CONDUCT WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL
Philippians
1:12-18
Kathleen
Hadley
“But I want you to know, brethren, that the things
which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the
gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the
rest, that my chains are in Christ, and most of the brethren in the Lord,
having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word
without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strive, and some
also from goodwill: The former preached Christ from selfish ambition, not
sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love,
knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 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.”
Introduction
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As
we watch the news we are bombarded with scenes of conflicts. The world is at
war, and as Christian we are aware of all these conflicts. We see our
politician warring for control, even neighbors find it difficult to live at
peace. We realize that it is spiritual warfare that is being waged between
good and evil, God and Satan. Good may appear to lose a battle off and on,
but the good news is that we win the war.
We
see in our scriptures Paul writing to the Philippians, because he wanted them
to understand that even through adversity, and sometimes because of adversity
the gospel is advanced. Paul was imprisoned, and because of his conduct or
conversation or heavenly citizenship the gospel was advancing. His words were
words of comfort for the Philippians. Their prayers and offerings were of
great benefit to Paul. Paul’s imprisonment was a solid strategic positioning,
because it allowed the word of God to go forth within the military as well as
in the royal household. These people might never have been reached with the
gospel if Paul had not been chained to the palace guard. Paul had visitors
that would come to him, and he would expound the gospel message, and the
guards were forced to listen to him. They could not beat him into silence,
because he was a Roman citizen.
Looking at verse 27 we find Paul expounding
on what is important. When the word “only” is used we know that it means “one
thing” nothing more. When someone says ‘only’ it means nothing else
will do. One thing and nothing else. Paul begins verse 27 with Only. He continues
to tell us what that “one thing” is. Only let your conduct be worthy of the
gospel. The word conduct means to ‘behave as a citizen’. The People of
Philippi understood citizenship. They were citizens of Rome. Their character
and conduct reflected on Rome. They
may live in Philippi, but they were Roman citizen. This gave them a certain
stratus, and gave them a feeling of pride. They understood the
responsibilities of being a Roman citizen. With privilege comes
responsibility as well as benefits. We understand those responsibilities also
as citizens of the United States, but Paul was reminding them that they were
citizens of heaven, and they needed to have conduct worthy of the gospel. The
English Standard version translates conduct as “Let your manner of life be
worthy.” The ISV says, “The only thing that matters is that you continue to
live as good citizens in a manner worthy of.” Their citizenship was in
heaven, and they needed to understand the privilege and the responsibilities
that came with this citizenship. Paul understood the meaning of being a Roman
citizen as he was a Roman citizen chained to the palace guard, because he
understood that first and foremost he was a citizen of heaven he was living
in a manner worthy of the gospel that furthered Gods Kingdom here on earth. Paul wants them to understand that no matter
what happens to him they need to move forward in Christ. They were to stand fast
which implies a military stance. Immovable in their stance. With one mind.
Most Americans understand football. When the players go on the field they are
of one mind, and are standing fast together to win that super bowl. That is
it ‘one thing’ win the game. They are of one mind. Steadfast! Working as a
team, one unit. As we watch the game we know when this is happening, and also
when it is not happening.
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need
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What
do we need to be able to stand fast and maintain unity? Faith! Without faith
it is impossible to please God. Most of us are able to quote Hebrews 11:1
Which states, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the
evidence of things not seen.” It is not always easy to wrap our mind around
that view of what faith is. It is a description of faith. When a person comes
to Christ it is through faith. Our first act of faith. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells
us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own
doing: but it is a gift from God, not a result of works, so no one may
boast.” When we witness to others of God’s love and saving power we are
speaking from experience. We have experienced his love and care and his
saving power. We know deep down in our Spirit that it is true. We are acting
as citizens of heaven. We are showing conduct worthy of the gospel.
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bridging
sentence
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To
have conduct worthy of the gospel we must strive together in unity.
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Textual
idea
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Paul
began by telling the Philippians about his situation. He expressed joy and
confidence in them. He goes on to say that because of his situation other
brethren have become confident in their witness. They are speaking forth the
gospel without fear. Fear can literally cause a person to freeze up, and be
unable to act. It can cause a person to turn and run, and definitely
eliminate a person’s ability to say anything understandable. Paul set an
example of peace in the midst of severe circumstances. Here he is imprisoned
and chained to a Roman guard, and he is speaking the words of salvation. What
a wonderful example. We must lead by example. Let’s look at Matthew 5:17. It
says, “Let your light shine before men, that they will see your good works
and glorify your Father in heaven.” People are watching you. They want to
know if this Christ is real. Your life is the example of God’s love. I always
try to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. I was working in a
convalescent home, and trying to have my life be a witness for Christ, but
when I was caring for patients I was very focused on what I was doing. I had
worked there about six months, and one of the other nursing assistance came
up to me, and commented on the care and concern I had for the patients under
my care, and the fact I always had positive things to say about everyone.
Then she added, “You’re a Christian aren’t you?” I was able to witness to her
and eventually lead her to Christ. I felt surprised by the fact that she had
observed these things when the last thing on my mind was what others were
thinking about me. Someone is watching your life, and you never know when it
will make a difference in their life. We need to walk in the Spirit, so we
will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
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Sermon
Idea
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As
believers we must have conduct worthy of the gospel. The importance of acting
as citizens of heaven cannot be stressed enough. What are the desires of
citizens of any city, but to have a stable economy, safety, and peace? To
achieve these things a citizen has certain responsibilities that must be
carried out. We are to strive together for the faith of the gospel. Teamwork
is what we need. Like the football team or any athletic team, we must be
united. If they do not maintain unity there will be failure. Each player has
certain abilities that when used in cooperation with the other team member’s
abilities creates a winning team. As believers we must maintain a cooperative
attitude striving together for the faith of the gospel.
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interrogative
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What
is conduct worthy of the gospel? Vs 27 tells us to “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 to them is proof of perdition, but
to you of salvation, and that from God.” Terrified is a strong word. Strong’s
concordance says it is to frighten, so they would fly away. It makes me thing
of stampeding cattle. Some of them were frightened, and so they all stampede
because (we will call him Harry) Harry was frightened, and the others knew
that if Harry was running they had better run too. Now everyone is out of
control. They heard rumors. The Philippians are to stand fast in the face of
their enemies, This would be proof of their salvation, and would cause the
ultimate fall of their enemies. This would prove that their message of
salvation was true.
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transition
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The
text has four areas that describe how to have conduct worthy of the gospel.
We will look at these four areas which are standing fast, unified, furthering
God’s kingdom, and enduring suffering. We will begin with standing fast.
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Body
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Division
Statement 1
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We
should have conduct worthy of the gospel by standing fast.
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explanation
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When
a military leader tells his troops to stand fast this means there will be no
backing up. They will stand their ground firmly. They are emphatic and
resolute under no conditions will they budge from their position. They are
ridged and unyielding. Strong’s Concordance says, “to be stationary and to
persevere. As long as we are in this world we are in a spiritual war. We
cannot compromise with the world. Adam and Eve are an example of compromise.
God said do not eat of the tree or you will die, and Satan said go ahead eat.
It will not hurt a thing. You won’t die you will be like God and know good
and evil. In every lie there is a grain of truth. They bowed their knee to
Satan. Everyone knows the results of
this event whether Christian or non-Christian. Look at the long lasting and
devastating results of that move. When we are willing to compromise God’s
standards set for the citizens of heaven we bow our knee again to the god of
this world. We are to stand fast, immovable. We cannot say we are Christians
and live like the world. We must stand fast!
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Illustration
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Military
boot camp is some tough training. I am sure there are some men and women here
who could testify to this. Training is huge in the military. Their goal is to
see you grow and learn. They want you to be aware of the fact that no matter
what your job is you are important to the success of a mission. They want you
to be successful. If you do not receive good training then you will never be
proficient at your job. In boot camp you learn to follow instructions without
question, and through the training the soldier becomes physically, mentally
and emotionally tough. They learn that what they do they should do it well
and they learn to never quit. It molds warriors that will run to the sound of
imminent danger. My son, Lance had cancer, and passed away. He said he
thought life was boot camp for heaven. There are times when life can feel
that way, but we are in a spiritual war. Paul tells us to put on the whole
armor of God in Ephesians 6:1-20. We are to be “strong in the Lord and in the
power of his might.” He is our commander and chief in this spiritual war.
Some times our training gets tough. God does not send us in to battle
unprepared. He wants us to grow and learn and mature in our faith, when the
fiery darts of the enemy comes against us we will be able to stand. Paul says
in Ephesians 6: 13, “Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be
able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Vs 14 says
Stand therefore. Abide and continue staunchly. My mother always said that
when God was teaching you something, learn it, because he will run you
through it again and again until you do. He wants us to be effective and
efficient at our calling. We have to learn to listen to the voice of the
Spirit, and be ready to be obedient to his voice. When the battle is raging we
will run to the sound of imminent danger, holding our bloodstained banner,
and testifying to God’s saving grace. We are warriors in God’s army, and we
will STAND, and face the enemy. We stand fast against him. Lance was a
warrior and he was able to touch so many lives with the gospel. A man of God
who understood “STAND FAST”, Every one of you can do this. You can do it in
the strength of God. You can be bold in witnessing, because “Greater is he
who is in you than he who is in the world.” It is comforting to know the end
of the story, and we win!
