God’s Grand Plan

Introduction

Fries & Shake.

Peanut butter on burger

Pineapple on pizza

Yet, many enjoy it!

Unexpected combinations that can prove enjoyable.

When you take a look at the church in Philippi.

Great diversity can produce great effectiveness.

This is the potential of the local body of believers, the church.

As we are empowered by the Holy Spirit and focused on the mission of Jesus.

Taking the Gospel from the neighborhood to the nations.

God Saves The Agreeable

vv. 12-15 (v. 14)

Lydia - worthy and religious (church planter’s dream).

Going to prayer meeting. Purple clothing, fashion designer.

But, was not a believer. Despite all outward appearances.

The Lord had yet to save her.

Religious, good, interested…

Does not mean saved.

But, then she is!!

Here’s the reality…

The “good” can be the hardest soil.

Those raised in the church are often inoculated to the Gospel.

“Why do I need God?”

A very shortsighted view of life and eternity.

But, God is able to save them!

And then they serve a valuable place in the church.

God Saves The Antagonistic

vv. 16-18 (v. 16)

Intent to fight the Gospel.

Demonic force, annoying Paul.

Distract him and his audience.

When we think about sharing the Gospel, having a conversation.

Then a person comes behind you and starts screaming in your ear…

Yet, God still cared about her.

She was created in the image of God; therefore, she has value.

She needs the Gospel.

We don’t know for sure what happened next. Conjecture at best.

Many believe that she was later saved.

Either way, Jesus freed her.

The Gospel is able.

How??

Rosaria Butterfield.

Neighbors who saw value in her and loved her.

They opened their home up to her, shared meals and their family.

Through that, she saw Jesus.

Build a bridge of relationship strong enough to bear the weight of the truth you have to give.

Matthew 12:34 ESV

For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

God Saves The Oblivious

vv. 25-34 (v. 31)

Just doing his job, just surviving.

No religious background.

Just a government job.

But then, an encounter with two strange prisoners.

Stocks, but worshiping (v. 25). Earthquake.

His responsibility if he loses any prisoners.

And then Paul and Silas, who stayed, share the Gospel with him.

Their worship was testimony.

The Lord used their faithfulness.

A faith that is not dependent upon circumstances.

Consider how you live your faith out before others.

Conclusion

You never know who God will save.

Also, you fit into one of those groups!

And all of these types of people, they formed the church in Philippi.

Imagine sitting next to one of those people.

Surface, flesh reaction.

Then, the Christlike reaction.

And when Paul thought about this church, the key word is JOY.

The key word to Philippians is JOY.

A joy they experienced because of their unity, embracing diversity.

Despite differences, backgrounds, personalities, interests.

Diversity can empower Gospel effectiveness.