The Marks of the Christian Life
INTRODUCTION
The title for this series of sermons is borrowed from the title of a commentary on the book of Philippians written by pastor Johnny Sanders. The complete title is UNDEFEATED! Finding PEACE in a World Full of Trouble.
Sanders shares with his readers how this book of Philippians came alive in is heart and life. It is a loving book - an encouraging book where Paul pours our his heart to that beloved little church in Philippi. Amazingly, some feel that the church in Philippi never had their own building because it started in Lydia’s house and continued meeting from house to house.
Dr Sanders suffered a severe heart attack and spent weeks in the hospital. From the time he was in ICU and the cardiac wing of the hospital, people talked about his great attitude. Sanders was drawing on the strength of his family, church and friends. The Lord was supplying all his needs.
From this experience he drew several observations and I want you to have a copy in your hands; keep them and refer to them often
1. You are saved by grace through faith.
2. God gives you His Spirit to nurture and develop you.
3. ..”the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness,goodness,faithfulness, gentleness, self-control(Galatians 5:22-23a.
4. Add YOUR trials (heart attack, cancer, divorce, financial crisis, grief, etc.)
5. The fruit of the Spirit is manifested in and through your troubles.
6. You now have a fresh awareness of peace and joy that was yours all along.
7. You praise God for all He is doing, and then discover that He is blessing you with more peace and greater joy.
Here is the thing you must notice: ASSUMING YOU HAVE A RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD: GRACE+TRIALS=JOY. Not defeat, not frustration, not anger, but genuine - abiding joy.
Our scripture today gives us the marks of a Christian life. Let’s examine them carefully
I. THE CHRISTIAN JOY.
A. It is with joy Paul prays for his friends.
The letter to the Philippians has been called The Epistle of Joy. Listen to Paul: Philippians 1:4. The joy of bringing those we love to the mercy seat of God is wonderful. How many times have you been unable to sleep at night, but then God brings the name of someone or some 'ones' you love to your mind and you joyfully bring them before God. Try it sometimes and you will appreciate the closeness you have with God and with those for who you are praying.
B. There is the joy that Jesus Christ is preached.
Philippians 1:18. When we enjoy a great blessing, we share it. What greater blessing than the joy of knowing Jesus.
C. The joy of faith.
Phip 1:25. If Christianity doesn’t make a person happy, it doesn’t make him anything at all.
D. There is the joy of seeing Christians in fellowship together.
Psalms 133:1 (NIV) How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! There is peace for no one when there are broken relationships.
Psalms 133:1-3 (NIV) 1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes. 3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
E. There is joy of SUFFERING for Christ.
Philippians 2:17 (NIV) 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.
It is natural to be happy when we are with the one we love. When we are with Christ, we are with one from whom we can never be separated.
II. THE CHRISTIAN SACRIFICE.
A. Paul is seeing the Christian life as a sacrifice ready to be offered for Jesus.
B. Paul expresses Confidence in Jesus Christ
Philippians 1:6 (NIV) being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
C. That day when Jesus returns and our salvation will be completed.
III. THE CHRISTIAN PARTNERSHIP.
A. Partners in grace.
We owe a common debt to the grace of God..
B. Partners in the work of the gospel.
C. Partners in suffering for the gospel.
CONCLUSION
When all is said and done, Paul sees the Christian aim is to live a life that brings glory and praise to God.