Emory Baptist Church

Esteem Them Highly!

This morning, we find ourselves at the end of Philippians 2, and we will be looking at verses 19-30.  I want to share a message with you entitled, “Esteem Them Highly!”

 

In today’s text, Paul mentioned two friends by name.  He had mentioned one previously, and introduced a new person as well.  We know of Timothy from Philippians 1:1, and after today, we will now of Epaphroditus.

 

1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.

 

Allow me to set the stage.  Paul is in Rome on house arrest for sharing the gospel.  For two years, he is chained to Roman Guard.  If goes to eat, he is there.  If he goes to sleep, he is there.  As he wrote this letter, he was there.

 

It seems that Timothy was also with him in the area along with Epaphroditus.  Once this letter was complete, Epaphroditus carried it from Rome to Philippi.  Timothy then visited Philippi on Paul’s behalf to see that they received the letter and got a report to take back to Rome.

 

Here in Philippians 2, I hope to lead us in admiring these two men.  I also want to encourage you to esteem our minsters highly. 

 

 

1. Paul the Apostle

 

When we think about Paul, today’s text reminds us that he was committed to the Lord, concerned for these Philippian Believers, and commissioned Timothy.

 

First, Paul was committed to the Lord above all else.  Look at verse 19.  You see the first of two times when Paul said his hope was in the Lord Jesus.  You’ll also find those words in verse 24.

 

In other words, in all things and at all times, Paul trusted in the Lord.  He was saying, “The Lord’s will be done” above all else. 

 

Can you say that in all things and at all times?  Remember, Paul was on house arrest when he wrote this letter of joy to the Philippian Church.

 

Second, he was concerned about the Philippian Believers.  He was looking forward to hearing from Timothy about their state or condition.  He wanted to know how they were doing even in his absence. 

 

How is your concern for those around you?  What about those that you haven’t seen at EBC in a number of weeks or months or even years?  Is it your attitude that that is Bro. Richard’s job or is out our job? 

 

Third, Paul commissioned Timothy to go to Philippi.  Timothy was the only one that Paul could trust, and so Paul sent him after Epaphroditus delivered the letter and looked forward to his report.

 

 

2. Timothy the Son

 

In addition to these first several verses reminded us of Paul, they also remind of Timothy.  He was the same as Paul in his heart, sympathetic to Philippian Church, and a servant to the Lord and to Paul.

 

First, Timothy was the same as Paul in his heart.  Verse 20 says they shared the same psyche.  They wanted the same end goal.

 

Second, Timothy was sympathetic to the Philippian Church.  Why?  Philippi was one of the first cities that he and Paul ministered in after he was converted to Christ.

 

Timothy knew these Christians, and these Christians knew him.  See Acts 16:1-12.

 

1 Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek. 4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.  6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. 7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. 8 So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.  11 Therefore, sailing from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day came to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is the foremost city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were staying in that city for some days.

 

Third, Timothy served the Lord and Paul.  Because of his relationship with Lord, Timothy served Paul by checking on the Philippian Church and reporting back.

 

What about you?  Are you serving the Lord by serving others?  If you’re not serving others, are you serving the Lord?  Find your place of service!

 

 

 

3. Epaphroditus the Charming

 

Epaphroditus is mentioned for the first time in verse 2, and his name means “charming.”  These final verses remind us that he was a messenger from Philippi, a minister to Paul, and he was medically sick while working for the Lord.

 

First, Epaphroditus was from the Philippian Church.  He had brought their financial gift to Paul.  That is alluded to verse 30 and confirmed in 4:18.

 

18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.

 

Second, he was a minister to Paul.  Paul used those very words in verse 25.  In verse 30, he supplied from the Philippians what Paul lacked.

 

Third, Epaphroditus was medically sick working for the Lord.  Verse 27 said he was so sick that he almost died. Verse 29 says he risked his life for work of Christ and came close to death.  However, praise the Lord, God healed him!

 

 

Conclusion

My invitation this morning is three fold.  First, like Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus, if you aren’t in Christ, I invite you to receive the gift of eternal life that He is offering today.

 

Second, all three of these men had many admirable qualities that can and should be emulated.  However, the one I remind you of lastly this morning is their loyalty, commitment, and faithful to their family…that is their spiritual family. 

 

Paul called Timothy his son.  However, that was not biological but spiritual.  Timothy served Paul because of his relationship with the Lord Jesus.  Epaphroditus was a brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, and even risked his life ministered to Paul on behalf of the Philippians because of his relationship with Christ.

 

EBC, we are family.  Let us love and care for one another like it. 

 

Finally, Paul encouraged the Philippians to receive Epaphroditus and esteem him highly.  Brothers and sisters, I invite you and encourage not to take for granted what you have. 

 

Bro. Ronnie faithfully shepherds our teenagers.  Esteem him highly.

 

Bro. Chris faithfully leads us in worship and shepherds our senior adults.  Esteem him highly.

 

Cecily faithfully leads our day school and shepherds our preschoolers.  Esteem her highly. 

 

The Lord has blessed us richly.  Let us thank Him and thank them!

 

How Can Your Light for Christ Shine Brighter?

If you have your Bibles this morning, please take them and turn to or find Philippians 2:12.  Also, I want you to find Matthew 5:14-16.  I want to share a message with you entitled, “How Can Your Light for Christ Shine Brighter?”

 

Matthew 5 is Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.  What did He say about His followers and their role in the world today?

 

14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

 

Notice also what Paul said of the Philippians Believers at the end of verse 16.  You shine as lights in the world. 

 

However, how can we shine brighter?  Why?  Because we are living in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. 

 

 

Exposition

Chapter 2:12 begins with “Therefore” encouraging us to look back at what was said previously.

 

The Philippian Church was divided for one reason or another.  Paul eventually got to the point of naming two women specifically who were part of the problem: Euodia and Syntyche.  See 4:2.

 

2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.

 

However, he introduced this theme of unity in 1:27 and sought to develop it throughout the rest of his letter.  See 1:27.

 

27 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.

 

In other words, good citizens of heaven are united in spirit and mind striving together. 

 

Chapter 2 continues the development of that thought.  He pled with them to please their pastor or make Paul’s joy complete by being united because of who they were and who they loved.

 

1 Therefore, if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

 

In verses 1 and 2 are the solution to the problem of division is unity, then verse 3 and 4 give the specifics of how to be united.  First, think of the other person as more important, and secondly, think of your self less often. 