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Argumentation
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God
always gives us the strength to stand fast through our faith in him. When we
read Hebrew 11 we see that the things accomplished by Abel through Moses were
accomplished through faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God.
Paul in prison, chained to a Roman guard continued to proclaim the gospel
through his faith in Christ. He did not sit there and morn and weep over his circumstances, but praised God
that he was able to get the gospel to those who might never have had the
opportunity to hear it and receive Christ. Paul tells the Philippians in
1:12,”But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me
have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has
become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains
are in Christ.” It was his faith in God that kept him rejoicing. It was Paul
that said in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good
to those who love God, and are called according to his purpose. Through faith
we can stand fast. Shadrach; Meshach; and Abednego understood standing fast.
They would not bow a knee to Nebuchadnezzar’s gods under threat of the fiery
furnace. In Daniel 3:16 Nebuchadnezzar asked the question, “And who is the
god that will deliver you from my hands?” They answered, “Our God whom we serve is
able to deliver us from the fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your
hand, O King.” That was not all they had to say. They knew how to stand fast.
“But if not, let it be known to you, O King, that we do not serve your
gods……They knew who they believed in. There was no room for doubt. They would
be willing to die before they would bow a knee to any other God then the one
true God. Even if God did not chose to save them they would worship no other
god. They worshipped the creator of the universe. We worship the creator, and
we can stand fast through our faith in God. When problems rise up our eyes
are on God, and our life rests in him. We sing that song by Chris Tomlin,
“Whom shall we fear? We know who goes before us, we know who stands behind,
the God of angel armies is always by our side.” We can stand fast in faith.
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Application
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We
exercise our faith muscles every day, and it is this that causes our faith to
grow and experience God. From this we are able to stand fast. Faith is like a
muscle. The more we use it the stronger it becomes. We might be surprised how
many times a day we act in faith. I have faith that when I get in my car that
I am going to get where I am going safely. When I pray over my children for
God’s protection that they are protected. I have faith in God’s provision.
After all he is the source of our provision. Our jobs are the instrument he
uses to provide for us. We have faith too often in the instrument instead of
the source, but we have faith that God cares for us and our families. This is
daily exercise, and when those things come along that feel like mountains we
are able to move that mountain through faith.
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Transition
(Div. 1 to Div.2)
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Part
of standing fast is being of one mind and in unity with our brothers and
sisters in Christ. As Christians we are part of the body of Christ.
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Division
2 Statement
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We
should have conduct worthy of the gospel by being of one mind in unity.
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Explanation
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Philippians
1:27 tells us “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,” Our goal is to further God’s kingdom here on earth. We
were given the Great Commission which says we are to make disciples of all
nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.
That is a big job, but we do not attempt this on our own, but as the body of
Christ. 1 Corinthians 12 talks about the body of Christ. We are one body, but
many members. Paul uses the human body to illustrate how the church is to work
in unity. If one member of our body is not working as it should it throws us
completely off. Anyone who has had a broken bone, and had to wear a cast can
appreciate that this makes simple tasks become complicated. When a member of
our body hurts there is no comfort. We cannot perform efficiently. We have a
diversity of gifts, and ministries but the same Spirit We were discussing the
different jobs that are done at the veterinarian hospital. My Granddaughter
is a vet assistant preparing to go to vet school. There was an issue at work,
and we were discussing the fact that if even one position was eliminated the
issues that it would cause in the ability of the hospital to run efficiently.
Even the cleaning crew that goes in at night and cleans is indispensable. It
is the same way with the church. There needs to be unity, and to maintain
unity pride must be eliminated. Romans 12:1 says, “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.” We
need to use our bodies in service to God. Holy means we have been set aside
for use by God. Our goal should be to please him, and what could be more
pleasing to God then to see his church working in unity to carry out the
great commission. Roman 12:4-5 reiterates that we are all members of the same
body. Each member important to the working of the whole. We can go forth in
unity and take our world for Christ.
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Illustration
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We
have to put forth a united front. We are in a spiritual warfare here on
earth. That is what the news tells us every day as we listen to all the conflicts
and hatred. We are in God’s army, and we are soldiers. We have talked about
boot camp, but another aspect of it is marching in sync. It is as though they
are one unit. In a battle they will fight as one unit. If they do not they
will be taken by the enemy. They have faith in their commander. We must have
faith in our commander, and move forward carrying out the great commission.
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Argumentation
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We
all understand the concept of team work. The football team that plays as
individuals will fail. The troops that go into battle without any unity will
fail. Failure is not an option! As a team they have one mind. They have
practiced with one goal in mind, and that is to win. They get to practice,
but this is your life not practice for the real thing. This is why it is so
important that as children of God we walk in unity to further His kingdom
here on earth. Ephesians 2:20-22 says, “having been built on the foundation
of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,
in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into the holy temple
in the Lord, in whom you also being built together for a dwelling place of
God in the Spirit.” Christ is the foundation of the church. The church was
built on the teachings that the apostles had heard from Christ. We are part
of that church. Paul pictures a pillar that is being fitted together
perfectly, so it is impossible to see where one piece ends and the other
begins. Perfect unity within the body of Christ working toward the same goal
to further God’s Kingdom here on earth How wonderful to hear, “well done my
good and faithful servant.”
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Application
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We
have faith in our commander who is Christ, and unity within the church is essential
to be effective with in our communities and the world. To be effective we
must “walk in the Spirit so we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh”
(Galatians 5:16). We all battle with the flesh, and the only way to win the
battle is to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit indwells
us and works with our Spirit. He is our guide. We walk in faith, and if
necessary we can ask as the disciples asked Christ to increase their faith in
Luke 17:5. We are told that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word
of God” (Romans 10:17). It is very important to have our daily devotions, and
to study the word, and spend time in prayer. It is certainly not always easy,
but we can do it. I find it amazing how much smoother my day goes when I
spend a few minutes in the word and prayer with my cup of tea. No, I am not a
coffee drinker, but for those of you who drink coffee that works too.
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Transition(Div.
2 to Div. 3)
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We
are to go forward with unity and take the world for Christ. If we truly
looked at what the end results will be for those who do not know Christ,
being serious about the Great Commission shows compassion with urgency.
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Division
3 Statement
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We
should have conduct worthy of the gospel by furthering Gods Kingdom here on
earth.
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Explanation
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Matthew 28: 18-20 I heard someone say that
it was not the great suggestion, but was a command from the commander in
Chief, Christ, before he ascended into heaven. We have the opportunity not to
talk about our faith, but to put it in action, and watch it grow. James 2:18
says, “And I will show you my faith by my works.” The truth is that faith has
the ability to set that fire in our spirit that makes us move forward to win
the lost for Christ. Romans 10:14 says, “How then shall they call on Him in
whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they
have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?...” We may not
all be called to preach from the pulpit, but our lives witness Christ love by
the way we live. Someone is watching you and listening to you. We can be
God’s love shed abroad each day. We talk about the things that are important
to us, and we can bubble over with the love of God by staying in his word,
praying and praising him. Our cup will overflow on those around us. We can
keep our spiritual eyes open, so we see the needs around us, and respond with
the love of God. Matthew 25:40 the last part of the verse says, “in as much
as you did it unto one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to me.”
Arthur and Wilda Mathews and their one year old daughter were missionaries to
China. They were invited to come, but when they got there things had changed.
The Red Regime would not allow them to preach and they were kept in abject
poverty and isolation. It was their lives that became their ministry. The
people watched the family as they struggled. In the severe winter to have
heat Arthur had to collect cow dung and straw to mold together to burn for
heat. The Chinese considered this a most degrading thing to have to do, but
at night they would sit by their meager fire with little food, and sing songs
of praise to God. This was to be their spiritual influence. Jeremiah 17: 7-8
says, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord,
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its
roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; But its leaves will be
green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from
yielding fruit.” They were denied exit papers. The Chinese gained courage
from watching them. They went through this for two years in the early 50’s.
God provided for them, and through the testimony of their lives strengthened
the Chinese Church. They were abused, starved, and emotionally tortured. They
were not allowed to leave the compound. The Chinese froze their assets
leaving them impoverished. They wore their tattered clothes, and were
persecuted, humiliated, denied medical aide when sickness came. Eventually they
allowed Wilda and their little daughter to leave, but Arthur was jailed with
six other missionaries, and given a public trial with weird accusations, and
finally were punished with permanent expulsion from China. But through it all
God proved to be enough. Suffering is a blessing, because it brings eternal
rewards. “Beloved, do not think it
strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some
strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of
Christ’s suffering, that when his glory is revealed, you may also be glad
with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-13). Suffering shows our true character. It
allows the nature of Christ to shine through. It is our faith in God that
allows us to be able to stand in the midst of trials.
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Illustration
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Hebrew 11 discusses faith and then
illustrates what was accomplished by faith. We see the faith of the
Patriarchs and the results. It is through faith that we witness of God’s
love. It was through faith that Arthur and Wilda Mathews were able to walk
their faith and strengthen the Chinese church. It was by faith that Jerry
Falwell started Liberty University. It was a seed, an idea given by God, and
it has grown in the power of God. Nothing is accomplished without faith. That
seed of faith is how we further Gods Kingdom here on earth. The power of
faith is amazing.
