"The Disciplined Life!" Philippians 4:8-9

"The Disciplined Life!"

Captivated by Christ: An expository sermon series on Paul's Letter to the Church in Philippi (message #28)

Pastor Jerry Ingalls

October 31, 2010

God’s word from Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV), “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” [Prayer]

In the previous verses, we were commanded to not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, we are to present our requests to God. And in response, God gives us His peace, the peace that transcends all understanding. And then what does the Bible say? This holistic divine peace “will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. God’s peace guards our inner person (our hearts) and our lifestyles that flow out from who we are (our minds). His peace is like a sentry on the high wall of a fortified citadel. Our verses this morning flow directly from this context. With this military image in mind, we are then exhorted to live a soldier’s life (disciplined!) so that God’s peace does not stand guard in vain. We are to join in the defense by living disciplined lives ourselves.

First, WE LIVE DISCIPLINED LIVES BY FOCUSING OUR MINDS ON GOD’S WORD!

Paul gives us this focus in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

There are a couple ways we can address this verse. We can study each word and see the different nuances that Paul is referencing (I encourage that for you to do for further study), but we don’t need to do that for you to get the point of what Paul is saying. Paul is teaching followers of Jesus Christ how to guard your life from anxiety and stand firm in the joy of Jesus Christ. First, you have to focus your mind, you have to drill yourself, on the promises and truths of God.

Trevor Ragle is going to come up now and demonstrate for us what this looks like. [Trevor, from memory, recites Psalm 139:23, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”]

The undergirding reality to live under the protective watch of God’s peace is that God knows. God knows your thoughts and He cares so much for you that He wants you to be free from the anxiety that burdens you. God also knows we are a people who quickly forget His presence and promises. We are a people easily distracted by our hormones and emotions, our pains and pleasures, our circumstances and causes.

That is why, for nearly 4000 years, the strategy for successful living has not changed. Listen to God’s plan for living a disciplined life and passing the plan from one generation to the next. This word was given to God’s chosen people right before Moses died and Joshua taking them into the Promised Land. From Deuteronomy 6:4-9, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” This is the secret to living a disciplined life; we must know God’s word! This teaching is the key to adult discipleship and successful children’s and youth ministries.

Tina to share testimony and vision for partnership between church and families. [Prayer]

If we are going to raise a generation, then we need to know and focus our minds on God’s word! Aleesa Hernandez has a good word for us! [Aleesa recites from memory Psalm 119:11 “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”] When we fill ourselves with God’s word then we are filled with the peace of God: that which is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, that which is excellent and praiseworthy! God’s peace is light in a dark place!

Chloe Schaffer has something to teach us. [Chloe recites from memory John 17:17 “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”]

When we focus our minds on God’s word, the word of God which was from the very beginning with God, then we are filled by the One who transforms our hearts, minds, and souls to be acceptable to Him. We are sanctified, set apart, made holy, by talking about, meditating upon, and drilling our minds on the truth of God! This is the power of God to overcome temptation, sin, and evil in our lives! We are given this action plan, to arm ourselves as fellow guards of the great citadel. From 2 Corinthians 10:5, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Do you know how to know a counterfeit bill?

At this time I invite you to break into small discussion groups throughout the Worship Center. I don’t want anyone alone so be a good neighbor and invite someone to you if you see them alone. For the next 5 minutes in groups of 3-5 people discuss these questions found in your sermon notes: Do you have thoughts that you need to put in time out? How does talking about and memorizing God’s word help you have a disciplined thought life?

I hope that this small group time has helped and encouraged you. The key to living a disciplined life is to focus your mind on God’s word and we all need accountability and encouragement in this area! And not just for our thoughts, but also for our lives!

Let’s now turn to the second point, WE LIVE DISCIPLINED LIVES BY ALLOWING GOD’S WORD TO LEAD OUR LIVES!

It is not enough to simply focus your mind on God’s word; you must allow God’s word to lead how you live your life. Your lifestyle reflects that which you know and believe about God. If you think holy thoughts, you will be holy! Your thought life leads your lifestyle!

Paul continued in Philippians 4:9, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night and it was pitch dark in your room? Have you ever been disoriented or lost in the dark with no light to guide you? How do you walk in those situations? [Demonstrate groping in the dark.]

Life can be that way when you have no light in the midst of such great darkness! How are you finding your way in the midst of such corruption, such oppression, such moral bankruptcy? And it’s getting darker as we see evidence of the coming storm.

But there is an answer to our groping in the dark. I want to call up Gabe Fischer, one of our little ones to teach us. Gabe, can you teach us what you memorized about God’s word. [Gabe recites from memory Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”]

God’s word focuses us on the right way to walk especially in the presence of great darkness. Don’t be deceived, we are surrounded by the fog of war that darkens the way.

We live disciplined lives when we allow God’s truth to transform the way we think and act. We have been granted the grace to know God and His truth, and to experience His power through the apostolic teaching and living testimony of the body of Christ. We are being challenged to live with integrity by putting into practice that which we claim to know and declare we believe!

Please turn back to your 3-5 person discussion groups and for the next 5 minutes share some responses to these questions found in your sermon notes: Do you have behaviors in your life that do not please God? How can your friends and family help you learn God’s word and allow it to lead your life choices? Do you or your family have a consistent time in God’s word?

Paul emphasizes in verse 9 that there are two ways for us to grab a hold of this new and abundant life we are to live. Neither should be neglected! First, we hear the word of God taught through avenues of formal instruction and discussion. We see this in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, “Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” We must not neglect the importance of learning together through the teaching and preaching of God’s word. But this is not the only way we receive the truth.

