FHCC
20241117 Worship
Psalm 29:10ESV
Psalm 29:2ESV
- Holy Spirit
- Build My Life
- Make Room
- That's The Power
Philippians 1:12–26ESV
- In recent years there has been much debate about biological sex and emotional gender. If you are finding it difficult to draw a conclusion, perhaps I can help with this simple test.When you decide to turn in for the night, how long does it take you to get into bed? Most men can do that in 5 minutes, which includes a 2 minute brushing of the teeth. I’ve observe that women do the same task a little differently. The decision to go to bed begins with checking to make sure the doors are locked, then making it down the hall she checks on the children and finds a water cup on the nightstand that she must take to the kitchen. Upon arriving in the kitchen she sees a few dishes in the sink which require a quick rinse and loading of the dishwasher. When she wipes down the counter from the water splatter, she decides to throw the hand towel into the hamper. Finding that the hamper is full she can’t relax until she puts a load in the washing machine. Of course the washing machine has a load that needs to transfer to the dryer and the dryer has a load that needs to be folded in order to prevent a huge ironing job, putting away the clean towels she finally finds herself in the bathroom where she proceeds to brush her teeth and go to bed 2 hours after she got out of her recliner.Do you find it easy to get distracted? Perhaps you can identify with the great theologian, Dug the Dog who extols the greatness of his owner when distraction interrupts everything.Play - Up - Dug the Talking Dog - "Squirrel !"A few years ago, my parents gave me this desk reminder when I told them I was having particular problems with staying on task.Distractions plague all of us. In a world full of options, distractions, and wasted time and energy, Paul reminds the people of God to focus on that which is most important.TRANSITION: Focusing upon the Advance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ brings several results. The first I see in this text is that…Gospel Advance Brings Good to People (Phil 1:12-17)Good News in Strange places (Phil 1:13)What is the likelihood that the Gospel of Jesus would be proclaimed to the very Imperial (Roman) Guard that executed the crucifixion?The term praetorium (a Latin loanword in Greek) originally designated the commander’s (praetor’s) tent in camp and later was applied to the official residence of the Roman governors in various cities in the provinces. Such a residence could also have barracks for soldiers and guardrooms for the keeping of prisoners. In Acts 23:35 the term refers to Herod’s residence in Caesarea, where Felix placed Paul under custody following his removal from Jerusalem[i]In our day it would be like the White House or Camp David including interactions with all the secret service agents.2. Being alert to opportunities can start gospel conversations in the wildest of places and provide opportunities with the most diverse of people.While I was in Bible College our school hosted a Missionary Convention every October. Frequently these missionaries would visit in the lounges with students. It was one of these conversations where I met a man whose ministry was to the “up and outers” of Mexico City. Those who are up in society are just as much outside the gospel as those who are viewed as the downtrodden.3. Chuck Colsen, with Prison Fellowship, is one who has been able to leverage his experiences with both those incarcerated and those in Govt power.TRANSITION: Paul’s clearly testifies that not only did he have opportunities in strange places, but that other Christians were sharing…Good News in Super Power (Phil 1:14)Knowing that the power of the Gospel was relevant and challenging to the most powerful people of their day, most of the brothers were also increasing their confidence in evangelism.If it is good for them, it must be good for these!If THEY need it, how much more do these need it?If those in prison can speak of Jesus, how much more can those of us free in society speak his name and tell his story?TRANSITION: As Gospel boldness increased, then Gospel spread wasn’t always done the best way.Good News in Spite of poor Messengers (Phil 1:15-17)I believe the envy and rivalry of v.15 speaks to those who may be overstating judgment and understating grace. The first group is strong on guilt and shame and tend to overemphasize their own sanctification.V.17 states that some of them intentionally do this to increase Paul’s affliction. I think this is because they know that he cannot come to them to correct them.Like salt in an open wound is the report of unclear or biased presentations of Christ. When those who truly love the gospel with all their heart, hear it twisted with human effort or religious sacrament, it is like the twisting of a knife in those whose heart is tender.I continue to hear those who wish to add water baptism to the requirement of repent and believe. I hear those who add cleaning up your life to show that you are serious. I hear those who add promises of health and wealth to the need for faith.I don’t think Paul is pleased with all of the message of these poor messengers, but to the extent that they are talking about the unique person and work of Christ, it causes rejoicing.I hear the phrase “chew the flesh and spit out the bones” as one way of describing how Paul could rejoice in a tainted gospel.TRANSITION: The Gospel doesn’t only advance into strange places by poor messengers, but the…Gospel Advance Brings Gain to Human Experience (Phil 1:18-25)Joy is magnified (Phil 1:18)Christ is proclaimed which causes rejoicing.Paul is able to rejoice when Christ is proclaimed, and because Christ is proclaimed there is rejoicing in heaven.