 

3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

 

Of course, the best example of humility is the Lord Jesus.  In 2:5-7, even though He was God, He laid aside some of His divine privileges and became fully man taking the form of a bond servant. 

 

However, He went even further by dying on the cross for our sin.  That was accomplished through His obedience to death on the cross. 

 

Now, we are caught up.  Turn your attention to verse 12.

 

Paul encouraged his brothers and sisters to work out their salvation.  In other words, put into practice what they had been asked to do. 

 

Notice that he didn’t say work for your salvation but work out your salvation.  The NT speaks of three aspects of our salvation. 

 

Justification is when we are converted or born-again.  Sanctification is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our life making us more like Jesus.  Glorification is when we are with Jesus in heaven. 

 

Here in verse 12, Paul spoke of sanctification.  Do what you know to do, and work out what God has worked in you. 

 

That is what is said in verse 13.  God will aid you obeying, in being united, in becoming more like Jesus.  It will be a joint effort between you and God. 

 

The specific way you can do that in the Philippian Church is by doing everything you do without complaining and disputing.  In today’s vernacular and not as nice, we would say, “Stop whining!” 

 

Certainly, he had Israel in mind and they regularly complained to Moses about God.  However, here, it seems the Philippians Believers were complaining about one another. 

 

Do you know why Paul encouraged them to stop?  Because it is an awful witness to a watching world. 

 

If you stop, you will become blameless and harmless for world that is watching, and your light for Christ will shine brighter living in a dark, crooked, and perverse world.  Did you know that the same is true today?

 

Brothers and sisters, it is an awful witness for Christ and this church when a watching world hears you bemoan your brothers and sisters in Christ!  Please stop for the sake of the gospel.  Please stop at work and at school and in your friend groups and on FB. 

We don’t have to all agree.  We don’t have to share the same preference or opinion.  However, we don’t have to share our displeasure with one another in front of a watching world.

 

However, let me take this one step further.  I would not only ask you to stop complaining about brothers and sisters in Christ, but also, stop complaining about the world. 

 

You are hurting EBC and the gospel if you are always complaining to the principal and always complaining to coach and always complaining to the restaurant owner and the store manager.  Now, that doesn’t mean you settle for mediocrity.

 

However, there is a big difference in always pointing out the problems and willing to be part of the solution for the problems.  Instead, Paul’s admonition is stop complaining and decide to rejoice. 

 

That is verse 18.  However, notice verse 17.  It seems that he isn’t as confident in his return to the Philippian Church.  Instead, it seems that he is thinking about martyrdom.

 

Verse 17 says he is being poured out as a drink offering as a sacrifice and service to the faith.  He used similar language in 2 Timothy 4:6.

 

6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.

 

Regardless of what the future held, Paul asked the Philippian Believers to be glad and rejoice with him.  Remember, he penned those words chained to a Roman Soldier. 

 

 

Conclusion

To shine brighter in the world today, work out your salvation, become more like Jesus by doing all things without complaining.  Stop complaining about your brothers and sisters in Christ, and stop complaining about the world.  Instead, decide to rejoice because of the internal reality of our hope in Christ. 

How to Please Your Pastor

Have you ever been a part of or known about a church division?  Churches have divided over a number of issues through the years. Some have been sincere and significant.  Others have been silly and senseless. 

 

Churches have divided over a pastor’s leadership style.  Churches have divided over the handling of sin.  Churches have divided over facilities and location.  Churches have divided over money and how it is spent.  Churches have divided over music styles and song selection. 

 

The Philippian Church was divided over something.  We aren’t sure what.  However, because Paul began this thought of unity last week in 1:27, and it continues in chapters 2.  He even named names of two women that were involved in the conflict in 4:2.

 

2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.

 

In our text for this morning, Paul is going to appeal to his intimate relationship with this year and plead for their unity.  Ultimately, he told them to follow the example of Jesus.

 

 

Exposition

This second chapter begins with Paul using 4 conditional statements that are all assumed to be true and serves to remind the Philippians what they share with one another.  All of the Philippians have consolation or encouragement in Christ.  All of the Philippians have the comfort of Christ’s love.  All of the Philippians share the same Holy Spirit, and all of the Philippians have affection and mercy.

 

In 2:2, Paul makes his ultimate request: fulfill my joy!  In other words, what follows is how you can please your pastor.

 

 

1. Be Unified, 2:1-2.

1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

 

Paul based this request, first, on who the Philippians were.  They were in Christ.  Consequently, they were consoled.  They were comforted.  They did share the same Holy Spirit.  They were affectionate and merciful, and again, this was all true because of who they were in Christ.

 

Also, Paul appealed to whom they loved.  Because they loved Jesus and loved him, be unified.  Notice the unity that he screamed from 2:2:

 

Be like-minded.  Be of one accord.  Be of one mind.  In other words, Paul said there was no room for division here at Philippi.

 

This must have been a fairly serious issue.  The reason I say that is because we know how Paul spoke and wrote to others churches and affirmed their diversity. 

 

As I said last week, we can differ in our opinions.  We can differ in our preferences.  We cannot differ in what is the gospel. 

 

Because we have many guests today and in case you weren’t here last week, the gospel has four essential components.  Remember, morality is not the gospel.  Baptism is not the gospel.  Church membership is not the gospel.  Republican conservatism is not the gospel.  Christian Nationalism is not the gospel.

 

The gospel is that there is one true God, the God of the Bible, and He is completely holy.  Unfortunately, we are not because of sin, and therefore, we are in need of Savior.  The good news is that Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross in our place, and was raised to life to validate everything He ever said and did, and today invites you to call on Him to be saved.  That is the gospel, and we must strive together and be united in the gospel if we are going to be good citizens of heaven. 

 

 

2. Be Selfless, 2:3-4.

3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 

 

Paul’s second piece of instruction in pleasing your pastor is to be selfless, and he talks about two ways this is accomplished.  First, esteem or think of others as more important than yourself. 

 

Now this exhortation is completely opposite of what we as humans would naturally do.  We naturally consider ourselves to be most important.  Even the nicest person you know is naturally wired to be self-centered.  Therefore, Paul instructed the Philippians to do the supernatural.

 

Second, in 2:4, he goes even further.  Not only think of others as better than self, but also think of self less. 

 

Naturally, we are going to take care of self.  We do that with eating and sleeping and bathing, etc.

 

However, Paul’s instruction is to think of self less and others more.  Don’t completely stop thinking of self, but think of self less. 

 

I think one of the best illustrations of what Paul is trying to teach the Philippians is a mother with her newborn baby.  I watched my own wife with three daughters put them first and self second. 

