"The Gift-Giver!" (1st Sunday of Advent)

"The Gift-Giver!"

First Sunday of Advent 2010

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Pastor Jerry Ingalls

November 28, 2010

God's word to His children for this first Sunday of Advent. From 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. ⁷ Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸ And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. ⁹ As it is written: 'They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.' ¹⁰ Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. ¹¹ You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. ¹² This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. ¹³ Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. ¹⁴ And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. ¹⁵ Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!"

Why do we give gifts at Christmas?

Why do you think? [Pull out your sermon notes and write down 3 reasons why you give gifts at Christmas and then turn to your neighbor and discuss; Play Christmas music.]

1.

2.

3.

So, why do we do it? I am going to be coming around and asking you what your cluster came up with. I want honest answers here…I know everyone has their church face on, but I want to know your motivation. At the end of the day why do you give gifts?

1. tradition (family, cultural)
2. it makes others happy
3. it makes me feel good
4. it’s fun (happiness and satisfaction)
5. I like to shop and this is a great excuse!

[Interview throughout the Worship Center]

In the church community and in our culture as a whole, so often we find ourselves doing things because that’s what we do; that’s what we always have done. We need to think critically about why we do and know why we do it.

Let's look at what the Bible teaches about giving good gifts...We give gifts because God first gave to us!

God is the greatest Gift-Giver ever, who gave us life! We have nothing without God! He gave each of us the most amazing gift of all—not only this physical body and all that we need to survive, but most importantly reconciliation through His Son Jesus Christ! God is our protector from all evil, our provider of all that we need, and the one who pardons us from sin for eternal life, our pardoner.

Our LORD Jesus Christ in the Gospel of John 3:16-17 proclaims, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

Jesus is without hesitation stating that He is The Gift of God to the world…to all of humanity…that is you and me! That is the exclamation at the end of our Scripture lesson today, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

Paul is shouting at the top of his lungs for the world to know that Jesus Christ is the Indescribable Gift! We love and give gifts because God is the great Gift-Giver. He is the one who has taught us about love. As the Bible teaches in 1 John 4:19, "We love because he first loved us."

The Gift that is beyond all human words to describe is Himself! The great I AM gave Himself so that we may know Him and be in a relationship for eternity with Him! The Bible teaches in Colossians 1:15: “He is the image of the invisible God.” And again in 1:19: “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him.”

This is the Christmas Miracle--the gift of the Incarnation—God who is spirit took on flesh--God humbled Himself to become a human through natural child birth…a helpless little baby born in a barn with animals and all that comes with them. He was completely dependent on Mary and Joseph…the God who all life is dependent on chose to become dependent on His creation in the frail form of a baby!

We give gifts because God first gave to us and second, because we are called to be like God!

We should give gifts because we are called and empowered to be like our Heavenly Father who only gives good gifts. Jesus Christ states in the Gospel of Matthew 7:9-12, “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

Friends, as children of God, we should not only give gifts, but we should give good gifts! As children of God we are striving in our lives to be more and more like our Heavenly Father and whenever we give good gifts to other it not only honors God, but it serves as a witness of God’s glory as the one true Gift-Giver!

James stated in James 1:17, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” When we choose to make decisions that lead us to be more and more like God, then each decision we make leads to a fuller life in Jesus Christ. God calls us to be like Jesus Christ and to live an Incarnational life!

Do you know what that means...to live an Incarnational Life? I talked about the Incarnation earlier…that was when God, who is Spirit, took on flesh and became a human being—that is the Christmas miracle. We partake in the Christmas miracle when we become the hands and feet of Jesus Christ to this world! When we go to our friends, coworkers, and family with the same kind of love that God showed us in Jesus Christ! This is how God works through us…it is called “incarnational ministry!”

Are you a gift to your family, friends, coworkers? No matter how young or old you are, it’s never too late to start being a gift and giving gifts!

Are you having trouble selecting that perfect gift for someone? Last year, my wife forwarded me an email with some suggestions…maybe she was trying to give me a hint:

• The gift of listening. No interrupting, no planning your response. Just listening.

• The gift of affection. Being generous with affirming feelings, thoughts, and as appropriate with a hug.

• The gift of laughter. Sharing funny stories and jokes. Your gift will say, “I love to laugh with you.”

• The gift of a written note. Expressing in a brief, handwritten note your appreciation or affection. An email isn’t always enough…break out the old paper and pen and blow of the dust.

• The gift of a compliment. Sincerely saying, “You look great today” or “You are special” can bring a smile.

We are called and empowered to be like God and one life-giving choice you can make today is to give good gifts with the same kind of love and generosity; with a cheerful heart, with a smile on your face! Don’t give sparingly…give generously!

In our Scripture lesson, verses 6-7, the Apostle Paul challenges us to be this kind of gift. He states,

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Friends, life is the greatest gift God has given us and He gave us eternal life through His Son Jesus Christ! Freely received, freely given! Become a witness of God’s Gift by giving it away in word and deed!

Are you living a life that reflects the love of God?

