JOY EXEMPLIFIED: A GOSPEL LIGHT
Notes
Transcript
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Do all things without complaining and disputing,
that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.
For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.
Main Idea: God desires for Christians to be a gospel light in a dark world.
Main Idea: God desires for Christians to be a gospel light in a dark world.
Key Question: What kind of impact have you made with your life?
Key Question: What kind of impact have you made with your life?
Therefore - in light of the hymn about Christ (Phil 2:5-11)
1. A gospel light produces good works. (v. 12-13)
1. A gospel light produces good works. (v. 12-13)
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
“Work out not work for. This means to carry something to its logical conclusion.
Our human body illustrates this in that we have all of who we are at birth. But we must develop and grow. But you do not add any brain cells or DNA after your birth.” Wes George
who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,
but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
while we work, God works in us.
To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.
2. A gospel light permeates darkness. (v. 14-16)
2. A gospel light permeates darkness. (v. 14-16)
Do all things without complaining and disputing,
that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
Grumbling is the hum of the fallen human heart, and often a hallmark of Christians’ indwelling sin. Scott Hubbard
Grumbling is discontent expressed through a low tone that sometimes others may hear.
Disputing is the outward fight with one another.
Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:
(p. 99 Laugh Again, article in LA Times by Barry Siegel, “World May End with a Splash)
It has been reported that pickles cause cancer, communism, and airline tragedies, auto accidents and crime waves. 99% of cancer victims have eaten pickles. 100% of soldiers, 96.8 % communists sympathizers. 99.7% of those involved in auto and airplane accidents. Those born in 1839 who ate pickles have a 100% mortality rate. Rats force fed 20 pounds of pickles a day for month ended up with bulging abdomens and loss of appetite.
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
3. A gospel light provides joy to believers. ( 17-18)
3. A gospel light provides joy to believers. ( 17-18)
Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.
For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.
complaining and disputing steal joy rather than give joy!
Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.