The life transforming truths of Christianity are caught as much as they are taught. We learn the truths of God through the example set before us by mature Christians who we are to emulate and follow. We see this in 1 Corinthians 4:15-17, “Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me. For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.”

When I look out, I see dozens, if not hundreds, of people behind each of you. As teachers, mentors, parents, we must know that the disciplined life is not one lived for our own sake, though it is key to the abiding life of God’s peace. The disciplined life is the reality of intentionally following Jesus Christ by making disciples. When you focus your thoughts on God and live a lifestyle that is under the lordship of Christ, then you think, speak, and act in a way that makes disciples! And Paul promises the God of peace will be with you! Listen to Paul’s benediction in 1 Thessalonians 5:23 “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

God is with you today and forevermore! He has given to you the fullness of His promises to guard your heart and mind. Have you invited Jesus into your thought life and lifestyle choices, not just on Sundays, but every day?

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. The Bible commands us in 2 Corinthians 10:5 to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” What does this mean to you in your everyday life? Are you struggling with impure, unholy, or unhealthy thoughts that are leading you away from God? Do you want freedom?

2. The teaching of Philippians 4:9 points to followers of Jesus Christ following the example set for us by mature believers. Why is it important to have a spiritual mentor?

3. According to Deuteronomy 6, how do we raise generations to know God and follow His commandments? How do families and churches partner together to raise children and youth who are passionate followers of Jesus Christ? What are you doing with the time you have with your kids to intentionally disciple them?

4. Are you memorizing God’s word? Start with two passages from today’s sermon: Psalm 119:11 and Psalm 119:105. Discuss the importance of each passage to your everyday life (clues: dealing with temptation and seeking God’s guidance).

"The Fruit of a New Life!" Philippians 4:4-7

"The Fruit of a New Life!"

Captivated by Christ: An expository sermon series on Paul's Letter to the Church in Philippi (message #27)

Pastor Jerry Ingalls

October 24, 2010

The word of God from Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV), "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." [Prayer]

Paul continues to exhort the Christ-followers of Philippi, and through the Holy Spirit you and I today, to conduct ourselves as citizens of heaven. He is teaching us how to stand firm as one man, as a soldier standing firm as the enemy encircles. The way we stand firm as God's people, the Church, in the midst of external attacks and internal controversies is to intentionally cultivate the fruit of the new life in our everyday thoughts and actions. We are to conduct ourselves in a manner that reflects the reality of the life transformation that has happened in us through the gospel of Christ.

Let's look at three aspects of our new life from this passage. First, THE FRUIT OF A NEW LIFE IN THE LORD IS THE RESOLVE TO REJOICE IN DAY TO DAY LIFE!

Paul commands in Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"

Regardless of our circumstances we are commanded to resolve ourselves toward living out the heart attitude of joy by rejoicing! This is not a suggestion, it is a command! Nor is this a call to a Pollyannaish world view. We do not simply smile in the face of evil; life's circumstances are not always a bed of roses. We must make a distinction between happiness and joy. Happiness is an emotion based on our perception of our circumstances. It is impossible to always be happy. Joy is a conviction of your soul that sings, "It is well, it is well with my soul."

Joy is based not upon our circumstances like happiness or sadness; rather, it is based on what God has done for us and what He has promised to complete in us! Paul gives us the motive clause of our rejoicing stating, "Rejoice in the Lord always." The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 40:2-3, "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD."

We find the resolve to rejoice in the day to day circumstances of our life, even in the midst of our sufferings, when we know that through them we are being strengthened for the coming day of the Lord and purified to meet Jesus Christ face to face. We find the resolve to rejoice because we know that God is worthy of our trust! We rejoice in the Lord whom we put our trust in, NOT in our circumstances!

Rather than resolving to place ourselves at odds with the sovereign God by wanting to know why God has allowed this or that to happen, and asking ourselves questions that no one on earth can answer like, "why me?" or "why my family" or "why now?" let us together resolve to ask ourselves this one question: "How can I respond to my circumstances in a way to bring glory to God?". How can I respond in a way that builds my faith in God?

The Bible teaches us in 1 Peter 1:6-9, "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit; it is a character trait of a mature follower (disciple) of Jesus Christ. Paul not only commands us to rejoice once, he says it multiple times in this letter, and even in this same verse he states it twice, ending with, "I will say it again: Rejoice!" This is not a self-help emotional feel good. To miss the mandate of joy in the Christian life is to miss a major point of this letter and a defining character trait of the redeemed life. This is not the promise of the American Dream, where we see materialism bearing the fruit of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Joy is the fruit of the abundant life promised by Jesus Christ! Amen!

The second point: THE FRUIT OF A NEW LIFE IN THE LORD IS GENTLENESS WITH OTHER PEOPLE!

Paul exhorts in Philippians 4:5, "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." The fruit of our new life with Christ is not only visible in our personality, but also in our interpersonal relationships. And once again, Paul clearly gives us the motive clause. We "rejoice in the Lord always", so we know to rejoice not because of our ever-changing circumstances, but in the Lord who is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. Now, we are commanded to be gentle in our relationships because, "The Lord is near."

