Introduction: This past weekend, our family celebrated Kathy’s parents 50th wedding anniversary. We spent all day Friday decorating the church in preparation for the big night. Kathy had planned the celebration to be a big surprise, and sure enough, her parents were surprised as 75 of their friends and family greeted them that night, in short, the night was a big hit.
While Kathy’s parents were surprised Friday night, I got a big surprise, Friday afternoon. I went down to a McDonald’s Restaurant, for a few hamburgers. If you have been to McD’s you know the drill stand in line, place your order, wait for your food, and that is just what I did, I stood in line, then placed my order and then a strange thing happened. While I was waiting for my food a man walked into McD’s, picked the food up off a tray and walked out – that is when a man behind me spoke up and said, that man stole his food. – SURE ENOUGH, THAT MAN HAD WALKED OFF THE STREET AND STOLE A BAG OF HAMBURGERS
I stood there thinking what kind of person would steal hamburgers. After all, they are only a couple of dollars each.
It seems we will steal anything these days, a recent CNBC poll asked employees, if they had ever stolen office supplies from their place of employment? 60% said, yes they had pilfered office supplies. The follow up question explained the people’s actions; 25% said, they took the supplies because they viewed it as a company benefit, while 75% said the taking of office supplies is no big deal.
When it comes to hamburgers and office supplies, it seems the 8th commandment, prohibiting stealing does not apply.
Fortunately, hamburgers and office supplies are replaceable, as much as we hate the loss and inconvenience, we can continue with our lives.
In the spiritual realm, there is a stealing that is more serious. Satan is in the business of ripping off things more important than hamburgers and office supplies. Jesus, speaking on Satan’s activity said, The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. John 10:10
Satan does not want our hamburgers, our offices supplies or any of our material possessions. Satan is solely interested in stealing spiritual treasures – things that have value to God, things of eternal significance.
NOTICE THE PROGRESSION OF SATAN’S WORK
The Thief comes to…
Steal, first Satan is involved in larceny – he wants to take what is not his. Once he manages this feat he moves on to…
Killing, He does not steal to keep something, no the work of Satan is to steal, so he can kill what he has stolen. But it is not enough to simply kill, note his final act…
Destroy, the word destroy means to damage an item is such a way that it is unrecognizable.
This has always been the work of Satan
Consider the subject of marriage – You begin with such high hopes. Soon conflict comes in and if not handled correctly Satan gets a foot hold in your marriage at that point he begins to steal some of the joy and excitement in a marriage. Soon there is more conflict; the excitement of marriage begins to wear thin, you begin to wonder if this person is to be your life partner, Satan begins the process of killing your marriage. Finally you seldom talk, you no longer recognize your mate. Divorce is on the horizon and you ask yourself what did you see in this person in the first place. Satan launches his final blow and another marriage is destroyed.
Consider children who grow up in the church – at one time, they stood in the church and quoted scriptures attended camps and conference, always involved in youth meetings, but now they seldom come to church. What happened to that vibrant faith? The thief began to do his work, remember the words of Jesus, The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy
QUESTION – Has the thief invaded your spiritual life today? Have you lost your first love for Jesus? Has your devotion for the cause of Christ slipped a little? Have you become cavalier about gathering with God’s people on a weekly basis? Are you in the habit of being more critical of the church, than you are being creative in helping out in a ministry? Have you become more of a spectator in church (watching what is going on) rather than a participant (being more involved in the cause of Christ) in God’s kingdom?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you must be aware the master thief is at work, for Satan loves to steal the joy of loving Christ and loving His church.
If we are not careful, the prince of this world will rip us off – stealing our joy, killing our relationship with God and destroying our faith.
Over the next few weeks we are going to look at a series entitled; Joy Stealers. Joy Stealers are the tools Satan uses to rob us of our joy in serving the cause of Christ. Our study will come from the book of Philippians, Paul’s epistle of joy. 15 times in this small book, he tells his readers to rejoice or to be joyful.
Paul knew there would be times we could not be happy, but in Christ, we could always be joyful. This joy would override whatever life throws at us.
Let’s be honest one of the great joy stealers in this life are circumstances…
A broken relationship
A difficult financial situation
Stress at work
Difficulty in church
Health issues
All have a way of robbing us of our joy. In Philippians 1 Paul faced three unique circumstances in his ministry that had the potential of stealing his joy, yet when the circumstances confused him, he did not let the master thief steal his joy. In fact, when circumstances seemed confusing, note Paul’s solutions.
Circumstance # 1, Paul was in Chains
Background – Paul finds himself in a roman prison, his crime, preaching the gospel. We read about this imprisonment in Acts 28, little did the Romans know that the chains affixed to his wrist would actually give him the opportunity to spread the gospel, rather than complain about his imprisonment he he saw his chains as a means to spreading the gospel.
Philippians 1:12-14
12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.
13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.
14 Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.
You may see Paul’s chains as a hindrance to the gospel but Paul saw them as an occasion to advance the gospel.
The Chains gave Paul, contact with the lost.
Paul was chained to a Roman soldier 24 hours a day, the shift changed every 6 hours, giving Paul an opportunity to witness to 4 different men each day
Imagine yourself chained to man who prayed everyday with our ceasing
Imagine yourself watching a man who spoke openly & honestly about Jesus Christ
Imagine yourself chained to a man who constantly asked you “Do you know Jesus”
Eventually some of the guards were influenced by Paul and placed their trust in Christ. Vs 13, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard…that I am in chains for Christ. While in prison, Paul was able to preach to the Roman guard, this was something he would have never been able to do if he was a free man.
