"COMMITTED TO THE GOSPEL"
Twin Peaks Bible Camp JH 24 • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Proposition - As we bring our week to a conclusion I want to challenge each of you to be committed to the Gospel no matter the cost. This evening we are going to learn about four things that we will do in order to stand firm. 1) think and act harmoniously, 2) rejoice and be content, 3) live the putt off put on principle, and 4) think and act biblically.
Interrogative question - How are you doing at standing firm?
1 Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
Boice – “Because of what Jesus Christ has done for us—because of his life, death, and resurrection, and the resulting victory over sin and the devil—we are now to stand fast in him, united as God’s soldiers against a spiritually hostile environment” Boice, J. M. (2000). Philippians : An expositional commentary (226). Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books.
Brothers – fellow believers – noun
Paul makes the point that he is addressing fellow believers, specifically at Philippi. But then he goes on and describes how he feels about them –
Love – Adjective which means that it describes the term brothers.
The term for Love is agapeteous – which means beloved or dear friend
This love is not our world’s kind of love. This love that Paul is talking about is one that is willing to sacrifice things b/c of his love for them.
My joy and crown –
Joy – reason for gladness – Keep in mind a couple of things -
Paul is specifically talking about the believers at Philippi
Keep in mind that Paul is writing from Prison and he says you believers at Philippi are my joy, my reason for gladness. The point that Paul is making is this – Paul has reason for gladness when the believers pursue Christ.
4 always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, 5 in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.
18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
17 But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. 18 You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.
Stand firm – verb, active, present, imperative – continue to be
Why do you think Paul gives them this challenge?
Possibly b/c of what the Judizers are teaching
The challenges that they are facing
Persecution that they may be enduring
Keep in mind that in chapter one Paul is going through a dilemma – He wants to depart and be with Christ, but he knows that it is necessary to remain on in the flesh for the sake of the church at Philippi. Paul remains b/c he wants them the church to continue to stand firm. Throughout the book of Philippians he reminds them to pursue Christ.
Chapter two talks about unity within the church, looking out for others and not yourself
Chapter three talks about the joy of knowing Christ as well as our personal pursuits of holiness
Chapter four he reminds them to stand firm. Then in Verses 2-9 Paul is telling the church at Philippi specific things that they must do in order to stand firm in the Lord.
The question now is – what are we standing firm against?
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Guys and gals the fight is one. We are in a spiritual battle.
So What Question – What do we do from here?
Just as the church at Philippi was given the command to stand firm in the Lord, it applies to all believers.
13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
13 Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.
13 Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
1. Think and Act Harmoniously - vs. 2-3
1. Think and Act Harmoniously - vs. 2-3
2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. 3 Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Do you all know anything about Euodia and Sytyche?
The only thing that we know is that they are Christian women within the church at Philippi
Notice that Paul uses the term “entreat” twice – What do you think it means?
Entreat – verb, active, present, indicative (certainty) – to ask for earnestly, to encourage
The question is this – What is Paul encouraging these women to do?
To agree – active verb, present, infinitive – attitude, hold a view, to live in harmony
NASB – says “Live in harmony”
The Greek texts literally reads be of the same mind
The issue of unity within the church at Philippi has been an ongoing issue. In fact Paul has been subtly addressing the issue throughout the book – I would like to quickly look at the passages where Paul has been addressing the issue of unity within the church at Philippi –
TURN IN THE BIBLES TO –
7 For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me.
As a result of the gospel, we are to be in harmony as it relates to the gospel –
27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God.
2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing; 15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.
All throughout the book we see that Paul has been addressing the issue of being in harmony with one another.
The issue that was going on in chapter 4 has not been resolved therefore Paul has to address the issue head on in 4:2 –
Euodia and Syntyche are at odds with one another. What do you think they are at odds about?
Doctrine – no b/c if it was then Paul would address that immediately
Some major sin – most likely not b/c if so Paul would address immediately
Personality conflicts – I believe that this was the issue b/c Paul maybe was just giving them time to see if they would be able to work it out themselves
Paul said I encourage you to have the same mind in the Lord - what do you think this means? - it means that you agree on things about the Lord, specifically the gospel.