This can be understood in two ways. First, in a spatial way (in other words by how close God is to us!). Jesus Christ promised in the Gospel of Matthew 28:20b, "And surely I [Jesus Christ] am with you always, to the very end of the age." We are to be gracious and gentle in our relationships because Jesus Christ is right here next to us and who in their right mind is going to treat someone badly or act in a way that is hurtful to God when the God of the Universe is right next to him/her. Imagine a scenario where Jesus Christ sat down with you at lunch today at the Ministry Appreciation Luncheon. No way you would gossip about someone or be rude to someone or not invite someone to sit down with you just because you do not know them. The proximity of Jesus Christ in your presence changes your conduct!

A second way to understand this motivation is temporal. In other words, our conduct is motivated by God's timetable! Jesus Christ is coming for us soon!

We live differently because we know He will return for us; to give us our full inheritance and to judge our conduct. The Bible teaches in 1 John 3:3, "Everyone who has this hope in him [the hope of Jesus' imminent return] purifies himself, just as he [Jesus] is pure."

If you truly lived your life in eager expectation (A life of expectancy!) then you would ensure that your conduct was above reproach every day, in every way, and in every relationship. However you interpret it, the fact that the Lord is near motivates our attitudes and actions!

What does it mean to be gentle in our relationships? The Greek word epieikēs [epi-eye-case] means a gracious gentleness. Essentially, this word was used in its original context of a judge who had every justification and right to give a person the maximum punishment for their conduct, but chose to show them grace. In the context of everyday interpersonal relationships, this means that you should have a testimony as a man or woman who is not quick to punish or be harsh with your words towards someone, but putting the needs of the other person first your conduct toward them is a gracious gentleness; a patient kindness. The Bible teaches us how to live this way in James 3:16-17 by contrasting the conduct of those who are immature and in the world versus those who are mature and in the Spirit: "For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." The motivation of our relationships with others is how God has conducted Himself toward us in Christ Jesus!

Third and last, THE FRUIT OF A NEW LIFE IN THE LORD IS THE PEACE OF GOD THAT COMES FROM THE GOD OF PEACE!

Paul states in Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace [eirēnē] of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

These verses could amply supply material for a series of messages, but let's look at them in the context of the fruit that God gives us when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. The life in the sarx (the unredeemed nature, the flesh) is filled with anxiety and worry! But not so with us who have been given the Holy Spirit and now bear fruit of the Spirit. Jesus Christ, in the Gospel of Matthew 6:27, declared our lack of power over our circumstances by asking us this simple question, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Worry bears no good fruit! It distracts us and robs us of our joy and confidence in the Lord. The Psalmist declared in Psalm 91:1-2, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"

Does this mean that we, as followers of Jesus Christ, will not experience depression, anxiety, emotional pain? Absolutely not! We are human; we are people in process in this broken perishable body! But, we respond differently to our anxiety and worry!

I was taught by the world to feed my anxiety and worry and allow the fear it feeds to drive me and determine my decision making. Not so with us! As Spirit-filled followers of Jesus Christ our actions are not determined by our emotions and fears! God is our determining factor! The Bible teaches us in 1 Peter 5:7 to, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." Both Paul and Peter acknowledge that we will have anxiety! The Bible time and time again mentions our burdens, our worries, our anxieties. This is a reality of life! Either we are going to be people under the power of God or under the power of our emotions. I don't know about you, but I want God in control of my life, not my ever-changing emotions and feelings.

Here is the good news of this very real situation: we may be broken, but God, through His Son Jesus Christ dying on the Cross, has created a bridge for us to have intimacy with God through prayer. There is an action plan to give us peace in the midst of anxiety. How are we to deal with our anxiety, our burdens, and our worries? Paul states in our Scripture lesson, verse 6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." When anxiety hits, follow God's action plan, and choose life through prayer. Choose to communicate with a grateful heart for the fact that through Jesus Christ you are granted direct access to God to cast your anxieties. With thanksgiving to God for His great love of you, tell the God who has won you peace on the Cross, all of your requests and then trust that He has heard you; find rest in the shadow of His wing. God is your fortress and strength! You are safe and secure in Jesus Christ!

The God of peace has promised us the peace of God. This is the eirēnē of the New Testament Greek and the shalom of the Hebrew Scriptures. This is a peace brought about by God's activity; a divine indwelling. This is an inner wholeness of person and healthy relationship with God and people! Peace is the work of God! The Bible teaches in Hebrews 13:20-21, "May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."

The God of peace has won our peace at the great price of the blood of Jesus Christ! And do not be deceived, there is still a battle waging for your heart and mind! That is why Paul uses a military image at the end of verse 7, "And the peace [eirēnē] of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Like sentries guarding the fortified walls of a citadel, so God's peace in Christ Jesus guards the citadel of your heart (the language here is pointing to your inner source of all outer life; your mind, will, emotions, and conscience) and your mind (this word points to the outflow from this source in terms of our plans).

God has promised you the victory and He wants your life to be marked by this victory! The abundant life is the victorious life guarded by the God of peace. In Romans 16:20, Paul promises, "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you." Do you know this peace?

Have you responded to the victorious news of Jesus Christ? Are you living in the victory of what Jesus Christ had done for you on the cross? Do you have peace with God?

It starts by accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. It continues by daily relying upon the Holy Spirit for power. The victorious life is a life of power and we need God's power to rejoice in our circumstances! We need God's power to be gracious when we feel like administering justice! We need God's power to turn our anxieties and burdens over to Jesus Christ through prayer. And through God's power, the God of peace will guard your inner and outer person with the peace won through the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. The command to rejoice, regardless of our circumstances, is a theme found in Philippians. To miss the mandate of joy in the Christian life is to miss a major point of this letter. How is it possible to rejoice when life is painful and difficult? What is the difference between joy and happiness? What is joy grounded in? How is your faith in Jesus Christ greater than your feelings about your circumstances?

