‎Magnifying Christ: ‎A Life Worthy of the Gospel

MAGNIFYING CHRIST: A LIFE WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL; Philippians 1:12-30; MHAFB, 13 Oct 19 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------Series: Philippians / Topics: Before Service: Pray with leaders! Opening Verse: Psalm 2:1-6 (or 56:1-4...10-11) Songs for Worship: We Give Thanks, One Thing, 10,000 Reasons ----------------------------------------------------------------------------SLIDE-Transition to Sermon, Ps. 119:105 Introduction 1. Attention: To start off today’s sermon, I have a question for you to consider & answer— a. What are some of the blessings God has given in this world that you have found great joy & satisfaction in? Answers... i. There are many things that fill us with happiness & joy in this beautiful world that God has given us! b. What are some of the “Christian right answers" to this question? Jesus (God), Salvation, etc. i. Are any of you familiar with the Westminster Shorter/Larger Catechism? 1. This was a document written ~1647 by an assembly of English & Scottish theologians a. It was intended to better unify the Church of England & Church of Scotland in their biblical understanding of God 2. It is formatted as a series of questions & answers— a. The first of which you may have heard before: What is the chief end of man? i. Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever. ii. (1 Corinthians 10:31, Romans 11:36, Psalm 73:24-26, John 17:22, 24) 2. Big Picture: And you’ll find that this plugs right into today’s sermon… a. SLIDE-Title: Which is entitled “Magnifying Christ: A Life Worthy of the Gospel” b. In this, we are continuing our series through Philippians i. Through this I hope that you see how glorifying God (another way of saying magnifying Christ)... 1. Truly brings the greatest joy & satisfaction in our lives 2. And serves to be a life worthy of the gospel! c. SLIDE-Thesis: Here’s my main point: i. We live worthy of the Gospel when our greatest joy is in Christ & His glory ii. If you would like to take guided notes during today’s sermon, I invite you to use our bulletin insert 3. Bible Verse: a. Context: To see this Main Point, we will be working through the end of Philippians 1 i. This is just after the opening section from last week in which Paul opened his letter ii. Demonstrating how Christians should lovingly pursue Christian maturity in one another D b. Passage: Now, I invite you to stand & join me in your Bibles, the pew Bibles, or the CSB Bible on screen as we read Philippians 1:12-30 i. This is a fairly long passage ii. Verses-6 Slides: As we read through it, I encourage you to listen for 1. How we magnify Christ with our words and actions 2. How this leads to Philippians 1:12–30 CSB 12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. 14 Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly. 15 To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. 16 These preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment. 18 What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice 19 because I know this will lead to my salvation through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 20 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. 21 For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. 23 I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ—which is far better—24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25 Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that, because of my coming to you again, your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound. 27 Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel, 28 not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your salvation—and this is from God. 29 For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are engaged in the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have. 4. Transition: Please be seated & join me in prayer... a. “We live worthy of the Gospel when our greatest joy is in Christ & His glory” Proclaim Christ through Adversity 1. Intro: As we consider how we “Magnify Christ” & live “a Life Worthy of the Gospel” a. Let’s start with Paul’s encouragement that we... i. Main Point 1: "Proclaim Christ through Adversity” b. This is a consistent theme in the New Testament i. And Paul really focuses on it here in vv 1:12-18a. 2. Explain: a. The Philippian church seemed to know of Paul’s imprisonment and of people preaching Christ from evil motives even to somehow hurt Paul— i. And understandably they were likely worried! ii. Had his usefulness for Christ finished? Had his sharing of the gospel been ended? iii. Did you catch his answer to this concern? 1. Check out his answer in v12, “what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel!” 2. And in v14, “Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly.” 3. Or as he summarizes in v18, “Christ is proclaimed” b. MP1: Despite the adversity that Paul faced, the Gospel advanced! i. But how did this happen? 1. MP1: Through Paul’s cooperation with God’s continued work ii. Paul continued to proclaim Christ throughout the adversity 1. And he had confidence that God was not held back— a. Despite this adversity, possibly even because of it… b. The Gospel would be shared with the “imperial guard, and to everyone else” (v13) iii. What is a bit of human rivalry to an all powerful God, after all? (See Psalm 2:1-6, 56:1-4, 56:10-11, 118:6, Hebrews 13:6) c. Consequently, i. The message was received by those who did not know ii. And Christian brothers were encouraged to see that despite adversity, Christ can still be powerfully proclaimed! 3. Illustrate: a. Consider the world that we live in… i. What are some of the things in America that seem to be adverse to the gospel? Around the globe? 