Paul says you ladies both need to think harmoniously about the gospel – stop letting personality conflicts get the way.
How easy is it for you to let personality conflicts get in the way?
If we are believers in Christ then we must think harmoniously – God wants us to be in harmony – don’t let simple personal preferences interfere.
We must be on guard b/c the gospel has been and continues to be distorted throughout our world. Salvation is by grace alone, in Christ alone, through faith alone. As a result of your faith in Christ you want to follow Him, obey Him, serve Him, you want Him in charge of your life, guys and gals understand you cannot do this on your one. That is why God gave us a helper the Holy Spirit.
True – Genuine – (adjective) – describing the noun “you”
Companion – fellow – worker, comrade
Paul is most likely talking about a specific person however; he does not give us the name. Therefore, we are not going to speculate on who this is.
Paul asks his true companion to help bring together Euodia and Syntyche. He wants him to help resolve the personal conflicts that have arisen between these women. You see it is not enough for these two women to think harmoniously they must now act harmoniously. This is done by resolving the conflict that has arisen within.
The only thing that we know about Clement is that he toiled together with Paul and these ladies as they shared the gospel of Jesus Christ. Vs. 2 ends by saying that their names are in book of life
2. Rejoice and be Content - vs. 4-5
2. Rejoice and be Content - vs. 4-5
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
Rejoice – be glad, to be merry – present verb, active voice, imperative mood
Paul is not saying if you feel like rejoicing go ahead and do it. Rather he is commanding all believers to be glad. Notice that it is in the active voice which tells us that it is a continually part of our lives.
Material things that people rejoice in -
Paul provides the church at Philippi with an imperative command to rejoice, and it is to be a continual part of your life. Let us remember some of things that have happened at the church –
False teachers
Teaching salvation is through the Jewish law
Paul is in prison
Now, Paul says rejoice. I can only imagine what might have been going through the church at Philippi’s mind – maybe something like this – Paul you expect us to rejoice when things around us are not going hunky dory.
Vs. on the call to rejoice – TURN IN YOUR BIBLES
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
16 Rejoice always;
Folks we as believers in Christ are called to rejoice –
Lord – owner, ruler, the master
Paul is not saying that you are to rejoice continually in the material things that this world can bring us. He certainly is saying that we are to rejoice in the Lord.
If you would turn back to Matthew 5:12 – Notice what he says to rejoice in –
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Rejoice be glad that your reward as believers is in heaven.
Guys and gals – We are in the midst of extremely difficult times – I would ask you this are you rejoicing in the Lord?
We have a God who saved us out the domain of darkness.
We have a God who has given us His Son
We have a sovereign God
We have a God who promises that He will bless those who are faithful
When we are tempted He provides a way of escape - 1 cor 10:13 He will not tempt us beyond what we can bear
He has given us a Helper – the Holy Spirit
We can (believers) go before the throne of grace
We can talk to our God
We have a God who is preeminent
We have a God we can trust in
We have a God/Lord/Master to live for
We have a God who has given us the road map to life – Word of God
We have a God whom we will be with one day
We have a God who calls us His children
These are just some of the reasons why we can rejoice in the Lord –
28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;
Notice the word “always” – this is an adverb described when we are to rejoice
The point that Paul is making is this – If you are going to stand firm in the Lord as I have commanded you then you must live in harmony and secondly you must rejoice in the Lord. That is you must be glad in your master and the things that He has accomplished. Then the end of verses 4 is says “again, I will say, Rejoice.”
There could be one of two reasons why Paul say’s “again, I say rejoice.”
He might me doing it b/c the church at Philippi is not getting the point
Simply to reinforce the importance of rejoice
Illustration –
1. Mom – was diagnosed at 13 with a severe disease – it is a rare day I ever heard or currently hear her complain. She is always talking the positive things of life
2. Pastor found out several prior weeks that he had brain cancer – he waited to tell the congregation and finally the time came when he was going to. And as he was preaching, he said by the way I have brain cancer and then the continued on as if it was no big deal – why b/c he was rejoicing in the Lord.