2. Read the account of the woman caught in adultery in the Gospel of John 8:1-11. Discuss what Jesus models for us regarding how to administer grace in the midst of justice. How do you demonstrate gracious gentleness in your relationships? How do we come alongside fellow believers in their struggles and walk with them to victory in Christ Jesus?

3. Do you worry? Do you worry that you're worrying? When was the last time you prayed at length over the things that worry you, trouble you, or consume you? Do you trust God to take care of your burdens and concerns? Read the promise of the Gospel of Matthew 11:28-30. Thank you Jesus!

"A Life that Stands Firm!" Philippians 4:1-3

"A Life that Stands Firm!"

Captivated by Christ: An expository sermon series on Paul's Letter to the Church in Philippi (message #26)

Pastor Jerry Ingalls

October 17, 2010

Our Scripture lesson this morning is Philippians 4:1-3 (NIV), "Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! ²I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. ³Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life." [Prayer]

Paul transitions in Philippians 4:1, "Therefore, my brothers [and sisters], you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown [stephanos], that is how you should stand firm [stēkō] in the Lord, dear friends!"

The therefore in verse 1 both applies to what has been said and what will be stated in the closing exhortations of his letter. You see, in many ways, all that Paul has been writing is an explanation of Philippians 1:27 which states, "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 [stēkō] in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel." Paul is now starting the closing exhortations of his letter and he uses the same Greek word, stēkō, in order to communicate the grave importance of what is at stake by the way we conduct our lives.

The word, stēkō, translated 'stand firm', literally translates into the image of a soldier holding his ground in the shock and horror of battle with the enemy surging down upon him. As we see in both Philippians 1:27 and in today's Scripture lesson of 4:1, Paul is not speaking to one person alone. He is writing to the entire church, the holy ones of Christ in Philippi. We are to be so united together that no matter what internal controversies or outward threat comes against us, we must stand firm as one person in the Lord, for the faith of the gospel!

When we connect verse 1 to the previous verses, we learn that we can only stand fast in the Lord when we live in daily expectation of his return. We learn that we must have security as followers of Jesus Christ: living our lives knowing that our destiny is heaven, our object of worship is God, our moral authority is the Bible, and our perspective on life is to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.

When we connect verse 1 to the exhortations to follow, we see that our relationships and our conduct litmus test of our testimony to the world. When we love one another and are united in our hearts and our purposes then we manifest the power of eternal life in our lives.

Will we be found as one man or will we be like children separated and tossed around by the controversies and deceptions of the world? The decision is ours and we must choose today on what we will build our unity and how we will then conduct ourselves as the one body of Christ!

There are two key lessons we must learn from our Scripture lesson in order to live a life that stands firm. Our first teaching point is, WE STAND FIRM IN THE LORD BY BUILDING UNITY IN THE ONE!

Paul states in Philippians 4:2, "I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other [phroneō] in the Lord."

In this verse, we are greeted by a reality that will not go away until Jesus Christ returns. Regardless of whether you lived in the generation that saw Jesus Christ or are living now 2000 years later, this is the reality of our human condition: we experience broken human relationships! Paul never mentions what the issue is because this disagreement can be any two of us today over a multitude of issues. The issue is not what is important to Paul. What is important? What does he mention specifically? Paul mentions the people be name! The people are what are important; our relationships together are important because we are the one body of Christ! In this case, two church leaders, possibly even leaders of two different house churches, definately two faithful servants of the gospel (see v. 3) are not agreeing about some issue. Are we surprised by this? Do we see the division upon division amongst followers of Jesus Christ today?

It is a human reality that diverse people will not come together unless they are united by a leader who will lead them for a cause greater than themselves! To illustrate this point, I want to show you a movie clip that shows what it takes to bring together the most diverse and most divided of people. Show Movie clip

What will it take to bring the people of God together? It will take a wakeup call that we are not playing games; rather, we are a part of an epic war against evil and each of us, through faith in Jesus Christ, are being called to join in the fellowship to stand firm against the evil that threatens to consume and destroy us every single day, in ordinary subtle ways and in extraordinary obvious ways.

This may appear to be a fatal quest, but it is the will of God for us to unite together and not lose heart. And here is the best news! There is a leader who has united us as one and we are called to give Him our allegiance! Paul teaches in Philippians 2:1-2, "If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded [phroneō], having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose."

The same Greek word is used in this verse 2:2 as in verse 4:2. Phroneō means to have a unity of mind. How is Paul dealing with the conflict? He is reminding these two church leaders (and us today!) to put into effect the practices of a Christ-follower: to be united because their fellowship is through the Spirit, to be tender and compassionate in their relationships, to show mutual love and unity of love, to put the interests of others above their own, and most importantly, to have unity of mind with him and with Jesus Christ. We must build our unity in the one. Paul teaches of the one in Ephesians 4:4-6, "There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Only in Jesus Christ can we, the most diverse of people, be held together in a common fellowship. We each must start by giving our allegiance to the one Lord, Jesus Christ, who empowers us by the Spirit with one purpose. Our loyalty to one other is not dependent on our feelings about one another, but it is 100% dependent on our loyalty to our one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and father of all.