Luke 15:7 ESV:2016 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.3. We will soon enter the Advent season where we highlight the joy that is possible when Jesus is present.4. If your life needs more joy, maybe you need to talk more about Jesus.5. Joy magnifies because…Hope is infused (Phil 1:19-20)Because of Jesus all of the worries seem to dwindle. Fear is replaced with Hope becausePaul had absolute confidence that his deliverance (salvation) was 100%, absolutely guaranteed. Either he would be delivered from prison, or he would be delivered from the prison of his fallen body.The hope is not that Paul would get what he wanted, but he would get what God determined and Paul knew that this would be best.Do you have that same hope? Have you come to realize that (as said in the wedding vow) in sickness or in health, in poverty or wealth, for better or worse, God’s will is being accomplished and that this is good?Purpose is granted (Phil 1:21-25)Paul’s greatest desire was to see God face to face. As he also wrote to the Corinthians2 Corinthians 5:8 ESV:2016 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.To Paul’s perspective there were no bad outcomes. Either he would be with Christ forever OR Christ would be honored through fruitful labor that would result in his readers’ progress and joy in the faith.To Paul there was no downside to any option. His death would be Gain, but his life would have meaning and purpose.When you’ve graded that last paper in the pile, or planted the last seed in the drill or fed the final pasture or dusted that same table for the umpteenth time, or changed the 10th diaper of the day will your life have purpose?Paul would say “yes” because those students would know the difference between truth and falsehood, those crops or beef would have nourished somebody, that baby would be clean and loved which all effect people for whom Christ died.We can all find godly purpose in the routines of our lives.TRANSITION: The Advance of the Gospel spreads to unexpected place, the Advance of the Gospel brings good to God’s people, and…Gospel Advance Brings Glory to God (Phil 1:26)Not me, but wePaul’s purpose transferred to his friends.Next week Lord willing we will pick up v.27 that talks about the readers making some decisions based upon the example of the imprisoned apostle.Gospel Advance is contagious!Not me, but HePaul had come to Philippi, but in the end his obedience to the Macedonian call was not primarily about Paul, it was not primarily about the Philippians, it was ultimately about the glory of Christ Jesus.Conclusion:My life this week had been marked by many mundane tasks. I’ve engaged with church leaders, law enforcement, local plumbers and mechanics, I attempted to encourage other pastors and my own family. Sprinkled in all of this was opportunities to encourage several members of our faith family. This week would not even make one page of one chapter in a riveting biography, but it was lived with purpose and the Gospel was advanced.At the end of my life, I doubt any activities of this week will be mentioned at my funeral, but I have pursued Christ with no reserve, no return, and no regrets.I conclude Paul’s challenge to Advance the Gospel with the story of a 25 year old man who Advanced the Gospel with No Regrets.Play - No Regrets Men's Conference - The Story of William Borden https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jcbS-f79lMResponse Song #376......... “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”[i]Vanelderen, B. 1979–1988. “Praetorium.” In The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised, edited by Geoffrey W. Bromiley, 3:929. Wm. B. Eerdmans. Luke 15:7ESV
2 Corinthians 5:8ESV
- I Have Decided To Follow Jesus
1 Thessalonians 5:23ESV