1. People proclaiming Christ for bad motives, imprisonment, loss of job/housing, children taken away, beaten, etc. a. Just this week news articles came out about Syriac Christians dying due to a Turkish bombing campaign b. In Nigeria one Christian was killed and 12 others were kidnapped by militants c. In China reports are coming in that churches and even parents are not allowed to teach Christianity to their children i. All the while public schools teach children that Christianity is not trustworthy and must be opposed. 2. Understandably good Christians get worried! 3. November 3 will actually be the International Day of Prayer (IDOP) for the persecuted church (persecution.com) a. And I invite you to get involved with that (see “Digging Deeper”)! But now… ii. Consider the more practical, local adversity that you may face when proclaiming Christ. 1. Do you think that God is limited by this? 2. Is it possible that God may actually use that to *BETTER* proclaim Christ? 4. Expand: Two final thoughts to conclude this idea… a. MP1: Through & sometimes even because of adversity, the Gospel can be powerfully proclaimed! b. MP1: God will use faithful people in bad situations for this. i. Will you let him use you? 5. Transition: Now, let’s move to Paul’s bigger point that he moves us too— a. Not only are we called to powerfully proclaim Christ through adversity b. But, we we are also called to... Main Point 2: Exalt Christ in Life & Death 1. Explain: This point is made clear through Philippians 1:18b-30 a. While he starts it by expressing his confidence in God’s care of himself through church’s prayers & Spirit’s provision, he moves on to say... b. In vv20-21 Paul shares his eager expectation and hope, “that now… with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death. i. MP2: “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” c. As 2 Cor 5:8 shares, “to be away from the body” is to be “at home with the Lord” i. MP2: Paul longs to depart & be with Christ (v23) ii. This is an ultimate gain for all of those who die in Christ! 1. We are free from our body of death & our propensity to sin 2. We are with our heavenly Father, our Savior Jesus, and all others who departed in Christ! iii. And so Paul understandably personally longs for this-1. But remember what is of greater importance to Paul than personal desires… a. Exalting, magnifying Christ. d. MP2: And Paul knows God wants him to remain... i. Did you catch why? (see v25…) 1. MP2: “for your progress and joy in the faith” ii. And then Paul goes on to share more of what this looks like in vv26-30: 1. Abounding “boasting in Christ Jesus” (v26) 2. Living their lives "worthy of the gospel of Christ” (v27) 3. “Standing firm in one spirit” (v27) 4. “Contending together for the faith” (v27) 5. Fearing not their opponents (v28) 6. Believing & suffering well for Christ (vv29-30) 2. Illustrate: a. But by the return of Christ, death will catch us all b. So, how do you live your life? (Source: https://www.dreams.co.uk/sleep-matters-club/your-life-innumbers-infographic/) i. According to one calculation, in the average human life of 79 years people spend… 33 years In bed (26 sleeping, 7 trying to), 13 years working 11 years in screen time (TVs, phones, computers) 4.5 years eating 3 years on vacation 1.5 years exercising 1.5 years in school (primary & secondary) 1 year in romance 1 year socializing ii. Considering religion, a mere 1.5-hrs/week ends up being just shy of a year worth of church time 1. What about personal Bible study? Prayer? Evangelism? … 2. “To live is Christ” is this a phrase that you can own? c. It is said, “The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it.” (Richard L. Evans, Bits & Pieces, March 4, 1993, p. 2.) i. Begin to live your life in and as Christ and see the world transform around & within you! 3. Expand: a. Paul accepted this challenge & it made a world of a difference—or rather, it made a difference in the world. i. It was his goal that, “Christ will be highly honored in” his body (v20) ii. And to take part in “fruitful work” (v22) b. Notice what Paul is catching here-i. “To live is Christ” means that our every word, attitude, & action magnifies & exalts Christ. ii. And so in our lives, when God wants us to remain here— 1. MP2: It is that we will exalt & magnify Christ. 2. That every aspect of our life would continue to reveal Christ 3. MP2: That we will be consumed with Christ’s concerns, values, & mission 4. That our whole life will be wrapped up in knowing & promoting Christ iii. And this wraps right back into the opening point— 1. If every element of our lives does this, 2. Then even in adversity—let us exalt & magnify Christ. 4. Transition: So, let’s wrap this up... Conclusion-1: Conclusion 1. Reiterate: We live worthy of the Gospel when our greatest joy is in Christ & His glory” a. Our greatest joy is not to be found in our own comfort— i. Avoiding adversity or quickly going to be with Christ b. Rather, it is to be found in our relationship with Christ & esp. w/our pursuit of His glory i. That is to say, His fame, His name being known c. We are to proclaim Christ in adversity d. We are to exalt Christ in our life & death 2. Apply: So, how does this apply to us? a. Con: Pursue Christian maturity! i. While we discussed this last week (1:9-11), it flows right into this week 1. And it starts with a relationship with Jesus 2. Come to find your satisfaction in Him! ii. From there, seek to grow as Paul encourages these believers. 