Rejoice, Reconsider, Resurrection

EPC Sermon for Ordination

Philippians 3:1–11 ESV

1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. 2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

The grass withers and the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.

Pray

Opening Illustration: Einstein and the Train (Loss His ticket)

“I’m not looking for my ticket because I don’t know who I am, I don’t know where I’m going!”

Identity and Purpose: Who am I? What am I here for?

Many look to things in this life: possessions, wealth, accolades, and status.

Solomon’s example- wives and wealth

In our text, Paul wrestles with this and realizes that nothing compares to Knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection!

We, the people of faith, know our purpose and know our Identity. Our identity is found in Christ alone, and our Chief purpose- The shorter catechism: Glorify God and enjoy Him forever!

How can this be done? What can we do to appreciate and remind ourselves of Our Purpose and Identity being in Christ?

Paul tells us in our text: 1) Rejoice in the Lord, 2) Reconsider what’s essential in our lives, and 3) Marvel in Christ’s Resurrection.

Pray!

Rejoice- In the Lord: 1-3

Paul is in prison, exhorting those who are free to rejoice in the Lord. In one phrase, he shows us that no matter what happens in our lives, we have reason to rejoice. I am sure Psalm 103 was the song that keep his heart in a joyful manner. “bless the Lord o my soul and all that is within me, forget not all His benefits: forgives iniquity, heals disease, redeems life from the pit, crowns you with steadfast love and mercy and satisfies you with good.”

This had to be the psalm he used to encourage others to rejoice because God has been so faithful.

All of God’s chosen people have reason to rejoice. All who are recipients of His Steadfast Love and mercy, those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, who sins are forgiven, should and can rejoice!

He gives a practical reason to rejoice in our text. Paul says to look out for the dogs and those who mutilate the flesh. These Judaizers held erroneous ideas about circumcision and wanted these followers of Christ to put their hope in their works.

Paul reminds them they are the circumcision and Glory in Christ. Because Christ redeemed them and brought them out of darkness and into the kingdom of Light; they no longer put confidence in the flesh. NO confidence in their works; Christ has done the work. We are righteous because of His sacrifice on our behalf. So we glory in Christ and Christ alone.

Rejoice, now- reconsider.

Reconsider- what’s essential in our Lives: 4-9

Paul turns to his resume. He looks at his resume as an accountant looks at the balance sheet. He uses Counted several times in this text.

As Paul is writing, I'm sure he puffs his chest out a little. He lists things that held great value to him prior to his Damascus road encounter with Christ. The first set of things was what he gained from birth; the last was what he chose to enjoy. He goes through the details meticulously:

Circumcised on the 8th day- stressed that he was not a proselyte or an Ishmaelite but a pure-blooded Jew.

Of Israel- which describes his heritage. His parents were both true Jews, unlike some of the Judaizers. He could trace his family lineage all the way back to Abraham. He was a true member of the covenant people.

Tribe of Benjamin- He was also a Benjamite, from which tribe came Israel’s first king.

Hebrew of Hebrews-Born with 2 Hebrew parents.

Pharisee as to the law- a member of the strictest sect among his people. In addition to the Law of Moses the Pharisees added their own regulations which in time were interpreted as equal to the Law.

Zeal- What greater zeal for the Jewish religion could anyone boast of than that he persecuted the church?

Blameless under the law- In “legalistic righteousness” Paul also excelled. In fact in his own eyes he was faultless

After all of this, Paul says he counts this as a loss. This is the kind of things you want to prove who you are. I went to the right schools, have the right name, have access to resources, and know the right people. But he says , He counts it as loss.

What have you counted as loss? We have a room full of accomplishments, do we care too much for the pleasures in this life?

Paul throws away the old and embraces the new life in Christ. He who is in Christ is a new creation; the old has passed, and the new has come. Paul says, "Out with the old and in with the new!” His righteousness was not based on him keeping the law; it was in the work of Christ. And, because of Christ work on the cross and the empty tomb, Paul and all of the redeemed have imputed righteousness because of Christ. We have been justified by Faith!

Resurrection Power-Marvel in Christ’s Resurrection: 10-11

Paul would rather have Christ than anything else. He thinks of Christ's finished work and is in awe of God's Grace and Mercy in saving sinners who once walked in darkness. Paul says, "I want to know Him!”

Paul already knew(yinosee) Christ as his Savior. But he wanted to know(yinosko) Him more intimately as his Lord. The word know know(yinosko) verse 10 means know by experience… verse 8 know(yinosee) intellectual understanding.

Not only did Paul want to know Christ deeply, he also wanted to become like Him. Paul desired for himself what he desired of all those ransomed by the Blood of Christ, to become more like Jesus.

To become like Him in his death. . In galatians Pauls says I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live but Christ living in me.

Paul looks at his life and our lives and says, life is nothing without Christ. He is Everything!

Illustration: Arturo Toscanini and the Orchestra- Beethoven is Everything

The story is told of one Arturo Toscanini, the Italian Orchestra Conductor who led an orchestra playing Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Once the musical was completed, the audience cheered and asked for an encore! They loved it!

Arturo stands there, takes a few bows seemingly joyful for the cheers and positive responses. He turns looks at his orchestra as the cheers died down and his face changed. Is he mad about something, one recalled being whispered among the musicians?

He looks at them full of emotions and tears and says: “I am Nothing, You are nothing, But Beethoven is everything!

Paul reminds us that we are nothing: our possession, awards, accolades, and status are worthless. But Christ is everything. Knowing Christ and the power of his resurrection is everything.

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