3. People here who have health problems – what an encouragement it is to visit someone in the hospital and they are smiling regardless of the situation – why b/c the joy that they have in the Lord.
MacArthur – “Harmony in the fellowship, joy in the Lord, contentment in circumstances, and confident trust in God are the first steps on the path to spiritual stability.”
5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
Reasonableness – yielding, gentleness, what is right or fitting, and considerate – (adjective describing “to everyone”)
Expositors Bible Commentary –
“The term epieikes (gentleness) is difficult to translate with its full connotation. Such words as gentle, yielding, kind, forbearing, and lenient are among the best English attempts, but no single word is adequate. Involved is the willingness to yield one’s personal rights and to show consideration and gentleness to others. It is easy to display this quality toward some persons, but Paul commands that it be shown toward all. That would seem to include Christian friends, unsaved persecutors, false teachers – anyone at all. Of course, truth is not to be sacrificed, but a gentle spirit will do much to disarm the adversary.”
My hope is by this time we all have a better understanding of what is meant by the term “reasonableness.” I believe one of the best ways to summarize what is meant is by saying that showing reasonableness is simply showing contentment with all people.
If we are going to stand firm as believers in Chirst we must let reasonableness by known to all human beings. That is let yieldness, gentleness, kindness, forbearence, and lenient be show to all human beings.
Guys and gals you and I do not have the option to decide to do this if we want to. If we are going to stand firm then we must demonstrate contentment with all regardless of what they say or how they act. I am not saying by any means that we sacrifice the truths that are within God’s word in order to be content with people.
We do not have the option we no this from the words “Let reasonableness be known.” rather we have the obligation to do this as a result of what Christ has accomplished in our lives, regardless of how they act and or treat us. Keep in mind that we can not accomplish this on our own initiative or our own abilities; we need the Holy Spirit to help us accomplish these things.
How are you doing at showing contentment to all people regardless of how they treat you?
Do you think that it is hard to show contentment to all people? Why?
People are mean
Some people hate Christians
Friends dislike you
Mock us
Make fun of us
Gossip up about us
Who knows what else they may do
Teachers won’t acknowledge you if you claim Christ
People persecute Christians
Think about Jesus’ life. How did He demonstrate reasonableness with people? (Contentment with people)
Understand that we must make the effort as a result of our faith in Christ but these will not be accomplished apart from the help of the Holy Spirit.
The bottom line is this – the term “rejoice” is in the present tense verb, active voice, and imperative mood. Obviously, this is important for all believers to rejoice in the Lord.
3. Live the Put off Put on principle - vs. 6-7 q h6jn7i kcglrkxi 8HUY
3. Live the Put off Put on principle - vs. 6-7 q h6jn7i kcglrkxi 8HUY
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Do you worry?
Share a personal example –
I completed XL in June of 2008. As of July 1st, I did not have a job, nor a way to provide for my family. I was very worried about what the Lord was going to do. I was praying that God would provide. Nevertheless I was extremely worried. But God opened the door and provided for my family. As of July 1st, I was hired as a full-time youth pastor.
1. Command to put off –
Anxiousness
Paul provides the church at Philippi with a negative command –
“Do Not be anxious”
About anything – nothing – adjective
Do be Anxious – worry about – verb, present, active, imperative –
Paul tells the church at Philippi that if they are going to stand firm in the Lord then they must not worry about anything. Take note of that term “anything”
How would you do if I told you do not worry about money?
Don’t worry about our country
Don’t worry about your health
Don’t worry about grandkids
What if I told you do not worry about anything?
The Greek word for “Anxious” is used 17 times throughout the Bible. I tell you that just to reinforce the importance of not worrying about things.
The command that Paul gives is a verb, present tense, active voice, and an imperative command. The point is that if you are going to stand firm in the Lord you will not worry. You do not have the option rather you have the obligation not to worry about anything. The command that Paul gives the church at Philippi applies to all believers. If you and I are going to stand firm in the Lord we must lay aside anxiousness. (take off)
Illustration – someone who is submerged in anxiety –
You and I cannot just stop worrying rather we have to replace it with something. As we look at the rest of the verse we will come to understand what we must replace worrying with.
