Living With The Right Attitude - Philippians, Part 3 Series

“Living with the Right Attitude” - Philippians, Part 3

Philippians Sermon Series, Part 3

Philippians 1:27 – 2:4

Introduction

- Reminder about our level-set from series opener:

1. Christians must reflect the joy of Christ in everything we do

2. This means you and I are to make the Gospel personal, because it is!

3. Not telling shows them that we have nothing different/special to offer others

- This is a great book of discipleship; prayerfully help us draw closer to Christ

-- Living worthy of the Gospel means that we are to be found doing the work

-- RE: As Christians, we are in this together – but not for our ego, desires, or needs

- Quick summary of last week:

- Paul’s true desire about being a slave of Christ is to see Jesus exalted

-- His longing is that others would know the One that he knows so intimately

-- Wants to see others, fall in love with a Savior who has done so much for him!

-- Why? So, he can rejoice when Jesus is preached because Christ can redeem all!

- Read (NLT Version) Philippians 1:27 – 2:4 / Pray

- TR: Paul’s encouragement is on over drive here, beginning with …

Point 1 – We should live as representatives of our eternal home

- When it comes to living each day – the command and purpose is clear:

1. We are representatives of the Kingdom of God, and,

2. Because of that we should live accordingly until we get there

-- RE: If you belong to Jesus, you are not our own: 1 Corinthians 6:20, “For God bought you with a high price. So, you must honor God with your body.”

- Even as we live daily, we are to exemplify what Christ has done for us

-- Why? So, when we are joined together with other believers we fight together

- This is Paul’s rally cry to the Church – join as one for one common purpose

-- For us to not be intimidated; but to stand firm in the faith that we have

- Big question: “How?” Hebrews 12:1-3, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. (get this) Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.”

- It is in this unity that we see our strength building, and why we are encouraged

-- Take this home: (v29) in trust, we also experience (privilege) suffering with him

-- GR: paschein; to suffer, or to endure, (implied) to remain faithful

- Here is where you might ask: “How can this be a good thing?”

-- Look at v30 … We are in this together, even now I’m struggling, and I’m living

-- Living how? With the joy of Christ and thankfulness (refer Phil 1:3-6)

-- Paul is not crazy, he’s not insane, his confession is because Jesus is real to him

- Don’t miss: Our attitude affects how we live, and we can (must) choose joy

-- We can choose to live righteously before Christ – and show Him to others

-- How? By joining together and knowing we are not alone!

- TR: So, let’s dive into this concept of togetherness and unpack …

Point 2 – It is unity that strengthens our witness for Christ

- v1: “Therefore” (ties to what was just said and directs us to act)

-- Since we are partners in this calling, we must see Paul as our encourager

-- He has been strong enough to make it; will we be brave enough as well?

-- APP: We are walking on the same truth, with testimony about Christ

- Paul makes four statements which challenge us and how we live

-- These are opportunities to check yourself and your own testimony

- Check out the implied IF statements (posed as questions):

1) … is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ,

2) … if there any comfort from his love,

3) … is there fellowship in the Spirit,

4) … is there any tenderness and compassion within you

- All four of these are basically asking the same thing:

-- “If you are truly a believer in Christ, how are you showing it today?”

-- I think it is safe to say that if you are a Christian; these four “Ifs’” cover us all