Today, we begin a series of messages on the subject of "Getting It Right" as we look at God's Guidelines for Right Living found in the book of Philippians. We are talking in this series on success in life.
As we begin, we need to think about how success in life is defined. Some are of the opinion that accumulating money and material things defines success in life. Others say that experiencing all the world has to offer by way of adventure, excitement, and fulfillment of the fleshly appetites determines whether or not one's life has been success. Still others contend leaving behind something for others to remember you by is what makes life worth living. Still others say it's achievement and accolades that defines success in life.
The reality is, life is so short, we don't have a lot of time to play around with this question. How sad it would be for one to assume that a certain path will lead to a successful life, only to find out, once life is over, that they were wrong! As someone once put it, you don't want to climb the ladder of success, only to find out, once you've reached the top, that your ladder was leaning against the wrong building!
History is full of stories about people who have done exactly that. They've followed the paths we've mentioned, only to find that none of those things - money, material things, experiences, pleasure, adventure, leaving a legacy, achievement, accolades - none of it, has left them with the ultimate sense of satisfaction they were seeking. Ecclesiastes tells how one man, Solomon, the wisest and wealthiest of his day, found the true measure of success in life. He tried all we have just mentioned, then came to this conclusion:
"When all has been heard, the end of the matter is: fear God [worship Him with awe-filled reverence, knowing that He is almighty God] and keep His commandments, for this applies to every person." - Ecclesiastes 12:13 (Amplified)
"True success in life is knowing God's will and being in the center of it." - George W. Truett
It's this biblical definition we will have in mind as we go through this series. If I am going to discover how to get it right, and live life successfully, I will do it only as I learn what life is all about and how it is to be lived from the One who is the author of all life!
Which brings us to the first guideline God gives us for getting it right, make the right connections. (READ TEXT)
If I am going to get it right in life . . .
1. I need to make sure I'm connected with God - vs. 3-5
Paul rejoiced in the Philippians' "partnership in the Gospel from the first day." In other words, when Paul first declared to them how they might have a personal connection with God, they responded positively to the message, and rightly so. After all, if I am going to live life to the fullest, it makes sense that I must first make sure that I am personally connected to the source of all life - who is God Himself.
I want to share an illustration called the 3 Circles, that I believe will help us all understand how we can make sure we are personally connected with God.
God's Design - We see beauty, purpose and evidence of design all around us. The Bible says God originally planned a world that worked perfectly. Everything and everyone fit together in harmony. God made each of us with a purpose - to worship Him and walk with Him. (Genesis 1:31; Psalm 19:1)
Sin - Life doesn't work when we ignore God and His original design for our lives. We selfishly insist on doing things our own way. The Bible calls this sin. We all sin and distort the original design. The
consequence of our sin is separation from God - in this life and for all of eternity. (Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23)
Brokenness - Sin leads to brokenness. We see this all around us and in our own lives, too. When we realize life isn't working, we begin to look for a way out. We tend to go in many directions trying different things to figure it out on our own. Brokenness leads to a place of realizing a need for something greater. (Romans 1:25; Proverbs 14:12)
Gospel - At this point we need a remedy - some Good News. Because of His love, God did not leave us in our brokenness. Jesus, God in human flesh, came to us and lived perfectly according to God's design. Jesus came to rescue us - to do for us what we could not do for ourselves. He took our sin and shame to the cross, paying the penalty of our sin by His death. Jesus was then raised from the dead - to provide the only way for us to be rescued and restored to a relationship with God. (John 3:16; Colossians 2:14)
Repent & Believe - Simply hearing this Good News is not enough. We must admit our sinful brokenness and stop trusting in ourselves. We don't have the power to escape this brokenness on our own. We need to be rescued. We must ask God to forgive us - turning from sin to trust only in Jesus. This is what it means to repent and believe. Believing, we receive new life through Jesus and God turns our lives in a new direction. (Mark 1:15; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9)
Recover & Pursue - When God restores our relationship to Him, we begin to discover meaning and purpose in a broken world. Now we can pursue God's design in every area of life. And even when we fail, we understand God's way to be restored - this same Good News of Jesus. God's Spirit empowers us to pursue His design and assures us of His presence in this life and all eternity. (Philippians 2:13; Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 1:6)
What Should I Do? (Romans 10:9)
Now that you've heard the Good News, God wants you to respond. You can talk to Him using words like these: "My life is broken - I recognize it's because of my sin, I need You. I believe Christ came to live, die and was raised from the dead - to rescue me from my sin. Forgive me. I turn from my selfish ways and put my trust in You. I know that Jesus is Lord of all, and I will follow Him."
Paul mentions the Philippians' continued Gospel partnership (v. 5). This is the next connection once I'm sure of my connection with God.
2. I need to make sure I'm connected with God's family - vs. 5-6
The Greek word translated "partnership" is "koinonia," which refers to the fellowship enjoyed by those who are part of God's family.
"We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ." - 1 John 1:3 (NIV)
Since I am part of a new spiritual family, it is important I make sure I'm connected with a group of my spiritual family members where I live.
There are two reasons given here as to why this is important. Through my connection with God's people . . .
A. I can participate in the work God wants to do in me - v. 6
As I seek to become more intimately connected with the family of God, I allow myself to be encouraged and empowered in my walk with God.
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." - Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
The Bible says a disciple is a believer who lives life worshiping God; who lives life in community with God's people; and who lives life on mission to tell others about God. Therefore, our church has a simple strategy. We want to be a church that is centered around Jesus and makes much of Him. Therefore, we operate around these three priorities of worship, community and mission.
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
Meet with us as a congregation for worship; meet with us in a Connection Group for community; and meet with us as part of a mission team to serve and share Christ with others inside or outside our church building. Through these three involvements, you can find the encouragement and empowerment you need to grow as a disciple.
B. I can participate in the work God wants to do through me - v. 5
I think it is interesting that the word, "koinonia" is translated "partnership" here. Partners are folks who join together to carry out work that neither could do on their own. That's what the church is - believers coming together to do together what they could not do alone.
"For we are God's fellow workers." - 1 Corinthians 3:9 (NIV)
Three things unify us: 1) Our shared experience. 2) Our shared convictions. 3) Our shared commitments.
Explain our membership process. Step 1 - Prayerful consideration. Step 2 - Personal application. Step 3 - Pastoral recommendation.
We have nonmembers who are involved; and members who are uninvolved. The best of both worlds is to become an involved member.
Conclusion: Have you made the right connections? Why not do so today?
