spiritual warfare stage is where the believer realizes
and knows he is in union with Christ.
• ( Eph. 1:17-23 ) We are seated with Him, "Far above all authority..."
• ( Luke 10:19 ) Given all authority over the power of the enemy.
• ( Rom. 8:29 ; 1 John 3:8 ) God created us to be conformed to the image of His Son, and as such, to do as He did: to destroy the works of the devil.
• ( Col. 2:13-15 ) Our problem is not with Satan, he has been defeated. The issue is our relationship with God, knowing who and what we are in Christ Jesus. Therefore, we are to keep the enemy from having any footholds in our lives by being free in the
following areas: ( James 4:6-8 )
o Genealogy : ( Gal. 3:13-14 ) Realize and know that the Blood of Jesus has freed me from all generation curses ( Exodus 18:20 ).
o Circumstances of life : ( Matt. 16:24-25 ; Col.1:10-11 ) No longer react to or controlled by the externals of life, by personal attacks, by pressures of the world, by trials and tribulations, but respond by and according to the promptings and power of the Holy Spirit ( James 1:2-4 ).
o Environment : ( 1 John 2:15 ; 2 Pet. 1:4 ) Partaker of the divine life and nature, and have escaped from the world's system of lusts. The devil has nothing on me. I am now in the position to overcome him in all areas of life in the name of Jesus Christ. To the extent I grow in virtues, to that extent Christ inhabits my life.
The Characteristics of an Overcomer
• ( Eph. 3:9-10 ) Proclaims God's wisdom to the enemy: for this is a battle
of wisdom.
• ( Phil. 1:11 ) Do all to the honor and praise of God that His glory may be
both manifested and recognized.
• ( Prov. 24:10 ) Nothing can ever limit or defeat us in Christ. We proceed
until victory prevails.
• ( Prov. 21:22 ) No compromises: we ascend, we assault, and cast down all opposition.
• ( Luke 11:20-23 ; 1 John 4:4 ; Isa. 9:6 ) We move from strength to strength for there is no end to God's kingdom. We are commissioned to establish His Kingdom of peace and joy on earth.
Being an overcomer we accomplish God's purposes for our lives by being conformed to
the image of His Son. We do as He did, walk as He did: do all to destroy the works of the devil in ourselves and in others.
1. Born-again stage is the new birth, new life - eternal life from above.
• ( John 1:12 ) Child of God, God is now the Father of our spirits.
• ( Phil. 2:12-13 ) Salvation is not just a destination change. It is the beginning stage of the development of a new life. We were the slaves of Satan, but now we are children of God, joint-heirs with Jesus. Accordingly, we are to resist the residual evil tendencies of the old life by submitting the natural life to the spiritual life on a continuous basis until we "become like little children" ( Matt.18:3 ). Takes a moment to be born-again from above, but a lifetime to work out being conformed to the image of Our Lord.
• ( 1 John 2:3-6 ; John 14:21 ) To obey is to really hear, to really listen, to see, and to understand what I listened to, and to act upon what I heard. If we are obeying, we will walk as Jesus walked.
• ( 1 Cor. 3:16 ) Obedience builds the temple. Doing the word are the bricks of the temple making it suitable for God to dwell in it.
2. Spiritual stage is knowing the fullness of the Holy Spirit, being fully empowered
to live the Christian life.
• ( Luke 11:13 ) Simply ask and receive.
• ( Luke 24:48-49 ) Receive power from on high.
• ( Acts 1:8 ) When the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will receive power to be His witnesses.
• ( 1 Cor. 6:17 ) One spirit with Him. You are a co-worker.
• ( Rom. 5:5 ) Love is poured out into our hearts, act by faith upon this truth. Love is ready to flow out as a river of living waters. Faith, hope and love flows from obedience.
3. Pathway of the cross stage is a daily exercise of getting down into the death of
Christ, to allow Christ to live out His life through us.
• ( Rom. 6:3-6 ) Old nature buried, no longer slaves of sin. As we put-off daily sins, we arise immediately in the newness of life in Christ and able to respond biblically to all of life's encounters.
• ( Eph. 4:22-24 ) We must do the doing: putting-off corruptions - renewing ourselves in the spirit of our minds - and putting-on truth in all areas of living. Daily, we have our calvary, our resurrection, and our ascension.
• ( Luke 9:23-24 ) No longer defend or protect self, but practice death to private aims, selfish passions and prejudices, to worldly reputation and honor.
• ( Phil. 2:3-5 ) As with Jesus, now I am to seek the interests and betterment of others. I am no longer central but to use self to be a blessing to others.
4. Ascension/overcomer/spiritual warfare stage is where the believer realizes
and knows he is in union with Christ.
• ( Eph. 1:17-23 ) We are seated with Him, "Far above all authority..."
• ( Luke 10:19 ) Given all authority over the power of the enemy.
• ( Rom. 8:29 ; 1 John 3:8 ) God created us to be conformed to the image of His Son, and as such, to do as He did: to destroy the works of the devil.
• ( Col. 2:13-15 ) Our problem is not with Satan, he has been defeated. The issue is our relationship with God, knowing who and what we are in Christ Jesus. Therefore, we are to keep the enemy from having any footholds in our lives by being free in the
following areas: ( James 4:6-8 )
o Genealogy : ( Gal. 3:13-14 ) Realize and know that the Blood of Jesus has freed me from all generation curses ( Exodus 18:20 ).
o Circumstances of life : ( Matt. 16:24-25 ; Col.1:10-11 ) No longer react to or controlled by the externals of life, by personal attacks, by pressures of the world, by trials and tribulations, but respond by and according to the promptings and power of the Holy Spirit ( James 1:2-4 ).
o Environment : ( 1 John 2:15 ; 2 Pet. 1:4 ) Partaker of the divine life and nature, and have escaped from the world's system of lusts. The devil has nothing on me. I am now in the position to overcome him in all areas of life in the name of Jesus Christ. To the extent I grow in virtues, to that extent Christ inhabits my life.
The Characteristics of an Overcomer
• ( Eph. 3:9-10 ) Proclaims God's wisdom to the enemy: for this is a battle
of wisdom.
• ( Phil. 1:11 ) Do all to the honor and praise of God that His glory may be
both manifested and recognized.
