Christ is Preached
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Announcements:
Veritas is one church in three different locations and one of our congregations is celebrating a new home today… Tri-City in Hilliard is meeting in their new space for the first time today. So we celebrate with them!
If you want to know more about Veritas, look through the bulletin, you can see some of the things coming up… and I know myself and a couple of the others will be around up front at the end of the gathering to chat.
Welcome
Welcome
If you’re a visitor, we’re glad you’ve joined us today.
We’re gathered today to celebrate what God has accomplished through Jesus.
God is good and he has made a way for us to know him and that is the greatest thing we could possibly hope for...
Additionally, we’re celebrating transformed lives through the work and ministry of the Refuge — where 5 men have accomplished 13 months of training and have gone from the grips of addiction to a life of purpose and hope!
It’s exciting and an honor to partner with the Refuge and other non profits and businesses from our community that are doing good work and helping people!
Third Way Cafe
Safe Families
Citizens for Community Values
Pregnancy Resource Center
Clean Turn
Franklinton Farms
Project 614
REFUGE
others...
Because, our role as a church is to proclaim the Gospel , that is our orimary purpose & then we encourage our community and members to herald God’s truth and grace throughout the city!
and it’s exciting because it is happening.
As Veritas, we get to be a gathering place to rejoice and to remember!
Rejoice in the grace of God!
Remember the reason for our rejoicing, which is God’s gospel.
But first, today we’re going to continue along in the New Testament book of .
We believe God has communicated to us through the Bible.
And that the Bible reveals how we can know God and live a life that leads to flourishing and joy!
So if you’re able, please stand with me for the reading of God’s Word.
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,
so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.
And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will.
The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.
What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,
So what is happening here?
Paul is sharing a bit of his testimony with the hope that the Philippian church would be encouraged to rejoice.
And Paul’s testimony includes going through trials for the sake of the good news of God!
The big idea today: Gospel persecution will lead to a bless-ed end.
“Gospel persecution will lead to a bless-ed end.”
With that in mind, today we’re going to reflect on three things:
What we are called to do: Proclaim the Gospel
Why it’s difficult: Suffering, persecution, and sin
How we can do it: Paul’s example
What we are called to do
phil 1:14-
And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will.
The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
What we know about what was happening here: Paul is imprisoned in Rome…
as he’s imprisoned he hears of the Philippian church and their faithful Gospel ministry and that leads Paul to joy and to encourage the church!
Instead of speaking theoretically, Paul gives the example of his own situation.
Instead of whining and complaining, Paul uses his situation as an opportunity to encourage the Philippian church.
Paul recognizes how his present suffering is actually leading to the advancement of the gospel.
Our first point today: So what are we called to?
We are called to proclaim the good news of Jesus!
We are desperately in need of good news!
Our world is filled with bad news.
We are surrounded with negativity… [Turn on the TV, negativity. Watch a show, it’s filled with turmoil…
we are inundated with the destructive nature of sin and our world wrestles with the reality of pain and suffering on a daily basis.]
Paul recognizes the reality that the church is to PROCLAIM THE GOOD NEWS OF GOD, first and foremost...
and remember, the church is not a PLACE. The church is a PEOPLE.
When we think of the church, it’s easy to think of the church as an institution… The building, the programs, the formal ministries, the pastors, the staff, and so on...
But the reality is: the Bible has called every Christian to this calling of proclaiming the hope of Jesus to the world!
Don’t get me wrong, gathering together as a local church, like we are now, is vitally important.
not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
We must take ownership… Biblically, the church is US… if you bear the name of Christian, if you call yourself a Christ-follower, you are the church… you have this sacred calling from God to proclaim the Gospel of God: (1) in your words, (2) in your actions, and (3) in your identity, it is who you are!
Too many of us become crippled by waiting on God to speak, when he has already spoken… Proclaim the Gospel — How did Jesus live? We aim to live like Christ in our words and in our deeds… in what we say and in what we do!
Too many of us leave the work to the “professionals” (theologians, pastors, staff, ministry leaders)… This isn’t biblical. We have different roles and responsibilities, sure. But we all have the same calling!
What does it look like to PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL?
Treat neighbors?
Coworkers?
Family?
Do our choices and does our demeanor resemble that of Jesus?
Are we confident that the way we live gives honor, glory, and is representative of Jesus?
All of us are putting faith in something… in what ways are you proclaiming Jesus in your WORDS + DEEDS…???
A popular quote that’s often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi [which no one actually thinks said it]:
“Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary use words.”
The point being made in this quote… is quit talking and live it!
And although that sounds nice… it’s only half-true!
The model in the new testament is that we proclaim the gospel with our actions + our WORDS!
So we first recognize what we are called to do: Proclaim the Gospel.
Now, we must reflect on our second point for today, which really gets at the heart of Paul’s message here:
Why it’s difficult
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,
so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.
phil
Why is it difficult to proclaim the Gospel? SIN.
If you’re new to church, that may sound old-fashioned and weird.
Sin is simply human rebellion against Godly obedience.
sin: Any failure to conform to the moral law of God in act, attitude, or nature.
We sin when we rebel against God and do what we want.
The Bible recognizes that God is creator.
And as creator, God determines the way to life.
As creator, God defines what is good and what is right.
We honor God when we live according to his way of living.