 

When Christy wanted and needed to sleep, they came first.  When Christy wanted and needed to eat, they came first.  When Christy wanted and needed to rest, they came first.

 

Think what might happen if we, at EBC, practiced selflessness.  Think about what would happen in your marriage, husbands, if you practiced selflessness.  Think what would happen on your job or on your team if you practiced selflessness. 

 

 

3. Think like Jesus, 2:5-11.

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 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. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 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, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 

In 2:5, Paul literally says have the same mind as Christ.  However, we are not just to think like Jesus.  We are to behave like Jesus as it relates to conflict and division. 

 

Remember, Jesus was God.  That is what verse 6 says, and there is no debate about that. 

 

However, Jesus was also man.  Jesus Christ made a conscious decision not to hang onto His divine privileges.   Verse 6 says He didn’t consider it robbery to be equal with God. 

 

In other words, He didn’t consider being God a thing to be grasped or held on to.  He could have demanded His due as God, but He made a conscious decision not to.

 

Matthew 26:39 gives us perfect proof of such.  Jesus was under great distress and in the Garden of Gethsemane.

 

 

39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

 

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was on His face and if no other time, this was the one time that He wanted out.  He wanted out of what God had called Him to do. 

 

However, even though He could have said no, He didn’t.  He resolved to not demand His due.

 

In verse 7, Jesus Christ was make Himself of no reputation.  He laid aside all that He could have done as God.

 

He took the form of a bondservant and was made in the likeness of man.  He became one of us.  He extended Himself to humanity by becoming flesh.

 

In verse 8, Jesus Christ was obeyed to the point of death.  It was God’s will for Jesus Christ to be crucified.  Otherwise, in the Garden of Gethsemane, when Jesus asked if there was another way, God would have told Him about it.  In the cruelest form of execution know to mankind, Jesus Christ died for my sins and your sins.

 

 

Conclusion

Because of what Jesus did, God exalted His only Son.  How so?  He gave Him the name that is above every other name.  It is the most important and the most powerful. 

 

Consequently, every knee will bow at the name of Jesus.  That means for those on earth, in heaven, and in hell. 

 

That also means every tongue will confess what is true.  Jesus is Lord.

 

Therefore, not only does Paul invite the Philippians and us to please our pastor.  When we do, by following the example of Christ, we will be giving glory to God the Father. 

 

However, there is also an invitation here to be saved.  Every person will bow their knee to Jesus and confess Him as Lord.  It can happen voluntarily on earth and in heaven.  Or, it can be coerced in hell.  The choice is yours. 

Being a Good Citizen in 2023

We are in Philippians 1, and I want to talk to you this morning about being a good citizen in 2023.  However, if you think I am about to talk politics, you will be very disappointed. 

 

In Philippians 1, Paul is chained to a Roman Guard.  He is under house arrest for preaching the gospel.  However, in an effort to comfort and encourage his brothers and sisters in Christ in Philippi, he has written this letter of joy to them. 

 

As we spoken about adversity in the recent Sundays, please remember that no is immune from adversity.  Also, please recognize that everyone is either in an adversity, just coming out of an adversity, or about to enter an adversity.  There are not exceptions.

 

If you remember from last week and 1:19-26, Paul recognized that he would either die in chains or be released after being found not guilty.  He then gave us an internal POV as to his desire to stay on earth and or go to heaven. 

 

The end of chapter 1 addresses how the Philippians should respond if he stayed with them or went to heaven.  His encouragement to them is singular…be a good citizen!

 

 

Exposition

Look at verse 27.  Only begins the verse, and Paul has only one point or one course of action or one action point. 

 

Let your conduct be worthy.  The language of the NT says be a good citizen.  However, in finishing this thought, Paul was concerned about being a good citizen of Rome, although that is what they thought. 

 

This morning, we aren’t going to talk about being a good citizen of the gold ole USA or Republic of Texas or even Rains County.  We want to understand what it means to be a good citizen of heaven or in other words how we make sure our conduct is worthy of the gospel of Christ. 

 

Paul continued with his encouragement being the same whether he stayed on earth or went to heaven.  He wanted to hear about the Philippians being good citizens of heaven in all of their affairs.  What does that look like?

 

 

1. Being a good citizen of heaven means standing strong in the face of adversity, 1:27a.

 

That is what he said there in verse 27…that you stand fast or stand strong or endure.  You have certainly heard the secular cliché of, “Tough times don’t last but tough people do.”

 

For the follower of Christ, there is some truth there IF…you are faithful in being obedient to the word of God.  See Matthew 7:24-27.

 

24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.  26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

 

Rick Warren shared this prayer last week on FB. 

 

“Father, there are many areas in my life where I know what you want me to do. I just haven’t done it. And I’m sorry. Please forgive me for my disobedience. I now realize that it was a lack of faith. I wasn’t trusting that you knew best. I ask you, Jesus Christ, to give me the strength to follow your directions immediately, completely, joyfully, and continually for the rest of my life from this day forward. I will trust you to fulfill all of these promises in my life. In Your name I pray, amen."

Stand strong in the face adversity by being obedient to God’s word.

 

 

2. Being a good citizen of heaven means striving together in the face of adversity, 1:27b.

 

Not only can individuals experience adversity like Paul, but groups can experience adversity as well.  If Paul had died in chains at the hands of the Romans, that would have been an adversity for all the brothers and sisters at Philippi.  That would have been an adversity for the entire church.

 

Paul told them to strive together or remain united for the faith of gospel.  We too, brothers and sisters, must strive together or remain united here at Emory Baptist Church for the faith of the gospel.

 

We don’t have to agree on all doctrine to fellowship and worship with one another.  However, we have to agree on what is the gospel.  We must strive together and be united on what is and what is not the gospel. 

 

Morality is not the gospel.  Baptism is not the gospel.  Church membership is not the gospel.  Republican conservatism is not the gospel.  Christian Nationalism is not the gospel.

 

The gospel is that there is one true God, the God of the Bible, and He is completely holy.  Unfortunately, we are not because of sin, and therefore, we are in need of Savior.  The good news is that Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross in our place, and was raised to life to validate everything He ever said and did, and today invites you to call on Him to be saved.  That is the gospel, and we must strive together and be united in the gospel if we are going to be good citizens of heaven. 

 

 

3. Being a good citizen of heaven means signaling courage in the face of adversity, 1:28.

 

So in the face of adversity, if we are going to be good citizens of heaven, if we are going to make sure our conduct is worthy of the gospel of Christ, we will stand strong and strive together, and signal courage. 