We will stand firm against the overwhelming circumstances and controversies of this world if we build our unity on this one truth. To build our fellowship on anything else guarantees eventual disunity and disruption. In fact, according to Jesus Christ, the power of our fellowship is complete unity, just as Jesus is completely one with the Father. Jesus Christ prayed for us in the Gospel of John 17:22-23, "I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." As God is one in three persons, so we must be one body with many parts.

For a soldier to stand firm in the horrors of combat he must have a strong foundation to stand upon. But then he must conduct himself (or behave) according to his training. That is our second teaching point; WE STAND FIRM IN THE LORD BY BEHAVING LIKE GOD'S CHILDREN!

In our human relationships, especially when there is disagreement and disunity, we must conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ! We must stand firm together and the only way we can do this is to behave like a spiritually-minded person, not like a child or fleshly person. Paul continues in Philippians 4:3, "Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow [true companion], help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life."

It is agreeable to most students of the Bible that Paul is mentioning a specific person in this verse when he asks the "loyal yokefellow" to intervene with these two faithful women who have contended on Paul's side in the cause of the gospel. But, in the way Paul writes, he assumes that this "loyal yokefellow" will know when he/she is being addressed by this title. Another translation for the Greek in this passage is, "true companion." Paul is writing the church in Philippi and asking that a true companion get involved in this matter. Paul is writing to someone who deeply cares about the people of God and will conduct him/herself in a way that is consistent with how Paul would handle it.

We know these true companions existed, but at least in Rome where Paul was in jail there were few to find. Earlier in Philippians 2:20-21, we read this description of one who would be considered a "loyal yokefellow", "I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ."

The Holy Spirit is calling out to some "true companions" in our midst today who are willing to take a genuine interest in the welfare of others, an attitude like Jesus Christ!

I know there is a relational strain in your family. I know there are issues between people in our congregation. And I know there are disagreements between some in this congregation and with some in other congregations. Enough! The Holy Spirit is calling for true companions to come alongside of these people and situations! [Prayer]

Before we leave God's house of reconciliation today, let's ask ourselves this simple question, HOW DO GOD'S CHILDREN BEHAVE? What does it look like to stand firm together by behaving in a manner worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ?

1. We love one another! This is the key behavior of followers of Jesus Christ—LOVE! The Bible teaches in 1 John 4:19-21, "We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, 'I love God,' yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother."

Did you hear how Paul described his friends in Philippi in verse 1? He called them, "my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!" These are words rich with depth and meaning. And in verse 3, Paul builds up the two women who are in disagreement saying they are, "women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life." Paul is speaking words of love and partnership over his friends in Christ. We must build one another up with our words, and our deeds.

2. We help one another! Our love is not just a feeling, it is an action manifested in deeds of service toward one another. Paul teaches believers in Galatians 5:13, "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love."

Paul commands his true companion to "help". Friends, there is no effort too great to maintain the peace of the church! "A quarrelling church is not a church at all, for a quarrelling church is a church from which Christ has been shut out, and to which He cannot gain access. No man can be at peace with God and at variance with his fellow-men" (William Barclay). Love must manifest in our actions!

We must come alongside of one another and get involved and help one another! Disunity and relational dysfunction are not private matters in the body of Christ! We must answer the call to help one another; we must partner!

3. We partner for the gospel together! Paul started his letter addressing this church as the saints because they are partners in Christ together. He wrote in

Philippians 1:4-6, "In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

We behave as one people, called together by one love, to partner for this one cause, the gospel of Jesus Christ! The good news is that when we are called to be together, not just here now, but for eternity because through faith in Jesus Christ each of our names is written in the book of life. I believe that we are all going to be together with one heart and one mind worshipping our one Lord, Jesus Christ. There will not be different areas for different divisions of Christ-followers…we will be one!

Let us choose today to bring heaven to earth by experiencing the complete unity we are destined for. Unity starts by making the choice of your eternity by asking Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior. It then continues each and every day by making the decision to behave like a true companion, a spiritual friend on a spiritual journey.

Relationships are the litmus test of your faith! How is your faith?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Discuss with your accountability partner, why is harmony in relationships vital for our growth as disciples of Jesus Christ? Describe experiences where you have witnessed (or felt) the damaging effects of relational disharmony and disunity. How do we/you learn from these experiences to ensure we/you don't repeat the same patterns and mistakes? Consider a broken relationship in your life; how are you going to partner with God to bring about restoration?

2. Is it possible that we, the community of the redeemed in Christ, can confess unity in heaven yet practice disunity on earth? Read Jesus' prayer in the Gospel of John 17:1-26. Discuss the heart of Jesus' prayer for us as His disciples.

3. Are you living a life that stands firm in Jesus Christ? Pray about and then discuss your responses to this message with your accountability partner.

"The Expectant Life!" Philippians 3:20-21

"The Expectant Life!"

Captivated by Christ: An expository sermon series on Paul's Letter to the Church in Philippi (message #25)

Pastor Jerry Ingalls

October 10, 2010

The Word of God from Philippians 3:20-21 (NIV) for a message entitled “The Expectant Life”, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” [Prayer]

Paul is directing our attention to the realities of heaven and the identity and security we have in Jesus Christ. We have been saved by the blood of Jesus Christ shed on the cross. We have the assurance of eternal life through the victory over death Jesus Christ had in the resurrection and bodily ascension to heaven. And we now are left as people who are children of God, citizens of heaven, but have not yet fully attained all the promises of God. The completion of all things will happen when Jesus Christ returns to claim His bride—that’s us, you and me! Jesus teaches us of the last days in the Gospel of Matthew 24:3-8, “As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. ‘Tell us,’ they said, ‘when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’ Jesus answered: ‘Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ’, and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.’”