We sin when we rebel against God’s way of life.
If you’ve been around the church, sin may seem like such a common cause of hardship that we fail to recognize its severity.
Sin has become so normative and familiar, that it doesn’t sound as harsh and offensive as it should.
But this is reality!
Our rebellion against God has altered the world in devastating ways.
As a matter of fact, all of our pain and suffering can be pinpointed back to the origin of sin.
And the Bible makes it plain, that those who are in love with themselves will be haters of God.
And if you’re a Christian, these lovers of self will not only be haters of God, but they will be haters of you!
I’ve brought it up a lot in the past, but my favorite verse highlighting this is
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
This is important to remember
A lot of our anxiety has to do with expectations
If we expect that life will go along without difficulty… if we think that good ministry equates to a simple life… if we think that having faith will lead to no problems… if that’s what we expect we are going to be greatly discouraged!
Why? Because this is an unrealistic expectation!
Paul is realistic about ministry and we should be too!
We wrestle with sin.
We deal with the trouble that comes as a result of sin, but
as Paul shows us —> not as people who have no hope!
And this leads to our final point. (1) What we are called to do: Proclaim the Gospel… (2) Why it’s hard to do: because of sin and the trouble that results from sin… Lastly:
How we can do it
How does Paul view his suffering? He’s in prison but one thing we haven’t had time to consider this morning — is Paul is also facing trouble from religious people. Take a look:
And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will.
The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.
phil 1:14-1
Some are preaching out of jealousy, envy, in a way that is causing division… So Paul is also dealing with those shenanigans!!!
But what I want to focus on — is let’s take a look at how Paul responds???
What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,
This is incredible!
Look at Paul’s example…
it really does come down to Paul having such a trust and dependance and hope in Christ —
that this earthly trouble is not taking his joy away!
What an incredible example!
I struggle with this… I get so discouraged and down at times — when trouble comes or when people are more difficult than I would prefer.
There is so much I can learn from Paul, so much we can learn from Paul here!
What I love as well is Paul is not alone… as a matter of fact Paul’s strength doesn’t come from himself.
Paul is strengthened by God’s spirit and has Jesus’ testimony to give him courage!
This is where the whole counsel of Scripture, the Bible as a whole is so vital to take into account… Because this passage reminds me of Jesus’ most famous sermon: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT in .
Particularly in what is called the beatitudes, Jesus preaches (and I think we would benefit to take a few moments and reflect here):
Particularly in what is called the beatitudes, Jesus preaches (and I think we would benefit to take a few moments and reflect here):
Particularly in what is called the beatitudes, Jesus preaches (and I think we would benefit to take a few moments and reflect here):
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
remember our big idea today: GOSPEL PERSECUTION WILL LEAD TO A BLESSED END.
Gospel persecution means: “If you’re giving your life to God’s purposes and you’re facing difficulty as a result — it may be hard and you may be struggling… but take heart friend!”
Jesus has gone before you and Jesus is with you!
Jesus knew where his ministry was headed, it was headed to the cross… for you and for me… and so God’s marvelous plan of redemption and restoration could take place.
This is how Jesus could preach:
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN!”
We recognize, with Jesus, that: GOSPEL PERSECUTION WILL LEAD TO A BLESSED END.
Ultimately, we get to look ahead to a day when we will be with God and it will be the best party you could ever imagine!
CLOSING:
(1) Paul’s testimony shows us what our calling is at Christians: to proclaim the gospel of God!
What are you proclaiming with your words
and with your actions
and with the way you live your life
and spend you money
and treat others?!
(2) Paul’s testimony displays for us why this (proclamation of Christ in all things) is difficult to do:
We live in a world where people love themselves more than they love God
and that leads to all kinds of problems!
Love of self leads to pain, suffering, and death!
(3) Paul’s testimony reveals HOW WE CAN ACCOMPLISH THIS CALLING!
We accomplish our calling through the power of Jesus.
We accomplish by looking to Christ!
Our aim is always Jesus… and that leads to joy in the midst of difficulty.
Despite what we’re facing and the trouble we’re going through…
Jesus invites us to life with him and it’s in this life that we have a bless-ed hope!
Put your hope in Jesus.
Believe in the good news of God.
Paul knew this and invites us to as well: Gospel persecution will lead to a blessed end!
Let’s pray.
Communion
L: In the night in which he was betrayed, Our lord Jesus took bread,He gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.Do this for the remembrance of me.
L: Again, after supper,He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying; this cup is The new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin.Do this for the remembrance of me.
Silent Reflection – to prepare our hearts toCome to the Lords table
L: Jesus' death brings us life and this meal reminds us that we are fed by Jesus and forgiven because of Jesus.
C: We rejoice that You have died, have risen, and are now with the Father advocating for us. Amen.
L: With our money, time, and talent we give generously, knowing that through Your Son, Jesus, You have generously given to us.
C: We rejoice that You have given everything and we joyfully give everything back to Your care. Amen.
L: If you believe Jesus died to forgive you your sins you are welcome to come,
L: Come for all is ready
Benediction
May you go forth with joy because Jesus our Savior lives! He has defeated death, risen from the grave and will one day soon return to gather his church to himself! Go resting and rejoicing in what Jesus has done for us, and living for his glory in all that we do. Peace be with you.