 

In Verse 28, Paul said don’t be terrified in any way by your adversaries.  However, that is easier said than done.

 

I have also reminded you recently that the devil can do NOTHING to threaten the believer’s eternal security in heaven.  However, he will attempt to make our lives hell on earth, and he does that through lost people.

 

BTW…always keep in mind who are enemy is.  It isn’t lost people.  It is the devil.

 

How are we to signal courage to our adversaries?  We remember and remind the devil of his place.  See Matthew 16:18.

 

18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

 

The rock is Jesus and Peter’s testimony of Jesus saving him, and the gates of hell will NOT prevail against the church of the living God.  Brothers and sisters, signal courage!

 

 

Conclusion

One more thing, and we’ll be done.  In verses 29-30, a very hard truth but a valid truth nonetheless is that sometimes our suffering or our adversity is exactly what God has planned, and verses 29-30 say it is a gift. 

 

It has been granted to us from Christ to believe in Him and to suffer for His sake or because of Him.  That is what Paul was doing.  He was under house arrest because he had preached the gospel. 

 

When you are being a good citizen of heaven, there is a good chance that you will upset the lost, pagan world.  Consequently, you might experience some adversity or suffering. 

 

Consider it a gift from Christ, and you are in good company with Paul, and you are being made more like Jesus.  See 1 Peter 1:6-7.

 

6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Viewing Your Life as a Win/Win Situation

It has been well said that for a Christian, a follower of Christ, that this life, life on earth, is the worst that he or she will ever experience.  That means that our eternity in heaven will far greater than anything and everything we experience on earth.

 

If you have your Bibles, please take them and turn to Philippians 1:19.  I want to share a message with you entitled, “Viewing Life as a Win/Win Situation.”

 

What does a “win/win situation” mean?  It means that both options are available are good and pleasurable or beneficial.

 

If you understand that you have two options of either living or dying, and you are a follower of Christ, do you view that as a win/win situation?  Paul did, and I pray that we will soon enough.

 

Remember our context.  Paul was under house arrest for two years in Rome.  He was living in a rented house and chained to a Roman Guard twenty-four hours a day.  During that time, he penned his epistle to the Philippian Church, a letter of joy.

 

In today’s text, let’s see his confidence, his conflict, and his commitment all the while in chains in Rome.  He viewed life as a win/win situation.

 

 

1. While in chains, Paul was confident, 1:19-20.

19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.

 

Verse 19 begins with “I know.”  In those words, we see Paul’s confidence that his adversity would be resolved soon enough.  He said that he would soon be delivered. 

 

What did he mean?  He meant that he was either going to be set free or he was going to die, and both could be seen as deliverance or salvation. 

 

Why was he so confident?  He was confident because of the prayers of the saints, the power of the Spirit, and the provision of the Son.

 

First, the Philippian Church was praying for Paul, and he knew it, and he felt it.  He knew their prayers were going to make things happen. 

 

BTW, prayer matters.  However, some might say that if God is all powerful and he can do anything He wants, why pray? 

 

We pray because God tells us to pray.  I believe that not only can God ordain the end, God also ordains the means.  Yes, God can do anything He wants, and God also wants to accomplish His purpose through our prayers.  He has ordained the means of prayer. 

 

This is why I have kept our Prayer Room in front of you for multiple weeks.  We need more prayers in the Prayer Room.  Why have you not signed up yet?

 

Paul also was confident in the power of the Spirit.  This is the Holy Spirit, and Paul spoke of His supply in verse 19. 

 

You could also understand His supply as His power.  It was the Holy Spirit that raised the Jesus from the dead.  If He did that, what can He not do in your life?

 

Third, Paul was confident because of the provision of the Son.  In verse 20, Paul expected with confident hope that Christ was going to be magnified regardless of what happened. 

 

In your adversity, are you confident that your life is a win/win situation?

 

 

2. While in chains, Paul was conflicted, 1:21-23.

21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.

 

In verse 21, you see what is arguably the most well-known verse in Philippians.  Paul laid out his two options.  For him, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  In other words, his options were to stay or go.

 

If he stayed, that was a win because his life was identified with Christ.  He knew Christ.  He proclaimed Christ.  He served Christ. 

 

Everything about him was Jesus.  See Galatians 2:20.

 

20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

 

However, if we died, he knew immediately where he would be.  He would be with Jesus in heaven.  That was a win.  That would be gain. 

 

BTW, Paul knew that this choice was up to him.  He was merely identifying the possible outcomes.  See Psalm 139:16.

 

16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.  And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.

 

In verse 22, Paul went further in thinking about these two possible outcomes.  To stay or live would be fruitful or beneficial for the Philippian Church.  They could benefit from Paul’s teaching and leadership.

 

However, verse 23 considers the other possible outcome.  If Paul died or went to heaven, he would be with Christ, and that would be far greater personally.  What could be better than being with Christ?

 

BTW, when a Christian dies, he or she immediately enters the presence of Christ in heaven.  There is no such thing as an intermediate state or purgatory or soul sleep.  To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

 

Do you really agree with Paul?  Is being with Jesus the absolute best?  Better than your spouse?  Better than your children or grandchildren?  Better than ________?  See Psalm 84:10.

 

10 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand.  I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

 

For Paul, he was conflicted.  Staying would be better for the Philippians.  Going would be better for him.  He was hard-pressed or torn or conflicted in his desires.

 

 

3. While in chains, Paul was committed, 1:24-26.

24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.

 

Again, not that Paul could have made this decision on his own, but it appears that he experienced some kind of revelation that he wasn’t going to die in chains but was going to have the opportunity to keep ministering.  That was what was best for them.

 

Therefore, he was committed to serving the saints before self.  He decided to lay aside his personal desires and serve the Philippian Church instead.  Ministering to them would result in their progress or spiritual growth and their joy.

 

However, know that ultimately, even in Paul’s service of the saints, he was serving the Lord.  He served the Philippian Church because of his love for the Lord Jesus.

 

That is true here at EBC.  We have folks who serve others every Sunday in our Sunday School Small Groups and Choir and Nursery and as Greeters and Security Team.  However, ultimately, they are serving the Lord by serving one another. 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

Brothers and sisters, do you view your life as a win/win situation?  When God left you here after He saved you, He had one purpose in mind. 