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Argumentation
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We can move mountains with but a faith the
size of a mustard seed, but think of the power for growth within that small
seed. Let’s talk about seeds. A small seed holds all the DNA necessary to
create that tree or flower. In that tiny seed exists the information for
growth, photosynthesis, the color of the leaves, and even the ability to
transfer the information so it will be able to reproduce itself, by creating
more seeds with the same amount of power. That small seed can make a tree
that will grow, if anything is in its way like a rock or even a car it grows
around or through it. Nothing stops its growth. All this from that small
seed. We can plant seeds of the gospel in the hearts of our family and our
neighbors, and keep watering it, and that seed will burst forth and grow in
the heart of the individual and the next thing you know they are dropping
seeds of faith and they are watering and watching them grow. Exponential
growth in God’s Kingdom. Conduct Worthy of the gospel.
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Application
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We are to be like Christ, and if we look at
his concerns we find him concerned with the destiny of the soul of man. We
often look for comfort while Christ is looking to make a difference in our
life, and often we have to be uncomfortable to make that change. Witnessing
should be an imperative. We have to move in faith to witness. Most of us know
what the end result will be if the person has not accepted Christ. It is not
a desirable result. Separation from God. Use your imagination. That would
mean no good at all, no light at all. I do not think I exaggerate to say that
everyone is aware of heaven and hell. People joke about it. A place where
there is no kindness, no goodness, no unselfishness, and absolutely not a
grain of love or compassion. These things all come from God. Would we wish
this on even our worst enemy? We can, through Christ, make a huge difference
in the lives of those around us. Winning souls for Christ is very important.
We can witness, we can pray, we can be there to meet the needs of those
around us. We can see through our Spiritual eyes.
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Transition
(Div.3 to Div.4)
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It
is often as we move forward that we run into suffering, but when it comes we
fall into the arms of our waiting Savior who comforts us and shores us up.
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Division
4 statement
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We should have conduct worthy of the gospel
in suffering.
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Explanation
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Explanation:
1 Peter 3: 13-17 We are blessed in our suffering. That sounds odd, but in
this instance blessed means to be privileged to suffer for Christ. I remember
years ago hearing a minister say that the way to get over the fear of
persecution was to be persecuted. That sounded very odd to me, but the fact
is the gospel offends people. There are many around the world suffering
greatly as they stand fast for the gospel. I receive a magazine called “The
Voice of the Martyrs.” When we think of martyrs we often think of the
past, there are Christians being martyred around the globe. Across China the
persecution varies from one area to another. The Chinese government keeps a
close eye on the churches. The government controls the number of Bibles
printed and their distribution. Children under the age of eighteen are not
allowed to be taught about Christ. Christian literature for children is
forbidden, and they cannot go to church or Sunday school. A Christian kindergarten
administrator Cheng Jie was imprisoned because her program was affiliated
with a church. Would we be willing to risk imprisonment to witness to others
about Christ? This information came from “The Voice of the Martyr.”
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Illustration
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There was a family that had witnessed to a
neighbor’s wife and she received Christ. When her husband found out he beat
her so badly that she was close to death. The man who had witnessed to her
fled leaving his wife and two sons thinking they would be okay, but the man
killed his sons after torturing them and the wife barely escaped with her
life. Persecution is very real in some countries. We do not face this kind of
thing here in the U.S. but we have to have a united front in this warfare,
and reach out and help where we can.
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Argumentation
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Application
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Suffering is inevitable in this life, but
Christ said be of good cheer he has overcome the world. I lost my son to
cancer. I cannot explain why a man who was such a light for God in this world
should be taken, and his old mother left. I have faith in God making right
decisions. He knows what is best. We do not know what the future holds, but
we do know it is in God’s hands, and he is faithful. What safer place could
we be, but in the hands of God.
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Transition
from Division 4 to conclusion:
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Conclusion
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Visualization
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We
are in a spiritual war, and we can win this war. We must keep our eyes on our
coach. Football is played by a team not an individual. We are each part of
the church which must be unified even as the football team. Each player doing
what he does best creating unity and a winning team. The difference is that
we know that at the end we win. They hope to win. Nothing can separate us
from God. We are the light in this world shining the love of God where ever
we go.
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Reiteration
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Only
let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ! It does not matter
whether any one is looking at you. God is with you at all times. The
important thing is what we do when no one is looking. That is our true
character. If we are to have conduct worthy of the gospel we must stand fast.
When the commander says stand fast in the military it means to hold your
ground, and do not back down. We are in God’s army working to further his
kingdom on the earth, and drive back the enemy of the souls of man through
the strength of God. Conduct worthy of the gospel by being unified. When a
football team goes on the field they are of one mind. They are going to win. They
are in unity. Now if they start playing as individuals instead of being a
team they have already lost each player has a different skill, but those
skills played together make a winning team. As Christians we must be unified
using all our different spiritual gifts in unity, so we look like one unit as
we take on the enemy to defeat him. We are to have conduct worthy of the
gospel as we further Gods kingdom here on earth. We are to win souls. The
Great Commission was a command not a suggestion. We can look at our fellow
humans and remember what will happen to them if they do not hear the gospel
message and have an opportunity to come to Christ. Plant that seed and water
it, watch it grow and develop into a seed planter and harvester. We want
exponential growth. We can have conduct worthy of the gospel through
suffering. God will give us the words to speak and the will to stand fast and
win souls even in the midst of suffering. It was through Paul and Silas’s
suffering that the church of Philippi was born.
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Action
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We
can stand fast in unity winning souls for Christ rejoicing in suffering
through faith in God.
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Fast Appeal
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“I
say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the
flesh” (Galatians 5:16). “We can do all things through Christ who strengthens
us” (Philippians 4:13). There are so many Scriptures to encourage us and
build our faith. We can walk by faith. It is the secret to our life in
Christ. Keep your eyes on Him, and he will guide you and direct you.
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CONDUCT WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL
Philippians
1:12-18
Kathleen
Hadley
“But I want you to know, brethren, that the things
which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the
gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the
rest, that my chains are in Christ, and most of the brethren in the Lord,
having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word
without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strive, and some
also from goodwill: The former preached Christ from selfish ambition, not
sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love,
knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 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.”
Introduction
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As
we watch the news we are bombarded with scenes of conflicts. The world is at
war, and as Christian we are aware of all these conflicts. We see our
politician warring for control, even neighbors find it difficult to live at
peace. We realize that it is spiritual warfare that is being waged between
good and evil, God and Satan. Good may appear to lose a battle off and on,
but the good news is that we win the war.
We
see in our scriptures Paul writing to the Philippians, because he wanted them
to understand that even through adversity, and sometimes because of adversity
the gospel is advanced. Paul was imprisoned, and because of his conduct or
conversation or heavenly citizenship the gospel was advancing. His words were
words of comfort for the Philippians. Their prayers and offerings were of
great benefit to Paul. Paul’s imprisonment was a solid strategic positioning,
because it allowed the word of God to go forth within the military as well as
in the royal household. These people might never have been reached with the
gospel if Paul had not been chained to the palace guard. Paul had visitors
that would come to him, and he would expound the gospel message, and the
guards were forced to listen to him. They could not beat him into silence,
because he was a Roman citizen.
Looking at verse 27 we find Paul expounding
on what is important. When the word “only” is used we know that it means “one
thing” nothing more. When someone says ‘only’ it means nothing else
will do. One thing and nothing else. Paul begins verse 27 with Only. He continues
to tell us what that “one thing” is. Only let your conduct be worthy of the
gospel. The word conduct means to ‘behave as a citizen’. The People of
Philippi understood citizenship. They were citizens of Rome. Their character
and conduct reflected on Rome. They
may live in Philippi, but they were Roman citizen. This gave them a certain
stratus, and gave them a feeling of pride. They understood the
responsibilities of being a Roman citizen. With privilege comes
responsibility as well as benefits. We understand those responsibilities also
as citizens of the United States, but Paul was reminding them that they were
citizens of heaven, and they needed to have conduct worthy of the gospel. The
English Standard version translates conduct as “Let your manner of life be
worthy.” The ISV says, “The only thing that matters is that you continue to
live as good citizens in a manner worthy of.” Their citizenship was in
heaven, and they needed to understand the privilege and the responsibilities
that came with this citizenship. Paul understood the meaning of being a Roman
citizen as he was a Roman citizen chained to the palace guard, because he
understood that first and foremost he was a citizen of heaven he was living
in a manner worthy of the gospel that furthered Gods Kingdom here on earth. Paul wants them to understand that no matter
what happens to him they need to move forward in Christ. They were to stand fast
which implies a military stance. Immovable in their stance. With one mind.
Most Americans understand football. When the players go on the field they are
of one mind, and are standing fast together to win that super bowl. That is
it ‘one thing’ win the game. They are of one mind. Steadfast! Working as a
team, one unit. As we watch the game we know when this is happening, and also
when it is not happening.
