How to Rejoice in the
Lord Always
SERMON TOPICS
REJOICE IN THE LORD: WE ARE RICH IN CHRIST / PHILIPPIANS 4:14-23
Rejoice in the Lord because:
Our citizenship is in heaven
Our names are written in the book of life
The Lord is near us
The God of peace will be with us
Our contentment is found in Christ
We are rich in Christ
What does it mean to be rich in Christ?
1) The church is rich in love: Compassion and care (Philippians 4:14)
14 Nevertheless, you have done well to fellowship with me in my affliction.
2) The church is rich in giving: Generous and giver (Philippians 4:15-16)
15 And you yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church fellowshipped with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs.
Proverbs 19:17 “17 He who is gracious to a poor man lends to Yahweh, And He will repay him for his bountiful deed.”
Proverbs 22:9 “9 He who is generous will be blessed, For he gives from his food to the poor.”
Proverbs 28:27 “27 He who gives to the poor will never want, But he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.”
Acts 20:35 “35 “In everything I showed you that by laboring in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
3) The church is rich in rewards: Spiritual blessings in heaven (Philippians 4:17)
17 Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek the fruit which increases to your account.
4) The church is rich in contentment: God is the provider (Philippians 4:18)
18 But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I have been filled, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
What is contentment according to Paul:
Contentment is finding your wealth and riches in the Lord. Your true wealth is Jesus.
Contentment is finding joy in your little wealth and accomplishments.
Contentment is you don’t compromise your faith and your service to the Lord. You will be more visible and active in church activities
Contentment is when you are willing to abandon the pleasures of the world, flesh, and satan’s world.
Contentment in the Lord is godliness and holiness.
Contentment is an eternal perspective. True contentment is in heaven, not in this world.
The giver of contentment is God and believing in Christ.
Contentment is an act of worship to God.
Romans 12:1–2 “1 Therefore I exhort you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice—living, holy, and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may approve what the will of God is, that which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
WHEN GOD IS PLEASED IN OUR SACRIFICIAL GIVING:
It is an act of worship: the aroma is perfect, it is acceptable to God and pleasing to God.
Our giving to the Lord is our gift to God. It is pleasing to God because God is our audience and not men.
You make God happy or you give pleasure to God.
God will reward us in heaven and will give us contentment here on earth.
5) The church is rich in God: All glory belongs to God forever (Philippians 4:19)-20)
19 And my God will fulfill all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Psalm 103:1-14. / Matthew 6:26-34
The difference between us the believers in Christ and unbelievers regarding God’s provision and supplying our needs:
We have contentment in Christ
We have the peace of God in Christ
We receive the kindness of God in Christ
We are secured and assured of life in heaven in Christ
But what we really need in this world?
The healing of our souls: Our souls should be rich in God:
The peace of God
Forgiveness of our sins
A relationship with Jesus Christ
Salvation of our souls in Christ (Born again)
Joy and hope
Faith and love
Contentment in life
Wisdom and fear of God
Perseverance of God (The Holy Spirit)
Isaiah 40:28–31 “28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, Yahweh, the Creator of the ends of the earth, Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the weary, And to him who lacks vigor He increases might. 30 Though youths grow weary and tired, And choice young men stumble badly, 31 Yet those who hope in Yahweh Will gain new power; They will mount up with wings like eagles; They will run and not get tired; They will walk and not become weary.”
Matthew 11:28–30 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Rejoice in the Lord: Contentment is found in Christ / Philippians 4:10-13
“People are not content with either little or much. In fact, it seems that those who are the wealthiest are often the most miserable and discontented. Instead, people are obsessed with delineating their needs and loudly demanding that they be met. Need has become the number one value in our culture. Starting from the humanistic premise that God does not exist and man is therefore ultimate, the goal of life for people becomes getting their needs met.” MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2001). Philippians (p. 299). Moody Press.
