Encourage believers to live for Christ in all circumstances, strive to bring others to Him, and follow John Wesley's philosophy of doing good in the world.
Good morning, Church family! Today, we're diving into some pretty deep waters. We'll be exploring what it means to live for Christ in difficult times, the mission of bringing others to Christ, and John Wesley's philosophy of doing good. I think you'll find that these topics are as relevant today as they were in the times of the early church.
Let's start by looking at the words of Paul in Philippians 1:21-30. He writes,
Living for Christ in difficult times is a call to steadfastness, resilience, and unwavering faith, even when life's storms threaten to capsize our boat. This idea is not just about surviving tough times; it's about thriving in them, using them as a platform to demonstrate the power, love, and faithfulness of God.
Paul in his letter to the Philippians: Despite being imprisoned, his spirit remained unbroken, his faith unshaken, and his focus on Christ undeterred. He saw his predicament not as a setback, but as an opportunity to advance the gospel. His words, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain," encapsulate the essence of living for Christ in difficult times. It's about seeing life through the lens of eternity and understanding that our earthly trials are temporary compared to the eternal glory that awaits us in Christ.
Maintaining our Christian character and conduct: Paul urged the Philippians to "conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." This implies that our actions, words, and attitudes should reflect Christ, even when we're under pressure. It's easy to be Christ-like when everything is going well, but the real test of our faith comes when we're faced with challenges.
Fruitful labor: Paul saw his continued life on earth as an opportunity for fruitful labor for Christ. This labor is not just about doing good works, but about contributing to the growth and development of the church, and the spread of the gospel. It's about using our gifts, talents, and resources to serve others and glorify God, even when it's inconvenient or uncomfortable.
A spirit of selflessness: Paul was torn between his desire to depart and be with Christ, which he considered better by far, and his sense of responsibility towards the Philippians. He chose to remain, not for his own comfort, but for their progress and joy in the faith. This selflessness is a hallmark of living for Christ. It's about putting the needs of others before our own, and being willing to make sacrifices for the sake of the gospel.
Finding joy in Christ: Paul spoke of his desire to remain with the Philippians for their "joy in the faith." This joy is not dependent on our external circumstances, but on our relationship with Christ. It's a joy that comes from knowing that we are loved, saved, and sustained by Christ, and that nothing can separate us from His love.
It's a call to rise above our circumstances and live for something greater than ourselves - Christ.
Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about how you practice staying faithful and joyful in difficult times. You could provide some personal tips and tricks as well.
The mission of bringing others to Christ is not just a responsibility, but a privilege and an honor ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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