Being Counter-Cultural

Introduction

Good morning and welcome back!

This morning if you will, start turning in your Bibles to Philippians 2.

Again, that is Philippians 2, and we will be looking at the first 16 verses of that chapter this morning.

And if you notice the title of the message this morning, it is “Being Counter-Cultural.”

And the reason for that title is because we as Christians are not called to live according to the cultural mandates under which we reside.

We may reside in a certain culture—for us the Southern Appalachian culture of the greater United States.

But we are not to be so ingrained and informed by culture that we forget that this culture is NOT our culture.

Christians have been CALLED OUT from world, and even though we are living in the world, we are NOT OF THE WORLD.

That is Hebrews 13, by the way if you want to go back and read the chapter later.

So, this kingdom we call the world—the kingdoms of man, are not our kingdoms, so we are not bound by the culture of these kingdoms.

HOWEVER, that does not mean that we are not bound to any culture.

As Christians, we are bound to live by the culture of THE KINGDOM— and by THE KINGDOM, I am referring to the ULTIMATE KINGDOM, the ONE TRUE KINGDOM, that is ruled by the ONE TRUE GOD.

And if we are going to be part of that Kingdom, then we need to understand and learn a little bit about the culture of that Kingdom and how we need to be living in order to fit into that Kingdom.

Which, in itself, runs counter to the cultures of this world.

And these are things that apply NOW, not in some distant far off future when we die and go to heaven.

The Kingdom of God is coming, but I want to tell you the Kingdom is coming NOW.

We can begin living in the Kingdom TODAY.

In fact, we SHOULD BE LIVING ACCORDING TO THE KINGDOM TODAY!

Eternal life begins when you accept Jesus Christ, NOT when you draw your last breath on this planet.

But we need to CHOOSE to step into where God is leading us.

We need to CHOOSE to step into HIS KINGDOM.

Which is where Paul’s letter to the Philippians comes into play.

Because in this letter, particularly in chapter 2, Paul is going to a crash course into Kingdom living.

So, this morning we are going to be looking at this a little deeper.

But to start I would like to read verses 12-16 to wet our whistle just a bit.

So, if you are able to, I’d invite you to stand for the reading of God’s Word.

Philippians 2, starting in verse 12 . . .

Scripture Focus

Philippians 2:12–16 NKJV

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.

Unity in the Body

Now, I read the last part of the passage and it is a part that most of us are pretty familiar with.

Most of us have heard that taught and preached about numerous times.

However, that’s only half the story here.

In order to get the full story of this passage, we actually need to back up a bit to chapter 1, verse 27 and start there to see how Paul came to the conclusion that he did.

He starts out in chapter 1, verse 27 . . .

Philippians 1:27–30 NKJV

Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.

So, the first thing that Paul begins to teach them here is that their conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ.

That they PRACTICE WHAT THEY PREACH in a nutshell.

That they not live their lives like Sunday morning Christians, praising Jesus in the sanctuary, but living like the devil the rest of the week.

Or, having all the faith in the world while in the church service but being overcome by doubt, fear, and anxiety the rest of the week.

Living their lives under the subjection and condemnation of the enemy, with only glimpses and glimmers of hope every so often.

Paul wants them to live the victorious life as children of the King.

And this is only possible, when there is unity in the faith.

He says, stand fast in ONE spirit, with ONE mind, striving TOGETHER for the faith of the gospel.

And not pay any attention to the distractions of the enemy that are toothless threats that are trying to destroy them.

Keep their eyes fixed on Jesus and their minds on the Gospel of Christ.

Because He is the King and He is who we take direction from.

And if you were here last week, you already know that HIS opinion is the only one that matters.

And HE is the only one you need to be worried about any way.

And Paul is not writing this letter from some ivory tower somewhere.

In fact, Paul is in prison when he wrote this and most believe he was in prison in Rome.

So, he was suffering from a little hardship of his own.

And the whole point of him writing this letter was to first thank the Philippians for sending money to help him while in prison, but also to deal with some attitudes and situations that were taking hold in the church.