 

Do you know what it is?  It is to serve Him by serving others.  Specifically, it is telling others about Jesus.  It is pointing others to Christ, and even all of that is the worst that you will ever experience because of how good Jesus will be in heaven.

 

However, if you are not saved this morning, this life is as good as it will ever get.  That is a sad reality, but I want to invite you this morning to put your faith and trust in Christ and call on Jesus to save you.

 

 

Will Your Adversity Advance the Gospel?

We are continuing our study this morning in Paul’s letter to the Philippian Church, the letter of joy.  If you were here last Sunday, you saw Paul praying for these believers that they would grow in their love and knowledge and example of Christ.

 

Today, Paul is going to remind of his adversity.  When we speak of adversity, we might use that word, but we also might use trial or tribulation or suffering. 

 

Bro. Jimmy Pritchard, long-time pastor of FBC Forney, used to say that no one is immune from adversity.  That includes Christians and non-Christians. 

 

As a matter of fact, every individual is currently in one of three places as it relates to adversity.  Some of you are experiencing adversity right now.  Others of you just came out of adversity.  There are still others who are about to be in the middle of adversity. 

 

Regardless of where you are, I have one question for you.  Will your adversity advance the gospel?  I would dare say that Paul answered this question yes.  I would even say he decided that his adversity would advance the gospel.  What about you?

 

As we look at the text, let’s examine what adversity can look like.

 

1. Sometimes, adversity can come in the form of physical limitations, 1:12.

12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel.

 

Obviously, the Philippian Church was worried about Paul and his adversity.  However, he wanted to put them at ease with this letter of joy.

 

What was Paul’s adversity?  He was under house arrest in Rome for preaching the gospel.  That story is in Acts 28.  We will look there closer in just a moment.

 

We know from the end of Acts that he rented a house.  However, for a period of two years, he was chained to a Roman soldier to write, to eat, to sleep, and everything else.  He referred to his chains four times in this first chapter: 7, 13, 14, and 16.

 

BTW, the NKJV translates verse 12 the things which happened to me.  Notice that “which happened” is italicized.  That means the editors supplied those two words to make the English flow better, and that is fine.

 

However, know this morning, Brothers and Sisters, that nothing ever just happens in your life.  God is control of all things.  Even adversity doesn’t just happen.  Either God caused the adversity, which is called discipline, or He allowed the adversity. 

 

There is nothing in your life that is an accident or coincidence.  It is all providence meaning under the control of the Eternal Sovereign. 

 

Paul’s adversity had literal, physical limitations.  He couldn’t go anywhere he wanted.  He had to go where the soldier wanted, and he never went anywhere alone. 

 

Some of you today are experiencing adversity in the form of physical limitations.  It might be cancer.  It might be diabetes.  It might be kidney failure.  Your adversity might be any number of literal, physical limitations.

 

 

2. Sometimes, adversity can come from the fallen world, 1:13.

13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ.

 

Don’t lose sight of the fact that Paul’s adversity was at the hands of the pagan Jewish World and the pagan Roman World.  See Acts 28:16 and 28:30.

 

16 Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.

 

30 Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him.

 

Some of you today are experiencing adversity at the hands of the fallen world.  Make no mistake about it.  If you are a follower of Christ, Satan cannot endanger your eternity.  However, he will do everything he can to make your life on earth a living hell, and he will use lost people to do it.

 

 

3. Sometimes, adversity can come from the fellowship of believers, 1:14-18.

14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.  15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

 

This may surprise you, but sometimes adversity can come from other brothers and sisters in Christ.  In verses 14-18, there is an unnamed group of gospel preachers who trying to add more adversity to Paul’s adversity.  That is what he said in at the end of verse 16. 

 

This group preached Christ from envy and strife.  They were guilty of selfish ambition.  Maybe they were jealous of Paul and his influence in the church. 

 

Unfortunately, some of our greatest adversity can come from within these walls.  However, it shouldn’t be so. 

 

 

Application

So how can we apply today’s text to our everyday lives?

 

First, for me, when I was younger and immature, I thought it was my calling in life to point out the error and be hypercritical of other preachers.  I did this for those I read and those I saw on television. 

 

That was not Paul’s practice.  He did point out these brothers in Christ were different than him and even trying to hurt him.  However, notice what he said in verse 18.  He rejoiced in Christ being preached regardless of the motivation. 

 

Keep in mind, these brothers weren’t preaching a false gospel.  They were preaching the true gospel but with the wrong motives. 

 

Consequently, I’m not interested in pointing out to you or the world how I disagree with other brothers and sisters in Christ outside of this church. If you want to know my opinion, feel free to ask, but I’m not going to openly and publicly criticize other brothers and sisters in Christ unless they are preaching heresy.  See Ephesians 4:29.

 

29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

 

 

Second, God can use your adversity for His glory and your good.  God used Paul’s adversity to embolden the Philippian Church in sharing the gospel.  That is what verse 14 says.  Furthermore, he said in verse 12 that his adversity had furthered the gospel. 

 

Remember, there are not accidents or coincidences in your life.  Romans 8:28 reminds how God works all things for His glory.

 

28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

 

However, He also works all things for our good including adversity.  See James 1:2-4.

 

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

 

 

Third, how you hand your adversity will either point others to Christ or turn others away from Christ.  Paul chose the former. 

 

He didn’t let his adversity rob his joy, and he took the opportunity to tell everyone he met about why he was in chains.  Look back at verse 13. 

 

It became evident to the entire palace guard and all of the rest that he was in chains because of Christ?  But how did that happen when he was chained to only one at a time?  One by one. 

 

Paul used his adversity to point others to Christ.  Jesus tells us to do the same in the Sermon on the Mount.  See Matthew 5:16.

 

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

 

However, this isn’t the first time Paul did this.  See Acts 16:25.

 

25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.

 

The prisoners in Philippi were listening and watching how Paul and Silas would handle their adversity.  Brothers and sisters, the world is watching how you will handle your adversity. 

 

Will your adversity advance the gospel or hinder the gospel?  I pray the former and not the latter.

 

 

 

Whose Job Is It, Anyway?

Back in the Game

This morning is a special morning as it is our annual Back in the Game Sunday.  In the next few minutes, we are going to be looking back at the previous 11 months and looking forward to the next church year that will begin in October. 

 

BTW, why do we do this every year?  That’s a great question.  We need to be reminded at least every year, why we exist and what is our job. 

 

But Bro. Richard, that’s boring.  We have already heard that.  Great!  Let’s get to work. 

