“Don’t Lose Your Mind”
Philippians • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 12 viewsThe beginning of our series on Philippians
Notes
Transcript
Announcements:
Thank you all for your help in the outreach last week! You prayers, financial support and volunteering helped it be a great success!
Worship:
You Are Good
2. This is Our God
3. You’ve Already Won
Text: Philippians 1:3-28
Introduction:
This morning we will be starting a new series on the book of Philippians called “Mind Over Matter”. Before we get into our message, I want to set the table before we eat lol.
The book of Philippians was written by Paul around AD 62 to the church of Philippi. Paul is writing this letter from his first Roman imprisonment (Acts 28:30-31) while he awaits to see Caesar which was the Roman Emperor Nero at that time (yes, the same Nero that burned Rome on July 19, 64 AD and blamed/tortured/imprisoned/executed the Christians). The church of Philippi was a church Paul planted on his second missionary journey around AD 50, so the church had been around for a while (12 years). In Acts 16, we are told Paul is given a vision of a Macedonian man pleading with Paul to come to help them (vv. 6-12) which resulted in the first church in Europe to be born: the church at Philippi. The church was predominately Gentile while women had a significant role in the church as well. They were generous and loyal to Paul from day one. This church was in a city known for its military significance as it was the capital of Alexander the Great who renamed it after his father, Philip in 332BC. The city flourished and was proud of its history and was entrenched in Roman political and social life which is why Paul alludes to the military and political structures as metaphors of the church in this letter.
While the book of Philippians is widely known for its theme of “joy”, Paul also talks quite a bit about the Christian’s mind. Our mindset is what we will be focusing on in this series as our mind has a great influence and effect on how we live and what our perception/focus is resulting in whether we have joy or not.
Transition: This morning we will be in Philippians 1 and looking at what Paul presents to us as the single mind (a unified, Christ-centered focus). Now, while that title is spot on, I wanted a better title. So, I am going to call this message: “Don’t Lose Your Mind.” (Especially with what is going on in the world today). Let’s read through our passage this morning starting at Philippians 1:3 and make some observations:
Body:
3 I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, 4 always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 Indeed, it is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are superior and may be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.
Transition: Our first observation this morning is:
I. Paul was thankful and prayed for others (Philippians 1:3-11)
A. Paul was grateful for the partnership of the Philippians in the gospel (v5 from the first day: Acts 16:12-40) They didn’t wait to see if Paul would make it or not
9 During the night Paul had a vision in which a Macedonian man was standing and pleading with him, “Cross over to Macedonia and help us!”
10 After he had seen the vision, we immediately made efforts to set out for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
11 From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, the next day to Neapolis,
12 and from there to Philippi, a Roman colony and a leading city of the district of Macedonia. We stayed in that city for several days.
1. Paul and the Philippian Church were ministry partners! They were trying to achieve the same thing: spreading the gospel
2. Key Verse: Philippians 1:6 - "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
B. Paul’s Prayer for the Philippians’ Growth (1:7-11)
1. Paul’s deep affection and desire for the Philippians to grow in love, knowledge, and discernment. They had love but we can always pray for more love and not blind love either!
2. Key Verse: Philippians 1:9 - "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight."
As we go through difficult circumstances, we need to lean on the rest of the Body of Christ! We are not alone! We need to pray with and for each other!
Recall the story of the paralyzed man who needed help reaching Jesus. His friends lowered him through the roof, showcasing their willingness to seek help for their friend's healing.
(Not on slide)
3 They came to him bringing a paralytic, carried by four of them. 4 Since they were not able to bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and after digging through it, they lowered the mat on which the paralytic was lying. 5 Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
6 But some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts: 7 “Why does he speak like this? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
8 Right away Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were thinking like this within themselves and said to them, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat, and walk’? 10 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he told the paralytic—11 “I tell you: get up, take your mat, and go home.”
This biblical account reminds us of the importance of reaching out for help in difficult times, as it can bring about life-changing outcomes.
