If someone asked you, what does being a Christian mean to you or what is it all about, what would you tell them? I bet you’d tell them about sin and the free gift of salvation and eternity with the living creator. How about being soooo grateful for what Christ has done for us personally, that we try to be obedient to His wishes that we find in the Bible. Pastor Clint has been trying to get us to really grasp what Christ's work on the cross means for us….. From all different levels.
Do you agree with the statement that salvation is both a gift and a demand?
God offers salvation to all people out of sheer grace. The gift that he gives us is nothing that we earn on our own; not on our own merits…..Ephesians 2:8-9 says …….. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
We can only receive this salvation with gratitude but at the same time when we accept this incredible gift, we come under its demand or obligation that our lives should progressively reflect Christ's character. This is what pastor Clint has tried to convey to us…… To have that "aha" moment where we finally understand in our heart and mind, that our Christian walk should be lived out in light of our redemption, seeing and appreciating all the time what Christ did for us on the cross. Ephesians 1:4 tells us we are to live out our salvation by being holy and blameless. We are to be new creatures, right? We are to, "grow into a mature man or person with the stature measured only by Christ's fullness" according to Ephesians 4:13. Meeting these demands requires a lifetime of consistent and focused effort and our efforts should be evident and that's one way we can spread the gospel. Those around us should see Christ in us all the time.
Many of us are happy to hear statements that they can spread the gospel by how they live……..We hear the phrase "I may be the only Bible that they read". Should we be satisfied with that? Some call this lifestyle witnessing and some think that this really exempts us from giving any verbal testimony or witness. Going to church services, taking part in some church activities, maybe even taking a leadership role really isn't enough! The Gospel actually tells us something different. We are to go, that's GO and tell! Don’t you agree it's hard to speak the name of Jesus in our world today?
I think all of us are rebellious at times and know what we should do, but we may be unwilling to make the effort. That's called disobedience plain and simple and I'm guilty of it myself. As we go through this lesson, try to think of ways in which we can live the true gospel………. I mean really live it, not just go through the motions.
Think about one of the most difficult tasks you ever had to do. What made it so demanding? If you put a number on "living the Christian life consistently", what number from 1 to 10, in degrees of difficulty, would you put on it?
From last week, Tim told us about Paul's situation, being in house arrest in Rome, where many in Philippi were encouraged by Paul’s example of boldly professing the gospel. Others were jealous of Paul and preached the gospel from selfish motives but Paul recognized and rejoiced, regardless of what their motives were, because the gospel was being proclaimed. Paul stated his overriding desire was whether he lived or died, he would conduct himself in a manner that would be worthy, and honor Christ. Paul wanted to visit the Philippian believers if he was released but regardless, his life would be dedicated to that of being a Christian.
In today's lesson, Paul discusses his concerns for the Philippian church; mainly the church's unity. The Philippians had opponents to the gospel and Paul urged believers to stand together in one Spirit as they tried to live out their faith.
Philippians 1:27-30 …… My NIV titles the passage, Life Worthy of the Gospel…. 27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
V. 27 … Paul emphasizes that his friends should demonstrate perfect Christian conduct. Whatever happens stresses priority. Being a good example is so important. They were to be good citizens living according to the government's laws, but in a broader sense, to live as citizens of God's kingdom. They (we) were (are) to live the good news of Christ.
Standing firm here has the sense of persevering or enduring. This is a theme we see frequently in the New and Old Testament…. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 … So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
1 Corinthians 16:13 … Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
Exodus 14:13…. Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.
2 Chronicles 20:17…. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.' "
In one Spirit refers to a shared attitude or disposition or to be together with the Holy Spirit. They were to persevere with one mind, literally soul. They were to be unified in their loyalty to Christ and to keep their grasp of what living for Christ means, along with His purpose as a church body. Striving together or working side-by-side was an athletic term that conveys the idea of strenuous teamwork toward a common goal. Paul was probably trying to give them a subtle reminder that they weren't to contend with each other (not try to outdo the other) but to be unified in presenting the gospel. "For the faith that comes from the gospel" points to what the believers were to teach and how they were supposed to act.
