Untitled Sermon

1. Introduction

What does it mean to live worthy of a certain calling or profession? Maybe a career or relationship people try so hard to maintain. Why is it important. In the end does it matter what people think of someone’s else’s actions or inactions. Can’t people do what seems right for them?

In 1992 Lance Armstrong entered the professional world of a cycling at the youthful age of twenty. During the period of 1999 to 2005, Armstrong pulled of a specular and unheard of seven straight record breaking Tour De France victories. Everything seem to be going his way, however in 2012, the United Stated Anti-Doping Agency completed an investigation discovering Armstrong used performance enhancing drugs for as long as he has been competing in the sport of cycling. He was later stripped of all seven Tour De France victories and dishonorably banned for life from participating in the cycling competition that he loved so much. Armstrong was consider as not walking worthy of the profession in which he competed.

Ryan Lochte, world class swimmer and twelve-time Olympic medalist was sentenced to a ten-month suspension by the International Olympic Committee as well as the United States Olympic Committee and USA Swimming, as a result of having filed a false police report surrounding a gas station incident in during the Rio Olympics. Lochte was on the verge of receiving numerous contracts and sponsorships from multiple businesses. However, his behavior became a disappointment to many including the swimming committees in which he represented.

Darren Sharper a professional National Football Player for the New Orleans Saints and one of the 2009 Super-bowl champions is now serving time in prison after admitting guilt and settling for a plea deal in multiple sexual assault cases in four states. Sometime after receiving his super-bowl ring, Sharper retired and became a sports commentator on a respected football network. However, because of Sharper’s behavior and manner of life, he is no longer considered as having character befitting or representing the National Football League.

Aaron Hernandez, a 6, 1, two hundred forty-five-pound former tight end for the New England Patriots was convicted for the murder of his friend Odin Lloyd and was serving a life prison term without parole. Just before he was convicted he signed a forty-million-dollar contract with the Patriots. However, on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, Hernandez took his life by hanging while in his jail cell. Because Hernandez chose a life of crime his, character no longer represented the standard adhered to by the National Football League.

Need: How do believers avoid a life of traveling in the wrong direction? How do Christians live a life absent of fear and anxiety? Is it possible to live a life while coping with misery and pain? Unfortunately, unsuspecting believers resort to all sorts of ploys and devices before turning and trusting in the word of God. Also, some Christians chose to turn to a daily horoscope reading in search for good fortune and the right career move and to avoid unnecessary pain and suffering.

Although in prison and in chains, Paul encouraged the Philippians to live a life reflecting their devotion to Christ. In , Paul declared, “27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. 29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.” (NKJV)

Sermon Title: “A Life that Reflects the Good News”

Transition: Christians are encouraged to live in one accord with fellow believers while walking in obedience even when no one is watching. The question is: Is it possible to live a responsible life, worthy of the gospel of Christ?

2. Body

Division Statement 1: Living Responsibly with unity and integrity.

, “27Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,

Explanation: Living responsibly with unity and integrity is the description of a person who can work together within the body of Christ not resorting to petty squabbles and unnecessary bickering, but instead standing firm in their faith while demonstrating a love for the Body of Christ. Integrity conveys the meaning having the quality of being honest and fair. Having integrity means who a person is when no one is watching.

Illustration: The evening of August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina began bear its full force on the city of New Orleans and the surrounding metropolitan areas. I was in the military, stationed at Jackson Barracks when the levees broke resulting in waters rising and completely covering homes, and businesses. Immediately after the storm passed, all military personnel were taken by helicopter to the Louisiana Superdome. Thousands of people were needing help. Many people were hurting and suffering. People of different cultural backgrounds were represented, as well as the very old, and young, the disabled, and medically ill in addition to the mentally challenged. However, the men and women of the military, who also lost their homes and were unable to locate their families, worked together, stood firm in unity to protect and provide for thousands of citizens who felt they were in a hopeless situation. When individual members of the military were not assisting the masses, they displayed a character that was honorable considering, many of them lost all their earthly possessions. The parallel is for Christians, it is important how we live our lives, especially in front the unsaved.