Questions:
Are we so focused on our situation that we miss out on being thankful for those God has placed in our life to walk life with us?
Are we so focused on our current situation that we miss out on praying for others?
Transition: our first observation is thanksgiving and prayer for others. This helps us not to focus on our negative circumstances and want to start handing out invites to our pity party. Our focus needs to be on others and encouraging them to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. This mentality helps bring unity, then we can focus on:
12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. 14 Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly. 15 To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. 16 These preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment. 18 What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice 19 because I know this will lead to my salvation through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 20 My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
21 For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. 23 I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ—which is far better—24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25 Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that, because of my coming to you again, your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound.
II. Paul was more concerned about the spread of the Gospel more than his situation (Philippians 1:12-26)
A. Paul’s Imprisonment Advances the Gospel (1:12-14)
1. Paul's imprisonment is not a setback; rather, it has served to advance the gospel. (V12)
2. The church probably remembered in Acts 16:16-40 when Paul and Silas were thrown into prison after freeing the slave girl from the demon that helped her predict the future which resulted in a profit by her owners. They were severely beaten with rods (most likely on their feet so they couldn’t walk or run away) and flogged and put in the inner prison where their feet were put in stocks/chains. Then they were praying and signing hymns to God and a violent earthquake opened the doors and loosed everyone’s chains.
The church probably also wondered why God wasn’t getting Paul out of his current situation now like He did in Philippi.
3. Key Verse: Philippians 1:12 - "Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel."
4. Application: We need to see challenges as opportunities for God’s work and witness.
B. Christ is Preached (1:15-18)
1. Different motives behind preaching Christ, but Paul rejoices that the gospel of Christ is proclaimed. (Trying to become more popular than Paul was, etc.)
2. Key Verse: Philippians 1:18 - "But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached."
3. David Guzik says it this way: “Paul’s attitude went like this: “If you preach the true gospel, I don’t care what your motives are. If your motives are bad, God will deal with you—but at least the gospel is preached. But if you preach a false gospel, I don’t care how good your motives are. You are dangerous and must stop preaching your false gospel, and good motives don’t excuse your false message.” David Guzik, Philippians, David Guzik’s Commentaries on the Bible (Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik, 2013), Php 1:15–18.
4. Application: We need to maintain focus on Christ and rejoice in His message being spread, regardless of circumstances.
Olympic opening ceremonies, political news and conspiracies, wars and rumors of wars
Are we surprised there are those who will openly and gladly mock Jesus Christ and Christianity? The Bible warns us about this! It shouldn’t come as a surprise at all!
(Not on slide)
18 For I have often told you, and now say again with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.
But know this: Hard times will come in the last days. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, demeaning, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good, 4 traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to the form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid these people.
But you know what God is doing?
Facebook Post:
If you are a believer and you are upset about the opening ceremony of the Olympics, I have a really practical way for you to make a real difference!
TODAY start supporting a missionary in Europe with your offering, even 10$ a month would be planting seeds of change in Europe.
If you don’t know one, I would be glad to connect you, message me! The Gospel is the hope of the world and is the ONLY way a lasting change will be made. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Missionary Friend of ours responded:
My account number is 292201. Just sayin’ 😉 I’m preaching the gospel here several days a week.
https://giving.ag.org/donate/600001-292201
That’s what a single mind looks like. Instead of losing their mind, they are seeing what God can do in the midst of what took place! Are we supposed to do something about it? Absolutely! But there is a right way and a wrong way to do so! Don’t get sucked in to what the world is doing and then sow seeds of disunity, discord, etc.
C. To Live is Christ, to Die is Gain (1:19-26)
1. Paul’s dilemma between living for fruitful ministry or departing to be with Christ.
2. Key Verse: Philippians 1:21 - "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
3. Application: We need to live a life fully dedicated to Christ, with a heavenly perspective and put ourself last.
In the story of Joseph in the Bible, we see how God used Joseph's time in slavery and imprisonment to eventually elevate him to a position of great authority in Egypt, where he was able to save countless lives during a severe famine. What seemed like a series of terrible events turned out to be part of God's grand plan, and His glory was ultimately revealed through it all.
