“Knowing Our Mission and Journey”

Philippians 1:27-30

I want to thank Bro. Sharp for openign our series on knowing christ (Part 1). This subject is very vital to where we are headed church. So this morning I want ass another piece to the puzzle. Last wednesday night we asked the group to give us names for our prayer warriors and today I want to introduce them to you. Carolyn Brison, Arlene Jones, Robert Dukes and T.K Denson.

Our topic today is Knowing our mission and journey. When I was a kid there was a cartoon show I would watch called GI-Joe and at the end it always had a message of safety. And when the kids realized they would say now I know and GI-Joe would say knowing is half the battle. GI-Joe wanted you to have the correct information, understanding, or even awareness about something. We are here today to know our Mission and journey.

. Now last week Bro. Sharp also shared this passage with you and helped to prepare part B to this text. Remember the the book of Philippians has only 4 chapters yet it more profound then what we can imagine. The Apostle Paul exhorts the Philippian believers to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ. Let's break down this passage and explore its timeless significance

27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. 28 Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. 29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. 30 We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.

Verse 27 “ Above all you must live as Citizens of heaven”

Knowing our mission

When you define the word Mission “its an important goal or purpose that is accompanied by a strong conviction.” another word for declaration “ A formal announcement of the beginning of a state or condition”The purpose of a mission is to define and guide the actions and objectives of an group towards a specific goal or set of goals. Missions provides clarity of purpose, serving as a roadmap for decision-making. They help us align our efforts, inspire our commitment, and provide a sense of direction. When you have clarity it breeds conviction that leads to success. The mission will bring about meaningful change or achievement in line with the groups values, vision, and aspirations. Knowing Christ is to share His gospel with meaning, purpose, clarity and conviction by using the formality doctrine of our Lord savior Jesus Christ”

So let’s chat about our OKC Thunder Team. They are the number 1 seed in the western conference, They are the youngest team to achieve that accomplishment, they are the youngest team to sweep in the first round. They are said to be way above schedule. When interviewed they always say we are having fun, we are winning because we know our goals and its never about one person

This is what the apostle Paul is saying to the church in Philippi, It’s not about me, I’m not the silver bullet, the money you gave me does not mean that I have all the answers, but this mission is what we all must do. Churches believe that a preacher, the song leader and other silver bullets are the key, but its the people at Philippi who make this mission possible and a success. Paul is getting the people to declare the words in chapter 4:13 I can do this, I will do this, because I have Christ who gave me what I needed not Humans.

“ Live as Citizens of Heaven” means orienting our lives, actions, and priorities according to the principles and values of the Kingdom of God. It involves recognizing that our ultimate allegiance is to God and His Kingdom, transcending any earthly affiliations or identities. As citizens of Heaven, we are called to embody the love, grace, and righteousness of God in all that we do. This includes living with humility, compassion, and integrity, and seeking to bring about God's will on earth as it is in Heaven. It also means prioritizing eternal values over temporary pleasures or worldly pursuits and seeking to build up treasures in Heaven rather than on earth. Ultimately, living as citizens of Heaven is about living with an eternal perspective, knowing that our true home and citizenship are in Heaven, and living in a manner that reflects this reality in our daily lives.

Now if that was not clear, Lets do a quick word study on the first two words “Above All” means to rise above everything else. its going to supersede anything and ensure it is seen. in order to live like this you must rise above all. Words like light, yeast are some words we find in the bible of how it rises or shine brighter, but the best example is love

Throughout history, across cultures and religions, love has been revered as the highest virtue, transcending boundaries and bringing people together in unity and harmony. In I Corinthians 13:12-13 ”Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.“

“conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.”

“Embracing Our Journey”

The Apostle Paul is saying to the church, somethings are out of our control. Paul cannot force the outcome of his trial and neither can his friends in philippi. But they can control how they live so live worthy of the Gospel. Paul puts so much value in the gospel in other words “the gospel is worthy enough to live for or to die for.”

Philippians 1:21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. (NLT). If they let me go, I’ll go preach Jesus. If they kill me then I’ll go straight to Jesus. either way I’m good

Look at verse 29

29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. 30 We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.

A journey, is defined as “passage or progress from one stage to another. It encapsulates the essence of life's experiences, challenges, and growth. It signifies a passage from one point to another, often involving transformation, discovery, and adventure. Every journey is unique, marked by twists and turns, ups and downs, and unexpected detours. It's not just about reaching the destination but also about the lessons learned, the relationships formed, and the personal development along the way. Our journey reminds us that our life is a “privilege” its an honor filled with continuous opportunities of exploration and evolution. Forest Park We need to know Christ , so that we have clarity and purpose that will continue to evolve throughout this journey.

“We are in this struggle together”

Let me share another aspect to our mission and journey that we need to understand. The word “Fellowship”

In the NIV, the word fellowship is changed to partnership, because the word fellowship has lost its meaning. In church, we share some coffee and donuts and call it fellowship and it’s sort of is. At least it’s the start, Paul is talking more than about some coffee and donuts. Paul is talking about, the type of fellowship you find on a mission. You find shared goals, shared hardships, shared stories, and prayers, you will find laughter, and certainly some shed tears. When God sets you on the same mission and sets his love in your heart for the same people that’s fellowship.

Paul had reached the people in Philippi with some hope together they reached more. So when Paul hit the road, they gave Paul prayers and money to do it. Doing this meant they shared the burden of the mission. That’s being truly invested.

Closing

(Pass out the rope)

In summary, your mission shapes every aspect of your journey, from the paths you choose to the person you become along the way. It serves as a guiding force that empowers you to live with intentionality, passion, and purpose.

Paul's three missionary journeys were essential for spreading Christianity throughout the Mediterranean region. They allowed him to preach, establish churches, and strengthen the faith of believers in various cities. Each journey is built upon the success and experiences of the previous one, helping to expand the influence of the early Christian movement.

Let me give you a visual of this bond between the apostle Paul and the Philippians. Picture a bunch of people standing around the deep well pit. This pit is the source of the water for this town. The bucket has dropped and without the town will die. Someone must go down in the pit to retrieve the bucket. In order for the person to retrieve the bucket people must hold the rope up top. Before the person begins to go down in the pit, the people up top made an oath to the person in the pit to never let the rope go. Paul is down in the pit sends up the letter to the Philippian church and says hold on to this mission. That’s what the Philippians and Paul’s relationship was about. Church we have a mission and journey. This rope is a reminder to our mission and Journey here at the Forest Park Church of Christ. The rope that was passed out is to let you know how important you are to this mission. When ever you look at this rope, or touch it I pray that its a reminder that you made a promise to God and the partnership with this church family that I will never let go.

Jesus prayed these words to His father, John 17:20-24

John 17:20–24 (NLT))

20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.

22 “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. 24 Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!

Forest Park, We have our mission in front of us and we need everyone to join in. Each mission helps to build and grow the next one. so that how does this play into who we are and Knowing our Mission and Journey?

Luke 9:62 NKJV

62 But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”