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need
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What
do we need to be able to stand fast and maintain unity? Faith! Without faith
it is impossible to please God. Most of us are able to quote Hebrews 11:1
Which states, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the
evidence of things not seen.” It is not always easy to wrap our mind around
that view of what faith is. It is a description of faith. When a person comes
to Christ it is through faith. Our first act of faith. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells
us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own
doing: but it is a gift from God, not a result of works, so no one may
boast.” When we witness to others of God’s love and saving power we are
speaking from experience. We have experienced his love and care and his
saving power. We know deep down in our Spirit that it is true. We are acting
as citizens of heaven. We are showing conduct worthy of the gospel.
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bridging
sentence
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To
have conduct worthy of the gospel we must strive together in unity.
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Textual
idea
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Paul
began by telling the Philippians about his situation. He expressed joy and
confidence in them. He goes on to say that because of his situation other
brethren have become confident in their witness. They are speaking forth the
gospel without fear. Fear can literally cause a person to freeze up, and be
unable to act. It can cause a person to turn and run, and definitely
eliminate a person’s ability to say anything understandable. Paul set an
example of peace in the midst of severe circumstances. Here he is imprisoned
and chained to a Roman guard, and he is speaking the words of salvation. What
a wonderful example. We must lead by example. Let’s look at Matthew 5:17. It
says, “Let your light shine before men, that they will see your good works
and glorify your Father in heaven.” People are watching you. They want to
know if this Christ is real. Your life is the example of God’s love. I always
try to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. I was working in a
convalescent home, and trying to have my life be a witness for Christ, but
when I was caring for patients I was very focused on what I was doing. I had
worked there about six months, and one of the other nursing assistance came
up to me, and commented on the care and concern I had for the patients under
my care, and the fact I always had positive things to say about everyone.
Then she added, “You’re a Christian aren’t you?” I was able to witness to her
and eventually lead her to Christ. I felt surprised by the fact that she had
observed these things when the last thing on my mind was what others were
thinking about me. Someone is watching your life, and you never know when it
will make a difference in their life. We need to walk in the Spirit, so we
will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
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Sermon
Idea
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As
believers we must have conduct worthy of the gospel. The importance of acting
as citizens of heaven cannot be stressed enough. What are the desires of
citizens of any city, but to have a stable economy, safety, and peace? To
achieve these things a citizen has certain responsibilities that must be
carried out. We are to strive together for the faith of the gospel. Teamwork
is what we need. Like the football team or any athletic team, we must be
united. If they do not maintain unity there will be failure. Each player has
certain abilities that when used in cooperation with the other team member’s
abilities creates a winning team. As believers we must maintain a cooperative
attitude striving together for the faith of the gospel.
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interrogative
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What
is conduct worthy of the gospel? Vs 27 tells us to “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 to them is proof of perdition, but
to you of salvation, and that from God.” Terrified is a strong word. Strong’s
concordance says it is to frighten, so they would fly away. It makes me thing
of stampeding cattle. Some of them were frightened, and so they all stampede
because (we will call him Harry) Harry was frightened, and the others knew
that if Harry was running they had better run too. Now everyone is out of
control. They heard rumors. The Philippians are to stand fast in the face of
their enemies, This would be proof of their salvation, and would cause the
ultimate fall of their enemies. This would prove that their message of
salvation was true.
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transition
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The
text has four areas that describe how to have conduct worthy of the gospel.
We will look at these four areas which are standing fast, unified, furthering
God’s kingdom, and enduring suffering. We will begin with standing fast.
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Body
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Division
Statement 1
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We
should have conduct worthy of the gospel by standing fast.
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explanation
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When
a military leader tells his troops to stand fast this means there will be no
backing up. They will stand their ground firmly. They are emphatic and
resolute under no conditions will they budge from their position. They are
ridged and unyielding. Strong’s Concordance says, “to be stationary and to
persevere. As long as we are in this world we are in a spiritual war. We
cannot compromise with the world. Adam and Eve are an example of compromise.
God said do not eat of the tree or you will die, and Satan said go ahead eat.
It will not hurt a thing. You won’t die you will be like God and know good
and evil. In every lie there is a grain of truth. They bowed their knee to
Satan. Everyone knows the results of
this event whether Christian or non-Christian. Look at the long lasting and
devastating results of that move. When we are willing to compromise God’s
standards set for the citizens of heaven we bow our knee again to the god of
this world. We are to stand fast, immovable. We cannot say we are Christians
and live like the world. We must stand fast!
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Illustration
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Military
boot camp is some tough training. I am sure there are some men and women here
who could testify to this. Training is huge in the military. Their goal is to
see you grow and learn. They want you to be aware of the fact that no matter
what your job is you are important to the success of a mission. They want you
to be successful. If you do not receive good training then you will never be
proficient at your job. In boot camp you learn to follow instructions without
question, and through the training the soldier becomes physically, mentally
and emotionally tough. They learn that what they do they should do it well
and they learn to never quit. It molds warriors that will run to the sound of
imminent danger. My son, Lance had cancer, and passed away. He said he
thought life was boot camp for heaven. There are times when life can feel
that way, but we are in a spiritual war. Paul tells us to put on the whole
armor of God in Ephesians 6:1-20. We are to be “strong in the Lord and in the
power of his might.” He is our commander and chief in this spiritual war.
Some times our training gets tough. God does not send us in to battle
unprepared. He wants us to grow and learn and mature in our faith, when the
fiery darts of the enemy comes against us we will be able to stand. Paul says
in Ephesians 6: 13, “Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be
able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Vs 14 says
Stand therefore. Abide and continue staunchly. My mother always said that
when God was teaching you something, learn it, because he will run you
through it again and again until you do. He wants us to be effective and
efficient at our calling. We have to learn to listen to the voice of the
Spirit, and be ready to be obedient to his voice. When the battle is raging we
will run to the sound of imminent danger, holding our bloodstained banner,
and testifying to God’s saving grace. We are warriors in God’s army, and we
will STAND, and face the enemy. We stand fast against him. Lance was a
warrior and he was able to touch so many lives with the gospel. A man of God
who understood “STAND FAST”, Every one of you can do this. You can do it in
the strength of God. You can be bold in witnessing, because “Greater is he
who is in you than he who is in the world.” It is comforting to know the end
of the story, and we win!
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Argumentation
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God
always gives us the strength to stand fast through our faith in him. When we
read Hebrew 11 we see that the things accomplished by Abel through Moses were
accomplished through faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God.
Paul in prison, chained to a Roman guard continued to proclaim the gospel
through his faith in Christ. He did not sit there and morn and weep over his circumstances, but praised God
that he was able to get the gospel to those who might never have had the
opportunity to hear it and receive Christ. Paul tells the Philippians in
1:12,”But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me
have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has
become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains
are in Christ.” It was his faith in God that kept him rejoicing. It was Paul
that said in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good
to those who love God, and are called according to his purpose. Through faith
we can stand fast. Shadrach; Meshach; and Abednego understood standing fast.
They would not bow a knee to Nebuchadnezzar’s gods under threat of the fiery
furnace. In Daniel 3:16 Nebuchadnezzar asked the question, “And who is the
god that will deliver you from my hands?” They answered, “Our God whom we serve is
able to deliver us from the fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your
hand, O King.” That was not all they had to say. They knew how to stand fast.
“But if not, let it be known to you, O King, that we do not serve your
gods……They knew who they believed in. There was no room for doubt. They would
be willing to die before they would bow a knee to any other God then the one
true God. Even if God did not chose to save them they would worship no other
god. They worshipped the creator of the universe. We worship the creator, and
we can stand fast through our faith in God. When problems rise up our eyes
are on God, and our life rests in him. We sing that song by Chris Tomlin,
“Whom shall we fear? We know who goes before us, we know who stands behind,
the God of angel armies is always by our side.” We can stand fast in faith.
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Application
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We
exercise our faith muscles every day, and it is this that causes our faith to
grow and experience God. From this we are able to stand fast. Faith is like a
muscle. The more we use it the stronger it becomes. We might be surprised how
many times a day we act in faith. I have faith that when I get in my car that
I am going to get where I am going safely. When I pray over my children for
God’s protection that they are protected. I have faith in God’s provision.
After all he is the source of our provision. Our jobs are the instrument he
uses to provide for us. We have faith too often in the instrument instead of
the source, but we have faith that God cares for us and our families. This is
daily exercise, and when those things come along that feel like mountains we
are able to move that mountain through faith.
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Transition
(Div. 1 to Div.2)
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Part
of standing fast is being of one mind and in unity with our brothers and
sisters in Christ. As Christians we are part of the body of Christ.
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Division
2 Statement
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We
should have conduct worthy of the gospel by being of one mind in unity.
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Explanation
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Philippians
1:27 tells us “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,” Our goal is to further God’s kingdom here on earth. We
were given the Great Commission which says we are to make disciples of all
nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.