• ( Prov. 24:10 ) Nothing can ever limit or defeat us in Christ. We proceed
until victory prevails.
• ( Prov. 21:22 ) No compromises: we ascend, we assault, and cast down all opposition.
• ( Luke 11:20-23 ; 1 John 4:4 ; Isa. 9:6 ) We move from strength to strength for there is no end to God's kingdom. We are commissioned to establish His Kingdom of peace and joy on earth.
Being an overcomer we accomplish God's purposes for our lives by being conformed to
the image of His Son. We do as He did, walk as He did: do all to destroy the works of the devil in ourselves and in others.
Friday, August 13, 2010
4.1. God's Way vs Man's Way- Dynamics of Problem Solving
4.1. God's Way vs Man's Way- Dynamics of Problem Solving
( Heb. 3:13 ) Being ignorant of sin desensitizes and causes hardening.
( Rom. 1:20-32 ) After awhile you become your own god by establishing standards to
justify self-centered pursuits. People perish because of ignorance; therefore, it is a question of becoming knowledgeable, of becoming sensitive, of recognizing that living in this world cannot be taken for granted ( Hosea 4:6 ).
The Ways of Man and the Ways of God
Approximately 230 psychological schools of thought are practiced in the world dealing
with the study of man's behavior, and the varied methods and means required for man to solve personal problems. These schools are reduced to five common characteristics.
1. Man is good : Humanism - independence from God - New Age: Man has
everything necessary within to solve own problems - mind merely blocked by
negative thinking or influences - develop positive thinking and draw from one's
own resources - see self as worthwhile and esteemed. What does God say? Ps.
62:9 ; Rom. 3:10-18,23 ; Rom. 7:18 .
2. Man is a superior animal : Basic view of man is that his behavior is wrongly
conditioned or programmed by environment and circumstances. He needs to be
reconditioned or reprogrammed by manipulation of behavior through use of
positive and negative stimuli... He is artificially maneuvered to respond to reward
and punishment in order to improve self. What does God say? John 15:4-5 ;
Rom. 1:18-32 ; James 4:10 .
3. Man can change himself : Although being wounded by circumstances of life,
man can change bad behavior. This is a combination of the above positions: that
through education, logic and reason, man can ovecome self. What does God say?
Jer. 13:23 ; Ezek. 18:20 ; Ezek. 36:26-27 .
4. Man, a victim of conscience : Man driven by instincts, thwarted by family, by
society, by upbringing, and by others, who are responsible for his problems. Deep
analysis necessary, along with hypnosis, resocialization, catharsis, selfactualization,free association, etc. What does God say? Ezek. 18:20 ; Phil. 2:3-
4 ; 1 Tim. 4:1-2 .
5. Man, a bargainer : When the above doesn't work, the world uses - trade-offs.
You do this, and I will do this, a 50/50 arrangement. Imbalances are inevitable,
the self nature always wants more than its share. What does God say? God
commands us to love without expectation of return, to return good for evil. Rom.
12:21 ; Phil. 2:3-4 .
Man's way is always self-oriented, he is his own god, as evidenced by :
1. no biblical confrontation,
2. no conversion experience expected or even considered,
3. no repentance,
4. no work of the Holy Spirit,
5. and no sanctification process in bearing the image of God.
Given impetus in modern times from the so-called Enlightenment and the Renaissance
periods, this typifies and represents man's attempt to save himself without God. Such
concepts have culminated today in a society whose sinking foundations are being built on preferences (feelings) rather than principles (absolutes). Twisted human reason and logic replaces the Ten Commandments.
God's Way of Handling Problems
( Phil. 3:13 ) God is the God of the 'I AM', He is not in the past, nor in the future, He is always in the present. We start from the present and each day thereafter - one day at a time.
• ( Luke 9:62 ) Looking back into the past will make you unfit for the
present.
• ( Heb. 11:15 ) Thinking of the past makes one vulnerable, and weak.
• ( Rom. 8:28 ) Past events in our lives are irreversible. Why waste time
and effort there.
Our reactions to those events can be changed as we allow God to intervene in the
present, to reach into our experiences, to redeem us, to free us to love and worship God. Eventually we become lovers of God in our spirits instead of lovers of self by dwelling on the past.
( 1 Tim. 4:7 ; Eph. 4:22-24 ) Thus, it is through discipline we become godly: by
commitment to live God's way in the present through the simple process of putting-off
and putting-on - by the authority of God's word and by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Accordingly, we change our coping mechanisms from reacting to life to responding to life on the basis of God's word.
God's Resources
• Holy Spirit - John 16:7-8,13 ; 1 Cor. 2:11-15 .
• Bible - 2 Tim. 3:16-17 ; Heb. 4:12 .
• Counselors - Gal. 6:1-2 ; Rom. 15:14 ; Prov. 15:22 .
• Start up the spiral by tackling the immediate problem first ( James 1:2 ).
Act on known solutions, postpone acting when solutions are unknown (
James 1:5-8 ; John 7:17 ; Rom. 14:23 ). Continue up the spiral ( Heb.
5:14 ).
( Heb. 3:13 ) Being ignorant of sin desensitizes and causes hardening.
( Rom. 1:20-32 ) After awhile you become your own god by establishing standards to
justify self-centered pursuits. People perish because of ignorance; therefore, it is a question of becoming knowledgeable, of becoming sensitive, of recognizing that living in this world cannot be taken for granted ( Hosea 4:6 ).
The Ways of Man and the Ways of God
Approximately 230 psychological schools of thought are practiced in the world dealing
with the study of man's behavior, and the varied methods and means required for man to solve personal problems. These schools are reduced to five common characteristics.
1. Man is good : Humanism - independence from God - New Age: Man has
everything necessary within to solve own problems - mind merely blocked by
negative thinking or influences - develop positive thinking and draw from one's
own resources - see self as worthwhile and esteemed. What does God say? Ps.
62:9 ; Rom. 3:10-18,23 ; Rom. 7:18 .
2. Man is a superior animal : Basic view of man is that his behavior is wrongly
conditioned or programmed by environment and circumstances. He needs to be
reconditioned or reprogrammed by manipulation of behavior through use of
positive and negative stimuli... He is artificially maneuvered to respond to reward
and punishment in order to improve self. What does God say? John 15:4-5 ;
Rom. 1:18-32 ; James 4:10 .
