Your Response Matters!

Your Response Matters!

Philippians 2:12–15 (ESV)

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,

13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing,

15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

Introduction

Here, we find a clear and compelling call to action.

A call to drown out the voice of Satan, to respond with praise and worship, to revere our relationships, and to give thanks in all circumstances.

Isn't it wonderful that we have a God who not only gives us these instructions but also empowers us to fulfill them?

Drowning Out Satan's Voice

The world we live in is filled with noise.

It's a cacophony of sounds, voices, and messages that constantly bombard our senses.

Among these, there's a voice that seeks to lead us astray, to pull us away from the path of righteousness and into the darkness.

This voice is cunning, persuasive, and relentless.

It whispers lies, sows doubts, and stirs up fear.

It's the voice of the enemy, the voice of Satan.

The Bible tells us that Satan is the father of lies, a deceiver who prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

His voice is often subtle, disguised as the voice of reason, logic, or even compassion.

But his ultimate goal is to separate us from God, to make us question His love, His goodness, His promises.

So, how do we drown out this voice?

How do we silence the lies and listen to the truth?

The answer is found in the Word of God.

The Bible is our weapon against the enemy, our shield against his fiery darts.

By immersing ourselves in the Scriptures, by meditating on its truths, by hiding its words in our hearts, we can resist the devil and he will flee from us.

But it's not enough to merely read the Bible.

We must also apply its teachings to our lives.

We must strive to live out its principles, to walk in obedience to its commands.

This requires discipline, commitment, and perseverance.

It's not an easy task, but it's a worthwhile endeavor.

For in doing so, we not only silence the voice of the enemy, but we also draw closer to God.

In the midst of the noise, we must also learn to recognize the voice of God. His voice is gentle, loving, and kind. It brings peace, comfort, and hope. It speaks of forgiveness, grace, and redemption. It's a voice that calls us to love, to serve, to give, to forgive. It's a voice that leads us to the cross, to the empty tomb, to the promise of eternal life.

Recognizing God's voice requires a relationship with Him. It requires spending time in His presence, in prayer, in worship, in silence. It requires tuning our ears to His frequency, to His wavelength. It requires a heart that is open, receptive, and responsive to His promptings.

Finally, we must remember that drowning out Satan's voice is not a one-time event, but a daily battle. It's a constant struggle, a relentless fight. But we are not alone in this battle. We have the Holy Spirit, our Helper, our Comforter, our Guide. He empowers us, strengthens us, and equips us for this spiritual warfare.

So, let us stand firm in our faith, let us hold fast to the truth, let us drown out the voice of the enemy with the Word of God, with the name of Jesus, with the power of the Holy Spirit. And in doing so, let us shine like stars in the sky, holding firmly to the word of life.

Responding Through Praise and Worship

As we continue to navigate through the complexities of our spiritual lives, we find ourselves drawn to the divine call to express our devotion through praise and worship. This is not merely a suggestion, but a divine mandate, a spiritual exercise that strengthens our bond with our Creator and fortifies us against the distractions and deceptions that seek to pull us away from His presence.

The book of Psalms, often referred to as the hymnbook of the Bible, is replete with examples of this form of spiritual expression. In Psalm 100, for instance, we are exhorted to "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing." This isn't just a call to sing songs or recite hymns. It's an invitation to engage with God on a deeply personal level, to pour out our hearts in adoration, thanksgiving, and supplication.

But why is this important? Why does God desire our praise and worship? It's not because He needs it. God is self-sufficient and lacks nothing. Rather, it's because we need it. Praise and worship align our hearts with God's heart, attune our spirits to His Spirit, and remind us of who He is and who we are in relation to Him. It's a spiritual discipline that fosters intimacy with God, transforms our hearts, and equips us to live out our faith in a world that often seems indifferent or even hostile to it.

In the original Hebrew, the word used for praise in Psalm 100 is "yadah," which means to acknowledge in public, to praise, to give thanks, or to confess. It's a word that conveys the idea of a public declaration of God's attributes, works, and benefits. It's used in several other passages in the Old Testament, such as in 2 Chronicles 7:6, where the Levites are described as standing before the Lord to "yadah" Him with songs of praise. In Psalm 28:7, David declares, "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I 'yadah' him."

The act of worship, on the other hand, is often associated with the Hebrew word "shachah," which means to bow down, to prostrate oneself, or to pay homage. It's a word that conveys a sense of reverence, submission, and adoration. It's used in passages like Exodus 34:8, where Moses quickly bowed his head toward the earth and "shachah" before God.

Praise and worship are not just about singing songs or saying prayers. They're about aligning our hearts with God's heart, attuning our spirits to His Spirit, and acknowledging His sovereignty, goodness, and love in our lives. They're about expressing our love for God, not just with our lips, but with our lives.

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul encourages us to "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). This isn't just a call to be happy, to pray, or to be thankful. It's a call to live a life of continuous praise and worship, a life that reflects the joy, peace, and love that come from a relationship with God.

In the original Greek, the word used for rejoice in this passage is "chairo," which means to be glad, to rejoice exceedingly, or to be well or thrive. It's used in several other passages in the New Testament, such as in Luke 10:20, where Jesus tells His disciples to "chairo" because their names are written in heaven.

The act of praying, on the other hand, is often associated with the Greek word "proseuchomai," which means to pray to God, to supplicate, to worship, or to make prayer. It's used in passages like Acts 12:5, where the church was earnestly "proseuchomai" for Peter when he was imprisoned.