That is a big job, but we do not attempt this on our own, but as the body of
Christ. 1 Corinthians 12 talks about the body of Christ. We are one body, but
many members. Paul uses the human body to illustrate how the church is to work
in unity. If one member of our body is not working as it should it throws us
completely off. Anyone who has had a broken bone, and had to wear a cast can
appreciate that this makes simple tasks become complicated. When a member of
our body hurts there is no comfort. We cannot perform efficiently. We have a
diversity of gifts, and ministries but the same Spirit We were discussing the
different jobs that are done at the veterinarian hospital. My Granddaughter
is a vet assistant preparing to go to vet school. There was an issue at work,
and we were discussing the fact that if even one position was eliminated the
issues that it would cause in the ability of the hospital to run efficiently.
Even the cleaning crew that goes in at night and cleans is indispensable. It
is the same way with the church. There needs to be unity, and to maintain
unity pride must be eliminated. Romans 12:1 says, “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.” We
need to use our bodies in service to God. Holy means we have been set aside
for use by God. Our goal should be to please him, and what could be more
pleasing to God then to see his church working in unity to carry out the
great commission. Roman 12:4-5 reiterates that we are all members of the same
body. Each member important to the working of the whole. We can go forth in
unity and take our world for Christ.
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Illustration
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We
have to put forth a united front. We are in a spiritual warfare here on
earth. That is what the news tells us every day as we listen to all the conflicts
and hatred. We are in God’s army, and we are soldiers. We have talked about
boot camp, but another aspect of it is marching in sync. It is as though they
are one unit. In a battle they will fight as one unit. If they do not they
will be taken by the enemy. They have faith in their commander. We must have
faith in our commander, and move forward carrying out the great commission.
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Argumentation
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We
all understand the concept of team work. The football team that plays as
individuals will fail. The troops that go into battle without any unity will
fail. Failure is not an option! As a team they have one mind. They have
practiced with one goal in mind, and that is to win. They get to practice,
but this is your life not practice for the real thing. This is why it is so
important that as children of God we walk in unity to further His kingdom
here on earth. Ephesians 2:20-22 says, “having been built on the foundation
of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,
in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into the holy temple
in the Lord, in whom you also being built together for a dwelling place of
God in the Spirit.” Christ is the foundation of the church. The church was
built on the teachings that the apostles had heard from Christ. We are part
of that church. Paul pictures a pillar that is being fitted together
perfectly, so it is impossible to see where one piece ends and the other
begins. Perfect unity within the body of Christ working toward the same goal
to further God’s Kingdom here on earth How wonderful to hear, “well done my
good and faithful servant.”
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Application
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We
have faith in our commander who is Christ, and unity within the church is essential
to be effective with in our communities and the world. To be effective we
must “walk in the Spirit so we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh”
(Galatians 5:16). We all battle with the flesh, and the only way to win the
battle is to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit indwells
us and works with our Spirit. He is our guide. We walk in faith, and if
necessary we can ask as the disciples asked Christ to increase their faith in
Luke 17:5. We are told that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word
of God” (Romans 10:17). It is very important to have our daily devotions, and
to study the word, and spend time in prayer. It is certainly not always easy,
but we can do it. I find it amazing how much smoother my day goes when I
spend a few minutes in the word and prayer with my cup of tea. No, I am not a
coffee drinker, but for those of you who drink coffee that works too.
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Transition(Div.
2 to Div. 3)
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We
are to go forward with unity and take the world for Christ. If we truly
looked at what the end results will be for those who do not know Christ,
being serious about the Great Commission shows compassion with urgency.
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Division
3 Statement
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We
should have conduct worthy of the gospel by furthering Gods Kingdom here on
earth.
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Explanation
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Matthew 28: 18-20 I heard someone say that
it was not the great suggestion, but was a command from the commander in
Chief, Christ, before he ascended into heaven. We have the opportunity not to
talk about our faith, but to put it in action, and watch it grow. James 2:18
says, “And I will show you my faith by my works.” The truth is that faith has
the ability to set that fire in our spirit that makes us move forward to win
the lost for Christ. Romans 10:14 says, “How then shall they call on Him in
whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they
have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?...” We may not
all be called to preach from the pulpit, but our lives witness Christ love by
the way we live. Someone is watching you and listening to you. We can be
God’s love shed abroad each day. We talk about the things that are important
to us, and we can bubble over with the love of God by staying in his word,
praying and praising him. Our cup will overflow on those around us. We can
keep our spiritual eyes open, so we see the needs around us, and respond with
the love of God. Matthew 25:40 the last part of the verse says, “in as much
as you did it unto one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to me.”
Arthur and Wilda Mathews and their one year old daughter were missionaries to
China. They were invited to come, but when they got there things had changed.
The Red Regime would not allow them to preach and they were kept in abject
poverty and isolation. It was their lives that became their ministry. The
people watched the family as they struggled. In the severe winter to have
heat Arthur had to collect cow dung and straw to mold together to burn for
heat. The Chinese considered this a most degrading thing to have to do, but
at night they would sit by their meager fire with little food, and sing songs
of praise to God. This was to be their spiritual influence. Jeremiah 17: 7-8
says, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord,
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its
roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; But its leaves will be
green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from
yielding fruit.” They were denied exit papers. The Chinese gained courage
from watching them. They went through this for two years in the early 50’s.
God provided for them, and through the testimony of their lives strengthened
the Chinese Church. They were abused, starved, and emotionally tortured. They
were not allowed to leave the compound. The Chinese froze their assets
leaving them impoverished. They wore their tattered clothes, and were
persecuted, humiliated, denied medical aide when sickness came. Eventually they
allowed Wilda and their little daughter to leave, but Arthur was jailed with
six other missionaries, and given a public trial with weird accusations, and
finally were punished with permanent expulsion from China. But through it all
God proved to be enough. Suffering is a blessing, because it brings eternal
rewards. “Beloved, do not think it
strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some
strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of
Christ’s suffering, that when his glory is revealed, you may also be glad
with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-13). Suffering shows our true character. It
allows the nature of Christ to shine through. It is our faith in God that
allows us to be able to stand in the midst of trials.
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Illustration
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Hebrew 11 discusses faith and then
illustrates what was accomplished by faith. We see the faith of the
Patriarchs and the results. It is through faith that we witness of God’s
love. It was through faith that Arthur and Wilda Mathews were able to walk
their faith and strengthen the Chinese church. It was by faith that Jerry
Falwell started Liberty University. It was a seed, an idea given by God, and
it has grown in the power of God. Nothing is accomplished without faith. That
seed of faith is how we further Gods Kingdom here on earth. The power of
faith is amazing.
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Argumentation
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We can move mountains with but a faith the
size of a mustard seed, but think of the power for growth within that small
seed. Let’s talk about seeds. A small seed holds all the DNA necessary to
create that tree or flower. In that tiny seed exists the information for
growth, photosynthesis, the color of the leaves, and even the ability to
transfer the information so it will be able to reproduce itself, by creating
more seeds with the same amount of power. That small seed can make a tree
that will grow, if anything is in its way like a rock or even a car it grows
around or through it. Nothing stops its growth. All this from that small
seed. We can plant seeds of the gospel in the hearts of our family and our
neighbors, and keep watering it, and that seed will burst forth and grow in
the heart of the individual and the next thing you know they are dropping
seeds of faith and they are watering and watching them grow. Exponential
growth in God’s Kingdom. Conduct Worthy of the gospel.
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Application
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We are to be like Christ, and if we look at
his concerns we find him concerned with the destiny of the soul of man. We
often look for comfort while Christ is looking to make a difference in our
life, and often we have to be uncomfortable to make that change. Witnessing
should be an imperative. We have to move in faith to witness. Most of us know
what the end result will be if the person has not accepted Christ. It is not
a desirable result. Separation from God. Use your imagination. That would
mean no good at all, no light at all. I do not think I exaggerate to say that
everyone is aware of heaven and hell. People joke about it. A place where
there is no kindness, no goodness, no unselfishness, and absolutely not a
grain of love or compassion. These things all come from God. Would we wish
this on even our worst enemy? We can, through Christ, make a huge difference
in the lives of those around us. Winning souls for Christ is very important.
We can witness, we can pray, we can be there to meet the needs of those
around us. We can see through our Spiritual eyes.
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Transition
(Div.3 to Div.4)
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It
is often as we move forward that we run into suffering, but when it comes we
fall into the arms of our waiting Savior who comforts us and shores us up.
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Division
4 statement
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We should have conduct worthy of the gospel
in suffering.
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Explanation
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Explanation:
1 Peter 3: 13-17 We are blessed in our suffering. That sounds odd, but in
this instance blessed means to be privileged to suffer for Christ. I remember
years ago hearing a minister say that the way to get over the fear of
persecution was to be persecuted. That sounded very odd to me, but the fact
is the gospel offends people. There are many around the world suffering
greatly as they stand fast for the gospel. I receive a magazine called “The
Voice of the Martyrs.” When we think of martyrs we often think of the
past, there are Christians being martyred around the globe. Across China the
persecution varies from one area to another. The Chinese government keeps a
close eye on the churches. The government controls the number of Bibles
printed and their distribution. Children under the age of eighteen are not
allowed to be taught about Christ. Christian literature for children is
forbidden, and they cannot go to church or Sunday school. A Christian kindergarten
administrator Cheng Jie was imprisoned because her program was affiliated
with a church. Would we be willing to risk imprisonment to witness to others
about Christ? This information came from “The Voice of the Martyr.”