3. Man can change himself : Although being wounded by circumstances of life,
man can change bad behavior. This is a combination of the above positions: that
through education, logic and reason, man can ovecome self. What does God say?
Jer. 13:23 ; Ezek. 18:20 ; Ezek. 36:26-27 .
4. Man, a victim of conscience : Man driven by instincts, thwarted by family, by
society, by upbringing, and by others, who are responsible for his problems. Deep
analysis necessary, along with hypnosis, resocialization, catharsis, selfactualization,free association, etc. What does God say? Ezek. 18:20 ; Phil. 2:3-
4 ; 1 Tim. 4:1-2 .
5. Man, a bargainer : When the above doesn't work, the world uses - trade-offs.
You do this, and I will do this, a 50/50 arrangement. Imbalances are inevitable,
the self nature always wants more than its share. What does God say? God
commands us to love without expectation of return, to return good for evil. Rom.
12:21 ; Phil. 2:3-4 .
Man's way is always self-oriented, he is his own god, as evidenced by :
1. no biblical confrontation,
2. no conversion experience expected or even considered,
3. no repentance,
4. no work of the Holy Spirit,
5. and no sanctification process in bearing the image of God.
Given impetus in modern times from the so-called Enlightenment and the Renaissance
periods, this typifies and represents man's attempt to save himself without God. Such
concepts have culminated today in a society whose sinking foundations are being built on preferences (feelings) rather than principles (absolutes). Twisted human reason and logic replaces the Ten Commandments.
God's Way of Handling Problems
( Phil. 3:13 ) God is the God of the 'I AM', He is not in the past, nor in the future, He is always in the present. We start from the present and each day thereafter - one day at a time.
• ( Luke 9:62 ) Looking back into the past will make you unfit for the
present.
• ( Heb. 11:15 ) Thinking of the past makes one vulnerable, and weak.
• ( Rom. 8:28 ) Past events in our lives are irreversible. Why waste time
and effort there.
Our reactions to those events can be changed as we allow God to intervene in the
present, to reach into our experiences, to redeem us, to free us to love and worship God. Eventually we become lovers of God in our spirits instead of lovers of self by dwelling on the past.
( 1 Tim. 4:7 ; Eph. 4:22-24 ) Thus, it is through discipline we become godly: by
commitment to live God's way in the present through the simple process of putting-off
and putting-on - by the authority of God's word and by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Accordingly, we change our coping mechanisms from reacting to life to responding to life on the basis of God's word.
God's Resources
• Holy Spirit - John 16:7-8,13 ; 1 Cor. 2:11-15 .
• Bible - 2 Tim. 3:16-17 ; Heb. 4:12 .
• Counselors - Gal. 6:1-2 ; Rom. 15:14 ; Prov. 15:22 .
• Start up the spiral by tackling the immediate problem first ( James 1:2 ).
Act on known solutions, postpone acting when solutions are unknown (
James 1:5-8 ; John 7:17 ; Rom. 14:23 ). Continue up the spiral ( Heb.
5:14 ).
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Salutation To The Philippians- Philippians 1:1-2
Salutation To The Philippians- Philippians 1:1-2
INTRODUCTION
1. In our previous lesson we introduced the book of Philippians as a book that is very relevant to our times
2. As we actually begin our study of this epistle, we shall examine Paul’s salutation as found in the first two verses...
[First, we notice...]
I. THE “AUTHOR” OF THIS EPISTLE
A. IDENTIFIED AS “PAUL”...
1. This is the apostle Paul, of course
2. Who was once the “persecutor” - Ac 8:1,3
3. But is now the “persecuted”
a. For he is writing this while in Roman custody - Ph 1:12-14
b. During the time period mention in Ac 28:30
B. HE IS JOINED IN THE SALUTATION BY “TIMOTHY”...
1. A traveling companion who joined Paul during his second journey - Ac 16:1-3
2. He was a young man, devoted to serving Paul, whom Paul loved as a son - Ph 2:19-22
3. He later was the recipient of two other epistles by Paul (1 & 2 Timothy)
C. TOGETHER, THEY ARE DESCRIBED AS “SERVANTS”...
1. A title of humility, it denotes dependence, obedience, and acknowledgment of ownership
2. Used in connection with Jesus Christ...
a. It is a word with real dignity
b. Indicates intense devotion to the Lord
[Having considered those responsible for this epistle, we next take a look at those to whom it is addressed...]
II. THE “RECIPIENTS” OF THIS EPISTLE
A. IDENTIFIED AS “SAINTS IN CHRIST JESUS”...
1. The term “saint” was a common term by which all Christians were called in the NT
a. Literally, it means “holy one” - cf. 1 Pe 2:9
b. The basic idea behind the word is that of “separation”, for the purpose of
consecration
2. But note that they were called saints “in Christ Jesus”
a. It is in Him that we are “set apart”
b. Only by virtue by being in Him and having our sins forgiven by His blood can we be
called “saints” - cf. Re 1:5-6; 5:9-10
3. It is interesting to notice the contrast between “servants” and “saints”
a. By using such terms, Paul immediately humbles himself and exalts those to whom he is writing
b. Thereby practicing what he later preaches in regards to humility - cf. Ph 2:3
B. IN PARTICULAR, THEY ARE THE SAINTS “WHO ARE IN PHILIPPI”...
1. That is, the church in Philippi
2. The beginning of the church is found in Ac 16:9-15
a. Prompted by the “Macedonia Call”
b. Started with the conversion of Lydia
3. Its early growth is also found in Acts 16 (verses 16-40)
a. With the conversion of the Philippian jailor and his family
b. With the church meeting in Lydia’s home
c. And with Luke staying at Philippi after Paul’s departure
4. Several things may be said about the characteristics of the church
a. It appears to be predominantly Gentile (lack of a synagogue in Philippi would suggest this)
b. It appears to be predominantly female (implied by meeting in Lydia’s home and the
reference to women in Ph 4:2)
c. They were very supportive in the preaching of the gospel - Ph 4:15-16
d. They provided for needy saints in other areas - 2 Co 8:1-5
e. They cared for Paul in his distress - Ph 4:10,14
C. ALSO ADDRESSED WERE THE “BISHOPS AND DEACONS”...
1. In this verse, we see the organization of a local church as God intended
a. It is made up of “saints” (the members)
b. It is overseen by “bishops”
c. It is served with the assistance of “deacons”
2. Concerning the “bishops” (translated “overseers” in some versions)...
a. These were men charged with guarding the flock and providing spiritual food
b. They were also called “elders” (or “presbyters”), and “pastors” (or “shepherds”)
- cf. Ac 20:17,28; 1 Pe 5:1-2
1) For they were older men
2) And they were to feed (or pastor) the flock under their charge
c. According to the New Testament...