We give gifts because…God first gave to us; …we are called to be like God; and…lastly because we are giving thanks to God!

What are we giving thanks for? Listen to Paul’s proclamation in Romans 6:23, “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Shouldn’t our lives be overflowing with thanksgiving when we experience the love of the Gift-Giver, our heavenly Father?

We have been given the grace of God! When we live in thanksgiving to God for everything we have then we live lives of gratitude and generosity. And truly that is the context of Paul’s great exclamation in 2 Corinthians 9:15, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”

Prior to this great exclamation, Paul states in versus 11-13, “You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.”

Here is the bottom line: We are a generous and joyful people! We are gift-givers ourselves because our daddy in Heaven is the greatest gift-giver of all. And we are to be like Him! This is who we are as the children of God. That means our conduct must catch up to who we are! We are called to live generous lives and to give cheerfully! Our lives bring glory to God because we are giving thanks to Him for who He is!

And the greatest compliment you can give anyone is imitation! Not just one day a year, but every day of our lives! It is my prayer that Christmas will not be the only time you give good gifts, but that we each will decide today that we will be generous and cheerful givers in every aspect of our lives--in our time, treasures, and talents.

Because that is the power of The Gift! Because this is who we are when we know the Gift-Giver as our loving heavenly Father who has made us His children through the indescribable gift of His Son Jesus Christ!

Our lives are forever changed by the love of God and the extravagance of His Indescribable Gift!

The gift of LIFE! The gift of LOVE! The gift of FORGIVENESS! The gift of SALVATION! The gift of GRACE! These are all gifts from the Gift-Giver!

Never forget: YOU CANNOT OUTGIVE GOD! You will be amazed at what God will do in your life when you live a generous lifestyle and learn to give cheerfully!

The Christmas miracle is all year long! If you receive this great gift today, then the Christmas miracle is yours for eternity!

"The Life of Grace!" Philippians 4:21-23

"The Life of Grace!"

Captivated by Christ: An expository sermon series on Paul's Letter to the Church in Philippi (message #31)

Pastor Jerry Ingalls

November 21, 2010

The Word of God from Philippians 4:21-23 (NIV), "Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen." [Prayer]

Paul concludes his letter to the Philippians with not only a traditional greetings to those he is writing, he is reminding them of the source and inspiration of their very lives—the grace of God through the final atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ! His final word to them is to live their lives in and through the grace of God! And if there is anything that should mark our lives, our attitudes and actions toward ourselves and others, it is the grace of God.

From these closing verses, let’s learn what Paul would have us remember in his final words. First, THE LIFE OF GRACE UNITES US AS THE ONE PEOPLE OF GOD!

As we study this letter we learn very quickly there is one determinant for our unity! We are the people of God called together by the grace of God! May we learn today, and live out every day, that what God says is set apart as one for one mission should not be torn apart. We are chosen to be one! We must know who and why we are!

Paul’s closing greeting starts in Philippians 4:21-22, “Greet all God’s people [hagios] in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.”

Paul is using a literary technique called a bookend. When we look at the opening greetings of this letter in Philippians 4:1-3 we see that Paul is closing his letter as he started it. “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people [hagios] in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul is not simply sending greetings to and from, he is reminding the Philippians of the source and purpose for their fellowship in Jesus Christ--the grace of God through the Lord Jesus Christ which is for all people. Paul is taking an ordinary greeting opportunity and transforming it into a reminder of the extraordinary purposes of God!

Christians need to understand that God’s grace did not begin with the Cross, though that is where we experienced the ultimate expression and culmination of grace! There are not two different gods in the Bible (the god of the Old Testament and the god of the New Testament); there is only one true God and He is the God of grace. We see God’s grace thousands of years before the coming of the Savior of all humanity, the Lord Jesus Christ, with the choosing of a people who would be the holy ones of God; a people set apart for an extraordinary purpose.

The mission of God is heard in the words of Moses from Deuteronomy 7:6-8, “For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. The LORD did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt.”

In the first five books of the Old Testament, from Genesis to Deuteronomy, from the Patriarchs starting in Genesis 12 to the nation of Israel at the end of Deuteronomy, we see God choosing the unlikely and placing them in unlikely circumstances so that the grace of God could be made known to all people. God’s power is put on display through His chosen people, even when the holy ones are less than deserving of God’s choosing—that’s why it is grace, it is undeserved favor!

This grace of God continues throughthe nation of Israel as we see Joshua succeed Moses and bring the chosen people of God into the Promised Land; as we see the Judges, called and empowered by God, saving the people time after time during a time where God’s peculiar people were acting like rebellious children; as we listen to the people beg for a king so that they wouldn’t be so peculiar and God relents and appoints the great prophet and last Judge Samuel to anoint Saul and then David as the first and second kings of Israel. We watch God’s grace pour over the nation even as the kingdom divides after Solomon. God sends prophet after prophet to the 12 tribes even as the northern 10 tribes are utterly decimated by the Assyrian Empire in 722 BC and then again as the southern 2 tribes called Judah are taken into exile and Jerusalem is destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. But God’s grace does not relent even in these, the most unlikely of circumstances. With 10 tribes destroyed 140 years earlier and now the final 2 tribes in Babylon with a small remnant in Jerusalem, God speaks these words of grace through the Prophet Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 31:31-34 proclaims, "'This is the [new] covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,’ declares the LORD. ‘For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.’”