 

Brothers and sisters, can I suggest to you that as followers of Christ, there is a very real temptation to grow bored with following Jesus daily.  Our culture has conditioned us to long for the mountain top experience.

 

While there are plenty of mountain top experiences in following Christ, many days would not be described that way.  However, we are called to follow any way and every single day, and so I want to remind you of that today, and encourage you to embrace the challenge of following Christ every day not just on the mountain top.

 

In addition to looking back and looking forward, we will remember why we exist at EBC and find our purpose in Matthew’s Gospel, and I will be encouraging you to get “Back in the Game!”

 

 

Looking Back

In 2022-2023, God was kind to us and God blessed us, and we need to celebrate that.  Specifically, we need to celebrate some individuals and some families.

 

In today’s bulletin, you will find a Back in the Game Brochure.  Please find that and notice on the very back panel.  In 2022-2023, God added 21 new members to Emory Baptist Church.  Of those 21, 5 were baptized by immersion and after salvation.  Praise the Lord!

 

 

Looking Forward

Not only do we want to look back, but we also want to look forward.  In that same brochure from your bulletin, you will find some ministries and events that we hope you will consider joining. 

 

First, our largest and in many ways, our most important ministry at Emory Baptist Church is our Sunday School Small Groups. 

 

In this next church year, we will have 21 Sunday School Small Groups.  I cannot say enough about the importance of you as an individual and as a family, as adults and teenagers, and children, of being part of one of these small groups that meet every Sunday morning at 9:15 AM all over our property.

 

Beginning in September, almost all of those adult options will be studying the Gospel of Mark.  Therefore, you don’t have to worry about different classes teaching different subjects.  You simply decide on which teacher and which class members you like the best. 

 

On Sunday mornings, we began a new sermon series last week in Philippians, and that will continue next Sunday and through the fall.  On Sunday evenings, we will continue to study Deuteronomy. 

 

 

Why Does EBC Exist and What is Your Purpose?

More than informing you about calendars and schedules, I want to remind you of our purpose at EBC and why we exist and challenge you to get back in the game.  God’s Word tells me that EBC exists for three reasons, and these three reasons could also be considered or called our purposes.

 

However, they aren’t just the three purposes for our church.  They are also the three purposes for every EBC member. 

 

Therefore, we exist and you exist to love God, love people, and make disciples.  Summer is over.  Vacations are done.  School has started.  Sports and band have begun so it is time to get back in the game.

 

 

1. Love God, Matthew 22:36-38!

36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?”  37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment.

 

Our first purpose and expectation is to love God.  In Matthew 22, Jesus was asked by a lawyer what is the great commandment in the law. 

 

In short, Jesus responded with love God.  You are to love Him with everything you are.  You are to love Him with your heart and your soul and your mind.  Consequently, this is the first and greatest commandment.

 

How do we love God?  The answer is worship.  We love God by worship individually and worshipping collectively as a church.    

 

Paul called every follower of Christ to worship God individually in Romans 12:1.

 

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

 

The NIV says presenting your bodies to the Lord is proper worship.  The NASB also reads this way.

 

Monday through Saturday, my challenge to you is to love God by worshipping Him individually with your daily living.  That includes your job and your marriage and your family and your school and your games and your entertainment and your finances and your health.  Love God.

 

We are also to love God by worshipping collectively as a church.  Hebrews 10:25 contains a warning for me and you.

 

25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

 

This verse contains a command not to forsake the assembling of the saints in worship when they meet.  In other words, make sure Sunday worship is a priority for you and your family. 

 

It is so sad and such a terrible indictment on the local church today that regular worship attendance has dropped to once or twice a month.  That’s not how you would play a game.  You don’t just play half the game.  As a player, you should be ready to play the entire game. 

 

Therefore, Brothers and Sisters, don’t settle for once or twice a month.  If you are a member of EBC, I want to challenge you to be here each and every Sunday. 

 

Don’t forsake this assembly.  Make Sunday worship a higher priority than your recreation and your work. 

 

I know…you’re busy, and you’re tired.  Guess what?  You’re in good company. 

 

The bottom line is that you need this church and this church needs you.  Love God by worshipping Him individually and worshipping Him collectively. 

 

 

2. Love People, Matthew 22:39-40!

39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

 

In answering the lawyer in Matthew 22, Jesus didn’t stop with love God.  He added love people too.  He said the second is like the first.  In addition to loving God, your job is also to love your neighbor.  In other words, love people. 

 

How can you love people at EBC?  You can be a part of one of those 21 small group Sunday School classes.  You can love people through fellowship.  You can love people through life experience and discussion and learning of God’s word. 

 

We need one another, and God’s word confirms such.  See 1 Corinthians 12:14-18.

 

14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.  15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.

 

This is the body of Christ.  You can love people with your participation in one of our small groups.

 

You can also love people by serving them through ministry.  Did you know that if you have been born-again, God has given you at least one spiritual gift that is to be used in serving this body of believers?  See 1 Corinthians 12:7.

 

1 Corinthians 12:7, 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.

 

God has given each member a spiritual gift from the Holy Spirit to be used in serving or for the profit or benefit of all, the entire body. 

 

Brothers and sisters, how are you serving?  In the choir?   In the Prayer Room?  Through Backpack Buddies?  Through Little Free Pantry?

 

How are you loving people through service and ministry?  Don’t just come and sit.  Go and serve.

 

 

3. Make Disciples, Matthew 28:19-20!

Matthew 28:19-20, 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

 

You can know what Jesus said in Matthew 28 was important because it was the last thing He said to us.  Not only do we exist to love God and to love people, but we also exist to make disciples. 

 

That starts with sharing the gospel, and that is not just the responsibility or obligation or ministry of some but of all.  BTW, come this next Wednesday night, and I will share with you the absolute easiest way to share the gospel. 

 

If you’ve been saved, the power of the Holy Spirit has come upon you.  If that is true, you are to be His witnesses. 

 

Every believer is to be a verbal witness.  God gave you a testimony to share.

 

You received the gospel.  Share the gospel. 

 

We also make disciples by small group Bible studies.  That can happen on Sunday mornings or Monday nights or Tuesday nights or Wednesdays.

 

God called you as a disciple.  Then He called you to make disciples. 

 

 

Conclusion

So I want you to leave this morning informed and challenged to get back in the game at EBC by loving God, loving people, and making disciples. Not only is this information and a challenge, but this also why we exist as a church and church members.

A Letter of Joy

Today, turn in your Bibles to the Philippians 1:1.  We’ll start today and finish this four-chapter book of the New Testament before the end of December.  You could simply call our entire study but also this first message, “The Letter of Joy.”