1) They had to meet certain qualifications before they were appointed to serve as
“elders-bishops-pastors” - 1 Ti 3:1-7; Ti 1:5-9
2) There was always a plurality in the congregation, never just one - cf. Ac 14:23;
20:17; Ph 1:1
3. Concerning the “deacons”...
a. The term means “servants” or “ministers”
b. They also had to meet certain qualifications - 1 Ti 3:8-13
c. They served the needs of the congregation, under the oversight of the bishops (elders,pastors)
[So the recipients of this epistle was a well-established congregation, one that had demonstrated their love and support for the apostle Paul. Finally, we briefly notice the greetings given to them...]
III. THE “GREETINGS”
A. “GRACE”...
1. This was the common greeting of the Greeks
2. It speaks of wishing favor and kindness upon them
B. “PEACE”...
1. This was common greeting of the Jews (“Shalom!”)
2. It speaks of the result of receiving favor and kindness
C. “FROM GOD OUR FATHER AND THE LORD JESUS CHRIST”...
1. This is the source of grace and peace which Paul desires the Philippians to receive
2. For when one has received unmerited favor and kindness from God through His Son Jesus Christ, one truly receives peace:
a. Peace with God - Ro 5:1
b. Peace with men - Pro 16:7
c. Peace with one’s self - Ph 4:6-7
CONCLUSION
1. At this point, we can see that this epistle is a personal letter, between...
a. A man in chains who is accompanied with a dear friend
b. And a congregation of holy people whose love for this man has been demonstrated on several occasions
2. In the next lesson, we shall examine the “joyful thanksgiving” on the part of Paul for the fellowship he has enjoyed with the church at Philippi
In the meantime, are you experiencing the grace and peace that comes only from “God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”?
INTRODUCTION
1. In our previous lesson we introduced the book of Philippians as a book that is very relevant to our times
2. As we actually begin our study of this epistle, we shall examine Paul’s salutation as found in the first two verses...
[First, we notice...]
I. THE “AUTHOR” OF THIS EPISTLE
A. IDENTIFIED AS “PAUL”...
1. This is the apostle Paul, of course
2. Who was once the “persecutor” - Ac 8:1,3
3. But is now the “persecuted”
a. For he is writing this while in Roman custody - Ph 1:12-14
b. During the time period mention in Ac 28:30
B. HE IS JOINED IN THE SALUTATION BY “TIMOTHY”...
1. A traveling companion who joined Paul during his second journey - Ac 16:1-3
2. He was a young man, devoted to serving Paul, whom Paul loved as a son - Ph 2:19-22
3. He later was the recipient of two other epistles by Paul (1 & 2 Timothy)
C. TOGETHER, THEY ARE DESCRIBED AS “SERVANTS”...
1. A title of humility, it denotes dependence, obedience, and acknowledgment of ownership
2. Used in connection with Jesus Christ...
a. It is a word with real dignity
b. Indicates intense devotion to the Lord
[Having considered those responsible for this epistle, we next take a look at those to whom it is addressed...]
II. THE “RECIPIENTS” OF THIS EPISTLE
A. IDENTIFIED AS “SAINTS IN CHRIST JESUS”...
1. The term “saint” was a common term by which all Christians were called in the NT
a. Literally, it means “holy one” - cf. 1 Pe 2:9
b. The basic idea behind the word is that of “separation”, for the purpose of
consecration
2. But note that they were called saints “in Christ Jesus”
a. It is in Him that we are “set apart”
b. Only by virtue by being in Him and having our sins forgiven by His blood can we be
called “saints” - cf. Re 1:5-6; 5:9-10
3. It is interesting to notice the contrast between “servants” and “saints”
a. By using such terms, Paul immediately humbles himself and exalts those to whom he is writing
b. Thereby practicing what he later preaches in regards to humility - cf. Ph 2:3
B. IN PARTICULAR, THEY ARE THE SAINTS “WHO ARE IN PHILIPPI”...
1. That is, the church in Philippi
2. The beginning of the church is found in Ac 16:9-15
a. Prompted by the “Macedonia Call”
b. Started with the conversion of Lydia
3. Its early growth is also found in Acts 16 (verses 16-40)
a. With the conversion of the Philippian jailor and his family
b. With the church meeting in Lydia’s home
c. And with Luke staying at Philippi after Paul’s departure
4. Several things may be said about the characteristics of the church
a. It appears to be predominantly Gentile (lack of a synagogue in Philippi would suggest this)
b. It appears to be predominantly female (implied by meeting in Lydia’s home and the
reference to women in Ph 4:2)
c. They were very supportive in the preaching of the gospel - Ph 4:15-16
d. They provided for needy saints in other areas - 2 Co 8:1-5
e. They cared for Paul in his distress - Ph 4:10,14
C. ALSO ADDRESSED WERE THE “BISHOPS AND DEACONS”...
1. In this verse, we see the organization of a local church as God intended
a. It is made up of “saints” (the members)
b. It is overseen by “bishops”
c. It is served with the assistance of “deacons”
2. Concerning the “bishops” (translated “overseers” in some versions)...
a. These were men charged with guarding the flock and providing spiritual food
b. They were also called “elders” (or “presbyters”), and “pastors” (or “shepherds”)
- cf. Ac 20:17,28; 1 Pe 5:1-2
1) For they were older men
2) And they were to feed (or pastor) the flock under their charge
c. According to the New Testament...
1) They had to meet certain qualifications before they were appointed to serve as
“elders-bishops-pastors” - 1 Ti 3:1-7; Ti 1:5-9
2) There was always a plurality in the congregation, never just one - cf. Ac 14:23;
20:17; Ph 1:1
3. Concerning the “deacons”...
a. The term means “servants” or “ministers”
b. They also had to meet certain qualifications - 1 Ti 3:8-13
c. They served the needs of the congregation, under the oversight of the bishops (elders,pastors)
[So the recipients of this epistle was a well-established congregation, one that had demonstrated their love and support for the apostle Paul. Finally, we briefly notice the greetings given to them...]