Namely being, rivalries starting to take hold between members.

Jealously, backbiting, selfish ambitions starting to rise up.

Inflexibility and attitudes that were starting to wear down the saints of God.

So Paul says, hold up a minute—let’s back this train up and remember what Kingdom we belong to.

And how we are supposed to act, as citizens of that kingdom.

And quit acting like the rest of the world acts.

Which brings us up to chapter 2 now, starting in verse 1, Paul writes this . . .

Philippians 2:1–2 NKJV

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

So, going right back to what Paul has just said he pushes it a little further and tells them IF . . .

If they have any encouragement from being united with Christ.

If they have any comfort at all from His love.

If they have any fellowship at all with the Holy Spirit and with each other through the Holy Spirit.

And if, they have any love and any compassion for one another.

Then they should be like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Now, does this mean they have to agree with each other on every single aspect of their lives?

NO!

This is NOT what Paul is talking about.

Paul is saying they are to be LIKE MINDED as it comes to how Christians are to conduct themselves and live their lives.

And that like-mindedness should be INFORMED AND INSTRUCTED by the same love.

And that love being—the LOVE OF JESUS CHRIST.

The love that should be the essence of every believer.

THE GREAT COMMANDMENT…Love God with all our being and demonstrate that love by loving others—by SERVING OTHERS.

By putting FEET to the things we say, by DEMONSTRATION and not just by words.

And the purpose is the BUILDING OF THE KINGDOM.

The BRINGING IN OF OTHERS TO THE KINGDOM.

And this can only be done when those in the Kingdom live ACCORDING to the Kingdom.

But the problem is that many times those in the Kingdom get their priorities mixed up.

They get so stuck on THEIR WILL and THEIR WAY— THEIR PREFERENCES on how the Kingdom should look that they miss the mark.

Their motivation becomes THEIR WILL and THEIR COMFORT instead of God’s will and God’s way.

Which is precisely why Paul writes . . .

Philippians 2:3–4 NKJV

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Let NOTHING be done through selfish ambition or conceit.

In other words, don’t let your will and your personal preferences dictate your work in the kingdom and your relationship with other believers.

Don’t worry so much about what you like but rather WHAT IS BEST FOR OTHERS.

What best serves the KINGDOM, AS A WHOLE.

What do others in the HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH HAVE NEED OF?

And the HOUSEHOLD stretches beyond the 4-walls of the individual church.

What does our church have that another church might have need of that we can share with them?

How can we come together and share what we all have, not for our little kingdoms we set up, but for THE KINGDOM OF GOD, that encompasses us all.

And stop worrying so much about what’s going to benefit US the most START CONSIDERING WHAT GOD WANTS US TO DO.

We worry way too much about how certain things can benefit just us and forget that God has a much bigger plan than just us and our little church.

And sometimes a greater exercise in faith is NOT DOING what may make sense to our natural eyes, but instead slowing down and listening to the voice of God.

Stop trying to look at things through the worlds eyes—look at it through Kingdom eyes.

Selfless Humility—Kenosis (Self-Emptying)

And Paul gives us the perfect example of how to achieve this in the person of Jesus Christ.

In verse 5 he writes . . .

Philippians 2:5 NKJV

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,

And we so miss what it means to have the true mindset of Jesus Christ.

Because when we talk about having the mind of Christ, we are really talking about having the ATTITUDE of Jesus Christ.

And what was Jesus’ attitude?

It was one of Kenosis in the Greek or “self-emptying.”

Christ literally made himself nothing—emptied himself, gave ALL of himself, for US.

Look at verses 6-8 . . .

Philippians 2:6–8 NKJV

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.

In other words, Jesus, who’s VERY NATURE was that of God—CHOSE to lower himself and instead of using his deity (or his Godness) to His advantage, emptied Himself—gave US ALL OF HIMSELF and SUFFERED for ALL OF US.

The perfect demonstration of HIS NATURE, which is LOVE.

The perfect demonstration of humility.

And Paul says, we need to be like that as well.

We need to have that same attitude and same mindset.