“Being content is not contingent upon having all that you want, but on being thankful and satisfied with what you have…The problem is that the more we get, the more we tend to want. If our contentedness is contingent upon our desires being met, then we are destined to be dissatisfied.” Runge, S. E. (2011). High Definition Commentary: Philippians (Php 4:10–20). Lexham Press.”
Summary of Philippians 3 and 4. Rejoice in the Lord because:
Our citizenship is in heaven
Our names are written in the book of life
The Lord is near us
The God of peace will be with us
Our contentment is found in Christ.
1) God uses His people to provide for our needs (Philippians 4:10)
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived thinking about me; indeed, you were thinking about me before, but you lacked opportunity.
2) God uses our suffering needs to be content (Philippians 4:11-12)
11 Not that I speak from want, for I learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in abundance; in any and all things I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
3) Christ uses His power to bring contentment to His people (Philippians 4:13)
13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
1) Resolve in your mind to have an excellent and commendable Christian life (Philippians 4:8)
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is dignified, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, consider these things.
Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
2) Practice godly qualities of the Christian life (Philippians 4:9)
9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
1) Rejoice in the Lord because our names are in the book of life (Philippians 4:1-4)
2 actions points that our names are in the book of Life (Philippians 4:1)
a) Stand firm in the Lord (verse 1)
1 Therefore my brothers, loved and longed for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
2) Rejoice in the Lord because the Lord is near us (Philippians 4:5-7)
4 action points to believe
the Lord is near us:
a) Be considerate to all men (verse 5)
5 Let your considerate spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
b) Be anxious for nothing (verse 6a)
6 Be anxious for nothing,
c) Let your request be made known to God (verse 6b)
but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
d) Let the peace of God guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (verse 7)
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
1) Look patiently for God’s people and imitate their godly examples (Philippians 3:17-19)
17 Brothers, join in following my example, and look for those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.
18 For many walk—of whom I often told you, and now tell you even crying—as enemies of the cross of Christ,
19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their stomach and glory is in their shame, who set their thoughts on earthly things.
2) Wait patiently for the coming glory of Jesus Christ the Lord who will transform your body in heaven (Philippians 3:20-21)
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by His working through which He is able to even subject all things to Himself.
2 Peter 3:13-15 says, 13 But according to His promise we are looking for NEW HEAVENS AND A NEW EARTH, in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, since you are looking for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, 15 and consider the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you.
FCC Mother's Day Service
What is backsliding? In your Christian life, you decided not want to have fellowship with Christ. You lose your love for God and for the word of God.
What is an apostate? Once, they believed and loved Jesus, but after some time, they turned away from their faith in Jesus Christ. Spirit, and the words of Christ because they do not believe in Christ at all.
What is heresy or a heretic? A person who does not believe Jesus Christ is God. They turn away from the truth of the Gospel message.
Liberal Christianity? You are more interested in social issues: women’s rights and gender and your rights and abortion, etc.
Progressive Christianity? Almost the same with liberal Christianity. They are more concerned with socialism, equality, the environment, and climate change.
Secularism? They are like Atheism and humanism. They have religion, but they do not practice their religion.
Pragmatic Christianity? If you give more offerings to the church, you will receive more from the Lord. To become a church, we need three pastors and at least 100,000 AUD. If you want to be successful in life, give to the church. I have seen and experienced it.
Secularism? They are like Atheism and humanism. They have religion, but they do not practice their religion.
How to press on for Christ?
1) Press on to live for Christ (Philippians 3:12)
2) Press on for the calling of God (Philippians 3:13-14)
3) Press on in the promises of God’s Word (Philippians 3:15)
4) Press on to walk faithfully in Christ (Philippians 3:16)
1) Press on to live for Christ
(Philippians 3:12)
12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:19 storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.
2) Press on for the calling of Christ (Philippians 3:13-14)
13 Brothers, I do not consider myself as having laid hold of it yet, but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,
14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
3) Press on in the promises of God’s Word (Philippians 3:15)
15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, think this way; and if in anything you think differently, God will reveal that also to you.
