OUTLINE
The Way of Joy
Philippians Chapter 3
Steele Creek Church, Eastfield – Dr. Tom Bartlett
April 19, 2020
Philippians 3:1-21 (ESV)
Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. (Vs. 1)
HOW TO GROW STRONGER SPIRITUALLY
Give no thought to your own strength
Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. (Vs. 2-6)
Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 4:6 (ESV)
Resolve to make Jesus your priority
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. (Vs. 7-11)
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV)
Daily
• Word
• Prayer
• Worship
Overcome your past and press forward
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. (Vs. 12-16)
• Confess and repent of sins
• Receive and offer forgiveness
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 (ESV)
Walk after other godly examples
Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. (Vs. 17-21)
walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him. . . Colossians 1:10 (ESV)
MANUSCRIPT
The Way of Joy
Philippians Chapter 2
Steele Creek Church, Eastfield – Dr. Tom Bartlett
March 1, 2020
ME
Good morning and welcome to Steele Creek Church. Welcome, my name is Tom Bartlett, I’m part of the Balentine Life Group and I’m the campus pastor here at Eastfield.
Now there’s a certain commercial, from a certain type of beverage that aired for many years declaring that one person was, “the most interesting person in the world.” It portrays a man with a grey beard who has seemed to live several lifetimes enjoying life, good at everything, successful at everything and surrounded by the nicer things in life. He then gives an endorsement that comes off as sophisticated as can be. He doesn’t always partake of this type of beverage, but when he does, it’s always the product that he is advertising for. It’s as if you want to be like him, the most interesting person in the world, you must do the same.
You know what I’ve noticed over the years? People are really not that interested in you accomplishments and your successes, until you are interested in theirs.
The natural inclination of people is to think that others will view them more positively if they simply tell others how wonderful they are. But, it’s really not true and when we do this, we show that we do not have a very good and honest grip on reality, or what some might call self-awareness.
The fact is, the Bible calls this self-elevation a self-defeating problem because it actually brings the exact opposite affect and it raises us to a dishonest place. It’s called pride and it causes us to live inauthentic lives of hiding our mistakes and sinful self. It causes us to react to anyone else harshly when they insinuate that we are not perfect all the while we know they’re true!
Let me share with you a basic definition of pride.
Pride: thinking more of self, less of others
It’s putting yourself in front of others which in turn creates a sense of ill will from them toward you. As we will see in a moment the opposite creates a sense of ill will and community. But God has something powerful to say about pride, HE OPPOSES THOSE WHO HAVE IT.
“But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 (ESV)
Even God is against you when you’re stepping in front of others, or doing for yourself before you do for others. But, He offers His grace, favor, to those who are humble.
Humility: thinking more of others, less of self
All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word. Isaiah 66:2 (ESV)
Why does God say He will “look to” or favor the humble? Because these people represent the heart of God by caring for others first. Their reward is God’s favor.
I’ve noticed this. . .
“The most interesting people are those who are interested in others.” Pastor Tom Bartlett
Now you can go to self help books, or seminars on how to be liked by others and how to be the most interesting person, but that will not help you until the character of God, namely pure humility is in you. This is the attitude and qualities that Christ exemplified.
We’re in a series called The Way of Love, based on the book of Philippians. The theme of the book is joy. In Chapter two we are instructed to be like Jesus. Did you know that everywhere Jesus went during His earthly ministry that crowds followed Him? Why? It’s easy, because He loved them. He talked about Himself, He talked about the love of the Father and how people could be released from darkness and captivity.
Following in His foot-steps I’ve noticed that . . .
GOD
The Most Interesting People Practice. . .
Philippians 2:1-30 (ESV)
THE PRINCIPLE OF SELFLESSNESS
thinking of others first
I have this Aunt, she’s actually just a very close personal friend of my parents. Every birthday growing up I would receive a birthday card with a few dollars in it from her. She was my favorite! Why? Because she thought of me.
If it’s all about you and what you’re doing and what you have or are going to have, that’s boring and self serving. But if you are selfless and fight for others, you’re the most interesting person in the room. Paul said it this way.
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Now, in English that’s several sentences, in the Greek however, all that is in one long contrasting sentences. It’s an if/then proposition. If there is this, then you must do this.
If Christ has changed your life, if you’ve experienced the grace and love of God, then seek to show that same love and character toward each other. LIVE SELFLESS.
He continues the prime example of a selfless life, Jesus Christ.
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Vs. 1-11)
Now this last section concerning what’s called the humiliation and exaltation of Christ is an ancient hymn that Paul included into this letter. Music that teaches is a wonderful way to keep the Word of God in our minds. Many songs teach us is a way that connects with more than just our logical thinking skills, and touches at a deeper level.
One day, everything created will recognize who Jesus is and bow to Him in humble adoration. WE GET TO CHOOSE TO DO THAT NOW. IF WE CHOOSE NOT TO, WE WILL DO IT THEN, YET THEN WITHOUT HOPE.
The Lord is not asking us to do anything that he hasn’t already done. Can you imagine the King of heaven in human form, ridiculed by the very creation He made? Abused and belittled yet He took it for you and me.
The result is that God has placed Jesus at the highest place. He humbled Himself and God the Father exalted Him.
