Christ be Magnified

A retiree in Florida called his daughter in New Jersey and said, “Honey, I have bad news. Your mother and I have decided that 52 years of marriage is enough: we’re getting a divorce.” The daughter was shocked and upset, but the father insisted. “I don’t want to talk about it. Call your brother in Detroit and let him know.” The daughter called her brother, who was furious. He called his father and demanded, “Dad, don’t do anything until my sister and I get there tomorrow morning to sort this out! Promise me!” The old man agreed. He turned his phone off with a smile and said to his wife, ”Okay, it’s all arranged, sweetheart. The kids are coming for Thanksgiving, and they’re paying for their own plane tickets!”

Today is the last of our 4 part series on the Heart of Thanksgiving.

We have discussed what is the Source for our blessings, what a thanksgiving sacrifice means, and praising God in all circumstances.

Today we will take some time and talk about magnifying Christ in our everyday lives as a form of thanksgiving.

We will talk about

Christ be Magnified

The Definition

The Application

The Result

Before we start, let’s pray.

Philippians 1:20–21 CSB

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. For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

We will dive into these two verses today. One, we know very well but there is something I feel we miss in it.

But first let’s look at

The Definition

Magnifying Christ is not making Him bigger, it is making Him visible.

What do I mean by that?

Magnifying Christ does not mean adding to His glory. It means using our lives like a telescope to make His existing greatness, love, and majesty more visible and clear to a world that often sees Him as distant or worst yet insignificant.

Let me be clear, we can not add or take away from Christ or His word. We can just magnify Him and shine His glory through our lives.

Matter of fact it is a commandment and a warning in the book of Revelation.

Revelation 22:18–19 CSB

I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book. And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share of the tree of life and the holy city, which are written about in this book.

When we try to add to Christ, we imply that our human wisdom can improve upon His divine instruction. And that is just rebellion.

That is why I try my best to ensure that I properly divide His word cause if I do not and teach something opposite, I am change the view of obedience and lead you down a path of misunderstanding His will.

But when we magnify Him, we change something in our perspective.

We we focus on His greatness, our problems and anxieties appear small in comparison.

Now that we have a better understanding of the definition of magnifying Christ.

Let’s look at

The Application

How do we magnify Christ in our lives?

It starts with two words in verse 21

Philippians 1:21 CSB

For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

For Me!

The foundational point is you living for Christ alone.

Our daily walk, our daily choices, our daily words, and our daily actions should reflect His character, showing that He is the most precious and valuable part of our existence.

Do you have a boldness to your faith? Do you live unashamed of your faith?

Paul, the author of this epistle, lived without shame in his faith. Regardless of his circumstances.

We are called to live a life with that type of boldness, standing strong in our faith even when it is counter-cultural or invites persecution.

Paul magnified Christ even when he suffered, because it gave him the opportunity to express Christ’s greatness through his weakness.

We all go through stuff, good and bad, do we magnify Christ’s power and satisfaction in our hardships?

Now we have a better definition and how to apply magnifying Christ in our lives

What is...

The Result

Whether we live or die, Christ is magnified. If we live, it is for fruitful labor for Him; if we die, it is gain because we are instantly with Him.

It is this understanding that removes the fear of suffering or death.

When we truly grasp who Christ is, our natural response is a life of worship that will one day culminate in the raptured praises in the heavens.

Our lives magnify Christ when it becomes a testimony for others to see Christ.

Our lives in Christ, especially in the middle of challenges, can and does lead others to glorify God.

This sermon is challenging. It makes you look at your priorities.

What are you magnifying in your life?

Is Christ first or an after thought when things go wrong?

Take the time to focus on God’s greatness, especially during the hard times. This shows the world that Christ is magnified in your life and in your body.

Deborah Ann Belka wrote this poem I what to end this service with:

Lord, how can I explain,

the vastness of Your love

it’d be as hard as counting

all the stars that shine above.

For my human mind,

I cannot begin to understand

how the greatness of Your love

over the universe can span.

Lord, how can I explain,

all the reasons You love me

it’d be as hard as measuring

all the water in every sea.

For my human heart,

I cannot begin to comprehend

the magnitude of Your love

that seems to have no end.

Lord, how can I explain,

what I have never felt before

it’d be as hard as numbering

all the sands upon, every shore.