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Illustration
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There was a family that had witnessed to a
neighbor’s wife and she received Christ. When her husband found out he beat
her so badly that she was close to death. The man who had witnessed to her
fled leaving his wife and two sons thinking they would be okay, but the man
killed his sons after torturing them and the wife barely escaped with her
life. Persecution is very real in some countries. We do not face this kind of
thing here in the U.S. but we have to have a united front in this warfare,
and reach out and help where we can.
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Argumentation
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Application
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Suffering is inevitable in this life, but
Christ said be of good cheer he has overcome the world. I lost my son to
cancer. I cannot explain why a man who was such a light for God in this world
should be taken, and his old mother left. I have faith in God making right
decisions. He knows what is best. We do not know what the future holds, but
we do know it is in God’s hands, and he is faithful. What safer place could
we be, but in the hands of God.
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Transition
from Division 4 to conclusion:
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Conclusion
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Visualization
|
We
are in a spiritual war, and we can win this war. We must keep our eyes on our
coach. Football is played by a team not an individual. We are each part of
the church which must be unified even as the football team. Each player doing
what he does best creating unity and a winning team. The difference is that
we know that at the end we win. They hope to win. Nothing can separate us
from God. We are the light in this world shining the love of God where ever
we go.
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Reiteration
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Only
let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ! It does not matter
whether any one is looking at you. God is with you at all times. The
important thing is what we do when no one is looking. That is our true
character. If we are to have conduct worthy of the gospel we must stand fast.
When the commander says stand fast in the military it means to hold your
ground, and do not back down. We are in God’s army working to further his
kingdom on the earth, and drive back the enemy of the souls of man through
the strength of God. Conduct worthy of the gospel by being unified. When a
football team goes on the field they are of one mind. They are going to win. They
are in unity. Now if they start playing as individuals instead of being a
team they have already lost each player has a different skill, but those
skills played together make a winning team. As Christians we must be unified
using all our different spiritual gifts in unity, so we look like one unit as
we take on the enemy to defeat him. We are to have conduct worthy of the
gospel as we further Gods kingdom here on earth. We are to win souls. The
Great Commission was a command not a suggestion. We can look at our fellow
humans and remember what will happen to them if they do not hear the gospel
message and have an opportunity to come to Christ. Plant that seed and water
it, watch it grow and develop into a seed planter and harvester. We want
exponential growth. We can have conduct worthy of the gospel through
suffering. God will give us the words to speak and the will to stand fast and
win souls even in the midst of suffering. It was through Paul and Silas’s
suffering that the church of Philippi was born.
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Action
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We
can stand fast in unity winning souls for Christ rejoicing in suffering
through faith in God.
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Fast Appeal
|
“I
say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the
flesh” (Galatians 5:16). “We can do all things through Christ who strengthens
us” (Philippians 4:13). There are so many Scriptures to encourage us and
build our faith. We can walk by faith. It is the secret to our life in
Christ. Keep your eyes on Him, and he will guide you and direct you.
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CONDUCT WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL
Philippians
1:12-18
Kathleen
Hadley
“But I want you to know, brethren, that the things
which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the
gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the
rest, that my chains are in Christ, and most of the brethren in the Lord,
having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word
without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strive, and some
also from goodwill: The former preached Christ from selfish ambition, not
sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love,
knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 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.”
Introduction
|
As
we watch the news we are bombarded with scenes of conflicts. The world is at
war, and as Christian we are aware of all these conflicts. We see our
politician warring for control, even neighbors find it difficult to live at
peace. We realize that it is spiritual warfare that is being waged between
good and evil, God and Satan. Good may appear to lose a battle off and on,
but the good news is that we win the war.
We
see in our scriptures Paul writing to the Philippians, because he wanted them
to understand that even through adversity, and sometimes because of adversity
the gospel is advanced. Paul was imprisoned, and because of his conduct or
conversation or heavenly citizenship the gospel was advancing. His words were
words of comfort for the Philippians. Their prayers and offerings were of
great benefit to Paul. Paul’s imprisonment was a solid strategic positioning,
because it allowed the word of God to go forth within the military as well as
in the royal household. These people might never have been reached with the
gospel if Paul had not been chained to the palace guard. Paul had visitors
that would come to him, and he would expound the gospel message, and the
guards were forced to listen to him. They could not beat him into silence,
because he was a Roman citizen.
Looking at verse 27 we find Paul expounding
on what is important. When the word “only” is used we know that it means “one
thing” nothing more. When someone says ‘only’ it means nothing else
will do. One thing and nothing else. Paul begins verse 27 with Only. He continues
to tell us what that “one thing” is. Only let your conduct be worthy of the
gospel. The word conduct means to ‘behave as a citizen’. The People of
Philippi understood citizenship. They were citizens of Rome. Their character
and conduct reflected on Rome. They
may live in Philippi, but they were Roman citizen. This gave them a certain
stratus, and gave them a feeling of pride. They understood the
responsibilities of being a Roman citizen. With privilege comes
responsibility as well as benefits. We understand those responsibilities also
as citizens of the United States, but Paul was reminding them that they were
citizens of heaven, and they needed to have conduct worthy of the gospel. The
English Standard version translates conduct as “Let your manner of life be
worthy.” The ISV says, “The only thing that matters is that you continue to
live as good citizens in a manner worthy of.” Their citizenship was in
heaven, and they needed to understand the privilege and the responsibilities
that came with this citizenship. Paul understood the meaning of being a Roman
citizen as he was a Roman citizen chained to the palace guard, because he
understood that first and foremost he was a citizen of heaven he was living
in a manner worthy of the gospel that furthered Gods Kingdom here on earth. Paul wants them to understand that no matter
what happens to him they need to move forward in Christ. They were to stand fast
which implies a military stance. Immovable in their stance. With one mind.
Most Americans understand football. When the players go on the field they are
of one mind, and are standing fast together to win that super bowl. That is
it ‘one thing’ win the game. They are of one mind. Steadfast! Working as a
team, one unit. As we watch the game we know when this is happening, and also
when it is not happening.
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need
|
What
do we need to be able to stand fast and maintain unity? Faith! Without faith
it is impossible to please God. Most of us are able to quote Hebrews 11:1
Which states, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the
evidence of things not seen.” It is not always easy to wrap our mind around
that view of what faith is. It is a description of faith. When a person comes
to Christ it is through faith. Our first act of faith. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells
us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own
doing: but it is a gift from God, not a result of works, so no one may
boast.” When we witness to others of God’s love and saving power we are
speaking from experience. We have experienced his love and care and his
saving power. We know deep down in our Spirit that it is true. We are acting
as citizens of heaven. We are showing conduct worthy of the gospel.
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bridging
sentence
|
To
have conduct worthy of the gospel we must strive together in unity.
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Textual
idea
|
Paul
began by telling the Philippians about his situation. He expressed joy and
confidence in them. He goes on to say that because of his situation other
brethren have become confident in their witness. They are speaking forth the
gospel without fear. Fear can literally cause a person to freeze up, and be
unable to act. It can cause a person to turn and run, and definitely
eliminate a person’s ability to say anything understandable. Paul set an
example of peace in the midst of severe circumstances. Here he is imprisoned
and chained to a Roman guard, and he is speaking the words of salvation. What
a wonderful example. We must lead by example. Let’s look at Matthew 5:17. It
says, “Let your light shine before men, that they will see your good works
and glorify your Father in heaven.” People are watching you. They want to
know if this Christ is real. Your life is the example of God’s love. I always
try to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. I was working in a
convalescent home, and trying to have my life be a witness for Christ, but
when I was caring for patients I was very focused on what I was doing. I had
worked there about six months, and one of the other nursing assistance came
up to me, and commented on the care and concern I had for the patients under
my care, and the fact I always had positive things to say about everyone.
Then she added, “You’re a Christian aren’t you?” I was able to witness to her
and eventually lead her to Christ. I felt surprised by the fact that she had
observed these things when the last thing on my mind was what others were
thinking about me. Someone is watching your life, and you never know when it
will make a difference in their life. We need to walk in the Spirit, so we
will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
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Sermon
Idea
|
As
believers we must have conduct worthy of the gospel. The importance of acting
as citizens of heaven cannot be stressed enough. What are the desires of
citizens of any city, but to have a stable economy, safety, and peace? To
achieve these things a citizen has certain responsibilities that must be
carried out. We are to strive together for the faith of the gospel. Teamwork
is what we need. Like the football team or any athletic team, we must be
united. If they do not maintain unity there will be failure. Each player has
certain abilities that when used in cooperation with the other team member’s
abilities creates a winning team. As believers we must maintain a cooperative
attitude striving together for the faith of the gospel.
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interrogative
|
What
is conduct worthy of the gospel? Vs 27 tells us to “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 to them is proof of perdition, but
to you of salvation, and that from God.” Terrified is a strong word. Strong’s
concordance says it is to frighten, so they would fly away. It makes me thing
of stampeding cattle. Some of them were frightened, and so they all stampede
because (we will call him Harry) Harry was frightened, and the others knew
that if Harry was running they had better run too. Now everyone is out of
control. They heard rumors. The Philippians are to stand fast in the face of
their enemies, This would be proof of their salvation, and would cause the
ultimate fall of their enemies. This would prove that their message of
salvation was true.
