A LIfe Focused on Jesus

Philippians 1:19-30

Acik Kapi Kilisesi, September 17, 2023

1. Intro – What does a life focused on Jesus look like?

a. The value of your passport

b. Your passport means you can go home.

c. Our relationship with Jesus is our ultimate passport.

i. Phil 3:20 – citizenship is in heaven

ii. Understanding this truth lets us live life focused on Jesus

Philippians 1:19–30 NIV

19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. 27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

2. A life focused on Jesus shows confidence in Him;

Philippians 1:19–21 NIV

19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

a. Confident in his/her present and future salvation,

Philippians 1:19–20 NIV

19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

b. Both life and death are wins for Christians,

Philippians 1:21 NIV

21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

3. A life focused on Jesus shows concern for others above your own welfare;

Philippians 1:22–26 NIV

22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

4. A life focused on Jesus is united with the Body of Christ;

Philippians 1:27 NIV

27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel

a. Stands firm in one Spirit with the Body

b. Strives together with the Body for the Gospel

5. A life focused on Jesus is unafraid of the consequences of following Him;

Philippians 1:28–30 NIV

28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

a. The unity of the Body of Christ demonstrates our position with Him,

Philippians 1:28 NIV

28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.

b. The united Body of Christ suffers together, not just believes together,

Philippians 1:29–30 NIV

29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

6. Conclusion

a. We must focus our lives on Jesus, not this world

b. We must remember who we are, children of the King