Excellency Through The Spirit

Jubilee Community Church

Philippians 1:8–11 (KJV 1900)

For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

“That you may approve things that are excellent”

Excellent-διαφέρω (diapherō): to distinguish between good and evil, lawful and unlawful, to approve of things that excel, to differ from one · to excel, surpass one.

One definition I found says to be better than good, not just unsinful, not just passably moral, not even good, excellent!

Jesus teaches us in John 17:16 “16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”

John tells us in 1 John 2:15–16“15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”

Daniel 6

Daniel 6:3 KJV 1900

3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

“An Excellent Spirit”

Daniel set the standard for christians who want to hold public office.

He was a man who had distinguished himself above the administrators and satraps that were appointed under Darius.

He was a man know for his insight, intelligence, and wisdom” under Nebuchadnezzar (5:11).

He had a reputation of a man with an extraordinary spirit (5:12) As one who had a “Spirit of the gods” or the “Spirit of God!” (5:14)

Daniel was one of only three governors promoted over the one hundred twenty satraps appointed by Darius.

Two recurring themes now surface in the text.

The first of the twin themes is the insecurity of all monarchy. The reason for the appointment of the governors appears to have been a royal concern over deceit and political graft: It says in verse 2 “So that the king would suffer no loss”.

Then as now the trust of public office was used to advance personal interests and to injure the interests of those being “served.”

From such office holders, In verse 3 we read that “Daniel was preferred”, Another translation says,“Daniel distinguished himself”. He was different not only from the satraps but also from the other governors “because an excellent spirit was in him” (v. 3).

Yet another ruler discovered that the one man he could trust implicitly was the man who served the God of the Jews. Even when others implied that Daniel was not to be trusted because he was “one of the captives of Judah” (v. 13) and that he had prayed three times a day 3 against the signed decree, but, it was plain to Darius that he could trust Daniel and he had set his heart on Daniel. In the midst of political graft and corruption on every hand, Daniel stood out as a man governed by a sense of loyalty and integrity that stemmed from his right relationship with God. He had an Excellent Spirit because of his relationship with God.

What does having an excellent spirit look like today in the life of a Christian?

I. Honor God and Let Him Exalt You

Daniel 6:1-4

A. Walk in the Spirit (6:1–3).

The leadership of the Spirit brings a Spirit of excellency! People in our day are unfortunately are lead by any and everything besides the Spirit of God! We allow the decisions of others determine our actions, determine who we are, influence us to be filled with things other than the things of God! Having an excellent spirit means that you have a good attitude! Having an excellent spirit means that you don’t hold malice, resentment, anger, criticism, a Vengeful spirit, you are easy to get along with, you do the opposite of what the world does, you don’t line up with the world and its ways! You rise above worldliness! You are exalted because of God in your life!

B. Serve faithfully (6:4).

Serving faithfully is pleasing God in everything we do! Everything a Christian does should be done “in the name of Jesus” What does that mean?

Name- Character and Authority Of

Jesus- The Word! His Word!

Do Everything in the Character and Authority of the Word of God!

When you do something in His name, you are doing it through His will! You are imitating Jesus!

Being faithful is going above and beyond the call at the house of God first!, At home, at work! We are to be excellent in everything and everywhere! This means that you are faithful at home, Faithful to your church, Faithful at work, Being faithful is applying the principles of Gods word into your every day life!

II. Be True to God Even When It May Cost You

Daniel 6:5-15

A. Evil people will try to entrap a godly person (6:5–9). People tend to get jealous when you have an excellent spirit. They will usually say, “ why are they being promoted!, ect. You have a glory about you that comes from your relationship with God!

B. A Godly person will remain faithful to God no matter what (6:10–15). The blessings far out way the costs when you strive and experience excellency in God!

Christians should set standards according to the character of Jesus and stick by them regardless! This is called personal conviction. We live in a world where conviction is thrown out of the window. People often follow the crowd or the most popular movement. I want a move of God! I want to move when He moves! I want to follow the one true God!

III. Trust that God Is Able to Deliver You

Daniel 6:16-24

A. We can rest in God’s plan (6:16–18). When we make a habit of resting in God, God honors your faith and shuts the lions mouth! What lions are in you life today that need to be dealt with? Rest in God! Have faith in God! Never grow weary when evil comes against you, allow God to fight for you! There is a peace within when you know you have done what is right! All hell may be breaking loose around you, but when you have done what God has required of you, you obligate God to move on your behalf! and He will! A life of excellency invokes the power of God in you and for you!

B. We can be certain of God’s power (6:19–24). The power of God is far greater than anything you maybe facing in life! He has the Power to lift you up! He gives you the Power to shine above everyone else! Power to persuade others of the God you trust! Power to be a faithful witness! When everything and everyone around you is saying no you can’t! God says yes you can by the power of His might!

IV. Recognize God Will Use You to Make His Name Known

Daniel 6:25-28

A. God can cause unbelievers to acknowledge his greatness (6:25–26). Your example of excellency can influence the worst person in your life! God can turn your worst enemy in to your best friend!

Proverbs 16:7 “7 When a man’s ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

It is pleasing to God to follow a spirit of Excellency! He will prepare a table for you in the presence of your enemies! You will be blessed! You are from above and not beneath! The head and not the tail! Praise be to God!

B. God can even use unbelievers to proclaim his glory (6:26–28). God will even cause the person that meant harm to you to defend you and proclaim the truth of your faith!

You become a leader in the Spirit of God! God teaches us in His word That if you are faithful over a few, He will make you a ruler of many.

We as christians should be the ones leading the crowd! Leading our government! Leading our nation! God desires for us to turn back to him and be excellent! To be a guiding light to the nations of the world!

We Are The Light Of The World!

CON: I want to be an influencer of faith, mercy, love, joy, everything that God is because he has been so good to me! I want people to know my faith in God and know God through my life! When I am dead and gone I want to be remembered for what God done in my life! I want my life to speak and influence my family and friends and everyone who knows me of the faithful, merciful, loving God that I served! I want everyone to experience the salvation that only Jesus brings! How many of you this morning wants to join me in striving for excellency? Doing what is right wen everyone else is doing wrong? To strive to transform those thats around us with the influence of our relationship with God?