Joyful Completion III

Introduction

Last week, we talked about finding our “main thing” in life.

For Paul, Christ was the main thing. His relationship with Jesus brought balance to his life so he could be confident in dying to be with Jesus or remaining on earth.

In Philippians 1:27-30, Paul wrote his main reason for writing this letter to the church in Philippi.

READ PHILIPPIANS 1:27-30

“Since you belong to Heaven, live your life according to the gospel of Jesus.”

The way the people lived was vitally important for their Christian witness in the community.

Stay unified and stand strong in your faith together.

The world was watching them.

How would they respond to opposition/persecution?

Testimony without action creates a skeptic. Action without testimony unanswered questions. In order for both to work, one must lead and the other follow.

Takeaway # 1 >>>>> Unity can cause the spread of the gospel. Disunity can hinder the gospel from having the full effect.

We are a people who “contend together for the faith of the gospel”.

We worship God together, serve together, and support one another.

Hebrews 10:24-25

There are no lone rangers in the church of the living God.

Our collective willingness to operate as God’s church will extend further than what we can do as individuals.

Paul speaks toward the opposition and persecution the believers were experiencing on a daily basis.

In the Graeco-Roman world, Christians were persecuted often. The problem people had with Christians was not that they were following Christ, but that they were failing to properly worship the community gods - especially the emperor.

They were to have courage toward their opponents as they stood together.

Their unashamed witness to Christ was a sign of destruction to their persecutors and their own salvation.

Jesus is coming back and carries within Himself the final word.

Their suffering was a sign of God’s favor.

Suffering for Jesus is purposeful and not purposeless. He allows it for good and for His glory—and that makes all the difference.

They were supporters and opponents to the church.

Regardless of the repercussions, the church was to take a stand for the gospel in love and truth.

The goal of the church is to make Christ known no matter the circumstance.

Jerry Rice. 1994 superbowl. Won 3. Working out at the facility days later.

- Many wants his accomplishments but few are willing to take on his work ethic.

Do we want the glory of Christ without the sacrifice?

Takeaway # 2 >>>>> The goal of our life to endure in the way that Christ did.

He provides everything we need to be faithful within it.

We are called to be united so that we can be courageous.