III. THE “GREETINGS”
A. “GRACE”...
1. This was the common greeting of the Greeks
2. It speaks of wishing favor and kindness upon them
B. “PEACE”...
1. This was common greeting of the Jews (“Shalom!”)
2. It speaks of the result of receiving favor and kindness
C. “FROM GOD OUR FATHER AND THE LORD JESUS CHRIST”...
1. This is the source of grace and peace which Paul desires the Philippians to receive
2. For when one has received unmerited favor and kindness from God through His Son Jesus Christ, one truly receives peace:
a. Peace with God - Ro 5:1
b. Peace with men - Pro 16:7
c. Peace with one’s self - Ph 4:6-7
CONCLUSION
1. At this point, we can see that this epistle is a personal letter, between...
a. A man in chains who is accompanied with a dear friend
b. And a congregation of holy people whose love for this man has been demonstrated on several occasions
2. In the next lesson, we shall examine the “joyful thanksgiving” on the part of Paul for the fellowship he has enjoyed with the church at Philippi
In the meantime, are you experiencing the grace and peace that comes only from “God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”?
Sunday, August 8, 2010
The Epistle To The Philippians- Introduction To The Epistle
The Epistle To The Philippians- Introduction To The Epistle
INTRODUCTION
1. Of all the letters written by the apostle Paul, Philippians is perhaps the most personal and heartwarming in nature.
2. So revealing is it of Paul’s character, this epistle has been called “a window into the apostle’s own bosom”
3. Throughout the epistle, the keynote is the word “Joy”...
a. Note how frequently the word “joy” (or a variation of it) is found: 1:3-4,18,25; 2:1-2,16-18;3:1; 4:1, 4
b. In view of this, we can understand why some call this epistle “Paul’s hymn of joy”
[As we begin to study this very short epistle, it might be helpful to see the value this book has for us,especially in light of today’s society...]
I. THE SEARCH FOR PEACE OF MIND
A. PEACE OF MIND IS SOMETHING MANY ARE LOOKING FOR TODAY...
1. To find it, many are swallowing tons of tranquilizers
2. In addition to drugs (both prescription and illegal drugs), there are tranquilizing books (e.g.,bestsellers promising secrets to having peace of mind)
B. SUCH “PEACEFULIZERS” OFTEN DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD, FOR IN
MANY WAYS THEY FAIL...
1. They fail to provide lasting peace in the face of life’s often harsh realities
2. They fail to deal with the problem of sin, the true underlying cause of much anxiety
3. They do not provide peace with God, the only true basis for lasting peace of mind
4. Those trusting in tranquilizers, whether books or pills, are trying to escape rather than face reality
[What does all this have to do with the book of Philippians?]
II. PHILIPPIANS AND THE SEARCH FOR PEACE OF MIND
A. THIS SMALL BOOK IS WRITTEN BY A MAN WHO HAD FOUND TRUE PEACE
OF MIND...
1. Even though he was imprisoned at the time! - Ph 1:12-18
2. Even though he might soon be a martyr! - Ph 2:17-18
3. He had the joy that comes from peace of mind, and wanted to share it with others! - Ph 4:4-7,11-13
B. THEREFORE, HERE ARE SOME GOOD REASONS FOR STUDYING THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS...
1. It reveals the nature of true peace and joy!
a. The joy is found only “in the Lord” - Ph 4:4
b. The peace is one that “surpasses understanding” and is like a fortress - Ph 4:6-7
2. It reveals a man who provides an example of what produces joy and peace (again, the epistle is like “a window into the apostle’s own bosom.”) - Ph 4:9
a. His love for his brethren - Ph 1:8
b. His devotion to his Lord - Ph 1:21; 3:7-11
c. His striving for perfection - Ph 3:12-14
d. His concern for the enemies of the cross - Ph 3:18
3. It reveals the Christ Who is the ultimate source of this joy and peace!
a. The mindset of this Lord who provides peace and joy - Ph 2:5-8
b. The exaltation of Him who gives this peace and joy - Ph 2:9-11
CONCLUSION
1. These are some of the reasons why this epistle is certainly very relevant for present-day living!
2. Do you have the peace that “passes understanding”? The joy that is “in the Lord”?
a. If not, then I hope you will want to learn more about it from this epistle
b. If not, and you know why and what you should do about it, then why not do it today!
INTRODUCTION
1. Of all the letters written by the apostle Paul, Philippians is perhaps the most personal and heartwarming in nature.
2. So revealing is it of Paul’s character, this epistle has been called “a window into the apostle’s own bosom”
3. Throughout the epistle, the keynote is the word “Joy”...
a. Note how frequently the word “joy” (or a variation of it) is found: 1:3-4,18,25; 2:1-2,16-18;3:1; 4:1, 4
b. In view of this, we can understand why some call this epistle “Paul’s hymn of joy”
[As we begin to study this very short epistle, it might be helpful to see the value this book has for us,especially in light of today’s society...]
I. THE SEARCH FOR PEACE OF MIND
A. PEACE OF MIND IS SOMETHING MANY ARE LOOKING FOR TODAY...
1. To find it, many are swallowing tons of tranquilizers
2. In addition to drugs (both prescription and illegal drugs), there are tranquilizing books (e.g.,bestsellers promising secrets to having peace of mind)
B. SUCH “PEACEFULIZERS” OFTEN DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD, FOR IN
MANY WAYS THEY FAIL...
1. They fail to provide lasting peace in the face of life’s often harsh realities
2. They fail to deal with the problem of sin, the true underlying cause of much anxiety
3. They do not provide peace with God, the only true basis for lasting peace of mind
4. Those trusting in tranquilizers, whether books or pills, are trying to escape rather than face reality
[What does all this have to do with the book of Philippians?]
II. PHILIPPIANS AND THE SEARCH FOR PEACE OF MIND
A. THIS SMALL BOOK IS WRITTEN BY A MAN WHO HAD FOUND TRUE PEACE
OF MIND...