And this new covenant promised by God through the prophet Jeremiah in the 6^th century BC is fulfilled through Jesus Christ in the 1^st century AD. Through the chosen people of God, the nation of Israel, God sends His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to call forth a peculiar people who would proclaim the grace of God through the forgiveness of their sins and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Just at the time when all looked lost, God fulfilled His ancient promise to set apart a people for His extraordinary purposes—the Mission of God!

In Romans 10:11-13, Paul quotes two prophets in exclaiming the glory of God’s revelation in the New Covenant, established through the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross. Paul states, “As Scripture says, ‘Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.’ [this is from Isaiah 28:6 and is a prophecy of the Messiah, the one who would come and is Jesus Christ] For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved [this is the promise of God from the Prophet Joel 2:32 that there would be no barriers to grace; it is available to all!].’”

The grace of God that has been made known through Abraham to Moses, from Samuel to Jeremiah is the same grace triumphantly made accessible to all people through the gospel of Jesus Christ. And Paul’s life proclaims that this grace cannot be chained! Paul may be in chains for defending the gospel, but the grace, the peace that transcends all human understanding, the indestructible joy, the power of the gospel cannot be chained! God’s mission will not be deterred! The grace of God testifies that God will use any person in any circumstance to declare His love and power to save!

Paul’s testimony proclaims that God uses unlikely people and their unlikely circumstances to proclaim the glory of God’s name to the world. God chooses us and uses us in our every day circumstances to bring the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to the people we encounter.

All of that to say this: Paul was an unlikely man who once was the enemy and persecutor of the followers of Jesus Christ! He ends up in jail in Rome after being shipwrecked, after being betrayed and beaten by his own people. All so that the power of God’s salvation may be offered to the slaves and free servants of Caesar’s household (not his family, but the Roman civil service to include the elite guard of Caesar).

If God will take the unlikeliest of people like Paul and the unlikeliest of circumstances, God is also using you and your life circumstances. This is not performance; this is grace! God will use you…YOU are the mission of God!

The grace of God is the power of God to save through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ! The grace of God is God’s gift of unmerited love and acceptance; this is not a righteousness you can earn through good works or religious conduct; rather, this is the imputed righteousness through the shed blood of the Son of God on the Cross of Calvary! God’s gift!

When we respond to this grace, we are forever called the holy ones—the people of God—and regardless of human divide we are united by grace for the Mission of God! God declares of us in 1 Peter 2:9-10, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”

We are now the people of God! And now you see to what great length God went for you to be one of his chosen people—a holy one, a saint, one set apart for the same extraordinary mission He called Abraham, Israel, Moses, David, Isaiah or Jeremiah. How dare we allow anything of this world (including our own ideas and preferences) to divide us! AT WHAT COST!?! We are united because God has called us together through over 4000 years of grace. It is only in our ignorance and pride that we dare to separate that which God has brought together! [Reference Discussion Question #2]

We owe our very lives to the grace of God and that is our final point of not only this message, but in this 31 week expository sermon series on Paul’s letter to the holy people in Christ Jesus in Philippi. THE LIFE OF GRACE IS THE GRACE OF LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST!

Paul’s letter is a rich teaching which is a call for the followers of Jesus Christ to unite against external attacks and internal controversies. Paul’s letter is a call to the people of God to anchor their lives on the only true source of life—the grace of God triumphantly demonstrated and manifested in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. This is the power of God to save all humanity! Paul’s concluding prayer of blessing (benediction) in Philippians 4:23, “The grace [charis] of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.” To understand the grace of God, you must understand the life that is only available through faith in Jesus Christ.

The grace of God is the uniting power of our lives; we are first united to God and then to one another! And this unity is available to anyone no matter their national or ethnic origin, no matter their former way of life or current situation. We were once not a people, but we are now the people of God through the grace of life in Jesus Christ!

Let’s let God’s word teach us about the power of grace to give life! From Ephesians 2:1-10, “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 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. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

You are called holy because of grace and for the very mission of grace! Do you have the grace of eternal life in Jesus Christ? Do you live the life of grace?

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. What is grace? Discuss what it means to live the life of grace. How does grace change the way you view yourself, others, and the dynamics of human relationships?

2. What, if any, barriers are you aware of in your heart and mind that prevents you from having healthy spiritual relationships with your brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ? Within our family at FBC? Within the diversity of churches in our community? Across the political and social spectrums of Christians in the USA? Across the cultural, nationality, and ideological differences of Christ-followers throughout the world?

3. For further study on the covenant relationship between all of God’s chosen people, please read and discuss Romans 11.

"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.