Philippians 1:27-2:30 Joy in the Journey: Joy when our lives are transformed

Caterpillar to a butterfly

Everyone knows about this from a very early age.

From a worm. Evoking disgust and fear in people. Groveling on the ground and in the trees. Eating and destroying. Never able to venture far from its roots.

And then the transformation takes place.

Suddenly, the thing of disgust draws the eyes of everyone that sees it. Beautiful. Flitting from flower to flower. Spreading pollen it is a means for life for everything it touches. And while looking fragile, it may travel thousands of miles as it migrates.

Not anything like it started. Nor would it every choose to go back to where it came from. If it had emotions, the butterfly would be agush with joy – amazed at what it had become.

And so it is with us. Disgusting creatures that have been transformed. Creatures of destruction that are transformed to being beings that transmit life.

Little wonder that Paul is full of joy as he describes lives that are transformed. When our lives are transformed, joy erupts.

I. Joy when our lives are transformed: Lives impacted by salvation

A. Salvation expected to impact life Phil 2:12

(ESV) Philippians 2 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,

· Salvation was a momentous moment

· The implications are significant in every area of our lives

· We need to engage with Him to allow His salvation to actually change us in every area

· Not just a suggestion – privilege – also an expectation

B. God at work to desire His will Phil 2:13a

(ESV) Philippians 2 13 for it is God who works in you, both to willand to work for his good pleasure.

· Not alone – It is God who is at work giving us the desire to transform us

· He is drawing us / causing us to desire Him / His Will

C. God at work to enable His will Phil 2:13

(ESV) Philippians 2 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

· He is empowering us

· Doing what only He can do

D. Unlike those without salvation Phil 2:14-16

(ESV) Philippians 2 14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 bthat you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

· Contrast with the lost world

· Unhappy and complaining

· Creating havoc and chaos

· We are to contrast with this world

a) Attitude as important as the action

b) Word of God controlling our life

c) Till Him comes

II. Joy when our lives are transformed: Lives focused on the growth of others

A. Living your personal life worthy Phil 1:27

(ESV) Philippians 1 27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,

· Live worthy of the sacrifice given for you

· More than just for Paul or the leader – for Christ

· Standing firm together

· Sharing the gospel

o Hard work – strive

o Together

B. Unintimidatedby the world Phil 1:28-30

(ESV) Philippians 1 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in himbut also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

· Not afraid

· A sign to the opponents we are right

· An honor to suffer for His sake

C. Living in unity Phil 2:1-2

(ESV) Philippians 2 1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

· Unity in the midst of your diversity

· Think it through together – consensus

· Serving/ministering in love

o Sacrifice together

o Passionate for others together

D. Avoiding the self-seeking life Phil 2:3-4

(ESV) Philippians 2 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

· Not our advancement

· Not our thinking highly of ourselves or our ideas

· Value other people – their ideas / thoughts / advancement

· Focused on the interests of others – impact on them

III. Joy when our lives are transformed: Examples

A. Modeling Christ Phil 2:5-11

(ESV) Philippians 2 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

1. The humbling of self

2. The great sacrifice

3. The ultimate exaltation

B. Paul – Sacrificing life for others’ faith Phil 2:17-18

(ESV) Philippians 2 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

· Life poured out in sacrifice to God

E. Timothy – Sincere concern for others Phil 2:19-24

(ESV) Philippians 2 19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.

· Real concern for others

· Trustworthy that he would be a servant to others and care for them

F. Epaphroditus – Risked his life for others Phil 2:25-30

(ESV) Philippians 2 25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. …

27 … But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.

· Fellow worker / fellow soldier / messenger / minister

Put his own life at risk for others