1. Pursue progress & joy in the faith (v25) 2. Live a life worthy of the gospel of Christ (v27) iii. These next three points can all grow just out of this… b. Con: Learn to better proclaim Christ! i. This starts with the foundation of knowing Him ii. Enter relationship with Him & ask for His help on better sharing Him with others iii. Remember, this involves not only your words, but your actions & attitudes, too! c. Con: Exalt Christ in your life & relationships! i. Make much of Him within yourself 1. With how you use your time, how you direct your passions, what you focus your mind upon. 2. Give Jesus the highest priority in your life. ii. Speak about Him, demonstrate Him, live like Him to the watching world 1. Be as Christ to them, just as Paul was as Christ to the Philippians! d. Con: Joyfully embrace adversity! i. God may use it for powerful things in your life (character) or through your life (evangelism/encouragement)! ii. Remember the truth of Romans 8:28, “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” iii. Even Joseph finally understood this well when (after they hated him, nearly killed him, & then sold him into slavery) 1. In Genesis 50:20, “You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people.” iv. How, specifically, can God use adversity in your life & use the ‘Digging Deeper’ verses to get into that. 3. Appeal: a. In v18 Paul shares, “Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice” b. My prayer is that you come to find an ever-increasing joy & satisfaction in Christ i. So that He is your greatest treasure ii. And so that you find ever-increasing confidence in joy in His proclamation. c. May we each “As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ” (v27) 4. Conclude: Join me in prayer.. Announcements • • • • • Adult Small Groups: Potluck: Cadence: Facebook: Follow/join! Volunteers Needed: We invite you to find your place of service at Liberty Chapel! Online Notes Posting: Here are the notes for today's sermon: - Title: Text - Verses: Text - Video, audio, & transcript location: https://sermons.faithlife.com/sermons/ Introduction: Text Text: Philippians 1:12-18a - Text - - Text Text: Philippians 1:19b-30 Conclusion: How should we respond? Pick an application point to focus on this week. Ask for God’s help in accomplishing it! - Text Note: If you would like prayer, chaplain support, or information on our announcements, please call the chapel's main office phone number (208-828-6417). Preparation Philippians 1:12-30 Magnifying Christ: A Life Worthy of the Gospel Christian joy and maturity comes as we - Proclaiming Christ through Adversity: Philippians 1:12-18a - - The Gospel advances with Christ is proclaimed - - Making Christ known in and through adversity - - God uses faithful people in bad situations for the greater progression of the Gospel! - - - Paul’s imprisonment - - - Preachers w/impure motives - Exalting Christ in life & death: Philippians 1:18b-30 - - Confidence… - - - In God’s care of self through church’s prayers & Spirit’s provision - - - That there is no shame when we live sold-out to Christ - - Dying as Gain: To be with Christ - - Living to the Glory of Christ - - - Fruitful labor - - - Necessary for sake of others: - - - - For progress & joy in the faith - - - - Confidence in Paul abounding in Christ - - - - Conduct selves in manner worthy of the Gospel - - - - Standing firm in one spirit - - - - One mind striving together for the faith of the gospel - - - - No way alarmed by opponents Apply: - The Gospel above all - Exalting Christ in All - Joy with the confidence that Christ is proclaimed - Signs of Corporate Maturity - Finding Christ to be your greatest treasure & satisfaction (glorify in Christ) - - Vv3:7-8, Whatever gain I had… count as loss…everything… surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord… all things… rubbish… Piper: God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him - Christ is most magnified in us when we are more satisfied in Him than what we lose in death and what we have in life. - Key to do this: Find him more previous, valuable, satisfying, joyful, boast-worthy than - Now I want you to know, brethren, that -my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so --that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known ---throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and --that most of the brethren, ---trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, ---have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. -Some, to be sure, --are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, --but some also from good will; --the latter do it out of love, ---knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; --the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition ---rather than from pure motives, ---thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. --What then? ---Only that in every way, ----- whether in pretense or in truth, ----- Christ is proclaimed; ---and in this I rejoice. -Yes, and I will rejoice, --for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance ---through your prayers and ----- the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, ---according to my earnest expectation and hope, ----- that I will not be put to shame in anything, ----- but that with all boldness, ------ Christ will even now, as always, ------ be exalted in my body, ------- whether by life or by death. -- -- For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. --But if I am to live on in the flesh, ---this will mean fruitful labor for me; --and I do not know which to choose. ---But I am hard-pressed from both directions, ---having the desire to depart and be with Christ, ----- for that is very much better; ---yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. --Convinced of this, ---I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, ---so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again. Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, --so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, --I will hear of you that ---you are standing firm in one spirit, ---with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; ---in no way alarmed by your opponents— ----- which is a sign of destruction for them, ----- but of salvation for you, ------ and that too, from God. ----- For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, ------ not only to believe in Him, ------ but also to suffer for His sake, ------ experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, ------- and now hear to be in me.