 

 

1. The Author and His Associate

1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ

 

The Apostle Paul is the author of this letter to the Philippian Church.  Remember, he is the most prolific author of our New Testament writing at least 13 books. 

 

What do we know about this man?  His resume of sorts can be found later in this letter, 3:5-6.

 

5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

 

However, in Acts 9, we learn of his conversion experience, 9:3-9.

 

3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”  5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”  Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”  6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”  Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”  7 And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. 8 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

 

BTW, Saul’s name wasn’t changed to Paul.  Saul was his Hebrew name.  Paul was his Gentile name.  Because he was the Apostle to the Gentiles vs. Peter, the Apostle to the Jews, we are more accustomed to his Gentile name.

 

Paul’s associate was a young man named Timothy.  In 1 Timothy 1:2, Paul called him his son in the faith.

 

Paul was introduced to Timothy in Acts 16:1-3.  We know that Timothy was introduced to Christ by his mother and grandmother, 2 Timothy 1:5.

 

1 Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek.

 

5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.

 

BTW, here is your T. E. L.  It doesn’t stand for The Elderly Ladies but Timothy, Eunice, and Lois.

 

Together, Paul and Timothy were bondservants of Jesus Christ.  If you have been saved, that should be true of you too.  If Jesus isn’t your master, you haven’t been born again.

 

2. The Audience

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons

 

There was only one church in Philippi composed of all the saints.  However, “saints” doesn’t refer to dead people.  These are living and breathing brothers and sisters in Christ. 

 

Also, “saints” isn’t some extra special class of Christians.  Saint means holy one, set apart from sin and self and set apart to God. 

 

If you a Christian, a brother or sister in Christ, been saved, born again, are a follower of Jesus, you are a saint because that is who we are in Christ Jesus.  You aren’t holy in and of yourself, but we are holy when we are in Christ.

 

Who were some of these saints in Philippi?  Turn to Acts 16.

 

In Acts 16:14-15, Lydia and her family were saved.

 

14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. 15 And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us.

 

In Acts 16:29-33, the Philippian Jailor and his family were saved.

 

29 Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.  30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”  31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.

 

And there seems to have been even more who met at Lydia’s house for church.

 

40 So they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they encouraged them and departed.

 

Paul not only wrote this letter of joy to the saints in Philippi, but that also included the church leaders.  He mentions the two offices of the church then and today.

 

First is the bishop.  This single office is referred to in the New Testament by multiple titles.  Bishop, overseer, elder, and pastor all refer to the same office, the same position.

 

Second is deacon.  This is also an office of the church but without the responsibility of teaching. 

 

 

3. Paul’s Ambition for Writing

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Verse 2 is a very common Pauline greeting.  Grace is the giving of what we don’t deserve.  Namely, we could never deserve salvation, but God gave us the opportunity to be saved through faith in Jesus Christ. 

 

And when a person receives Jesus as Lord and Savior, he or she receives peace from God because that person is now at peace with God.  You can only be at peace with God and receive peace from God through a personal, saving relationship with God’s Son, Jesus Christ.

 

I would suggest to you that Paul had at least three ambitions or goals in writing this letter of joy.  First, he wanted to give a report on Epaphroditus.  Evidently, this saint had brought a gift to Paul from the Philippian Church.

 

While on the trip, he became very sick.  He almost died, but Paul sent this letter of joy back to the church reporting what happened.  See 2:25-30.

 

25 Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; 26 since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27 For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; 30 because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.

 

Second, Paul wanted to thank the Philippian Church for their support of him while he was in jail.  They seemed to have sent some type of financial support to him.  See 4:10.

 

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.

Paul’s third and final ambition in writing this letter was to encourage these Christians to choose joy!  See 4:4.

 

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

 

The noun “joy” or the verb “rejoice” is found some 16 times in this letter.  That is why it is often called the letter of joy.

 

Notice that Paul encourages the Philippians to choose joy in all situations.  You might even say he commanded such. 

 

How in the word could he do that?  How could he do that in light of his situation? 

 

Remember, Paul wrote this letter from a Roman Prison Cell.  How do we know?  Look back at chapter 1.

 

1:7, just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.

 

1:13, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ;

 

1:14, and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

 

1:16, The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains;

 

Paul chose joy himself, but going forward, let’s understand what joy is by understanding what is not.

 

Joy is not happiness.  Happiness is the positive feeling that you get when external circumstances are going your way.  Most of the time, these circumstances are beyond our control.

 

Joy, on the other hand, is the positive feeling that a Christian can choose because of the internal reality of being saved.  Even though Paul’s external circumstances didn’t produce happiness in him, he chose to rejoice because of who he was in Christ. 

 

The world is full of reasons not to be happy.  And of course, there are some people who naturally choose mad instead of joy.  We even have some of those folks at EBC.

 

They are down on Emory and Rains County and Rains ISD and the school board and the high school and the junior high and the intermediate and the elementary school.  They are down on the Rangers and the Cowboys and the Mavericks.  They are down on Bro. Richard and Bro. Ronnie and Bro. Chris and their Sunday School Teacher.  They are down on the Texas and the US and the world.

 

Brothers and sisters, in a watching world that needs to see the difference that Christ makes, I invite you to make it a habit of choosing joy!  It is a conscious decision, and you can start today.

 

 

Conclusion

However, it is next to impossible if you have never received the grace of God in your life by receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.  Would you do that this morning?

 

 

Second Chances and Mind Your Business!

We have finally come to the end of the gospel of John.  We started this study in November 2021.  After 22 months, we will finish today.

 

From last Sunday in John 21, Jesus and seven of His closest disciples were in Galilee.  The 7 had spent all night fishing and caught nothing. 

 

Jesus told them to throw their net on the right-hand side of the boat.  They did and caught 153 large fish.  They then sat down with the post-resurrected Christ for breakfast.

 

Today’s verses focus on Peter.  Peter was the unofficial leader of the 12 and was the second closest to Jesus behind the author of this gospel, John. 

 

Remember how Peter had recently failed the Lord?  Peter denied Jesus on three different occasions late Thursday night and early Friday morning before Jesus was crucified. 

 

Now it was time for him to be forgiven and restored.  This morning, let’s think about second chances and minding our own business.

 

 

17. Jesus Forgave Peter’s Past Failures, John 21:15-17.

15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”  He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”  He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”  16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”  He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”  He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”  17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”  And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”  Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.

