Traits of a focused Christian
Philippians 2:1-2:11
Introduction-
This morning we will begin a two part series of a focused Christian.
I hope you will be able to hear both messages and I hope your heart is open for the Lord to be able to speak to you.
Being united with Christ is a basic reality of salvation.
To be united with Christ is to be in an active relationship with Christ and you realize that your salvation hangs on what he has done and not what you have done or will do.
To be in that kind of relationship reaps benefits as the Spirit of God not only works in your life but controls your life.
The comforting love of God is demonstrated at the cross. Jesus loved others, and our love for Him is demonstrated by our love for others, not because we have to but because we want to.
A focused committed Christian takes on the humility of Christ, not only loves Christ, but also love God’s people.
Philippians chapter 2:1-2:11
In our text this morning, Paul is speaking to the church at Philippi.
The Philippians people, believers who were Roman citizens, called out to stand firm in the face of persecution and to rejoice in the Lord no matter what the circumstances.
Chapter 2 is an encouragement for believers to live out their lives for Christ and make an impact on the people they come into contact with- both believers and non-believers.
You know what the difference between a focused Christian and at best lukewarm believer is?
The lukewarm believer says I could, I might, I should, and a focused Christian says I will. (Amen.)
Apostle Paul puts us up against the magnifying glass of what Christ did for us. It’s is the only way we can measure your walk with Christ.
He calls us to be the image of God and Christ is our role model.
The comfort, encouragement, assurance that a believer has rest is what Christ has done for us on the cross. The forgiveness of sins, offered eternal life, and the presence of the Holy Spirit to equip and empower us to do what Christ has asked us to do. If we are to live a life pleasing to God, we are to be like minded, and one in Spirit and purpose.
(3-4)
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourself, each of you should look not only to your own interest, but also to the interest of others.”
The mortal enemy of any church is self ambition and being conceited. It takes away harmony and unity.
Self-ambition- acting on sinful nature instead of Spirit lead goals.
Conceitedness- forgetting where you came from and what Christ has done for you. Elevating yourself above others because you feel you are a seasoned Christian that has arrived.
Believe me there is churches that visitors or guest come in and members of that church tell them that they are in their seats. I have always sat there! Conceited in the fact that newcomers have to pay the price to be a part of this congregation.
Members think that they are the image of Christ but running people out of churches.
Preachers preaching messages so theologically deep that no one understands.
Announcements so churchy- the WMV’s will meet in the CLC in the room where the GA’s usually meet.
Those things are inclusive and anyone new won’t be back if they are removed from their seat or don’t understand what is happening!
Back up a minute, remember the lukewarm believer.
I will, I should, and the committed Christian- I will.
The I will Christian looks at the church totally differently than the lukewarm believer. The lukewarm believer approaches the church with what can they do for me! Come in the door and it is all about them.
What programs do they offer
How will they meet my needs?
Preachers ability, friendliness to me!
These are not necessarily bad things. I have said before that if you attend a church where you are not fed, find a place where you do get fed. I also say don’t come to the table of God once a month and wonder why you are starving.
The committed Christian , the I will believer views the church different, he/she doesn’t ask what can I get out of church, but how God would have me serve through a church.
Consider instead of I want- I will.
“Everyone should look not only for his own interest, but also for the interest of others.”
There is divine truth in this verse- the reason many people are miserable at work, at home, in their relationships, and yes, finding and getting plugged into a church is because it is all about them instead of about others.
There joy is lost in the hunt. If you are looking for a perfect church, you will never find it, if you are looking for perfect pastor, you may as well keep moving.
Trait #1- Joy.
“Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in
Joy in serving the Lord,
joy in being in a relationship with God’s people
joy in knowing this is not all their is
There is so much more, joy that you don’t have to measure up to others, you are constantly allowing God to make you more in His image.
Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in purpose and one in Spirit.
The joy of the Lord is experienced, and it is experienced as you trust God with your life. Society today feels they need to water down the things of God to make it acceptable. I am telling you that true joy of the Lord comes when you put your trust in Him, then He begins to down something supernatural. Joy in a trial is only from the Lord, who wants trials? Who would choose harsh circumstances? Only those that know on the other side is a blessing and that God is working in that circumstance with you best interest and the glory of God to shine in your life.
Like minded, same love, one in spirit and purpose…. Focused Christians experience the joy of the Lord. This is what most people are needing but not willing to get.
Listen to this- Douglas Parsons (Read some not all)
Blessed are they who are too tired and too busy to go to church on Sunday, for they are my best workers.
Blessed are they who are bored with the minister’s mannerisms and mistakes, for they get nothing out of the sermon.
Blessed is the church member who expects to be invited to his own church for he is part of the problem instead of the solution.
Blessed are they who are easily offended, for they soon get angry and quit.
Blessed is he who has no time to pray, for he will be easy prey.
The focused Christian will not let that happen because they want the joy of the Lord more than the joys of the world. They want to please God more than pleasing themselves and the benefit is the joy the Lord gives in our lives. He does also give blessings of this world provided that they line up with God’s word and were gotten in the right attitude.
Trait #2- Attitude of Christ
(5) “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.”
We have to have the humility of Christ-
Would Christ not come into the house of God because so and so didn’t shake my hand.
I didn’t get a free thing a ma bob for Easter.
You looked at me funny, you didn’t look at me
You took my seat
Ate the last hot dog at the potluck dinner
didn’t get elected to a position.
Your attitude should be the same as Christ. Christ in spite of all the wrongs that were done to Him, loved the people of God and humbled himself before God and thought of others first.
How can we have the attitude of Christ?
Recognize that no church is perfect.
Expect that some people will rub you wrong because people are different.
Understand no pastor or staff is perfect.
No one is a mind reader, and everyone makes mistakes. You included.
We serve God anyway. Not out of legalistic obligation, because that is how you become a bitter and burned out person, but out of grateful for what god has done through Christ in our lives.
The health of any church is in its unity, and the only way of unity is focused Christians living their lives with the attitude of Christ. Unity in the body of Christ is focused , predetermined by our love of the Lord, and not based on the actions of others.
Ephesians 4:1-3
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Closing,
You want to build a better relationship with the Lord? You want to have more Joy in your life? They are accomplished in the same manner. Stop having selfish ambitions, stop being conceited and have humility active in your life, consider others, and be determined that you will allow God to make you more Christ-like.
Jesus had a servants attitude. Do you? How do you know if you have a serving attitude? Let me ask you, “How do you respond when people treat you like a servant? Do you get up-tight and demand your rights?” It that is the case you don’t have a servants attitude.
Let this attitude be in you that was in Christ."
Allow this attitude to be in you.
Allow Christ take control of your attitudes. Allow Christ to take control of your mind. Submit to Him. Follow Him.
