Three Characteristics of the Christian Life
Philippians 1:1-6
V. 1-2 The Christian Life is Characterized by Grace and _Peace_.
Grace and Peace Imply Order_, which is why there are two officers mentioned in the N.T. 1 Elders and 2 Deacons. This confuses many people because many denominations and churches have changed the names of these two councils. Churchs now have trustees, bishops, archbishops, popes, preachers, apostles, prophets, sunday school teacher, small group leaders, assistant Pastors, associate Pastors, senior Pastors, executive Pastor, Pastor of discipleship, youth pastors, youth leaders, etc. But biblically, there are two and at most three offices: elders, deacons, and deaconesses (1 Tim. 3). Imagine how much simpler, less confusing, and clear true religion would be if we just followed God’s Word. The Devil loves confusion and obfuscation, and he preys on people’s ignorance. That is why we need good teachers so sorely.
Two Groups of Christians: Servants and Saints.
I. This heading is somewhat misleading–all Christians are asked to be servants. Not volunteers, servants.
II. Again, I chose an imperfect heading because all Christains are Saints. We know this because here in Philippians, and several other places in the N.T., all believers in a given church are called “Saints.” Perhaps this is most clearly seen in 1 Corinthians 1:1-2
where Paul calls them “Saints” and then goes on to strongly rebuke different teachings and practices in that Church! Some Saints!
Obeying God’s Word
Understand that church structure and offices _matter_.
Understand that all believers are _saints_.
The cheap plastic tennis ball launcher….a lot of people really do like _gimmicks_.
V. 3-4 The Christian Life is Characterized by _Prayer_.
Prayer is characterized by _communicating_ with God.
The Christian is enjoined to pray:
Constantly (1 Thess. 5:16), with faith (Jas. 5:15-16), in the Spirit (Eph. 6:18), with thanksgiving (Phil. 4:6), with requests (Phil. 4:6). Boldly yet humbly, we pray for things asking more than anything for God’s will to be done (Mt. 26:36-56). PRayer can be corporate (with other people) or private (Mt. 18:19-20; Luke 5:15-16).
Prayer is a _discipline_ and takes _practice_. It is shaped by and shapes our personality.
Prayer is certainly not always answered with a “yes,” it was not for Paul (2 Cor. 12:9) or Christ (Mt. 26:36-56). These men certainly did pray in faith–Pual multiple times–but they still heard “no.”
Obeying God’s Word
Be very suspicious of people who say “if you pray in _faith_, you will get a “yes” from God.”
Praying is not about _getting_ things from God.
Prayer is primarily about furthering God’s plan, God’s will, and prayer is one of the methods He has ordained to further His _plan_. It is a way to particpate in God’s plan.
Prayer is an opportunity to help us change our attitude.
Sometimes, by God’s grace, God pours out blessings because of _prayer_.
V. 4-5 The Christian Life is Characterized Giving All for the Advancement of the _Gospel_.
When the Gospel advances, we have great _Joy_.
When others partner with us in advancing the Gospel, we have great _Joy_.
The Philippians “partnered” with Paul in his Gospel ministry. The Greek word “partnered” is a “commercial term for a joint-partnership in a business venture in whic all parties actively particpiate to ensure the success of the business.”
The Philippians sent a gift with Epaphroditus, who brought Paul a gift from the Philippians consisting of monies and possibly other things as well (Phil. 2:25; 4:10-20).
Obeying God’s Word
We all need to prioritize the Gospel ministry in our time, money, and energy. Enjoy _hobbies_, enjoy _entertainment_, enjoy _family_ and _friends_, but love the Gospel.
Build your _life_ around the Gospel.
Be willing to give up _everything_ for the Gospel.
We like and dislike things based on how to advance or hinder the Gospel. As I’m writing to this sermon, I’m listening to the radio, and _Taylor Swift_ came on the radio with her song “Karma,” a song that focuses on how amazing karma is. Taylor Swift came out in support of abortion and a current politcian who supports almost everything to do with abortion. How should we feel about people, policies, or movements that are counter-Gospel and anti-Christ? We should be repelled by them.
Conclusion:
The Christian life is characterized by grace and peace, by prayer, and by striving to advance the Gospel.