If your perspective of following Christ is different may God reveal it to you through His Word.
If you are forgetting to read His Word may God reveal it to you His will through His Word.
If you are thinking of sinning back and running away may God reveal it to you through His Word.
If you are thinking of punishing the church may God reveal it to you through His Word.
If you are thinking of not going to church for good may God reveal it to you through His Word.
If you think God is not good and there is no God, may God reveal this to you through His Word.
4) Press on to walk with Christ faithfully (Philippians 3:16)
16 However, let us keep walking in step with the same standard to which we have attained.
What is your goal in life? How to press on for Christ?
Press on to live for Christ: You are saved by Christ show to the world that you are saved and that Christ is in you.
Press on for the call of God: You are saved by Christ work hard with sweat and tears in following Christ. Reach your goal Christ and heaven your sanctification and glorification. Christlikeness and crown of righteousness. Glorify Christ.
Press on in the promises of God’s Word: If you are thinking of backsliding and sinning against the Lord go back to His Word. Remember the faithfulness of God and the promises of His Word.
Press on to walk with Christ faithfully: Continue to attain perfection and maturity through faith in Christ and by walking with Christ. Join the race and finish the race. Be in the active duty for the rest of your life.
1 Corinthians 9:24–27 “24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 25 Now everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. 26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”
2 Timothy 4:7–8 “7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. 8 In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
1) You will seek to have Christ (Philippians 3:9)
9 and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own which is from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God upon faith,
2) You will seek to know Christ
(Philippians 3:10)
10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,
Romans 8:36
36 Just as it is written, “For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; We were counted as sheep for the slaughter.”
Galatians 6:17
17 From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
3) You will seek eternal life in Christ (Philippians 3:11)
11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Romans 6:5 For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection,
What is the result of having faith in Christ and the righteousness of God? What is the result of counting your religion and your good works as loss and rubbish? (useless and worthless)
1) You will seek to have Christ (Philippians 3:9)
2) You will seek to know Christ (Philippians 3:10)
3) You will seek eternal life in Christ (Philippians 3:11)
How to live and walk by faith (Part 2) Philippians 3:4-8
4) Do not find confidence in your religion for salvation (Philippians 3:4-6)
4 although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more:
5 circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee;
6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.
5) Count your religion and good works useless salvation (Philippians 3:7)
7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.
8 More than that, I count all things to be loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ
Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. And the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
How to live and walk by faith?
1) Rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 1:1)
2) Beware of false and fake faith (Philippians 3:2)
3) Be Confident in Christ’s work of salvation and sanctification (Philippians 3:3)
4) Do not find confidence in your religion and good works to gain salvation (Philippians 3:4-6)
5) Count your religion and good works useless salvation (Philippians 3:7-8)
1) Rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 3:1)
1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.
2) Beware of false and fake faith
(Philippians 3:2)
2 Beware of the dogs! Beware of the evil workers! Beware of the mutilation!
3) Be Confident in Christ’s work of salvation and sanctification (Philippians 3:3)
3 For we are the circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and boast in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,
Galatians 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk in step with the Spirit.
Romans 15:17; Therefore in Christ Jesus I have reason for boasting in things pertaining to God.
Galatians 6:14, But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Not mutilation or circumcision of the flesh
Not being an attack dog (destroying the church)
Not being an evil pervert worker (false worker)
But
By being a true worshiper and being led by the Spirit of God
By boasting in Jesus Christ alone to salvation
By putting our confidence in Christ’s work alone
To prevent us in putting our confidence in the flesh:
We need to rejoice always in the Lord
We need to be aware of false teachers
We need to worship by the Spirit of God
We need to boast in the Lord Jesus Christ
We need to our confidence in the Lord
Hook: “In mathematics and grammar, a reciprocal has specific meanings. In math, it refers to a number or quantity that, when multiplied by a given number, produces a product of one; for example, the reciprocal of 2 is 0.5. In grammar, a reciprocal pronoun expresses mutual action or relationship between subjects, such as "each other" in the sentence "They started to shout at each other". More broadly, reciprocal can describe something mutual or shared between two parties, like reciprocal trade agreements or friendships. In navigation, it can denote a course or bearing that is 180° from the previous one. The term can also be used as a verb, "reciprocate," meaning to give or feel in return.”