The call to give thanks, or "eucharisteo" in Greek, is a call to express gratitude, to be thankful, to give thanks. It's used in passages like 1 Corinthians 11:24, where Jesus "eucharisteo" before breaking the bread at the Last Supper.

As we continue to cultivate a lifestyle of praise and worship, we find that it not only brings us closer to God but also transforms us from the inside out. It changes our perspective, our attitudes, and our actions. It fills us with joy, peace, and love, and empowers us to extend these to others.

In conclusion, praise and worship are not just about singing songs or saying prayers. They're about aligning our hearts with God's heart, attuning our spirits to His Spirit, and acknowledging His sovereignty, goodness, and love in our lives. They're about expressing our love for God, not just with our lips, but with our lives.

Revering Relationships and Thanksgiving

Now, let's turn our attention to the third point of our sermon today: Revering Relationships and Thanksgiving. This theme is particularly relevant to our youth, who are at a crucial stage in their lives where they are responding to God's call. They are at the crossroads, making decisions that will shape their future and their faith.

In the context of our relationships, reverence is about honoring and respecting the other person as a creation of God. It's about seeing the image of God in them and treating them accordingly. This is a call to love our neighbors as ourselves, as Jesus commanded us in Mark 12:31. It's a call to practice kindness, patience, forgiveness, and understanding in our interactions with others. It's a call to build bridges, not walls, and to foster unity, not division.

In the same vein, thanksgiving is about acknowledging the blessings we have received from God and expressing our gratitude for them. It's about recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from above, as James 1:17 tells us. It's about cultivating a heart of gratitude, not just in times of abundance, but also in times of scarcity. It's about rejoicing always, praying continually, and giving thanks in all circumstances, as 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 instructs us.

Now, let's delve deeper into these two aspects of our theme.

Firstly, revering relationships. This is a call to value and respect all our relationships, whether they are with our family, friends, colleagues, or even strangers. It's about treating others with dignity and honor, regardless of their status, race, or background. It's about practicing the Golden Rule: doing unto others as we would have them do unto us.

Research has shown that people who practice this kind of reverence in their relationships tend to have healthier and more fulfilling relationships. They are more likely to experience love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in their interactions with others. These are the fruits of the Spirit that Galatians 5:22-23 talks about.

Secondly, thanksgiving. This is not just about saying "thank you" when we receive a gift or a favor. It's about cultivating an attitude of gratitude in all circumstances. It's about recognizing God's hand in every aspect of our lives and giving thanks for His providence.

In the words of the respected Christian writer, Ann Voskamp, "Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others." This quote beautifully encapsulates the importance of thanksgiving in our lives. When we are grateful, we are more likely to be kind, generous, humble, and content. We are more likely to see the good in others and in the world around us. We are more likely to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the midst of trials and tribulations.

Now, let's move on to the next aspect of our theme: the role of youth in responding to God's call.

Our youth are not just the future of the church; they are the church of today. They have a vital role to play in the body of Christ. They bring energy, creativity, and passion to the table. They are eager to learn, to serve, and to make a difference. They are not afraid to question, to challenge, and to dream. They are the David's who are ready to face the Goliath's of our time with faith and courage.

However, our youth also face unique challenges and pressures. They live in a world that is increasingly secular, materialistic, and individualistic. They are bombarded with messages and images that are contrary to the teachings of the Bible. They are often misunderstood, marginalized, and underestimated.

In the face of these challenges, our youth need our support, guidance, and encouragement. They need role models who can show them what it means to live out their faith in a practical and relevant way. They need mentors who can help them navigate the complexities of life and faith. They need a community that will love them, accept them, and challenge them to grow in their relationship with God.

Finally, let's consider the role of the church in nurturing and empowering our youth.

The church is not just a building or an institution; it's a family. It's a community of believers who are committed to loving God, loving others, and making disciples. It's a place where our youth can find a sense of belonging, purpose, and identity. It's a place where they can discover their gifts, develop their talents, and deploy their resources for the glory of God.

The church has a responsibility to invest in our youth, to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to live out their faith in a dynamic and changing world. It has a responsibility to create a safe and nurturing environment where our youth can ask questions, express doubts, and explore their faith. It has a responsibility to provide opportunities for our youth to serve, to lead, and to impact their world for Christ.

In conclusion, revering relationships and thanksgiving is not just a theme; it's a lifestyle. It's a call to live out our faith in a tangible and meaningful way. It's a call to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. It's a call to be grateful in all circumstances, to rejoice always, and to pray continually. It's a call to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

So, let's rise to this challenge. Let's make a difference. Let's be the change we want to see in the world. Let's be the church that God has called us to be. Let's be the people that God has created us to be. Let's be the youth that God has chosen us to be. Let's respond to God's call with faith, courage, and love. Let's revere our relationships and give thanks in all circumstances. Let's shine for Jesus and make His name known. Let's do it together, for His glory and for our joy. Amen.

Conclusion

As we come to the close of our time together, let's remember that God's voice is not one of confusion or chaos, but of peace and clarity. He is not a God of disorder but of harmony. His voice is the one that calms the storm, that stills the waters, and that brings tranquility to our troubled hearts. He is the God who speaks life into existence, who breathes purpose into our souls, and who fills our lives with love, joy, and peace.

In the noise of the world, His voice may seem faint, but it is always there, always speaking, always guiding. We just need to tune our hearts to listen, to discern, and to follow. And when we do, we find ourselves walking in the path of righteousness, living in the light of His love, and reflecting His glory to the world around us.

So, let's strive to be like the stars in the sky, shining brightly amidst the darkness, holding firmly to the word of life, and pointing others to the One who is the source of all light, all life, and all love.

Let's pray t