2. Command to put on –
The attitude of prayer
If you notice the context of the verse you will see how we are told to put off the attitude of worrying. Now Paul changes gears and tells the church to put on the attitude of prayer. The term prayer as used here refers specifically to developing an attitude of prayer.
When we as believers begin to worry we must replace that with an attitude of prayer. We must have the mindset that when I start worrying I am going to stop and replace that worrying attitude with a prayerful attitude. The idea is this rather than worrying I am going to go to my place of prayer and then take it to my God. The sovereign God, almighty God, creator, king, master, my rock, my fortress and my God that is who I am going to go to.
Supplication – plea, request, petition, literally means to ask for something – noun
When we start to worry, we must immediately cast that off, and then replace it first with the attitude of prayer. And then you will bring your plea before God who is the sovereign one and the preeminent one.
Thanksgiving – Gratitude – noun
Paul says that as you do this you will do it with thanksgiving.
Why do you think Paul says this?
I believe he does b/c as believers we can be thankful b/c our God already knows what is going to be accomplished, and for that we are thankful. It does not mean that it will be done according to our plans or our desires.
Notice how verse 6 ends –
Request – demands, request (general request)
He is simply reminding us of what he has just said previously.
Illustration –
There was a seventh grade guy named Scott who transferred from a small private school to a large middle school in mid year. Could you imagine what that would have been like? Scott had to make numerous adjustments and hated every one of them. He constantly complained about having to attend the new school.
His father wanted to help and encourage him, so he prayed with him every night telling me not to worry things will all work out.
He responded, “Dad, it’s not that easy. It’s hard not to worry.”
A couple of months later his father noticed he hadn’t said anything about disliking the new school. “Scott,” I asked, “You seem more relaxed than you were a month ago. Are you still having problems adjusting to school?”
He answered, “Yes I am, but I quit worrying about it. I found out that worrying was harder on me than actually going through it.”
Many people never learn that it’s usually more draining to worry than it is to experience the thing they dread. Prayer can remove the weight of worry.
Benefit of prayer
If we put off anxiousness and put on an attitude of prayer, letting our supplications be known to God with thanksgiving then we will receive the benefit which is the freedom from worrying.
Peace – freedom from worry – noun
Which surpasses – surpasses in value – verb, present, active voice
Understanding – way of thinking – freedom from worry is so far beyond the human way of thinking.
Will guard – protect – the church at Philippi is well aware of what a guard does
Heart – inner self
Mind – thoughts
Remember the last illustration?
There was a seventh grade guy named Scott who transferred from a small private school to a large middle school in mid year. Could you imagine what that would have been like? Scott had to make numerous adjustments and hated every one of them. He constantly complained about having to attend the new school.
His father wanted to help and encourage him, so he prayed with him every night telling me not to worry things will all work out.
He responded, “Dad, it’s not that easy. It’s hard not to worry.”
A couple of months later his father noticed he hadn’t said anything about disliking the new school. “Scott,” I asked, “You seem more relaxed than you were a month ago. Are you still having problems adjusting to school?”
He answered, “Yes I am, but I quit worrying about it. I found out that worrying was harder on me than actually going through it.”
Many people never learn that it’s usually more draining to worry than it is to experience the thing they dread. Prayer can remove the weight of worry.
Remember that if you and I are going to stand firm in the Lord then we must not worry. We must replace it with an attitude of prayer, letting our plea be known to God with thanksgiving b/c we know that our God is in complete control.
4. Think and Act Biblically - vs. 8-9
4. Think and Act Biblically - vs. 8-9
8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Prior to diving into our text I would like us first to look at several passages in hopes that we will better understand the power of the mind –
Vs. on the power of the mind prior to Christ – (God’s sovereignty over the mind)
Romans 1:24–28 (NASB95)
24 Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. 25 For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, 27 and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.
28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper,
21 And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds,
4 in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.
