The Challenge Of Faith Series

“The Amazing Race”

The Challenge of Faith”

Phil 2:14-30

Part five

Intro: There is a difference between living by faith and being a risk taker. These are character differences. We are not all risk takers by nature. Not all risk takers are living by faith.

How do we learn to step out in faith?

Phil 2:14-30 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 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 16 as you hold out the word of life — in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me. NIV

1. Surrender who I am and what I am about to Christ.

a. Surrender all my hopes for my future.

(19) “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon”

b. Surrender all my confidence in myself apart from Christ. (see also John 15:5)

(24) And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

(16) as you hold out the word of life — in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.

Phil 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. NIV

c. When we do this we will stop complaining!

(14) Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation…

d. When we do this we will become dangerous!

(25) But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier…

Matt 11:12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.

2. Invite godly people into your life.

(20) I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.

(22) But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.

“Your kids will become like those they hang around so expose them to greatness.”

3. Leap into what God shows me to do.

a. Is God really at work in my life?

Phil 2:13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

b. There is no honor without engaging the battle.

(29) Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him…

“I know what honor is. . It has been an honor to protect and serve all of you. I faced death with the secure knowledge that you would not have to.. Never falter! Don’t hesitate to honor and support those of us who have the honor of protecting that which is worth protecting."

c. Find a ministry worth your anxiety.