The Chains also allowed Paul to have contact with others besides the Roman guards. Vs. 13 says not only did the solders know why I was imprisoned, but, As a result, it has become clear everyone else that I am in chains for Christ
As a prisoner of Rome, the Roman government would be forced to look at this so-called faith, Paul was preaching. Imagine how pleased Paul must have been to realize the Roman government would be forced to look in the claims of Christianity.
Paul’s chains not only gave him contact with the lost, the chains also gave courage to the saved.
Many of the believers had a renewed courage because of Paul’s chains
Verse 14, Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.
The word speak does not mean preach rather it means everyday conversation, in other words, because of Paul’s chains the gospel was becoming a part of everyday conversation; People were talking about Jesus openly. Imagine – Jesus was the focus of the conversation in Rome.
Our circumstances may not be as dramatic as being chained to a Roman guard, yet our circumstances should be seen as an opportunity to lift up the cause of Christ.
When facing a surgery or illness, give opportunity for Christ to be glorified – prayer, actions
When facing a serious financial hurdle, let people see you trust God, by dealing openly and honestly with creditors
When you faced with a broken relationship, seek peace so that Christ is glorified.
Our motto as God’s people should be the same as that of the Philippians, Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe. Philippians 2:14-15
Regardless of our circumstances, God can use us in a mighty way to proclaim his power and glory.
Paul’s chains were not the only circumstances he faced…
Circumstance #2, Paul faced Critics
Let’s continue reading beginning with the 15th verse…
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.
18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,
19 for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.
A. Paul had critics
It is hard to believe anyone would oppose a man responsible for over have the NT writings and who had started numerous churches. Yet Paul had critics in the city of Rome. Paul would say some preach Christ out of pure motives, while others preach out of selfish ambition. This latter group was using the cause of Christ to push their own agenda
B. Paul also had a proper perspective
Vs. 18, But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.
It mattered not that some were preaching out of selfish motives the important fact – Christ was being preached.
C. Criticism is difficult, but more so when you are facing tough circumstances
Yet Paul was able to deflect his critics because he had a proper perspective. Christ was being preached. Whenever we face critics, we must remember we have one of two options.
First is we can become focused on the critic – this leads us to get off track. When we focus on the critic, we forget the main thing. Preaching Christ!
Second we can focus on Christ – realizing he is the source of our strength, he is who we are accountable.
That does not mean we ignore criticism, some criticism is constructive and meant to help us grow. But we do not become so focused on the criticism that we forget the cause of Christ
When it comes to criticism, we would be wise to heed the words of Jesus – Matthew 5:11-12
11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
When we are faced with critics remember we are in good company.
Not only did Paul face the Chains of the Roman guards and the Critics with their selfish ambitions, Paul also faced a…
Circumstance #3, Paul faced a Crisis
Look at verses 20-26
20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!
23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;
24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,
26 so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.
Because of Paul’s Chains – Christ was known
Because of Paul’s Critics – Christ was preached
Because of Paul’s Crisis – Christ was magnified
Remember Paul is in prison for preaching Christ as the one and true God; it was entirely possible, Paul could be found guilty of treason, if so he would face execution at the hands of the Romans.
For Paul, this was a life and death crisis – he could actually die for his faith. So with death facing him he writes one of the great passages of scripture. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21
This verse of scripture has become a life verse for many believers, a personal manifesto of how they live their life for Christ. In fact, in this passage Paul gives all of us the marks of a mature believer…
1. M.B. have one great expectation and hope – To magnify Christ in our bodies; Verse 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body
2. M.B. have one great commitment in life and in death – Christ Verse 21, For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain
3. M.B. have one great dilemma – To live for Christ or to die and be with Christ. Verses 22-23, If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far
4. M.B. Have but one great goal in this life – to serve sacrificially, verses 25-26, Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.
It is for that reason, Paul could say, for me to live is Christ and to die is gain.
When it comes to facing a crisis in your life what is your perspective? Verse 21, becomes a valuable test in our lives when we a crisis comes along.
FOR ME TO LIVE IS __________________ TO DIE IS _______________
For me to live is MONEY and die, is to leave it all behind?
For me to live is FAME and to die is to be forgotten
For me to live is POWER and to die is lose it all
No, we must live as Paul lived, and have a perspective that Paul had, We must live for Christ, regardless of our circumstances, for when we live for Christ – then we have joy and nothing can steal that away.
There are a lot of items in this world that will bring you happiness – someone has said if money cannot buy you happiness, you probably don’t know where to shop!
Happiness is a temporary condition; happiness is based on the right circumstances. The credit cards are paid off the kids are compliant, the mother-in-law has just left, my home owners insurance has been lowered.
However, Joy comes not from circumstances, joy comes from knowing Christ. Paul says we can have joy, regardless of our chains, regardless of our critics, regardless of our crisis – we can have joy because we have Christ!
LISTEN – The most striking reminder of joy regardless of circumstances is the cross of Christ. For if, Christ could carry the weight of sin up to Calvary, then he surly can carry my circumstances today.
28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
Are you burdened today? – do you find yourself facing a circumstance that is stealing your joy.
Maybe you are bound in a chain of addiction or a habit that is keeping you from being all you can be for Christ.
Maybe you have been criticized so much that you are worn down by judgments and cynicism
Maybe you are facing a crisis and you see no way out
If so, turn it over to Christ, allow him to restore your joy. Jesus said, The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy
But, listen to the rest of that verse - I came that they may have life, and have it more abundantly. The amplified bible puts it this way - I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance to the full, until it overflows.
This week when the joy stealers come, and believe me they will come – why not put your trust in the one who came to give you life – for he is able to conquer even the most difficult of the joy stealers.
PRAYER