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transition
|
The
text has four areas that describe how to have conduct worthy of the gospel.
We will look at these four areas which are standing fast, unified, furthering
God’s kingdom, and enduring suffering. We will begin with standing fast.
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Body
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Division
Statement 1
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We
should have conduct worthy of the gospel by standing fast.
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explanation
|
When
a military leader tells his troops to stand fast this means there will be no
backing up. They will stand their ground firmly. They are emphatic and
resolute under no conditions will they budge from their position. They are
ridged and unyielding. Strong’s Concordance says, “to be stationary and to
persevere. As long as we are in this world we are in a spiritual war. We
cannot compromise with the world. Adam and Eve are an example of compromise.
God said do not eat of the tree or you will die, and Satan said go ahead eat.
It will not hurt a thing. You won’t die you will be like God and know good
and evil. In every lie there is a grain of truth. They bowed their knee to
Satan. Everyone knows the results of
this event whether Christian or non-Christian. Look at the long lasting and
devastating results of that move. When we are willing to compromise God’s
standards set for the citizens of heaven we bow our knee again to the god of
this world. We are to stand fast, immovable. We cannot say we are Christians
and live like the world. We must stand fast!
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Illustration
|
Military
boot camp is some tough training. I am sure there are some men and women here
who could testify to this. Training is huge in the military. Their goal is to
see you grow and learn. They want you to be aware of the fact that no matter
what your job is you are important to the success of a mission. They want you
to be successful. If you do not receive good training then you will never be
proficient at your job. In boot camp you learn to follow instructions without
question, and through the training the soldier becomes physically, mentally
and emotionally tough. They learn that what they do they should do it well
and they learn to never quit. It molds warriors that will run to the sound of
imminent danger. My son, Lance had cancer, and passed away. He said he
thought life was boot camp for heaven. There are times when life can feel
that way, but we are in a spiritual war. Paul tells us to put on the whole
armor of God in Ephesians 6:1-20. We are to be “strong in the Lord and in the
power of his might.” He is our commander and chief in this spiritual war.
Some times our training gets tough. God does not send us in to battle
unprepared. He wants us to grow and learn and mature in our faith, when the
fiery darts of the enemy comes against us we will be able to stand. Paul says
in Ephesians 6: 13, “Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be
able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Vs 14 says
Stand therefore. Abide and continue staunchly. My mother always said that
when God was teaching you something, learn it, because he will run you
through it again and again until you do. He wants us to be effective and
efficient at our calling. We have to learn to listen to the voice of the
Spirit, and be ready to be obedient to his voice. When the battle is raging we
will run to the sound of imminent danger, holding our bloodstained banner,
and testifying to God’s saving grace. We are warriors in God’s army, and we
will STAND, and face the enemy. We stand fast against him. Lance was a
warrior and he was able to touch so many lives with the gospel. A man of God
who understood “STAND FAST”, Every one of you can do this. You can do it in
the strength of God. You can be bold in witnessing, because “Greater is he
who is in you than he who is in the world.” It is comforting to know the end
of the story, and we win!
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Argumentation
|
God
always gives us the strength to stand fast through our faith in him. When we
read Hebrew 11 we see that the things accomplished by Abel through Moses were
accomplished through faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God.
Paul in prison, chained to a Roman guard continued to proclaim the gospel
through his faith in Christ. He did not sit there and morn and weep over his circumstances, but praised God
that he was able to get the gospel to those who might never have had the
opportunity to hear it and receive Christ. Paul tells the Philippians in
1:12,”But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me
have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has
become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains
are in Christ.” It was his faith in God that kept him rejoicing. It was Paul
that said in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good
to those who love God, and are called according to his purpose. Through faith
we can stand fast. Shadrach; Meshach; and Abednego understood standing fast.
They would not bow a knee to Nebuchadnezzar’s gods under threat of the fiery
furnace. In Daniel 3:16 Nebuchadnezzar asked the question, “And who is the
god that will deliver you from my hands?” They answered, “Our God whom we serve is
able to deliver us from the fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your
hand, O King.” That was not all they had to say. They knew how to stand fast.
“But if not, let it be known to you, O King, that we do not serve your
gods……They knew who they believed in. There was no room for doubt. They would
be willing to die before they would bow a knee to any other God then the one
true God. Even if God did not chose to save them they would worship no other
god. They worshipped the creator of the universe. We worship the creator, and
we can stand fast through our faith in God. When problems rise up our eyes
are on God, and our life rests in him. We sing that song by Chris Tomlin,
“Whom shall we fear? We know who goes before us, we know who stands behind,
the God of angel armies is always by our side.” We can stand fast in faith.
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Application
|
We
exercise our faith muscles every day, and it is this that causes our faith to
grow and experience God. From this we are able to stand fast. Faith is like a
muscle. The more we use it the stronger it becomes. We might be surprised how
many times a day we act in faith. I have faith that when I get in my car that
I am going to get where I am going safely. When I pray over my children for
God’s protection that they are protected. I have faith in God’s provision.
After all he is the source of our provision. Our jobs are the instrument he
uses to provide for us. We have faith too often in the instrument instead of
the source, but we have faith that God cares for us and our families. This is
daily exercise, and when those things come along that feel like mountains we
are able to move that mountain through faith.
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Transition
(Div. 1 to Div.2)
|
Part
of standing fast is being of one mind and in unity with our brothers and
sisters in Christ. As Christians we are part of the body of Christ.
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Division
2 Statement
|
We
should have conduct worthy of the gospel by being of one mind in unity.
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Explanation
|
Philippians
1:27 tells us “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,” Our goal is to further God’s kingdom here on earth. We
were given the Great Commission which says we are to make disciples of all
nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.
That is a big job, but we do not attempt this on our own, but as the body of
Christ. 1 Corinthians 12 talks about the body of Christ. We are one body, but
many members. Paul uses the human body to illustrate how the church is to work
in unity. If one member of our body is not working as it should it throws us
completely off. Anyone who has had a broken bone, and had to wear a cast can
appreciate that this makes simple tasks become complicated. When a member of
our body hurts there is no comfort. We cannot perform efficiently. We have a
diversity of gifts, and ministries but the same Spirit We were discussing the
different jobs that are done at the veterinarian hospital. My Granddaughter
is a vet assistant preparing to go to vet school. There was an issue at work,
and we were discussing the fact that if even one position was eliminated the
issues that it would cause in the ability of the hospital to run efficiently.
Even the cleaning crew that goes in at night and cleans is indispensable. It
is the same way with the church. There needs to be unity, and to maintain
unity pride must be eliminated. Romans 12:1 says, “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.” We
need to use our bodies in service to God. Holy means we have been set aside
for use by God. Our goal should be to please him, and what could be more
pleasing to God then to see his church working in unity to carry out the
great commission. Roman 12:4-5 reiterates that we are all members of the same
body. Each member important to the working of the whole. We can go forth in
unity and take our world for Christ.
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|
Illustration
|
We
have to put forth a united front. We are in a spiritual warfare here on
earth. That is what the news tells us every day as we listen to all the conflicts
and hatred. We are in God’s army, and we are soldiers. We have talked about
boot camp, but another aspect of it is marching in sync. It is as though they
are one unit. In a battle they will fight as one unit. If they do not they
will be taken by the enemy. They have faith in their commander. We must have
faith in our commander, and move forward carrying out the great commission.
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|
Argumentation
|
We
all understand the concept of team work. The football team that plays as
individuals will fail. The troops that go into battle without any unity will
fail. Failure is not an option! As a team they have one mind. They have
practiced with one goal in mind, and that is to win. They get to practice,
but this is your life not practice for the real thing. This is why it is so
important that as children of God we walk in unity to further His kingdom
here on earth. Ephesians 2:20-22 says, “having been built on the foundation
of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,
in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into the holy temple
in the Lord, in whom you also being built together for a dwelling place of
God in the Spirit.” Christ is the foundation of the church. The church was
built on the teachings that the apostles had heard from Christ. We are part
of that church. Paul pictures a pillar that is being fitted together
perfectly, so it is impossible to see where one piece ends and the other
begins. Perfect unity within the body of Christ working toward the same goal
to further God’s Kingdom here on earth How wonderful to hear, “well done my
good and faithful servant.”
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|
Application
|
We
have faith in our commander who is Christ, and unity within the church is essential
to be effective with in our communities and the world. To be effective we
must “walk in the Spirit so we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh”
(Galatians 5:16). We all battle with the flesh, and the only way to win the
battle is to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit indwells
us and works with our Spirit. He is our guide. We walk in faith, and if
necessary we can ask as the disciples asked Christ to increase their faith in
Luke 17:5. We are told that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word
of God” (Romans 10:17). It is very important to have our daily devotions, and
to study the word, and spend time in prayer. It is certainly not always easy,
but we can do it. I find it amazing how much smoother my day goes when I
spend a few minutes in the word and prayer with my cup of tea. No, I am not a
coffee drinker, but for those of you who drink coffee that works too.
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|
Transition(Div.