V. 28…… Paul was aware that there was ongoing opposition in Philippi. He exhorted them not to be afraid of their opponents. The word frightened literally describes a horse being startled or bolting in terror. It carries the overtones of panic or dismay. Paul wanted the believers to not recoil in fear as they faced harassment. He wanted believers to refuse to allow the opponents of the gospel to intimidate them.
The Christians perseverance would give a sign or proof of their opponent's ultimate destruction and eternal ruin. Christians would ultimately be delivered…… Their salvation would be completed and fulfilled as God promised. That by God refers to God's sovereignty in pronouncing ultimate judgment on the Gospel's opponents along with believers being saved unto heaven. V. 29…. Paul considered suffering on Christ's behalf as a gift of grace. God's grace gives us the opportunity and capacity to believe in Christ and have faith in Him. Accepting this gift carries with it the privilege of enduring hardship and opposition as we carry out our faithfulness to Christ. V. 30 …. Opposition shouldn't have surprised the Philippian believers. When Paul planted this church in Philippi he experienced all sorts of persecution.
Acts 16:16-24 …..
16 Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her. When her owners realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. They brought them before the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.” The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.
The believers there couldn't expect any less than what had happened Paul. They voluntarily agreed to engage in the same struggle as do we, as present-day Christians. The Greek word struggle should be translated into the word agony. It describes intense exertion in athletics and gladiatorial combat. The Philippian Christians saw firsthand the conflict that Paul had to endure. He and they shared this common experience of suffering for Christ. Suffering wasn't payment for salvation but came with the loyalty of serving. As Christians we have a high calling. We are to always conduct ourselves in a way that is worthy of the gospel. This should be a daily goal of ours.
What are our priorities as a Christian?
Do you think adversity encourages believers?
Which is harder to live out; Christian unity or Christian boldness?
Do you remember report cards years ago and maybe now in some elementary schools; report cards had a category for "conduct". If God were to issue a report card for our conduct regarding the demands of the gospel, what items would be in the list? How do you think our conduct would be rated?
In the next passage, Paul presents Christ as the perfect model of humble selflessness. The Philippian Christians were to avoid rivalry caused by selfish ambition.
While reading this passage think of these three points….
· What is our source of oneness in Christ?
· What positive behaviors strengthen unity?
· What negative behaviors should we avoid?
Philippians 2:1-11 ….. Imitating Christ’s Humility
1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
V 1. Paul issued a strong appeal for unity. The word then or therefore connects Paul's appeal to his friends to work side-by-side in the face of opposition. The phrase if there is conveys the idea of certainty. Paul then points out four realities of the Christian life. The term encouragement, comfort, or consolation comes from a Greek word meaning "to call alongside" in order to support or be an advocate. John 14:26 …. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
Paul assumed they were called or summoned by the Holy Spirit and answered to Christ, who called them to unity. The phrase in Christ stresses their union with Christ by faith. If you translate the word consolation from Greek it means incentive or motivation. Agape-God's kind of love provides this incentive for Christian unity. The word Fellowship can mean partnership or participating with the Holy Spirit, serving under His leadership. Christians are to work together. They should demonstrate characteristics of affection; tender mercy, sympathy, and mercy or compassion. Paul points to all these realities.
V. 2 … Paul was encouraging them to make his joy complete by being unified. They were to have the same mind or think the same way, although they might not agree on every detail, but would have the same disposition or purpose. They were to demonstrate the same distinctive, Christian love. Sharing the same feeling, being like-minded, or being of one accord or one mind translates from a Greek word that means, knit together in soul, conveying the sense of being wholeheartedly in one accord. Paul repeats himself telling them to focus on one goal or literally meaning, being one minded. You get the idea…. This oneness!
V. 3 Unity requires selflessness. Christianity requires this doesn't it? Rather than being self-centered they were to consider themselves others- centered. There was to be no contentious spirit; nothing was to be done out of rivalry. Also they were not to act out of conceit or pride. Nothing is to be ego driven. Christians are always to conduct themselves in humility with an awareness of both their strengths and weaknesses. We are to have a balanced view of ourselves which enables us to see others in a good light, seeking their welfare. Paul doesn't mean that believers shouldn't give attention to their own personal concerns but should also recognize everyone's worth and be willing to deny themselves, for the other’s benefit.