Think of a caterpillar struggling to break free from its cocoon. The process seems long, difficult and tiring, but once the caterpillar emerges as a butterfly, its beauty and freedom are unmatched. Similarly, God uses the difficult situations in our lives to bring forth a transformation that reveals His glory and our true potential.
Questions:
Are we more concerned about the spread of the Gospel or our own agenda?
Are we expecting God to do things the same way as He always has done?
Transition: after the first observation of thanksgiving and prayer for others, the spread of the Gospel is the second observation if we want to have a mindset to experience the joy of the Lord no matter what situation or circumstance you find yourself in. The last observation we see is to:
27 Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel, 28 not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your salvation—and this is from God.
III. Live Worthy of the Gospel (Philippians 1:27-28)
A. Live Worthy of the Gospel (1:27-28)
1. Call to live in a manner worthy of the gospel, standing firm in one spirit.
a. KJV has “conversation” but a better translation is conduct of lifestyle
b. Live your life (lit “conduct yourselves as citizens”; cp. Ac 23:1) alludes to Philippi’s political history (it was a Roman Colony), reminding the church of its higher citizenship (in the kingdom of God).
c. Standing firm involves contending* (not fighting) together.
d. “One spirit” expresses the believer’s unified attitude. Paul’s primary concern, that you are standing firm in one spirit, reflected military pride. Roman armies stood ready for combat regardless of the enemy’s level of strength and preparedness or the distracting enticements of culture. The church must manifest the same readiness.
e. One accord (lit “same soul”) means that believers share “life.” Together they prevent divisiveness like Paul witnessed at Rome (vv. 14–17).
*f. “Contending” comes from athletics where teams contended for a prize (cp. 4:3). Harmony, not individualism, achieves God’s purposes.
We see this in the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s final speech, just hours before being shot. He didn’t know what came next, but he said, “Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop…I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”
Seeing the glory of the Lord changes you. The powers of this world are intimidating but as we stand for Jesus in a world that stands against him, we don’t have to fear what they can do to us. We’ve seen what Jesus can do with death! They killed him and he got up three days later!
We don’t go looking for persecution or pick fights. Jesus told us to love our enemies, not hate them. As Dr. King said, we meet the forces of hate with the power of love. Maybe one day, we’ll go to jail for our stand for Jesus. If we do, let’s honorably grace the jail with our presence for him. Let’s joyfully follow Jesus, and when suffering comes at the hands of outsiders, let’s stand our ground with one spirit and one mind fixed our Savior and offer the gospel, and they will see in us something they don’t have within themselves.
Standing also involves not being frightened … by your opponents. Soldiers used “frightened” to describe horses that might easily be startled or a stampede of startled horses.
Do not compromise and join in either with the opponents or join in by arguing with the opponents.
Standing up for the Gospel in the midst of the opponents was to show the victory they had in Christ and the opponent’s defeat that would eventually come.
Question:
Are we living as a citizen of heaven or the world?
Conclusion:
Having a single mind is important in order to experience the joy of the Lord.
If our mindset is on:
-being thankful for those God has placed in our life to walk with us and pray for others;
-making sure the Gospel is being spread and
-we are living a life worthy of the Gospel in lifestyle and speech as citizens of heaven,
then we will be able to experience the joy of the Lord no matter what situation or circumstance we find ourself in.
Ephesians 4:1–3 (CSB)
1 Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received,
2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
3 making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
1 Corinthians 16:13–14 (CSB)
13 Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.
14 Do everything in love.
Let us not forget we are foreigners and not from this world. Our home is in heaven! We are to lean on our brothers and sisters in Christ, focus on spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and no other agenda, and to live our life worthy of the Gospel!
We need to have a single mind of spreading the Gospel!
Doing this will help us not to lose our mind when it comes to what is going on around us in this world because this world will get worse as it is fading away!