2 to Div. 3)
|
We
are to go forward with unity and take the world for Christ. If we truly
looked at what the end results will be for those who do not know Christ,
being serious about the Great Commission shows compassion with urgency.
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|
Division
3 Statement
|
We
should have conduct worthy of the gospel by furthering Gods Kingdom here on
earth.
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|
Explanation
|
Matthew 28: 18-20 I heard someone say that
it was not the great suggestion, but was a command from the commander in
Chief, Christ, before he ascended into heaven. We have the opportunity not to
talk about our faith, but to put it in action, and watch it grow. James 2:18
says, “And I will show you my faith by my works.” The truth is that faith has
the ability to set that fire in our spirit that makes us move forward to win
the lost for Christ. Romans 10:14 says, “How then shall they call on Him in
whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they
have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?...” We may not
all be called to preach from the pulpit, but our lives witness Christ love by
the way we live. Someone is watching you and listening to you. We can be
God’s love shed abroad each day. We talk about the things that are important
to us, and we can bubble over with the love of God by staying in his word,
praying and praising him. Our cup will overflow on those around us. We can
keep our spiritual eyes open, so we see the needs around us, and respond with
the love of God. Matthew 25:40 the last part of the verse says, “in as much
as you did it unto one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to me.”
Arthur and Wilda Mathews and their one year old daughter were missionaries to
China. They were invited to come, but when they got there things had changed.
The Red Regime would not allow them to preach and they were kept in abject
poverty and isolation. It was their lives that became their ministry. The
people watched the family as they struggled. In the severe winter to have
heat Arthur had to collect cow dung and straw to mold together to burn for
heat. The Chinese considered this a most degrading thing to have to do, but
at night they would sit by their meager fire with little food, and sing songs
of praise to God. This was to be their spiritual influence. Jeremiah 17: 7-8
says, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord,
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its
roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; But its leaves will be
green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from
yielding fruit.” They were denied exit papers. The Chinese gained courage
from watching them. They went through this for two years in the early 50’s.
God provided for them, and through the testimony of their lives strengthened
the Chinese Church. They were abused, starved, and emotionally tortured. They
were not allowed to leave the compound. The Chinese froze their assets
leaving them impoverished. They wore their tattered clothes, and were
persecuted, humiliated, denied medical aide when sickness came. Eventually they
allowed Wilda and their little daughter to leave, but Arthur was jailed with
six other missionaries, and given a public trial with weird accusations, and
finally were punished with permanent expulsion from China. But through it all
God proved to be enough. Suffering is a blessing, because it brings eternal
rewards. “Beloved, do not think it
strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some
strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of
Christ’s suffering, that when his glory is revealed, you may also be glad
with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-13). Suffering shows our true character. It
allows the nature of Christ to shine through. It is our faith in God that
allows us to be able to stand in the midst of trials.
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|
Illustration
|
Hebrew 11 discusses faith and then
illustrates what was accomplished by faith. We see the faith of the
Patriarchs and the results. It is through faith that we witness of God’s
love. It was through faith that Arthur and Wilda Mathews were able to walk
their faith and strengthen the Chinese church. It was by faith that Jerry
Falwell started Liberty University. It was a seed, an idea given by God, and
it has grown in the power of God. Nothing is accomplished without faith. That
seed of faith is how we further Gods Kingdom here on earth. The power of
faith is amazing.
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|
Argumentation
|
We can move mountains with but a faith the
size of a mustard seed, but think of the power for growth within that small
seed. Let’s talk about seeds. A small seed holds all the DNA necessary to
create that tree or flower. In that tiny seed exists the information for
growth, photosynthesis, the color of the leaves, and even the ability to
transfer the information so it will be able to reproduce itself, by creating
more seeds with the same amount of power. That small seed can make a tree
that will grow, if anything is in its way like a rock or even a car it grows
around or through it. Nothing stops its growth. All this from that small
seed. We can plant seeds of the gospel in the hearts of our family and our
neighbors, and keep watering it, and that seed will burst forth and grow in
the heart of the individual and the next thing you know they are dropping
seeds of faith and they are watering and watching them grow. Exponential
growth in God’s Kingdom. Conduct Worthy of the gospel.
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Application
|
We are to be like Christ, and if we look at
his concerns we find him concerned with the destiny of the soul of man. We
often look for comfort while Christ is looking to make a difference in our
life, and often we have to be uncomfortable to make that change. Witnessing
should be an imperative. We have to move in faith to witness. Most of us know
what the end result will be if the person has not accepted Christ. It is not
a desirable result. Separation from God. Use your imagination. That would
mean no good at all, no light at all. I do not think I exaggerate to say that
everyone is aware of heaven and hell. People joke about it. A place where
there is no kindness, no goodness, no unselfishness, and absolutely not a
grain of love or compassion. These things all come from God. Would we wish
this on even our worst enemy? We can, through Christ, make a huge difference
in the lives of those around us. Winning souls for Christ is very important.
We can witness, we can pray, we can be there to meet the needs of those
around us. We can see through our Spiritual eyes.
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Transition
(Div.3 to Div.4)
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It
is often as we move forward that we run into suffering, but when it comes we
fall into the arms of our waiting Savior who comforts us and shores us up.
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Division
4 statement
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We should have conduct worthy of the gospel
in suffering.
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Explanation
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Explanation:
1 Peter 3: 13-17 We are blessed in our suffering. That sounds odd, but in
this instance blessed means to be privileged to suffer for Christ. I remember
years ago hearing a minister say that the way to get over the fear of
persecution was to be persecuted. That sounded very odd to me, but the fact
is the gospel offends people. There are many around the world suffering
greatly as they stand fast for the gospel. I receive a magazine called “The
Voice of the Martyrs.” When we think of martyrs we often think of the
past, there are Christians being martyred around the globe. Across China the
persecution varies from one area to another. The Chinese government keeps a
close eye on the churches. The government controls the number of Bibles
printed and their distribution. Children under the age of eighteen are not
allowed to be taught about Christ. Christian literature for children is
forbidden, and they cannot go to church or Sunday school. A Christian kindergarten
administrator Cheng Jie was imprisoned because her program was affiliated
with a church. Would we be willing to risk imprisonment to witness to others
about Christ? This information came from “The Voice of the Martyr.”
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Illustration
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There was a family that had witnessed to a
neighbor’s wife and she received Christ. When her husband found out he beat
her so badly that she was close to death. The man who had witnessed to her
fled leaving his wife and two sons thinking they would be okay, but the man
killed his sons after torturing them and the wife barely escaped with her
life. Persecution is very real in some countries. We do not face this kind of
thing here in the U.S. but we have to have a united front in this warfare,
and reach out and help where we can.
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Argumentation
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Application
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Suffering is inevitable in this life, but
Christ said be of good cheer he has overcome the world. I lost my son to
cancer. I cannot explain why a man who was such a light for God in this world
should be taken, and his old mother left. I have faith in God making right
decisions. He knows what is best. We do not know what the future holds, but
we do know it is in God’s hands, and he is faithful. What safer place could
we be, but in the hands of God.
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Transition
from Division 4 to conclusion:
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Conclusion
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Visualization
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We
are in a spiritual war, and we can win this war. We must keep our eyes on our
coach. Football is played by a team not an individual. We are each part of
the church which must be unified even as the football team. Each player doing
what he does best creating unity and a winning team. The difference is that
we know that at the end we win. They hope to win. Nothing can separate us
from God. We are the light in this world shining the love of God where ever
we go.
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Reiteration
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Only
let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ! It does not matter
whether any one is looking at you. God is with you at all times. The
important thing is what we do when no one is looking. That is our true
character. If we are to have conduct worthy of the gospel we must stand fast.
When the commander says stand fast in the military it means to hold your
ground, and do not back down. We are in God’s army working to further his
kingdom on the earth, and drive back the enemy of the souls of man through
the strength of God. Conduct worthy of the gospel by being unified. When a
football team goes on the field they are of one mind. They are going to win. They
are in unity. Now if they start playing as individuals instead of being a
team they have already lost each player has a different skill, but those
skills played together make a winning team. As Christians we must be unified
using all our different spiritual gifts in unity, so we look like one unit as
we take on the enemy to defeat him. We are to have conduct worthy of the
gospel as we further Gods kingdom here on earth. We are to win souls. The
Great Commission was a command not a suggestion. We can look at our fellow
humans and remember what will happen to them if they do not hear the gospel
message and have an opportunity to come to Christ. Plant that seed and water
it, watch it grow and develop into a seed planter and harvester. We want
exponential growth. We can have conduct worthy of the gospel through
suffering. God will give us the words to speak and the will to stand fast and
win souls even in the midst of suffering. It was through Paul and Silas’s
suffering that the church of Philippi was born.
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Action
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We
can stand fast in unity winning souls for Christ rejoicing in suffering
through faith in God.
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Fast Appeal
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“I
say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the
flesh” (Galatians 5:16). “We can do all things through Christ who strengthens
us” (Philippians 4:13). There are so many Scriptures to encourage us and
build our faith. We can walk by faith. It is the secret to our life in
Christ. Keep your eyes on Him, and he will guide you and direct you.
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copyright 2016
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