Watch this. If I exalt myself, I will be humbled, but if I humble myself, I will be exalted. That’s what the scriptures teach in James 4:10.
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. James 4:10 (ESV)
The Christian life is an others-focused life. When we care for others, God cares for us.
To be a person that represents the Lord well and others find to be interesting, do as Jesus did and . . .
-Start thinking of others first
VIDEO – AS A CAMPUS, WE HAVE BEEN SERVING AND GIVING LEADERSHIP TO THE EFFORT IN HAITI. I’D LIKE YOU TO HEAR FROM PASTOR JEAN.
As we move through this overview of the chapter, we see the. . .
THE PRINCIPLE OF SALVATION
working out what God has worked in
At the moment of salvation there is a change within you. Paul is not talking about earning our salvation, he’s talking about expressing it!
The night I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior, it was because my youth pastor said, if you think you’ve accepted Jesus as Savior and you’ve seen no change in your life, you probably did receive salvation. I went home and prayed in humble heart for God to forgive my sin and save me.
I’VE BEEN WORKING OUT THAT REALITY EVER SINCE AND THAT WAS 43 YEARS AGO.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
God does His work on the inside and we then live out that change. Paul’s primary focus here is obedience in this section. A changed person, a saved person will obey the commands of Christ and will follow and express that to a watching world.
It’s starts with your confession of Christ as Savior, then your public statement to the world – BAPTISM – which we will see today!
That humbling, that surrender then leads us to a life that is growing in Christ. Paul shares more of the actions and attitudes that flow from that.
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
Working out what God has worked in is a witness to the world of His power in and through you!
holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me. (Vs. 12-18)
One day Paul would be gone, he was glad that he could count on these believers to continue. HOW DO WE WORK OUT WHAT GOD HAS WORKED IN? . . .
-Show on the outside what God is doing inside
Next. . .
THE PRINCIPLE OF SERVING
sharing the load with others
Paul promised to send Timothy and Epaphroditus and praised them for their good character and service to him and to the Lord. These two stand as further examples of the mind of Christ. They both served unselfishly, considering others better than themselves. They were of value to the church at Philippi, as is clear, but they were of equal importance to Paul at this time in his life.
As I look around this fledgling campus, I can tell you some things about certain people who serve, serve, serve! Joseph and Rhonda Parker have the energy and passion like I’ve never seen. They’ve found the joy of serving. You may not know who they are but they touch your life ever week you come here. Sharma serves our children with distinction, Gavin our youth with impact, Rick our worship team with professionalism.
Let me ask you,
• Do you know the name of the person who helped prepare your notes today?
• The name of the person who greeted you in parking?
• The name of the person who straightened your chair?
• The name of the person who is teaching your children?
THERE IS SO MUCH JOY IN SERVING. HARD WORK TOO, BUT JOY!!!!
I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.
That phrase is the heart of a servant. Genuinely concerned for others. Paul goes on t say that for most people. . .
For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also. (Vs. 19-24)
So let me ask you, where do you serve others in this body of believers, this campus?
Are you only a consumer or are you a contributor?
Contributors in the ministry know the power of serving and experience the joy that comes from it. AND, they do it for the honor and glory of Jesus Christ not for themselves.
-See serving others as an honor and privilege
AND. . .
THE PRINCIPLE OF SHARING
not withholding what is needed
They way of joy will always follow the path of thinking of others, living out what God has placed in you, serving and sharing what you have.
It’s quite remarkable to know that much of what people need in their daily lives, things they are working to obtain, are stored up in units left to rot. Much of which is being paid for monthly but will never be used.
How much better to stop the monthly wasteful spending and simply donate to those in need?
Will it cost something, Maybe. But the reward of helping others pays in greater ways.
Paul is stuck in situation under arrest and surely having people that cared about him around meant a lot, but he knew the people of Philippi needed the encouragement too.
What does he do? He practice The Way of Joy and employs the principle of sharing, not withholding to others in their time of need. It states in such a way that he says that sending Epaphroditus actually meets a need in his own life. It costs himself but it meets a need.
What a way to look at life. I need it, but if you need it and I send it, a greater need is met in me.
I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
The encouragement that would come from the Philippians seeing Epaphroditus was worth the cost of sending him.
Epaphroditus’s service had been a gift from the church to Paul. The NIV translation describes Epaphroditus as “your messenger [apostolon], whom you sent to take care [leitourgon] of my needs.”
I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me. (Vs. 25-30)
Paul ended this section by reminding the Philippians that Epaphroditus really served them. He had no chance to serve Paul. They were to realize that this man attempted to do what others, no doubt, could not or would not do. He had acted on their behalf.
Epaphroditus was sent to help Paul from the Philippians but got sick on his was there. In turn he never really was able to serve Paul, but his commitment was a testimony to them that they did as well as they could. Paul send him back even though the man was now getting well enough to serve him.
The emotion in these words is evident. Paul is so appreciative to their effort and concern, but he also was concerned for the well-being and care of the one they sent. THE CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE OF PREFERRING ONE ANOTHER AND LOOKING OUT FOR ONE ANOTHER HERE IS RICH.
-Send help even at your own expense
