Practice What You Preach

DT: Paul encourages the Philippian church to represent the Gospel in their lives Daily

Aim: We will lives that demonstrate what we believe as Christians in both our Public and Private lives.

Introduction:

Set A Holy Example of the Gospel ()

Philippians 1:27 ESV

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,

Worthy - the picture is that of a table that one can place a lamp upon. Stable, steady, sturdy. not easily destroyed.

Publicly

Privately

Collectively

one spirit

one mind

side by side

for the faith of the Gospel

Illustration:

Application: We must be influencers and the standard which the world is attracted. Wherever we are or whatever we are doing set the example.

Stand Courageously for the Gospel ()

Philippians 1:28 ESV

and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.

Against your opposition

this is not a call for the church to go looking for a fight. It is a caution to expect opposition and remain firm in their convictions.

The gospel in your life will serve as conviction for their lives

God rewards those who stand courageously

Illustration:

Application: The world may present its argument for what it deems as right but we believers must remain steadfast in our convictions regardless of the consequences.

Suffer for Christ’s Sake for the Gospel ()

Philippians 1:29–30 ESV

For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

it is God’s design

You don’t suffer alone

Illustration: Little boy walked into a crown shop . . . No cross, No Crown.

Application: are you willing to bear your cross?

Conclusion:

Must Jesus bear the cross alone, And all the world go free? No, there’s a cross for everyone, And there’s a cross for me.