1) God sends faithful servants in the church (Philippians 2:25-26)
25 But I regarded it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need;
26 because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.
How to love and respect a faithful servant? How to identify a faithful servant?
First, he is a brother in Christ (a believer in Christ). Second, he is a fellow worker who was a faithful partner in ministry. Both study the words of Christ. Both follow and obey the word of God morally and in sanctification, prayer, and care. Both are willing to work with God in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Third, he is a fellow soldier. This means he is a fellow sufferer for Christ, willing to join you in trials, testing, hardship, and persecution. In tagalog walang iwanan!
Fourth, he is a true messenger or an apostle with a mission of supporting Paul and God’s people. Raising support for the pastor and missionary. Who knows how to serve and proclaim the Gospel.
Fifth, a minister. Who has a pastoral heart. Compassionate heart for the lost and for the church. A true public servant. A true spiritual leader. Who has the initiative to serve and not to be served. A humble servant sees others as better than himself.
Sixth, he has the longing to serve Christ and His church more.
Seventh, he is ready, healthy, and strong to go back to ministry. This is without being drifted away from discouragement and bad health.
2) God shows mercy to faithful servants to continue serving the church (Philippians 2:2)
27 For indeed he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow.
Let us attribute everything to God and His mercy to us instead of sorrow upon sorrow and when we are going through hardship and successes in life and ministry:
God showed His mercy when He brought you here in Sydney
God showed His mercy when He saved you and forgiven you all of your sins.
God showed His mercy you are still strong and healthy.
God showed His mercy when He used the church for me and my family to grow together in Christ
God showed His mercy to our marriage life and family.
3) God uses faithful servants to bring joy to the church (Philippians 2:28)
28 Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned.
4) God commands the church to love and respect our fellow servants of Christ (Philippians 2:29-30)
29 Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard
30 because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to fulfil what was lacking in your service to me.
There are Four ways God called a faithful servant:
1. God is the one who sends and calls faithful servants in the church.
2. God is the one who shows mercy to His faithful servants.
3. God is the one who uses faithful servants to bring joy to the church.
4 God is the one who commands the church to love and respect our faithful servants.
“Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus were three very different individuals: Paul the bold, fearless leader; Timothy his quiet, devoted assistant; Epaphroditus a diligent, behind-the-scenes worker. Yet all three manifested the most important characteristic of a godly leader—a life worth imitating.” MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2001). Philippians (p. 207). Moody Press.
Philippians 3:7-8,
7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ
PHILIPPIANS 2:17-18
17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.
PHILIPPIANS 2:19-22
19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state.
20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.
21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.
PHILIPPIANS 2:22-24
22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.
23 Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me.
24 But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.
14 I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And intricately woven in the depths of the earth; 16 Your eyes have seen my unshaped substance; And in Your book all of them were written The days that were formed for me, When as yet there was not one of them. Psalm 139:14-16
1) As a Christian work hard in doing good (Philippians 2:12-13)
12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;
13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
1 Therefore I exhort you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice—living, holy, and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may approve what the will of God is, that which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:1-2
OUR RESPONSIBILITY IS TO WORK OUT OUR SALVATION. MEANING LET US BE FAITHFUL TO THE CALL OF GOD THAT WE ARE SAVED PEOPLE OF GOD. FEAR GOD. OBEY GOD. LOVE GOD. SERVE GOD. FOLLOW GOD AND SHARE CHRIST. WALK WITH GOD TILL YOU DIE.