All of these verses make the point that prior to coming to Christ with our minds/intellect we were against the cross. That which is allowed into our minds has an effect on our conduct.
Vs. on the call of the mind to act –
37 And He said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’
13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
GIGO – Computer acronym (Garbage in, garbage out) – What goes into your mind is going to affect your conduct.
Our minds affect everything that we do –
Illustration –
Matt Zimmerman – Suicidal – allowed his mind to affect his conduct. Anger Lustful thoughts Worrying
Think Godly
8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
Finally – the rest of, remaining – adjective – Paul is bringing this section to conclusion.
Brethren – fellow believer – noun – those who are partakes of the grace that God freely offers
Whatever (this word is used six times among 20 words) – as many as, as much as, to the degree
that – pronoun that refers back to the noun which in this case is brethren
Is – exist, happen – verb, present tense, active voice, indicative mood – one of assertion
Paul provides us with six virtues –
True – Real, Honest – the things that correspond to the teaching of God’s Word
17 “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.
151 You are near, O Lord, And all Your commandments are truth.
The point that Paul is making is that to the degree that it is real and honest then you church at Philippi should think on these things.
16 “Because he who is blessed in the earth Will be blessed by the God of truth; And he who swears in the earth Will swear by the God of truth; Because the former troubles are forgotten, And because they are hidden from My sight!
21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus,
Paul tells us that we must think on things that are true –
Word of God And the God of truth
Honorable – Worthy of respect (Greek term for Honorable is used only in 2 Tim 3 and Titus 1)
What and who is ultimately worthy of respect?
Right – Righteous, perfect harmony with God’s eternal, unchanging standards.
Pure – Innocent, holy
Lovely – pleasing, gracious, sweet, agreeable (only time used in the NT)
Good repute – well thought of
Excellence – moral excellence or virtue
Worthy of praise – commendation
Think about – Reason about, dwell on, consider - imperative command to –
Guys and Gals do you understand that we cannot do any of the previous commands if we are not thinking Godly things.
We live in a world where so-called Christians are being –
Divorce/failing marriage
Falling into homosexuality
Pornography
Child abuse
Sexting
The issue is one of two things either they are not saved, or they are not dwelling on nor thinking Godly.
You and I cannot do these things if we are not thinking on godly things. That’s why the Psalmist wrote Psalm 119 –
Let us look at Psalm 119 –
Psalm 119:9 – “How can a young man…”
Psalm 119:11 – “I have stored up your word in my heart…”
Psalm 119:15-16 – “I will meditate on your precepts…”
Psalm 119:24 – “Your testimonies are my delight…”
Psalm 119:27 – “Make me understand…”
Psalm 119:29 – “Put false ways far from me…”
Psalm 119:31 – “I cling to your testimonies…”
Psalm 119:33 – “Teach me, O Lord…”
Psalm 119:35 – “Lead me in the path of your…”
Psalm 119:97-98 – “Oh how I love your law…”
How are we going to do this?
4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. 5 We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, 6 and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.
We must control the things that go into our minds.
25 “These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you. 26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.
Now, we are going see how Godly thinking leads to godly living –
Live Godly
9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,
Learned – been taught
Received – welcomed
Heard – literally means to hear
Seen – experienced it in me (Paul)
What an encouragement this must have been for the church at Philippi!! Paul did not just come in and say do as I say not as I do. He says I taught you the truth, you listened to the truth, you accepted the truth, and you witnessed the truth in my life.
Practice – imperative command to do
That’s why the Word is so clear about the fruit that will be seen in a believer’s life –
15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 “You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? 17 “So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 “A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 “So then, you will know them by their fruits.
As Paul brings this section to a conclusion, he ends by telling believers the benefit.
If we will dwell on Godly things that leads to Godly living, As you do things let the benefit is that the God of peace is with you.
MacArthur – “Believers must be disciplined to add to their faith the proper attitudes, thoughts, and actions described in this passage. Only then will they develop spiritual stability in their lives.”
SO WHAT?
How are you doing with the Race?
Are you ready to stand firm no matter the cost?