Living the Gospel

Philippians 1:27–2:11 NIV

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Introduction: https://theculturetrip.com/europe/united-kingdom/articles/10-ways-of-life-around-the-world-that-will-make-you-happier/ Is there a distinctly Christian Way of Life? and If so, How does it bring Joy into our lives?

Living as Citizens

Living as Citizens

Living as Citizens

Bible Project Video

We live in a culture that values citizenship just as much as the Christians do in Philippi

They had a Roman way of life...

We have an American way of life…

Shared Story - Independence Day - Throwing off Tyranny

Shared Values - Under debate - Equality of all people, Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of happiness.

So we we attempt to live by laws that are in line with those values, and as the Scouts say, to do our duty to our Country.

It becomes a way of life.

Politeuomai - to live as citizens - to live in accordance with the civic duties of one’s state or body politic.

Living the Gospel

We have already seen this in Paul, and it is what has produced in him a life of Joy. - Summarize Paul so far.

Week 1: Gratitude flows from the Gospel of Grace.

Week 2: That we see the opportunities God gives us for his mission.

Week 3: Christ is Lord over our Life and Death.

Living in a manner worthy the Gospel means making the Gospel Story our way of life.

Not grasping to our rights,

Taking the role of a slave

Sacrificial Living

God will Honor and Bless.

Does this mean that we should die on a cross like Jesus. Are we supposed to re-enact Jesus’ story?....No....

It means we taking on the attitudes the logic of the story and live that out.

Paul remember has decided that Death is Gain, continuing to live is the sacrifice, continuing to live is the Christ-Like attitude in his situation.

The Basic Attitude is that...

Living the Gospel is Loving Others

United in purpose

Serving Others with Love - This is sacrificial, unselfish love.

Talking to the Philippians, so serving others in the church.

Also Serving others outside of the church.

This seems like a chore.

Experience Leadershift non-reasons.

God needs help.

We need to pay God back.

Not Jesus’ Attitude - His sacrificial love flows from His love of the Father.

Jesus’ Glorification & Our Blessing.

Experience Leadershift Blessings:

Friendship with God

His Life-Shaping Influence

Meaning and Purpose

Personal Esteem

True Fellowship

The Joy Of God - Paul wants his joy complete.

So this does not mean our circumstances will always be happy, nor does it mean we should forgo healthy boundaries, but Paul is saying, when our attitude is the same as his descent, then we will participate in Christ’s ascent in the form of blessing.

Conclusion:

When you think of being a citizen of this country, celebrate that, and love your country by living in accordance to your civic duties to the U.S.A., but more importantly, Our highest Allegience is to Christ. So I urge you to live the Gospel story, and love others in humility, serve them unselfishly, and you will be blessed beyond what you can imagine.

Reference the Reformed Confessions: The Reformed Confessions are statements of faith written to clarify the Gospel at times when the Church was in crisis. Heidelberg Catechism: Q&A 22, 23, 32, 43, 76, 86, 91, 115, 122, 124 Belgic Confession: Articles 24 Canons of Dort: Head V, Article 12-13 Belhar Confession: Articles 1-5