GOD’S RESPONSIBILITY IS TO KEEP SAVING US. TO KEEP GUIDING US AND LEADING US TO LIVE FOR HIM AND TO HONOUR AND GLORIFY HIM. He has already written our names in the Book of Life. Given you eternal life in Christ. THIS IS HIS GOOD PLEASURE. THIS IS HIS JOY TO BE WITH US HERE ON EARTH AND IN HEAVEN.
2) As a Christian stop complaining (Philippians 2:14-15)
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing,
15 so that you will be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
3) As a Christian love Christ and His Word (Philippians 2:16)
16 holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to boast because I did not run in vain nor labor in vain.
1) Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Our responsibility is to be a faithful follower of Christ. God’s responsibility is to keep saving us because we are saved.
2) Do all things without complaining and arguing. Never never complain to God’s work and complain to each as much as possible. Persevere and understand each other’s weaknesses and forgive one another.
3 Hold fast to the word of life. So we can boast to God that our running or work in the ministry, achievements, and our labour and hardship and suffering are not all in vain, empty or useless or foolishness. We will definitely get our rewards in heaven from Christ Himself.
1) The Humility of Christ (Philippians 2:5-8)
5 Have this way of thinking in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
6 who, although existing in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,
7 but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a slave, by being made in the likeness of men.
8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
2) The Exaltation of Christ (Philippians 2:9-11)
9 Therefore, God also highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The Macarthur New Testament Commentary:
In the New Testament, He is called Lord some 747 times. In the book of Acts, He is referred to as Savior only twice, but as Lord 92 times.
10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you. James 4:10
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time. 1 Peter 5:6
Building A Christ-Centred Church / Philippians 2:1-4
Saint Augustine of Hippo said, “For those who would learn God’s ways, humility is the first thing, humility is the second, and humility is the third.”
John Calvin said, “Humility is the beginning of true intelligence.”
1) Build a loving relationship with Christ (Philippians 2:1-2a)
1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,
Luke 10:25-37
25 And behold, a scholar of the Law stood up and was putting Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 And He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 27 And he answered and said, “YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND; AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” 28 And He said to him, “You have answered correctly; DO THIS AND YOU WILL LIVE.”
29 But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. 31 “And a priest happened to be going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 “Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 “But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him, and when he saw him, he felt compassion.
Pouring oil and wine on them, and he put him on his own animal, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 “And on the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, when I return I will repay you.’ 36 “Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” 37 And he said, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.”
2 Corinthians 5: 17 says, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”
2) Have a Christ-centred mind (Philippians 2-4)
2 fulfill my joy, that you think the same way, by maintaining the same love, being united in spirit, thinking on one purpose,
3 doing nothing from selfish ambition or vain glory, but with humility of mind regarding one another as more important than yourselves,
4 not merely looking out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
Matthew 20:20-28
20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Him with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him. 21 And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She said to Him, “Command that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit one on Your right and one on Your left.” 22 But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They said to Him, “We are able.” 23 He said to them, “My cup you shall drink; but to sit on My right and on My left, this is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.”
24 And hearing this, the ten became indignant with the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 26 “It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, 27 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Martin Luther in his book, The Freedom of The Christian Man: “The Christian is the lord of all, and subject to everyone, because of faith; he is the servant of all, and subject to everyone, because of love. Faith and love are, the two governing principles for the Christian life. Faith expresses the Christian’s relationship to God, love the relationship to humanity. These two Christian principles are interdependent, that is, where there is faith, there will also be love.”
“We conclude, therefore, that a Christian lives not in himself, but in Christ and in his neighbour. Otherwise he is not a Christian. He lives in Christ through faith, in his neighbour through love. By faith he is caught up beyond himself into God. By love he descends beneath himself into his neighbour.”
1) Stand firm in the faith of the Gospel (Philippians 1:27)
27 Only live your lives in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear about your circumstances, that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind contending together for the faith of the gospel,
2) Stand tall against all opposition (Philippians 1:28)
28 in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God.
3) Stand strong in suffering for Christ (Philippians 1:29-30)
29 For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
30 having the same struggle which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
What was Paul saying here to the church in Philippi and to us as a church?
