SF587 - THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF CHRISTIAN LIVING (Philippians 3 15-21)
SF587
THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF CHRISTIAN LIVING
Philippians 3:15-21
INTRODUCTION
Paul deals with the basics of life.
He lays aside the robe of the theologian and takes up the apron of a tent maker.
He gives us some simple down to earth advice for living for Christ.
In effect Paul calls us down form the stands onto the playing field and challenges us to get into the game.
Andy Griffin - Man in a Hurry
Wally on the front porch diagnoses the problem with the car...
1A. THE WALK OF THE FAITHFUL (15-17)
1B. Paul’s Call to Us (15-16)
For Maturity (15a)
For Unity (15b)
For Accountability (16)
2B. Paul’s Challenge for Us (17)
Follow his example
Paul was not being an egotist.
Humility is acknowledging what God has done in our lives and giving Him the glory and praise.
Paul was saying “follow me as I follow Christ.” - That is what being a leader is all about.
Fulfill his expectations
2A. THE WAY OF THE FOOLISH (18-19)
1B. Their Need (18)
“Enemies of the cross” - they oppose the very means of salvation. They are beyond the reach of redemption
Paul wept not because of them - but for them! - What an example!
2B. Their Nature (19)
Their destiny (19a)
“Destruction” = perdition
(Matthew 7:13) ""Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it."
Their deity (19b)
They served self, satisfaction and success.
Their deception (19c)
They mistook personal praise for God’s glory.
3A. THE WORK OF THE FATHER (20-21)
1B. Our Anticipation (20)
Living like citizens of heaven
We are ambassadors of Heaven
We mus live like it!
Looking for Christ from heaven
(John 14:2‑3) "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. {3} And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."
2B. Our Transformation (21)
A great claim (21a)
The claim is to defeat our greatest and most feared enemy - death!
Death represents for us, finality - what could be more final than the grave and the corruption it brings?
Death is the key promoter of unbelief. For in death unbelief finds is greatest allies and aid.
Unbelief looks at the corpse; Faith looks at the Creator. Unbelief sees a dead body in a coffin; Faith sees a resurrected Christ!
A glorious change (21b)
The Miracle of Life
One molecule of hemoglobin - the protein in blood that carries oxygen - 3032 atoms of carbon; 4812 atoms of hydrogen; 780 atoms of nitrogen; atoms of iron; 880 atoms of oxygen and 12 atoms of sulfur. All 9520 atoms work together to be sure the body gets just what it needs! That’s a Miracle - And the same God who gave you life; will give you life again.
APPLICATION
How is your walk?
Are you heeding the call?
Are you meeting the challenge?
How are your ways?
Are you living for the Savior or for self?
Do you serve for praise or for God?
Do you look forward to His coming?
Are you living by faith or sight?
Open the hood - how’s the engine?