"4 Distinguishing Marks"

Title: “4 Distinguishing Marks” Script: Phil. 3:1-3

Type: Expository Where: GNBC 7-16-23

Intro: Carol and I like to watch a lot of mysteries and crime dramas. If the victim survives an incident or attack, or if there was an eye witness, the detectives usually sit down with the person or persons, and asks: “What did he/she look like? Did he have any distinguishing marks on him? Tatoos? Scars? Birth marks? Hair color? Facial hair? General size and build. Why? Trying to distinguish one specific person in a sea of people! Distinguishing marks are important for investigations. What are the characteristics of a “true believer in Jesus Christ?” Church attendance? Tithing? Baptism? Taking communion? Carrying a Bible to church? Listening to Christian radio station? According to the Apostle Paul, in this section of Scripture, NO! Now, each of these items are important for the Christian, if done with the right motives. However, Paul does list at least 4 distinguishing marks that should be seen on every born again Christian.

Prop: Exam. Phil. 3:1-3 we’ll notice 4 qualities that mark the lives of true believers of Xst.

BG: 1. Going thru book of Phil, written by Paul from (Most likely)Rome (although Ephesus and Caesarea are other options.) in about 60-62 AD.

2.Several objectives seem to be in mind in the writing of Philippians: instruction and caution, informative – how he was doing, address divisions and promote reconciliation, introduce Timothy

3.

Prop: Looking at Phil. 3:1-3 we’ll see 4 qualities that should mark our lives as believers.

I. True Believers: Rejoice in the Lord. V. 1

A. Christians are told to Rejoice!

1. Joyful Christian living is to be a calling card of the disciple of Jesus Christ.

a. “Finally” – could be understood “furthermore or so then”. Often when we use the word “finally” we mean “in conclusion”, however, here it represents a transition in the Apostle’s thought or writing.

b. Philippians is the most joyful book in the Bible — the apostle Paul uses the Greek words for joy and rejoicing sixteen times in only 104 verses. And yet he writes from a dingy Roman prison, a place we would typically associate with misery and trial, which most people assume are the opposites of joy. He’s surrounded by every conceivable obstacle to joy, so why does he seem so happy?

2. The Christian is to be a joyful person!

a. Illust: If your soul has been saved please make sure that you and I tell our faces! Smile! Be glad, be grateful, be gregarious, be gracious! Be joyful! Illust: Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes jr. once said that he would have considered the ministry had not all the pastors he knew in his childhood acted like funeral directors!

b. In the book of Philippians, one of the key words is “Joy”. Arguably, it is the most important theme. However, the theme of “joy” is not only in Philippians, it is also a recurring theme in the NT, appearing at least 150x’s in the NT! Joy! Joy! Joy! Joy in being saved! Joy in Jesus! Joy in hope! Joy in purpose!

B. Biblical Rejoicing is Tied to a Relationship.

1. You may ask what it is that I mean by this statement.

a. “rejoice in the Lord” – there is a sphere in which our joy as Christians exist. Our joy is inextricably intertwined to our relationship with the Savior, Jesus Christ. You cannot have one without the other! (To quote Sinatra!)

b. Rejoicing is an act of the will. It is a decision to CHOOSE to obey God rather than obeying my emotions. The result is a new Supernatural Emotion brought about by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

2. Christian “joy” is not to be confused with happiness.

a. “happiness” is closely associated with the word “happenstance”. Happiness takes place when something I perceive as favorable or advantageous takes place to me. Therefore, it is linked to a perceived positive outcome. “Joy”, however, persists in SPITE of suffering, weakness, loss, even death. Biblical joy instills a deep confidence based on God’s person, His purpose, and His power!

b. Illust: We just spent a week with one of the more joyful individuals I know. Anna is a Polish young woman. Born Albino with accompanying health problems. Vision problems. Came to Christ at a camp about 10 years ago. Joyful! Happy! Sings like an angel.

C. Applic: We have joy because ultimately we have Jesus! There is no need for fear because our hope is based on the eternal and unshakeable and unchanging nature of God!

II. True Believers Demonstrate Discernment. Vv. 1b – 2.

A. Christians are to Demonstrate Discernment in their lives.

1. Why should one develop discernment?

a. Read vv. 1b-2. Paul is implying something in this statement. It is important. Look at what he is saying: “Be discerning!” False teachers spewing legalism and works related righteousness were infecting the churches in Galatia and Philippi and beyond. Paul was stuck in Rome. He desired believers to become discerning. Illust: Have you ever wondered why often times Bible Churches have about 95% of sermons Expository preaching and teaching? Not usually a large diet of topical sermons? Because want to build discernment in the hearts and souls of their people. Best way is not to become familiar with the fake or counterfeit but rather, be saturated with the truth!