We are to consider OTHERS before ourselves.

And when we can do this, THIS is when we can start to come into the unity of the faith.

This is when the joy of the Lord will begin to manifest in our lives and in our worship of Him.

Because joy comes when we are love with Jesus.

And our love for Jesus is manifested in our love toward others.

And we express our love for Jesus through our worship of Jesus.

And ultimately, OUR LIVES ARE A REFLECTION OF OUR MINDS.

How we speak, how we act—the things we do, reflect who we are.

Jesus himself told us . . .

Luke 6:45 NKJV

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

And if our mind is that of Christ—our mouths will speak love, joy, praise, adoration.

And our actions will demonstrate generosity, love, respect, and a bond with other believers—regardless of what church they go to.

Because fellowship with the Spirit, brings about a bonding and fellowship with others through the Spirit.

And because of the Sacrifice of our King . . .

Philippians 2:9–11 NKJV

Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

So even though Jesus humbled himself and suffered a humiliating death on the cross, God the Father raised up the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

And the day is coming when EVERY knee will bow.

And by EVERY it means every intelligent being that has ever been created, living and dead, believer or non believer, angel or demon, the devil himself, WILL BOW TO THE KING.

WILL acknowledge that He is Lord.

And WE HAD MIGHT AS WELL START RIGHT NOW.

Because I AM A CHILD OF THE KING and I WILL FULFILL THE MISSION THAT MY KING HAS GIVEN ME.

Not the mission that I WANT or I THINK, but MY KINGS COMMAND IS MY MISSION.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

You can either submit NOW OR LATER, but you WILL SUBMIT TO THE KING.

Work it Out

So, how do we get to this place?

How do we get to where we have the mindset of Christ?

How do we get to where we are living in the center of God’s will?

Well, are you praying?

Are you fasting?

Are you spending time in His word?

Are you loving others around you (and not in the creepy way)?

We can’t just sit around talking about it, we actually have to do it!

Look at the last part of this passage . . .

Philippians 2:12–16 NKJV

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.

Okay, two big concepts here.

First, verses 12 and 13 tell us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Working out our own salvation means nothing more than putting the salvation that God has given us to work.

Think about it in terms of a farmer who is given a bunch of seed for free.

Is that seed going to just grow sitting in a bag in the barn?

NO, the farmer has to do something with it.

So, what does the farmer do?

He first has to prepare the ground—plow it up.

Then he has to plant to seed.

Then he has to make sure it has plenty of water and fertilizer.

And then he has to keep the weeds out.

And then, after the crop has grown, he can harvest it.

This is what Paul is talking about—nurture and cultivate and grow the gift of salvation that we have been given.

And do it in the full awe and obedience of God Almighty.

In other words, be led by the Spirit in ALL things, like Paul talks about in Galatians 5.

Live a life worthy of your calling like Paul tells us in Ephesians 4.

And the second thing Paul tells us is to do all of this without complaining and disputing.

Without the murmuring and complaining like they spent so much time doing in the Old Testament.

When things get tough—don’t complain—PRAY.

When things don’t go your way—don’t complain—PRAY.

When you just don’t understand—don’t complain—PRAY.

Philippians 4:6 NKJV

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Because prayer demonstrates faith, complaining demonstrates a lack of faith.

And bringing things before God in prayer demonstrates MATURITY.

It builds CHARACTER.

It helps us remain BLAMELESS AND PURE in the wicked generation that we exist in.

It helps us to repel the world’s culture and usher in the Kingdom culture the way we are supposed to.

It helps us witness to others.

We cannot fulfill the mission, if all we are doing is sitting around complaining about things that don’t matter anyway.

Altar/Challenge

You know there are a lot of things that go in in churches that are of no consequence whatsoever.

Not necessarily good or bad things but if it is not tied to building the Kingdom, it is of no consequence and we should be able to take it or leave it.

The greatest tool of the enemy is his ability to divide us by denominations, sects, worship styles, and practices.

We need to step out of that mindset and step INTO THE KINGDOM MINDSET.

Because that is the MIND OF CHRIST.