We are to live lives like an expectant and eager couple who are awaiting the gift of life into their family. We too are expectant for what God is birthing in His creation that will not be birthed until Jesus’ returns. Let’s unpack our Scripture lesson to understand what it means to live “The Expectant Life”. First, WHEN YOU ARE EXPECTING YOU PREPARE YOUR HEART! [Personal sharing-preparing the home]

Paul declares who we are in the first half of verse 20, ”But our citizenship [politeuma] is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20a).

This Greek word politeuma is a political word that the believers in Philippi would have clearly understood. It is more literally translated “commonwealth” and Paul was pulling at their allegiance to Rome as a Roman colony far away from Rome itself.

At the heart of the matter, what Paul is saying is that you are a colony of heaven in conquered territory. As more than conquerors for those you live amidst, ensure your loyalty does not fall in line with those that surround you.

Your allegiance cannot be to the savior and lord of the Roman Empire, Caesar. Our allegiance and ultimate loyalty transcends nationality and political affiliation. Our allegiance and loyalty is to the King of Kings, the Savior of all humanity, the Lord Jesus Christ, by whom every knee shall bow and tongue will confess! When Jesus Christ returns to bring to completion that which we eagerly await, He will not ask you as Judge your political party or your nationality, He will look to see if your name is written in the Book of Life, and that is dependent on if you have given Jesus your life and asked Him to be Lord and Savior, through faith!

We live as expectant people when we prepare our hearts for the coming King and that means we need to know who we are in relation to Him. We are more than loyal subjects to Jesus Christ; we are sons and daughters of the King, the children of God, rightful heirs to the rich inheritance of God’s covenantal promises! The Bible declares in Romans 8:16-17, “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

We not only prepare our hearts by knowing our identity in Christ, but we also must ensure our lives are in alignment with the values of the Kingdom of God. We cannot serve two masters and be a double-minded people, we must choose who we will serve and then live out that allegiance through our daily loyalties. Jesus directed our priorities in the Gospel of Matthew 6:33, stating, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

We live expectant lives when we prepare our hearts by ensuring our allegiance is the true King. It is to His coming that we focus our lives. That brings us to the second point, WHEN YOU ARE EXPECTING YOU EAGERLY AWAIT THE ARRIVAL! [Personal sharing with how Kimberly told me she was pregnant]

Paul finishes verse 20 explaining, “And we eagerly await [apekdechomai] a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20b).

This is to be the victory call of our lives. We read this promise of Jesus Christ and how we should respond from Revelation 22:20, “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”

Jesus Christ has promised to return; this is money in the bank and we must have a laser focus on His return. The Greek word apekdechomai is a concentrated and persistent expectation. It is the image of an eye detached from all other objects to watch only for this one thing. This is a laser focus!

Every generation of followers of Jesus Christ is called to live with expectancy of His imminent arrival! Since Jesus Christ ushered in the Kingdom of God with his life, death, and resurrection, we now live in eager expectation for the promised birth of the new world order! The Bible teaches in Romans 8:22-25, “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”

We eagerly await the redemption of our bodies, the completion of our imperfect status as adopted sons to the glorified state of being like Jesus Christ. This is our hope and we do not use the word hope like the world does where there is no certainty. We hope knowing that which has been promised will come true. We hope with certainty so we wait with eager expectation. This directs our focus on getting our lives right with God so that when Jesus does come we are ready to greet Him with all that we have. Jesus Christ taught of His return in the Gospel of Luke 12:35-37, “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes.”

Are you living in such a way that you eagerly expect Jesus Christ to come back today? Is there something in your heart that needs to be surrendered so nothing of this life and the loyalties of this world keep you from wanting to go to Jesus Christ when He returns for you?

Jesus Christ is coming back and when He does all of creation will be transformed! That is our last teaching point, WHEN YOU ARE EXPECTING YOU ANTICIPATE LIFE WILL BE TRANSFORMED! [Personal sharing—Do you remember life without Beorn?]

Paul concludes this sentence in verse 21 stating, “Who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly [humble] bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:21).

This is a powerful picture of the power of the God of the Universe, who created the heavens and the earth, who uses His power to give you life. God, in His very character of love, uses His power to transform that which is humble and broken into that which is glorious and whole—we will be transformed into the image of Jesus Christ. This will happen on the day of Christ Jesus. On that day, the day that has been preordained by God, our daily life of expectancy and faith will be rewarded by seeing our Lord and Savior face to face. The Bible declares in 1 John 3:2, “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.”

Our very life is transformed on the arrival of the coming King! We know and believe this, but do we live each day in eager anticipation? Have we lost the anticipation? Have our lives become focused on other things, because day after day has gone by without the fulfillment of the promise?

Don’t lose focus! There is a reason we wait! But we do not wait without hope. We wait for the One we hope for because He is the One we have put all of our faith in! As certain as the Cross of Jesus Christ is the Second Coming of Jesus Christ! There is not one without the other!

The Bible teaches us in 2 Peter 3:8-10, “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.”

The reason we wait patiently is because God has been and will continue to be patient with us! God loves you and does not want you to perish! God is always on time and He is calling out to every person to accept the gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ. The Day of the Lord is coming and all will be judged! Don’t be taken by surprise!