 

I rather suspect that most everybody in the room this morning has heard some kind of sermon or Bible study regarding our first 3 verses.  Bible students have been discussing and debating Jesus’ words in this text for years without ever coming to a solid consensus. 

 

I’m sure we won’t arrive at a consensus today, but I believe the point here is not to remind Peter of his past failures.  However, I do believe that Jesus forgave Peter and restored a broken man to his rightful place of leadership among Jesus followers.

 

In verse 15, Jesus turned to Peter and asked him this question, “Do you love Me more than these?”  Remember that they are probably sitting around the fire that cooked their fish, and it was around a fire that Peter first denied Jesus on Thursday night. 

 

Notice that Jesus called Peter “Simon, son of John.”  It was this name that Jesus first called Peter to follow Him in John 1:40-42.

 

40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.  Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone).

 

As for His question, Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him more than these.  Jesus asked this question of Peter three times to mirror the three times that Peter denied Jesus, and Jesus used the word “agape” to describe that perfect, total, complete, all-encompassing love that He desired.

 

What did He mean by “more than these?”  Was He talking about the fish and fishing and Peter’s former profession?  Was He talking about Peter’s love for the other disciples?  Was He talking about Peter’s love for Jesus compared to the other disciples’ love for Jesus? 

 

I would contend that Jesus was talking about Peter’s love for Him compared to the other disciples’ love for Him. Peter had said previously that he would follow Jesus regardless, but we know that didn’t happen.  It was important for Jesus to remind Peter what he said and then what he had done.

 

Peter answered the Lord by using the word “phileo.”  That is different from “agape” and is a love that is based more on emotion rather than obedience.  It is a feel-good love that is seen in the word “Philadelphia,” which is the city of brotherly love.

 

Once Peter responded, the Lord told him to tend or feed or provide for His sheep.  Again, Jesus is restoring Peter to ministry, and Peter was to care for Jesus followers then and in the future as Jesus would soon depart again.  This time would be permanent and to the right hand of the Father.

 

Jesus asked Peter the same question a second time in verse 16.  Again, He used the word agape, and Peter responded with phileo.  Then Jesus told Peter to shepherd His sheep.  Again, care for His followers.

 

Then Jesus asked Peter the same question a third time.  However, in this third instance, Jesus used the word that Peter had used previously, phileo.  This is why I am not 100% sure that there is as much difference between these two words as we have often heard in sermons and from preachers. 

 

Now for a third time, Peter answered yes with phileo, but Peter was now upset.  He was grieved.  His feelings were hurt because he heard Jesus asking the same question on three successive occasions. 

 

In all three of his responses, Peter appealed to Jesus’ omniscience, His knowledge of all things.  He knew that Peter loved Him, but had failed at following Him, and Peter knew that too.  Jesus told Peter then for the third time to tend or care for His sheep.

 

Jesus went to Peter personally and tried to remind Him of His past failures only to restore him for future ministry.  There is not a person in the room this morning that hasn’t failed in some form or capacity.

 

Some have failed as spouses.  Some have failed as parents.  Some have failed as friends.  Some have failed as employers and employees.  Some have failed as business owners.  Some have failed as students.  Some have failed as athletes.  Some have failed as Christians and church members.  There have been times that I have failed as a pastor and your pastor.

 

However, I have good news for you today.  Peter failed, and yet, Christ restored him completely to ministry and service and to lead the first century church when He was gone. 

 

You can be restored today, and we should be a people that helps in restoring others from past failures.  Do you need to be restored today?  Do you need to forgive and move on and help in restoring someone close to you?

 

Jesus forgave and restored Peter from past failures. 

 

 

19. Jesus Forecasted Peter’s Painful Future, John 21:18-19.

18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.” 

 

In verse 18, Jesus continued His conversation with Peter, and reminded Peter of what life was like when he was young.  When you are young, you make decisions for yourself and go your own way. 

 

However, when Peter would get older, Jesus forecasted or predicted that others would lead Peter were they wanted him to go, and he would do what others decided he would do.

 

BTW, if you are here today and you are grown children caring for your elderly parents, be considerate of the decisions you make for them on their behalf.  More than likely, what you do with your parents when they are old will likely come back to you from your children when you are old.

 

Also, spell out in writing such as a last will and testament or directives as to what you want at the end of your life.  The more decisions that are made now means that few decisions to be made then.

 

Verse 19 tells us that Jesus was talking about how Peter would die.  His arms would be stretched out in order to be tied to or nailed to a cross, and he would be crucified like Jesus was. 

 

Church history confirms this fact as Jesus was correct in His prediction.  Peter indeed was led away against his will and crucified on a cross but upside down at his request as Peter believed that he was not worthy to die in the exact same fashion that Jesus had died.

 

Notice then two more facts about these verses.  Jesus said Peter’s death would be glorifying to God.  I hope that can be said of your death as well. 

 

Death is difficult in the sense of no longer having that person in our presence.  However, death can be good if you point people to Jesus in the process. 

 

You then can glorify God in your death.  Then Jesus said to Peter those same two words that were some of Jesus’ first words to Peter, “Follow Me.”

 

 

• Jesus Frowned Upon Peter’s Focus, John 21:20-23.

 20 Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” 21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?”  22 Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”  23 Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?”

 

In light of what Jesus had to say about Peter’s future, Peter was curious about John’s future.  Peter saw John there close by and asked Jesus about him in verse 21. 

 

Notice Jesus’ response in verse 22.  He frowned on Peter’s focus. 

 

Peter shouldn’t be worrying about John.  Peter should be worrying about Peter, and Jesus told him that.  Don’t worry about John.  You worry about Peter and just keep following Me. 

 

In verse 23, Jesus then corrected some misinformation within the group.  He didn’t say that John wouldn’t die.  He simply said that if He wanted John to live that was nobody’s business but His.

 

It’s real easy to worry about everybody else except the person in the mirror.  We can point fingers and name names and criticize everyone else’s actions and words and failures. 

 

Jesus said stop.  You worry about you, and let Jesus take care of everybody else.

 

John’s final two verses remind us again of John’s eyewitness testimony.  That which he experienced, he wrote about.  It wasn’t exhaustive or complete.  There aren’t enough books in the world to contain all that Jesus did, but instead of worrying about what is not here, you and should be sure to take sincere notice of what is here.

 

 

Conclusion

Here is the bottom line.  Jesus expects total and undivided commitment from those who choose to follow Him.  Would you make that choice this morning to follow Jesus as your Lord and Savior?