Things Seen In Paul

Things Seen In Paul

10/09/05 AM

Text: Philippians 4:9

Reading: Philippians 4:4-9

Introduction

1. A description of our Heavenly Father frequently used by Paul is “the God of Peace”...

a. “Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen” - Romans 15:33

b. “And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly...” - Romans 16:20

c. “...and the God of love and peace will be with you.” - 2 Corinthians 13:11

d. “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely...” - 1 Thessalonians 5:23

e. “Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead...” - Hebrews 13:20

-- In similar fashion Paul refers to God in Philippians 4:9 which is the text of our lesson today.

2. In our text, we learn from Paul the key to having the “God of peace” blessing us in our lives. It involves doing the “things”...

a. Learned from Paul

b. Received from Paul

c. Heard about Paul

d. Seen in Paul

3. What are some of “The Things Seen In Paul”, which if we do, will assure that the “God of peace” will be with us?

I. His Concern For His Brethren

A. As expressed in Philippians...

4. With all the brethren there at Philippi - Philippians 1:8-11

5. With the case of Eudoia and Syntyche - Philippians 4:1-3

B. Elsewhere, Paul reveals his concern...

1. For all the churches - 2 Corinthians 11:28-29

of concern for all the churches. Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern?

2. For brethren who are weak in faith

a. 1 Corinthians 8:8-13

But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.

b. Romans 14:13-21

Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.

c. Romans 15:1-3

Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “THE REPROACHES OF THOSE WHO REPROACHED YOU FELL ON ME.”

As seen in Romans 15:3, this concern for his brethren is simply a reflection of Christ’s concern for us, and therefore certainly worthy of our imitation. Another thing seen in Paul that is worthy of imitation is...

II. His Striving For Perfection

A. To the Philippians, Paul wrote...

1. Why this desire for perfection? As revealed in Philippians 3:8-11, it was part of his fervent desire to “gain Christ and be found in Him.”

2. Of his admission that he was not perfect - Philippians 3:12a

3. Of his desire to press on, to reach forward, to press toward the goal - Philippians 3:12b-14

B. To the church at Corinth, Paul reveals:

1. That he viewed his Christian life as a “race”, a “boxing match”

1 Corinthians 9:24-26 “Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”

2. Where there is always room for improvement, lest he become “disqualified” - 1 Corinthians 9:27

Another thing seen in Paul that relates closely to this desire for perfection is...

III. His Efforts To Save The Lost

A. As expressed in his letter to the Philippians...

1. His efforts continued despite being under “house arrest” - Philippians 1:12-14

2. He would willingly offer himself as a martyr if it would help - Philippians 2:17

B. The degree to which he would go is seen in his letters to the Corinthians...

1. He made himself a servant to all - 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

2. He endured much suffering as a minister of Christ and His gospel - 2 Corinthians 11:23-27

Even with so much suffering in his efforts to save others, we see yet another thing in Paul that is worthy of imitation…

IV. His Joy In Suffering

A. This joy is especially seen in the letter to the Philippians...

1. For example, his joy in Christ being preached, despite his imprisonment and the efforts of false preachers - Philippians 1:12-18 (note especially verse 18)

2. Even if it meant martyrdom, he viewed it as a reason to rejoice, and wanted them to rejoice with him!

Philippians 2:17-18 But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.