1. Even though he was imprisoned at the time! - Ph 1:12-18
2. Even though he might soon be a martyr! - Ph 2:17-18
3. He had the joy that comes from peace of mind, and wanted to share it with others! - Ph 4:4-7,11-13
B. THEREFORE, HERE ARE SOME GOOD REASONS FOR STUDYING THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS...
1. It reveals the nature of true peace and joy!
a. The joy is found only “in the Lord” - Ph 4:4
b. The peace is one that “surpasses understanding” and is like a fortress - Ph 4:6-7
2. It reveals a man who provides an example of what produces joy and peace (again, the epistle is like “a window into the apostle’s own bosom.”) - Ph 4:9
a. His love for his brethren - Ph 1:8
b. His devotion to his Lord - Ph 1:21; 3:7-11
c. His striving for perfection - Ph 3:12-14
d. His concern for the enemies of the cross - Ph 3:18
3. It reveals the Christ Who is the ultimate source of this joy and peace!
a. The mindset of this Lord who provides peace and joy - Ph 2:5-8
b. The exaltation of Him who gives this peace and joy - Ph 2:9-11
CONCLUSION
1. These are some of the reasons why this epistle is certainly very relevant for present-day living!
2. Do you have the peace that “passes understanding”? The joy that is “in the Lord”?
a. If not, then I hope you will want to learn more about it from this epistle
b. If not, and you know why and what you should do about it, then why not do it today!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
The Epistle To The Philippians- Introduction
The Epistle To The Philippians- Introduction
AUTHOR
The apostle Paul (1:1), joined in his salutation by Timothy. Personal references by the author(1:12-14; 2:19-24; 3:4-7; 4:15-16) are certainly consistent with what we know of Paul from other New Testament sources. Paul's authorship of this letter is also supported by the testimony of early "church fathers" such as Polycarp and Irenaeus.
THE CITY OF PHILIPPI
Named after Philip of Macedonia, the father of Alexander the Great, it was a major city of Macedonia on the road from Rome to Asia known as the Egnatian Way. It was the site of a famous battle in 42 B.C. in which Antony and Octavius defeated Brutus and Cassius. In 30 B.C., Octavian made the town a Roman colony where retired soldiers could live and enjoy the full privileges of Roman citizenship (to which Paul may have alluded in 3:20).
THE CHURCH AT PHILIPPI
During his second missionary journey (49-52 A.D.), Paul and his traveling companions (Timothy and Silas) were making their way across Asia Minor (Turkey) when Paul received a vision at Troas. In the vision, a man of Macedonia pleaded, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." Perceiving that the Lord was calling them to go to Macedonia, they sailed from Troas (Luke having joined them) and eventually
arrived at Philippi (Ac 16:6-12).
With the conversion of Lydia (Ac 16:13-15) and the Philippian jailor (Ac 16:25-34), the church was established at Philippi. The lack of a synagogue seems to indicate that Jews were not prevalent and so the church may have consisted primarily of Gentiles. From the conversion of Lydia and references in the epistle itself (4:2-3), it is evident that a number of women played a role in the growth of the church.
When it became necessary for Paul to leave, Luke seems to have stayed at Philippi (based upon careful observations of personal pronouns; e.g., "we, they", cf. Ac 16:12; 17:1). As Paul left Macedonia, the church at Philippi became a significant source of support (4:15-16; 2 Co 11:9). Paul visited the church at Philippi again on his third missionary journey (Ac 20:3,6).
TIME AND PLACE OF WRITING
Philippians is one of Paul's four "prison epistles" (1:7,13,17; cf. Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon). The general consensus is that these epistles were written during Paul's imprisonment at Rome (cf. Ac 28:16,30-31). If such is truly the case, then Paul wrote Philippians around 61-63 A.D. from Rome.
PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE
The church at Philippi had sent a gift to Paul in Rome by the hand of Epaphroditus (4:10,18). Paul uses this occasion not only to thank them, but to comfort them concerning his situation as a prisoner for Jesus Christ (1:12-14). He also writes of his plans to send Timothy soon (2:19-24), and why he considered it necessary to send Epaphroditus back to them (2:25-30). There may have also been a problem at
Philippi involving two women, for Paul has a few words to say concerning them (4:2-3).
THEME OF THE EPISTLE
Throughout this short and rather personal epistle, one keynote resounds again and again. That keynote is joy. Five times the word "joy" (Grk., chara) is found (1:4,25; 2:2,29; 4:1), and the verb "to rejoice" (Grk., chairein) occurs eleven times (twice in 1:18; 2:17,18; 4:4; once in 2:28; 3:1; 4:10). For this reason, the epistle to the Philippians has often been called Paul's "hymn of joy" in which the theme is:
"REJOICE IN THE LORD!"
KEY VERSE: Philippians 4:4
"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!"