Like a thief in the night! Do not delay; do not hold off your decisions any longer! Today is the day of salvation!

Have you been baptized? Don’t delay!

Have you accepted Jesus Christ? Don’t delay!

Are you ready?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. What does it mean to place your citizenship first in the Kingdom of God? How does this affect your view of nationalism and ultimate loyalties? Are you able to love your brothers and sisters in Christ even if their national identity is of an enemy nation?

2. To “eagerly await” (v. 20b) means to have a laser focus on the imminent return of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. How does this focus on Jesus’ second coming inform Paul’s ambition in life and focused strategy laid out in Philippians 3:10-14? How should you live today if you really believe Jesus is coming back very soon?

3. Please read 2 Corinthians 5:1-10. In the context of this passage, what does it mean to live by faith and not by sight? How should this affect your attitude in and toward the aging process and the death and dying process? What has shaped your views of your body, aging, and death and dying: the world or the Bible?

The Unchained Life! Philippians 3:17-19

"The Unchained Life!"

Captivated by Christ: An expository sermon series on Paul's Letter to the Church in Philippi (message #24)

Pastor Jerry Ingalls

October 3, 2010

Our Scripture lesson today for a message entitled, “The Unchained Life” is found in Philippians 3:17-19 (NIV), “Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. ¹⁸For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. ¹⁹Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.” [Prayer]

At the time of this letter, Paul was in Rome, in chains for defending the gospel of Jesus Christ! Paul is in chains for Christ because he was captivated by the love of God through Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus. And after his conversion when Paul became a follower of Jesus Christ, he spent the next 30 years of life studying the Scriptures and learning the teachings of Jesus Christ, teaching and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, and planting and leading churches.

And his reward was to be in chains for the God who unchained him! Friends, we are not promised a care-free comfortable life when we follow Jesus Christ, we are promised a life of freedom that comes with hardship and suffering!

Paul may have been in chains, but he was unchained! Brothers and sisters in Christ, you can be chained and live the unchained life and you can be unchained and live the chained life. This is not about your circumstances, we will suffer, but will we suffer for the right things and for the right reasons?

Let’s examine what the unchained life looks like. First, let’s look at how we live the unchained life. WE LIVE AN UNCHAINED LIFE WHEN WE FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF THOSE WHO ARE FOLLOWING JESUS CHRIST!

Paul states in Philippians 3:17,”Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.”

Paul is not saying that his life is the perfect life. Paul is on a journey of following the example of Jesus Christ so he is saying what he said in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”

Paul is not only pointing us to himself, but also to the other faithful disciples of Jesus Christ who are living the right lifestyle (“the pattern we gave you”) of a disciple who are following the example of the master.

Paul is teaching us that we need to have active mentorship models in the church. Men and women who can show younger or newer Christ-followers how to live the life of freedom as disciples of Jesus Christ. We need one another, we need accountability, to live the unchained life! Together!

Living the unchained life is only possible, first through the power of God to save us. But, next we must live out this freedom through the Holy Spirit with active models of grace walking alongside of us. We need these models to lead us, and then, overtime, we become the models to others.

We read these truths in 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7, where Paul states, “For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.”

Living the unchained life requires intentional community, but this community must be empowered by God! That leads us to the second point: WE LIVE AN UNCHAINED LIFE THROUGH THE POWER OF GOD!

We can only live the victorious life when we acknowledge the power of the cross of Jesus Christ to forgive all sins and reconcile sinners to God. Our only hope for the unchained life is in God and His power! The cross is the key to unchain us eternally, and the same resurrection power that brought Jesus Christ back from the dead is the key to unchaining us from lifestyle choices daily that make us enemies of the cross.

Paul states in Philippians 3:18-19, “For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.”

Paul has been establishing who the models are that we should partner with in intentional relationship to know Christ more and the power of His resurrection. These are people who demonstrate fruit of the power of God in their lives. In this verse, Paul says that there are some in the midst of the church who claim to follow Jesus Christ, but their lives demonstrate them to be enemies of the Cross. It would be all too convenient for us to see these people as outsiders attacking the church. But that does not fit the overall context of what Paul is saying. These people appear to be members of the larger fellowship who are using their freedom in Christ to do unholy things, all in the name of grace. They are deceiving the saints from the right lifestyle as disciples.

In Romans 16:17-18, Paul warns, “I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.”

Do you see the fruit of the power of God in someone’s life? This is the primary evidence of their conversion. Follow him/her! Apple trees bear apples!

To demonstrate this, let’s listen to a dramatic testimony of a life that became unchained through the power of God! Cheryl C. shares testimony. [Prayer]

From Paul’s teaching in verse 19, there are 4 contrasts I want to highlight in order to emphasize the unchained life. These are CONTRASTS BETWEEN THOSE WHO LIVE AS DISCIPLES OF CHRIST AND THOSE WHO LIVE AS ENEMIES OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST:

First, the disciple of Jesus Christ has a different DESTINY than the enemy of the cross: Eternal Life versus Destruction! ____

Paul states, “Their destiny is destruction…” They may claim to know Christ and be a part of Christian fellowship, but they have not yet been born again through the Holy Spirit to eternal life. It would be impossible for them to have a destiny of destruction as believers because listen to the security that a person who lives an unchained life has: we were once enemies of God when Jesus Christ reconciled us (Romans 5:10), but through the grace of God in Jesus Christ who died for our sins upon the cross, through faith we are no longer enemies, but friends of God, and our names are written in the book of life—we are forever in the secure hand of God!

