Sermon Tone Analysis
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Perhaps one of the most potent forms of being a witness, of being light in our world right now is the command that Paul gives us in Philippians 3:1.
Finally, my brothers (and sisters), rejoice in the Lord!
As Christian people we should rejoice!
Think of the potential impact that rejoicing could have on our community right now?
In most people’s opinion are there many reasons to rejoice in 2021?
And yet we are commanded to rejoice no matter the circumstances.
The idea of joy and rejoicing has been a major theme of Paul in his letter to the Philippians.
Joy and rejoicing should be an essential immutable part of every believer’s life.
The idea of being a joyful person, being a person who is able to rejoice no matter the circumstances, actually becomes a test of our salvation.
In what way?
I think the Bible makes it clear that only Christians are those capable of experiencing lasting joy.
“Our rejoicing is always something that results from a realization of our position in Christ.
My joy is the product, almost the by-product, of my concentration upon my relationship to God in Jesus Christ.”—
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Therefore, no one but the Christian can truly rejoice!
And we can rejoice at all times, in any circumstance, since our relationship with God through Christ never changes.
Our joy is invulnerable!
If God ever allows us to get to the place where we are left all alone, all that this world has to offer is stripped away from us, our joy will still remain!
Why?
Because the Father is with us.
So Paul’s command to rejoice in the Lord is depended upon our relationship with God.
Thus, it is entirely logical that Paul takes some space in his letter to make sure that the Philippians were truly Christians.
To write the same things to you is not trouble (causes Paul no hesitation, he is not reluctant to do it, he does not shrink back from writing these things!).
On the other hand it is safe for the Philippians or it is in their best interest.
The idea is Paul has talked about this before, and he is going to talk about it again.
And he is not going to apologize for going over the basics of salvation yet again with them.
Importance of knowing well the basic doctrines of the faith- Foundations!
Why? True joy is dependent upon a correct understanding of doctrine.
Nothing can rob you of your ability to rejoice more than uncertainty about doctrine.
Beware the dogs,
Beware the evil workers
Beware those who mutilate the flesh
False teachers, Judaisers, Wanted to add something to Christ
We are the circumcision?
True circumcision- not talking about the church being Israel- rather being born again as child of God was not external, like the false teachers were advocating.
Are you one of the circumcision?
Why is this such an important question?
Why is Paul highlighting this to the Philippians?
Because it is at the very heart of our ability to rejoice!
How can I become a person who is always rejoicing?
You must be in a right relationship to God- you must be a Christian!
How can I know if I am a Christian?
Paul gives us three evidences of our salivation:
Evidence #1- You will worship God by means of the Holy Spirit
οἱ πνεύματι θεοῦ λατρεύοντες[1]
the ones worshiping/serving by the Spirit of God
[1] This verb is used in the NT to describe worship or service as an expression of the inner worship of the heart by faith.
C.f. Rev. 22:3 and John 4:23-24.
This kind of worship cannot be accomplished through religious ceremony.
It cannot be expressed through the righteousness of our own works.
There is a right way to worship God, and there is a wrong way.
There is false worship and there is true worship.
Which kind of worship do you participate in?
Judaisers- wrong way, must be circumcised, go back to the Jewish ceremonies and rituals.
Thinking of worship as something external and formal only is a wrong way to think about worship.
A Christian is one who worships God by the Spirit of God.
My friend, are you really a Christian?
How can I tell?
Do you really worship God?
How can you tell if you are really worshiping God by the Spirit of God?
Do you worship as a matter of duty or are you aware of a desire to worship?
Do you find the idea of worshiping God a chore, or is it a delight of your heart to come before God and offer him praise?
If you are a Christian you have the Holy Spirit within you and He will work upon you so that you will worship God and you ought.
Do you have to force yourself to worship God, or are you conscious of being moved or led by the Holy Spirit to worship God?
Illustration: Being forced to go to church when you were a child v.s.
experience of reading your Bible, or meditating (riding my bike) on the Word and we are moved, we are prompted, there is a leading in our spirits to cry out in worship!
Walking around the church this week praying through Ps 100.
“This consciousness of being moved inwardly and being gripped and led is characteristic of worship by the Spirit.”
—Dr.
Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Is your worship of God cold and formal, or is it warm and full of love?
Is your worship of God dependent upon your location?
Do you have to be in a church service to worship God?
Or do you ever think about worship apart from a church building or specific location?
Does your worship have the right balance of fear and fellowship?
Not formal cold worship- but not fleshly worship either!
Acceptable worship mixed with reverence and awe! Godly fear!
But at the same time:
Approach God will acceptable worship- reverence/ awe / fear- and yet cry out to him “Abba!”
How can I know if I am a Christian?
Paul gives us three evidences of our salivation:
Evidence #2- Your ground of boasting will be in Christ Jesus alone
We are the circumcision- the one’s of the circumcision of Christ not made with hands- we have been united to Christ and have been made spiritually alive in Him!
How do we know this?
We are the ones worship by the Spirit of God
We are the ones boasting in Christ Jesus
The second great test that the Apostle gives to see if we really are Christians deals with our attitude towards the Lord Jesus Christ.
What place does Jesus occupy in your life?
What should the attitude of a Christian be towards Jesus?
Paul says Jesus should be the one whom you boast about!
Boast- to show off verbally!
We must glory in Christ, we must be proud of Christ, we must talk loudly about Christ!
Paul has used this word before in Philippians.
Depart and be with Christ- far better
To remain is more needful for you all!
Why- joy and progress in the faith
SO THAT your ground of boasting might abound in Christ Jesus because of me
This is opposite of the Judaisers- the dogs, evil workers
They were boastful of their own good works, of their circumcision, or their religious duties.
But a Christians makes his boast in Christ alone!
This is one of the most essential tests that differentiates a Christian from an nonbeliever.
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