OUTLINE
INTRODUCTION (1:1-11)
1. Salutation (1-2)
2. Thanksgiving and prayer (3-11)
I. THE SITUATION IN ROME (1:12-26)
A. PAUL'S IMPRISONMENT AND OPPOSITION (1:12-18)
1. Imprisonment has actually created opportunities to spread the gospel (1:12-14)
2. Even opposition has provided opportunity for Christ to be preached (1:15-18)
B. PAUL'S EXPECTATION OF DELIVERANCE (1:19-26)
1. By their prayers and the provision of the Holy Spirit, he knows all will turn out well for his salvation (1:19-20)
2. Whether he lives or dies, it will be a blessing (1:21-23)
3. Knowing their need of him at the present, he is confident of coming to them once again(1:24-26)
II. EXHORTATION TO BEHAVIOR WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL (1:27-2:18)
A. STAND FAST IN ONE SPIRIT (1:27-30)
1. Strive together for the faith of the gospel (1:27)
2. Do not be terrified by your adversaries (1:28-30)
B. BE OF ONE MIND BY FOLLOWING THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST (2:1-11)
1. Make Paul's joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love (2:1-2)
2. In humility, look out for the interests of others (2:3-4)
3. Follow the example of Christ's humility (2:5-11)
C. SHINE AS LIGHTS IN THE WORLD (2:12-18)
1. By working out their own salvation, for it is God who is at work in them (2:12-13)
2. As children of God, blameless and harmless (2:14-16)
3. Consider Paul's imprisonment as a reason to rejoice (2:17-18)
III.PLANS INVOLVING TIMOTHY AND EPAPHRODITUS (2:19-30)
A. TO SEND TIMOTHY SOON (2:19-24)
1. Paul plans to send him shortly (2:19)
2. Commendation of Timothy (2:20-22)
3. Timothy to come soon, hopefully followed by Paul himself (2:23-24)
B. TO SEND EPAPHRODITUS AT ONCE (2:25-30)
1. Why Paul felt it necessary to send Epaphroditus (2:25-28)
2. Receive him in the Lord with all gladness (2:29-30)
IV. WARNINGS AGAINST JUDAISM AND ANTINOMIANISM (3:1-21)
A. AGAINST JUDAISM (3:1-11)
1. Rejoice in the Lord, bewaring of those who place confidence in the flesh (3:1-3)
2. If anyone had reason to boast in the flesh, it would have been Paul (3:4-6)
3. But he gave it all up, that he might know Christ and the power of His resurrection (3:7-11)
B. AGAINST ANTINOMIANISM (3:12-21)
1. Paul's attitude of pressing on to perfection (3:12-14)
2. An exhortation for them to have the same mind (3:15-17)
3. A warning against those who serve their own desires (3:18-19)
4. A reminder of our true citizenship, and the hope it entails (3:20-21)
V. EXHORTATIONS TO UNITY, JOY, AND PEACE (4:1-9)
A. AN APPEAL TO EUODIA AND SYNTYCHE (4:1-3)
1. Prefaced with an exhortation to stand fast in the Lord (4:1)
2. A plea for them to be of one mind, assisted by others (4:2-3)
B. EXHORTATION CONCERNING JOY AND PEACE (4:4-9)
1. Rejoice in the Lord always, and be gentle to all (4:4-5)
2. Through prayer, let the peace of God guard your hearts from anxiety (4:6-7)
3. Meditate upon things worthy of virtue and praise, and follow Paul's example (4:8-9)
VI. THANKSGIVING FOR THEIR GENEROSITY (4:10-19)
A. THEIR GIFT A SOURCE OF JOY TO PAUL (10-14)
1. Paul rejoiced when they were able to care for him again (4:10)
2. Not that he really had need, for he had learned contentment (4:11-13)
3. But they have done well to share in his distress (4:14)
B. THEIR GIFT A SOURCE OF BLESSING FOR THEMSELVES (15-19)
1. A brief history of their giving to Paul (4:15-16)
2. Their giving abounds to their own account, viewed as an acceptable sacrifice to God, who will supply all their need (4:17-19)
CONCLUSION (4:20-23)
1. Praise to God (4:20)
2. Greetings from those with Paul, even those of Caesar's household (4:21-22)
3. Final benediction (4:23)
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE INTRODUCTION
1) On which missionary journey was the church at Philippi established?
- Paul's second missionary journey
2) Where can we read about the beginning of the church at Philippi?
- Ac 16:11-40
3) Who seems to have stayed at Philippi after Paul left? (cf. "we, they", Ac 16:12; 17:1)
- Luke
4) From where and when did Paul write Philippians?
- From Rome, sometime around 61-63 A.D.
5) What three other epistles were written about this time? What are the four epistles
sometimes called?
- Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon
- The "prison epistles"
6) What prompted the writing of Philippians? (cf. Ph 4:10,18)
- A gift from the church at Philippi by the hands of Epaphroditus
7) From Acts 16 and Philippians 4, who were some of the members of the church at Philippi?
- Lydia, the jailor, Euodia, Syntyche, Clement, Epaphroditus
8) What is the theme running throughout this epistle? Which verse stands out as the key verse?
- Rejoice in the Lord!
- Ph 4:4
9) List the six main sections of this epistle as given in the above outline
- The situation in Rome
- Exhortation to behavior worthy of the gospel
- Plans involving Timothy and Epaphroditus
- Warnings against Judaism and antinomianism
- Exhortations to unity, joy, and peace
- Thanksgiving for their generosity
AUTHOR
The apostle Paul (1:1), joined in his salutation by Timothy. Personal references by the author(1:12-14; 2:19-24; 3:4-7; 4:15-16) are certainly consistent with what we know of Paul from other New Testament sources. Paul's authorship of this letter is also supported by the testimony of early "church fathers" such as Polycarp and Irenaeus.
THE CITY OF PHILIPPI
Named after Philip of Macedonia, the father of Alexander the Great, it was a major city of Macedonia on the road from Rome to Asia known as the Egnatian Way. It was the site of a famous battle in 42 B.C. in which Antony and Octavius defeated Brutus and Cassius. In 30 B.C., Octavian made the town a Roman colony where retired soldiers could live and enjoy the full privileges of Roman citizenship (to which Paul may have alluded in 3:20).
THE CHURCH AT PHILIPPI
During his second missionary journey (49-52 A.D.), Paul and his traveling companions (Timothy and Silas) were making their way across Asia Minor (Turkey) when Paul received a vision at Troas. In the vision, a man of Macedonia pleaded, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." Perceiving that the Lord was calling them to go to Macedonia, they sailed from Troas (Luke having joined them) and eventually
arrived at Philippi (Ac 16:6-12).
With the conversion of Lydia (Ac 16:13-15) and the Philippian jailor (Ac 16:25-34), the church was established at Philippi. The lack of a synagogue seems to indicate that Jews were not prevalent and so the church may have consisted primarily of Gentiles. From the conversion of Lydia and references in the epistle itself (4:2-3), it is evident that a number of women played a role in the growth of the church.
When it became necessary for Paul to leave, Luke seems to have stayed at Philippi (based upon careful observations of personal pronouns; e.g., "we, they", cf. Ac 16:12; 17:1). As Paul left Macedonia, the church at Philippi became a significant source of support (4:15-16; 2 Co 11:9). Paul visited the church at Philippi again on his third missionary journey (Ac 20:3,6).
TIME AND PLACE OF WRITING
Philippians is one of Paul's four "prison epistles" (1:7,13,17; cf. Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon). The general consensus is that these epistles were written during Paul's imprisonment at Rome (cf. Ac 28:16,30-31). If such is truly the case, then Paul wrote Philippians around 61-63 A.D. from Rome.
PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE
The church at Philippi had sent a gift to Paul in Rome by the hand of Epaphroditus (4:10,18). Paul uses this occasion not only to thank them, but to comfort them concerning his situation as a prisoner for Jesus Christ (1:12-14). He also writes of his plans to send Timothy soon (2:19-24), and why he considered it necessary to send Epaphroditus back to them (2:25-30). There may have also been a problem at
Philippi involving two women, for Paul has a few words to say concerning them (4:2-3).
THEME OF THE EPISTLE
Throughout this short and rather personal epistle, one keynote resounds again and again. That keynote is joy. Five times the word "joy" (Grk., chara) is found (1:4,25; 2:2,29; 4:1), and the verb "to rejoice" (Grk., chairein) occurs eleven times (twice in 1:18; 2:17,18; 4:4; once in 2:28; 3:1; 4:10). For this reason, the epistle to the Philippians has often been called Paul's "hymn of joy" in which the theme is:
"REJOICE IN THE LORD!"
KEY VERSE: Philippians 4:4
"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!"
OUTLINE
INTRODUCTION (1:1-11)
1. Salutation (1-2)
2. Thanksgiving and prayer (3-11)
I. THE SITUATION IN ROME (1:12-26)
A. PAUL'S IMPRISONMENT AND OPPOSITION (1:12-18)
1. Imprisonment has actually created opportunities to spread the gospel (1:12-14)
2. Even opposition has provided opportunity for Christ to be preached (1:15-18)
B. PAUL'S EXPECTATION OF DELIVERANCE (1:19-26)
1. By their prayers and the provision of the Holy Spirit, he knows all will turn out well for his salvation (1:19-20)
2. Whether he lives or dies, it will be a blessing (1:21-23)
3. Knowing their need of him at the present, he is confident of coming to them once again(1:24-26)
II. EXHORTATION TO BEHAVIOR WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL (1:27-2:18)
A. STAND FAST IN ONE SPIRIT (1:27-30)
1. Strive together for the faith of the gospel (1:27)
2. Do not be terrified by your adversaries (1:28-30)
B. BE OF ONE MIND BY FOLLOWING THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST (2:1-11)
1. Make Paul's joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love (2:1-2)
2. In humility, look out for the interests of others (2:3-4)
3. Follow the example of Christ's humility (2:5-11)
C. SHINE AS LIGHTS IN THE WORLD (2:12-18)
1. By working out their own salvation, for it is God who is at work in them (2:12-13)
2. As children of God, blameless and harmless (2:14-16)
3. Consider Paul's imprisonment as a reason to rejoice (2:17-18)
III.PLANS INVOLVING TIMOTHY AND EPAPHRODITUS (2:19-30)
A. TO SEND TIMOTHY SOON (2:19-24)
1. Paul plans to send him shortly (2:19)
2. Commendation of Timothy (2:20-22)
3. Timothy to come soon, hopefully followed by Paul himself (2:23-24)
B. TO SEND EPAPHRODITUS AT ONCE (2:25-30)
1. Why Paul felt it necessary to send Epaphroditus (2:25-28)
2. Receive him in the Lord with all gladness (2:29-30)
IV. WARNINGS AGAINST JUDAISM AND ANTINOMIANISM (3:1-21)
A. AGAINST JUDAISM (3:1-11)
1. Rejoice in the Lord, bewaring of those who place confidence in the flesh (3:1-3)
2. If anyone had reason to boast in the flesh, it would have been Paul (3:4-6)
3. But he gave it all up, that he might know Christ and the power of His resurrection (3:7-11)
B. AGAINST ANTINOMIANISM (3:12-21)
1. Paul's attitude of pressing on to perfection (3:12-14)
2. An exhortation for them to have the same mind (3:15-17)
3. A warning against those who serve their own desires (3:18-19)
4. A reminder of our true citizenship, and the hope it entails (3:20-21)
V. EXHORTATIONS TO UNITY, JOY, AND PEACE (4:1-9)
A. AN APPEAL TO EUODIA AND SYNTYCHE (4:1-3)
1. Prefaced with an exhortation to stand fast in the Lord (4:1)
2. A plea for them to be of one mind, assisted by others (4:2-3)
B. EXHORTATION CONCERNING JOY AND PEACE (4:4-9)
1. Rejoice in the Lord always, and be gentle to all (4:4-5)
2. Through prayer, let the peace of God guard your hearts from anxiety (4:6-7)
3. Meditate upon things worthy of virtue and praise, and follow Paul's example (4:8-9)
VI. THANKSGIVING FOR THEIR GENEROSITY (4:10-19)
A. THEIR GIFT A SOURCE OF JOY TO PAUL (10-14)
1. Paul rejoiced when they were able to care for him again (4:10)
2. Not that he really had need, for he had learned contentment (4:11-13)
3. But they have done well to share in his distress (4:14)
B. THEIR GIFT A SOURCE OF BLESSING FOR THEMSELVES (15-19)
1. A brief history of their giving to Paul (4:15-16)
2. Their giving abounds to their own account, viewed as an acceptable sacrifice to God, who will supply all their need (4:17-19)
CONCLUSION (4:20-23)
1. Praise to God (4:20)
2. Greetings from those with Paul, even those of Caesar's household (4:21-22)
3. Final benediction (4:23)
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE INTRODUCTION
1) On which missionary journey was the church at Philippi established?
- Paul's second missionary journey
2) Where can we read about the beginning of the church at Philippi?
- Ac 16:11-40
3) Who seems to have stayed at Philippi after Paul left? (cf. "we, they", Ac 16:12; 17:1)
- Luke
4) From where and when did Paul write Philippians?
- From Rome, sometime around 61-63 A.D.
5) What three other epistles were written about this time? What are the four epistles
sometimes called?
- Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon
- The "prison epistles"
6) What prompted the writing of Philippians? (cf. Ph 4:10,18)
- A gift from the church at Philippi by the hands of Epaphroditus
7) From Acts 16 and Philippians 4, who were some of the members of the church at Philippi?
- Lydia, the jailor, Euodia, Syntyche, Clement, Epaphroditus
8) What is the theme running throughout this epistle? Which verse stands out as the key verse?
- Rejoice in the Lord!
- Ph 4:4
9) List the six main sections of this epistle as given in the above outline
- The situation in Rome
- Exhortation to behavior worthy of the gospel
- Plans involving Timothy and Epaphroditus
- Warnings against Judaism and antinomianism
- Exhortations to unity, joy, and peace
- Thanksgiving for their generosity
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