1) Expect to live an ordinary life or simple life. But we are commanded to excel still more as Christians and citizens of heaven.
2) Let us live our lives in a manner worthy of the Gospel. This should be our goal as citizens of heaven.
3) Let us be faithful and fruitful in good works. Well-tested by fire, excellent, sincere, blameless and Spirit-filled citizens of heaven.
4) Let us learn to rejoice in our faith in Christ, learn to rejoice, and keep rejoicing in the Lord.
5) Let us stand firm in the faith and contend together as a church (striving together, fighting together and desiring to grow together as a church in the Lord).
6) Let us welcome and accept suffering for Christ’s sake. Suffer in the name of Jesus Christ.
7) Suffering for Christ means being willing to be corrected, rebuked, and disciplined when we are wrong, make a mistake, or fall into sin.
8) Suffering is not accidental, a curse from God, or divine judgment. It is a calling from God and a gift from God for the purpose of growth and Christlikeness.
9) Suffering is not accidental, a curse from God, or divine judgment. It is a calling from God and a gift from God for the purpose of growth and Christlikeness.
10) Let us not abandon our faith in Jesus Christ. Never stop, never quit, persevere, and endure long suffering. Persevering in suffering is a sign of our salvation, and it is from God.
11) Let us not be afraid of satan’s attacks and the world’s attacks. They cannot kill or destroy our souls. Only fear God, who is capable of destroying, killing, destroying, and throwing people to hell and the lake of fire.
12) The destruction of the enemies of God and their judgment is also from God.
How to live our lives as worthy citizens of heaven and proclaimers of the Gospel:
1) Stand firm in the faith (vs 27);
2) Stand tall against all opponents (vs 28);
3) Stand strong in suffering for Christ (vs 29-30);
The last three (3) messages we learnt the joy of being with Christ.
1) Seeing the joy of a faithful Gospel church (Philippians 1:1-6; Part 1):
Seeing the grace and peace in the church
Seeing the church abiding and partnering with the Gospel proclamation and supporting Paul.
Seeing God’s faithfulness in the church
2) Seeing the joy of a faithful Gospel church (Philippians 1:7-11; Part 2): Seeing the joy of abundant love and see the result of abundant love in the church.
excellent church; sincere church; blameless church; and spirit-filled church.
3) Seeing the joy of proclaiming Christ:
Seeing the proclaiming the Gospel; Defending the Gospel and and exalting Christ .
1) Choose to live with Christ (Philippians 1:21)
21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
2) Choose to serve Christ (Philippians 1:22-24)
22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know what I will choose.
23 But I am hard-pressed between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better,
24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.
3 examples of owning Christ and following Christ
a) He already decided to build the tower (vs 28-30): No turning back and finish the building
b) He knows the consequence of fighting the battle (vs 31-33): Giving up to the fame and wealth of this world. willing to be low in the world but high in Christ
c) He must be a useful salt (vs 34-35): Bear good works, faithful and fruitful, pursuing holiness and righteousness and sanctification.
3) Choose to grow the church (Philippians 1:25-26)
25 And convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith,
26 so that your reason for boasting may abound in Christ Jesus in me, through my coming to you again.
2 Corinthians 5:9 Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
1) We proclaim Christ and the Gospel
(Philippians1: 12-14);
12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel,
13 so that my chains in Christ have become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else,
14 and that most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord because of my chains, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.
Psalm 19:7-10
7 The law of Yahweh is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of Yahweh is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of Yahweh are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of Yahweh is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of Yahweh is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of Yahweh are true; they are righteous altogether.
10 They are more desirable than gold, even more than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
2) We defend Christ and love the Truth
(Philippians 1:15-18)
15 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will;
16 the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel;
17 the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me affliction in my chains.
3) We exalt Christ till we die (Philippians 1:18-20)
18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,
19 for I know that THIS WILL TURN OUT FOR MY SALVATION through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.