V. 4 Obviously believers need to tend to their own concerns and needs but at the same time be aware of others concerns and needs. We should give priority to unity as believers. Then our priorities will be demonstrated by our behavior and by the biblical principles that we use as our guide.
What's the difference in the meaning of the words unity and uniformity?
Philippians 2:5-8
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
When we hear someone described as having an attitude what do you think this usually implies?
We look around at our culture’s movies and famous personalities, even our music, don't they appeal to attitudes of superiority, rebellion, even toughness? I'm quite sure these were common attitudes in Jesus's time as well. That's why His teachings were viewed as so radical. Typically our culture views humility as a weakness but from a Christian view, doesn't humility convey and require strength?
Coach Tony Dungee wrote a book for men called Quiet Strength.
V. 5 Christ is the supreme example of the proper attitude of humble selflessness. "Let this mind be in you" or "make your own attitude" means that each believer should have Christ's mindset. If each Christian exhibited Christ's attitude, that attitude would permeate the whole church.
V. 6 Verses 6-11 form a hymn. The phrase being in ….. Stresses Christ's preexistence; He Is Eternal. Being in the nature of God or in the form of God or are equal with God refers to Christ's deity. Jesus always has the attributes of Deity….. Of God but he never considered this as something to use to His advantage. V. 7 Christ chose to empty himself. In His incarnation, Christ was fully God and fully human but never ceased to be God. Paul referred to this as Christ freely choosing to leave heaven's glories for a time or to pour out Himself completely in selfless ministry to others. Paul stresses that Christ came in the form of a slave and was here to serve. Mark 10:45 says For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Likeness of men or human likeness means Christ took on human flesh but it means more than He merely appeared to be human. His external form was truly that of a human being; He was truly human in every respect except He committed no sin! V. 8 Even though Christ was deity in human flesh, He humbled himself. He was truly a suffering servant who gave Himself for His people’s salvation. He chose the path of self-sacrifice rather than elevating His status. As God's son Christ was consistently obedient to His father in heaven, even when His obedience resulted in His death on the cross, which was part of God's plan. His death and taking on the sin of the world was agonizing, yet He placed His father's will above His own.
Luke 22:39-42 … Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
Continuing in Philippians 2:9-11 …. Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
V. 9 God exalted His son because Jesus voluntarily was obedient. Christ could be no more deity than He was before or after the crucifixion, yet it seems He was super exalted. After the crucifixion Christ resumed the glorious dignity He experienced before the incarnation. Paul had in mind the name Lord which was a term used in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures for Yahweh, Israel's covenant God. Hebrews thought that the name of someone, described the whole person. In Christ, God expressed His sovereign character as redemptive.
No other person ever could equal, much less surpass God's exalted son.
When you declare that Jesus is Lord, what do you mean?
How do you demonstrate that He is Lord in your life?
V. 10 Because Christ has been exalted, every knee will bow to Him. In Greek its meaning carries a universal acknowledgment of Christ’s sovereignty and majesty. In heaven, on earth, and under the earth refers to all intelligent beings from all times, whether being dead or alive. V. 11 Also - everyone will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This doesn't mean that everyone is going to believe and profess their faith in Christ and become His followers. All believers will joyously acknowledge their Lord but unbelievers will confess because they have to, in light of the clear evidence that is before them. This universal confession will be to the glory of God the father. God's redemptive character will have been revealed perfectly through His son Jesus Christ. God the Father has elevated His son, so we are to confess His Lordship both verbally and by living under it…… By being obedient.
· We are always to conduct ourselves in ways that are worthy of the gospel.
· We should give priority to our unity as believers, showing it by our behavior and by the principles that we use as our guide.
· We are to live with an attitude of humility as we relate to others.
· Because of Jesus' exalted status, we are to confess his Lordship and willingly desire to live under it.
Setting priorities always implies choices. Behind every yes is a no.
This was Scott's Sunday School lesson last week. It is so good. I asked and got permission to share it with you. Enjoy.
