Untitled Sermon (15)

Introduction

Paul was encouraged by the faithfulness of the church at Philippi that is why even though this letter was written from prison it is filled with joy. He rejoiced at their fellowship in the gospel and the way they have supported him in his work. However, as he comtemplates the end of his journey and going on to his reward, or as Phil 2:17 puts it ‘ being poured out as a drink offering’ he wants to stir the church up to continue in their faithfulness.

In Phil 2:12 Paul encourages them to be obedient even though he is not with them and to work out their salvation with fear and trembling. Then in v.14-16 he gives them a list of things to do.

I want us to focus in on just one of these commands. The one found in v.16. Hold fast or hold forth the word of life.

I’m sure if Paul was writing a letter to the church at Green bank it would be a joyful letter. He could commend the church on their faithfulness to the gospel over its 206 year history. I’m sure he would also encourage the church to press on in faithfulness to the gospel.

Hold fast the word of life.

What does this mean?

Hold fast or hold forth?

Both. If you hold fast then you will hold forth and visa versa.

I. What is the word of life?

Word of life

Gospel

Word that brings life -eternal life.

What is the gospel? Not God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.

But...

You are guilty. You have broken God’s law and are under his wrath. You are heading to the judgement and face an eternity in hell.

But God has provided salvation and he offers it to you. The Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God became a man. He lived a perfect life, he fulfilled God’s law. Then he died on the cross, the death he died was not for his own sins he had none but it was for the sins of others. He died as a substitute for us to bear the punishment instead of us. Three days later he rose from the dead, showing he defeated sin and death. All those who repent and believe in him for salvation will be saved.

II. Hold fast

Present tense.

Believe it- Trust in Christ for salvation. There are many churches where people hear these things said but they never actually trust in Christ.

Defend it-

Guard against legalism.

Guard against easy believism.

Preach it to yourself-

Keep coming back to the Gospel.

III. Hold forth

Present tense.

Preach the Gospel Sunday by Sunday

Preach the Gospel to those who do not come

IV. Motivation

Rejoicing in The day of Christ

The day when Christ returns. When we meet the Lord in the air and will ever be with him.

Conclusion

Praise God Greenback chapel is a Gospel church.

But we must be on guard and vigilant.

Methodism, Salvation army...