A CHRIST CENTERED CHURCH LIVES FOR CHRIST

Living for Christ: The Heartbeat of a Christ-Centered Church

Bible Passage: Philippians 1:21–2:18

Teaching: This sermon will teach that a genuine relationship with Christ fundamentally alters our motivations, actions, and relationships within the church. It encourages believers to embody the principles of humility, service, and unity in all aspects of their lives.

Big Idea: A Christ-centered church is marked by a collective focus on living for Christ, reflecting His character and mission in every aspect of life.

1. Priority of Living for Christ

Philippians 1:21–26 “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.”

Paul’s declaration that 'to live is Christ and to die is gain' sets the priority of Christ above all else.

Luke 9:23–26 NASB95

And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. “For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself? “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

I see so many say what is my purpose in life i cant find my purpose

Life gains purpose and direction when you are rooted in Christ,

You were created and saved and redeemed to be his Workmanship to bring forth the light into the World

Consider Ephesians 2:8–10

Ephesians 2:8–10 NKJV

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

So look Deep consider how their daily living reflects their commitment to Him.

Look at Pauls mind set his profound devotion transends his personal gain I want to encourage you to look to Christ Look to Pauls example Put Christ so far ahead of all areas of Life that no matter what to have or to have not to be poor to be wealthy to be hungry or well fed to live or die no matter we are at peace knowing to live is to live in christ for christ and to die oh for the beliver there can be no greater reward

When we leave this wreched tent of a painful body of this wreched wicked world and enter the perly gates of heaven a beuty we cannot understand a peace that is beyond understanding a love that knows no bounds for all the former things are now long gone and all that awaits us is the sweet embrace of Christ.

Oh what a day that will be

2. Perseverance in Unity

Philippians 1:27–30 NASB95

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; 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. For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

Focus here with me Paul's call to strive and stand firm as a united body worthy of the gospel.

Unity and perseverance in the face of opposition are crucial for a church truly living for Christ. This call will not only prepare you for suffering and pain we will all go through but also assures that your trials serve the greater purpose of glorifying Christ.

There are 2 types of unity I want to be clear unity for the sake of unity that disregaurds the last two weeks message is not the unity of Christ is talking about

Unity of Christ is working together to preserve and bring forth the Glory of Christ not of our self

3. Practice Christlike Humility

Philippians 2:1–4 NASB95

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

Sharing in the mind and spirit of Christ leads to a collective humility and selflessness in the church. We dont serve to the pat on the back

we dont serve to hear thank you from men no we serve that God would be praised and glorified our praise we strive for will come when he looks at us and says well done my good and faithful servant

Paul calls for a radical unity and care for others that mirrors Christ’s love, building a church that actively supports and encourages one another ,must go beyond self-centered ambitions.

4. Pattern of Christ's Humility

Philippians 2:5–11 NASB95

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Paul’s depiction of Christ’s humility and exaltation, shows how Jesus exemplifies living for God’s glory. This passage famously captures the incarnation and sacrifice of Jesus, urging each of us as believers to model our lives after His humility, fostering worship and dedication that exalt Him above all.

5. Proclamation Through Living Faith

Philippians 2:12–18 NASB95

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing; 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, 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. 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. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.

Look at this call to work out one's salvation with reverence and joy, reflecting God's work within us. Paul emphasizes a life lived actively in obedience, shining as lights in a world that needs the hope of Christ. Remind the church that their collective and individual actions bear witness to Christ’s transformative power.