Romans 8:37–39
37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
2 Timothy 4:7-8
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.
8 In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.
Read Romans 14:7-9
7 For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself;
8 for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.
9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.
3 signs of a healthy Gospel church:
1 We proclaim Christ and His Gospel (vs 12-14)
2 We defend Christ and love His Truth (vs 15-17)
3) We exalt Christ till the end (vs 18-20)
Four ways to see the saving grace of God in our Christian life and walk: (vs 19-20a)
a. Through your prayers.
b. The provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
c. According to my earnest expectation
d. And hope,
What will be the result: Prayers, support of the Holy Spirit, earnest expectation, and hope? (vs 20b)
First result: God will not allow us to be put to shame in anything.
The second result: Christ will be exalted and magnified in our life and till we die.
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Sermon outline:
4) The joy of loving a faithful church (Philippians 1:7-8)
7 For it is only right for me to think this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are fellow partakers with me in this grace.
8 For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.
5) The joy of seeing an abundant love in the church (Philippians 1:9)
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in full knowledge and all discernment,
6) The result of an abounding in love church (Philippians 1:10-11)
10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and without fault until the day of Christ,
a. An excellent church (verse 10a)
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
Colossians 1:28 says, “We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.”
6) The result of an abounding in love church (Philippians 1:10-11)
10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and without fault until the day of Christ,
b. A sincere church (verse 10b)
6) The result of an abounding in love church (Philippians 1:10-11)
10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and without fault until the day of Christ,
c. A blameless church (verse 10c)
d. A Spirit-filled church (verse 11a)
11 having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Descriptions of a joyful-faithful Gospel church:
4) The Joy of Loving a faithful church (verses 7-8)
5) The joy of seeing abundant love in the church (verse 9)
6) The results of a joyful-loving church: (verses 10-11)
a. An excellent church (verse 10a)
b. A sincere church (verse 10b)
c. A blameless church (verse 10c)
d. A Spirit-filled church (verse 11)
e. A church that gives honour and glory to Christ alone and to God alone! (vs 1:11)
1) The Joy of having grace and peace from God (Philippians 1:1-2)
1 Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2) The joy of abiding in the Gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:3-5)
3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,
4 always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all,
5 because of your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.
The church was always the top list of Paul’s prayer and thanksgiving
HE HAS JOY EVERY TIME HE PRAYS FOR THE CHURCH IN PHILIPPI.
HE HAS JOY EVERY TIME THEY PREACH THE GOSPEL AND SPREAD THE GOSPEL
HE HAS JOY EVERY TIME THEY GROW DEEP IN CHRIST
HE HAS JOY EVERY TIME THEY SHOW LOVE AND KINDNESS AND MISSION
HE HAS JOY EVERY TIME THEY HOLD FAST IN THE LORD
HE HAS JOY EVERY TIME THEY DO MINISTRY KNOWING IT IS NOT IN VAIN
HE HAS JOY EVERY TIME THEY PUT THEIR CONFIDENCE IN THE LORD
HE HAS JOY BECAUSE THE CHURCH IS HIS JOY AND CROWN
HE HAS JOY EVERY TIME HE RECEIVES THEIR GENEROUS GIVING AND RECEIVES EPAPHRODITUS.
This letter of Paul was indeed a letter of joy! A letter of rejoicing! A letter of joyous spirit. A joy of successful life and ministry. A joy of a successful church. This is Paul’s definition of true joy. There is joy in the midst of suffering when the church remains faithful in the Lord.
3) The joy of seeing God’s faithfulness to His church (Philippians 1:6)
6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
CHARLES SPURGEON SAID, “A good old minister was once asked whether he believed in the final perseverance of the saints. “Well,” said he, “I do not know much about that matter, but I firmly believe in the final perseverance of God, that where He has begun a good work He will carry it on until it is complete.” To my mind, that truth includes the final perseverance of the saints. They persevere in the way of salvation because God keeps them in it.
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