1 Timothy 4:16 NIV

Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

, the apostle Paul said, “Keep close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.”

In other words, how we live our lives and what we believe about God and his Word must be watched very closely. For example, what Joseph believed about God determined how he responded to sexual request from Potiphar’s wife. Joseph’s behavior was not separated from his belief but was tied to his belief and as a result of his belief. Joseph knew that God is sovereign and believed that he was responsible to God for his choices. Joseph watched closely over his life and his doctrine because they were more important to him than any success.

In , Peter writes, “8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling,...” Moreover, in , the writer stated, “The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.” Therefore, believers are encouraged to be of one mind and practice what they believe especially when no one is watching.

Transition: Christians are encouraged to live responsibly for the sake of Christ and not be afraid of the adversary.

Division Statement 2: Living Responsibly without fear.

Mark 1:1 NIV

The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God,

, “28and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.”

Philippians 1:28 NIV

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.

, “28and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.”

Explanation: Living responsibly without fear describes a person who is committed to serving the Lord in spite of repeated attacks from the enemy. The believer understands that as they suffer as Christians it is a sign of the proof of their salvation, however, for the persecutor it is a sign of their destruction because they realize that God is who he said he is.

Illustration: I worked as an Equal Employment Counselor for many years. Once I received a call from an elderly disabled woman who formerly worked administration assistant in the hospital system. She explained how some time ago her boss fired her from her job solely because of her physical disability. Her boss proceeded to block any attempt on the woman’s part from applying to any job within the medical field at the hospital in which she was formerly employed. Although, her circumstance looked bleak, throughout the entire ordeal, she was not terrified by the cunning schemes of her boss but instead she priested in her trust in God. She waited on God even though her financial situation took a nose dive. However, after about two years her case was finally heard and resolved by the EEO Commission. The hospital rehired her, and returned her loss wages going back to two years, but fired her boss for other illegal practices that later came to light.

In , Peter declared, “14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.” Also in , the writer declared, “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” We must remember, everyone can live responsibly without fear as we put our hope in the risen Christ.

Transition: Although there are various kinds and causes of suffering. Believers are encouraged to take up their cross and suffer for the sake of the gospel of Christ.

Division Statement 3: Living Responsibly through suffering and conflict.

Philippians 1:29–30 NIV

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.

, “29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.”

Explanation: Where does suffering come from and what is its purpose? Suffering can come in the form of test and trials. A test or a trial can prove the quality or worth of something.

Explanation: Where does suffering come from and what is its purpose? Suffering can come in the form of test and trials. A test or a trial can prove the quality or worth of something.

The process of suffering can reveal and test the value of your faith, your patience, and your endurance. In the Greek language, a trial is primarily three (3) different words, each with a slightly different meaning, yet all reveal God's purpose for trials and suffering.

Word Study: The first the word Dokimion (dok-im'-ee-on): meaning, Proven Faith, describing whether or not your faith is genuine.

Cross reference: In , Peter, wrote, “ 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."

The second Greek word is Purosis (poo'-ro-sis): meaning, a Refined Character, describing how a fiery trial or test (through suffering) refines your character, as gold is refined.

Cross reference: In , Peter declared, " 12 ….do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

Don’t think that it is something strange, because God is working something out in your life for his glory.

The third and final Greek word is Peirasmos: (pi-ras-mos'): meaning a Tested Commitment, describing how a testing trial or temptation determines the quality of your commitment.

Cross reference: In , James said, “ 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Reason: Many references in the Bible present the refining of gold and silver as a parallel of God's refining us through our own suffering and painful trials. This helps us to understand the purpose behind our pain. God wants to conform us to the character of Christ. But we don't develop Christ-like character all at once. It is forged over time, especially through fiery trials with God as the Refiner. In , the writer declared, "10 For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. 11 You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. 12 You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance."

Also, in Philippians 30, the Paul reminded them to take heart because he was going through and dealing with the same troubles and problems they were facing. Likewise, Christians today can take heart, and know that believers around the world share in the same conflicts for the worthy cause of Christ.

3. Conclusion

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