The Bible declares in Revelation 20:14-15, “Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”

The second death is Hell; a place where no light, no good exists because it is where sin and evil are banished from the presence of God for eternity; whether angelic or human, they are eternally separated from fellowship with God so that the recreation of Eden can be completed.

In your sermon notes, you will see that there is a blank line next to each of these four contrasts. After I complete each point, I am going to give you a moment to pray and think about your life. On a scale of 1 to 10, with one being I am living my life as an enemy of the cross of Christ and ten being I am living my life as a disciple of Jesus Christ; please rate yourself on your lifestyle.

Go ahead and take a moment now. I live in the reality that my destiny is either destruction (1) or eternal life (10). [Jeopardy theme music].

Second, the disciple of Jesus Christ has a different OBJECT OF WORSHIP than the enemy of the cross: God versus Flesh! ____

Paul states, “…their god is their stomach...” This is not an unfamiliar topic, Paul earlier in this chapter in verse 3 stated, “For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:3). For a disciple of Jesus Christ the object of worship is Jesus Christ. God is the only one we worship and we are to put no confidence in the flesh, but an enemy of the cross worships themselves because they worship the appetites of their flesh, symbolized by the stomach.

An unchained life is free because the object of worship never changes. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. And this God we worship is love, compassion, mercy, perfect community! Unlike the captivity we have when we worship the ever changing reality that is you and me!

Are you chained by your emotions? By your lusts? By your appetites? By your comforts? Does the hormones and chemistry of this weak human body determine your worship or does the God who created your body deserve the adoration and praise? Who or what shapes your days and choices?

Go ahead and take a moment now and rate yourself from 1 to 10: I live in such a way that shows my object of worship is either me, my flesh, and my feelings (1) or God (10). On a scale of 1 to 10, where are you in the unchained life? [Jeopardy theme music].

Third, the disciple of Jesus Christ has a different MORAL AUTHORITY than the enemy of the cross: Bible versus World! ____

Paul states, “…and their glory is in their shame….” This is a MAJOR issue in modern Christianity, especially in the western church were our cultural decline (I mean progress) has led to a disintegration of absolute truth and an anchoring for a firm moral code. But, interestingly enough, this is the same decline they were seeing in Rome in Paul’s time.

The Prince of Prophets, Isaiah, stated in Isaiah 5:20, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”

An enemy of the cross will find their moral authority in the cultural elite, the mass opinion, or even worse their own justifications to appease their guilt to continue living in such a way to gratify their appetites. Lies upon lies! Deceptions to protect self-deceptions! Because if your god is your stomach, then you will build your moral system around that which you hold in highest esteem.

But a disciple of Jesus Christ can build their moral foundation on God’s revealed Word, the Holy Bible, which is5 an unshakable moral foundation that will never waver. It does not shift with public opinion or the latest fad. It is ancient of days and rock solid! This is what an unchained life is built on!

Go ahead and take a moment now and rate yourself from 1 to 10: My lifestyle choices demonstrate that my moral authority is either the world and whatever I want it to be to justify my actions (1) or God’s Holy Word, the Bible (10). On a scale of 1 to 10, where are you in the unchained life? [Jeopardy theme music].

Fourth, the disciple of Jesus Christ has a different PERSPECTIVE than the enemy of the cross: Heaven versus Earth! ____

Paul states, “Their mind is on earthly things.” At its deepest level, Paul is speaking about whether or not you have a regenerated mind that can comprehend the wisdom of God. Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 1:18, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” For those who reject the cross, it is because their minds are on earthly things, they cannot find wisdom in the things of God, they are foolish in the eyes of the world!

The unchained life is one that can drink from the wells of God’s wisdom and know that all we can gain from this world is loss, and if we are willing to lose this life we will gain eternal life. The unchained life weathers the storms of this life when we have an eternal focus, knowing that this life is not all that we have to look forward to!

Go ahead and take a moment now and rate yourself from 1 to 10: My life choices reflect that my perspective on life is either on earthly things (1) or on heavenly things (10). [Jeopardy theme music].

And now for the prize; it is time for Final Jeopardy! WHICH GROUP DO YOU BELONG TO? _________

The Bible challenges us in Deuteronomy 30:19-20a to make a choice, “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him.”

This same reality is being presented to you today. I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life! In the space provided for you I want you to write the group you belong to and you only have 2 choices: “Enemy of the Cross” or “Friend of Christ.” [play Jeopardy theme music].

Jesus Christ bore your sin on the cross so that today you would choose Him and in choosing Him you are choosing life!

May your lifestyle reflect your choice! And may you find someone who can model this life for you. I encourage you to find an accountability partner. Start this week by getting together to share your responses to today’s teaching and walk through the discussion questions on the back of your sermon outline.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. How does a Christ-follower remain chained to the old life of sin when he or she has been given the new life of freedom through faith in Jesus Christ? How do you get unchained? How do you help your brother or sister in Christ get unchained? Are you in an accountability relationship that meets weekly? The answer lies within the question!

2. For further study please read Colossians 3:1-17, 23-24. Then discuss with an accountability partner how these passages help you understand what Paul meant when he said, “Their mind is on earthly things”. Using Scripture to interpret Scripture, was Paul teaching that going about the practical affairs of our everyday lives made us enemies of the cross? What things should we avoid doing that put is in opposition to God? In the other matters of our everyday lives, how should we go about doing them?

3. Whose example are you following? Would your neighbors agree with your answer by their observation of your life?