Sermon Central
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Peace In Action! Series
Contributed by Gary Stebbins on Jun 21, 2011 (message contributor)
Summary: During this series we will be looking at Paul’s letter to the Philippian church. Paul founded the church at Philippi and wrote the letter during a time of imprisonment in Rome. One of the themes in the book is joy. (some thoughts taken from a series by Cr
Philippians Pt6- Peace in Action!
Introduction
Continue our study of Philippians- letter to a church.
By way of review-
Chap 1 Joy in suffering
Chap 2 Joy in serving
Chap 3 Joy in believing
Chap 4 Joy in the Lord
Phrase- in the Lord- occurs 9x/Philippians, 4x/chap 4
Phil 1.14 trusting in the Lord
Phil 2.19 hope in the Lord
Phil 3.1 rejoice in the Lord
Phil 4.1 stand firm in the Lord
Phil 4.2 live in harmony in the Lord
v4.1
In Chp 3- church- surrounded by treacherous enemies- therefore Paul exhorts them to- stand firm.
Stand firm (in the Lord)- military term- a soldier standing fast in- heat of battle w/the enemy surging upon him.
Practically for us- remain faithful in whatever difficulties.
1 Cor 16:13 (NASB) Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
Stand firm- also speaks of perseverance- Phil 1.27
(Rev 2.7, 11, 17, 26, 3.5, Eph 6.11-14, Gal 6.9)
Biblical paradox- God’s sovereignty vs. man’s free will-
we need to do all we can to stand firm while fully trusting in God to enable us to stand firm.
(Ezek 18.31 vs Ezek 36.26-27)
There is exerting effort and resting in God.
No way to avoid the tension/struggle of trying to live a godly life while trusting in God to enable you to live.
In the Lord- it is our hope in eternal life- encourages us to stand firm.
Eph 6:10 (NASB) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
v4.2-3
Two women had a falling out- well known in the church-
how do you want to be remembered in history?
To live above
With the saints we love;
Oh, that will be glory!
But to live below
With the saints we know;
Now that’s a different story! (R Ellsworth)
Dissension leads to division- hinders what God wants to do in and through the church/family/nation.
Live in harmony- be careful how you think (about someone), to be of the same mind with one another-
Phil 2:2-4
In- natural- we have seen how diverse people can stand together because of- allegiance to a leader.
Their loyalty to each other depends on their loyalty to the leader.- take leader away- group disintegrates.
We will never love each other until we fully love Christ-
The brotherhood of man is impossible w/o the lordship of Christ. (William Barclay)
A proper relationship w/God- radically transforms our relationships with our covenant brothers/sisters.
Our love for God is seen in our love for one another.
Jn 13:34–35 (NASB) (Eph 4.1-6, 1 Jn 4.20-21)
34“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
35“By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
We must be slow to take offense- (Jam 1.19-20)
Eph 4:31–32 (NASB) 31Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
32Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
Important Thought:
In the Lord we find relational peace.
If we have family problems, we can find peace in Christ.
Relationships are very important to God.
We often allow little things to bring division.
Many hold grudges for years, decades.
Paul was appealing for relational peace.
You cannot be at peace w/God and at odds w/brother.
Names are in the book of life-
Lk 10:20 “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”
Two books- book of remembrances- records deeds of good and wicked. (Rev 20.12, Rev 3.5, Rev 21.27)
Book of life- names of those who will be w/God.
(Dan 7.10, 12.1, Rev 20.12-15)
God will reward His followers and judge the wicked.
(Mat 25.31-46, Rev 20.11-145)
v4.4
Paul- calling the Philippians to find their joy in the Lord.
Christian joy is independent of all things on earth because it has its source in the continual presence of Christ. (W Barclay)
Joy must never be limited to circumstances, the key is our relationship w/Christ.
To walk in this type of joy, we must-
extend His grace/love towards others,
(love as we have been loved- reconcile)
sacrificially give up ourself in- interest of others.
v4.5
Gentle- patient, forbear, good disposition towards men
To be willing to put up w/all that is unpleasant in others.
Greeks- justice and something better than justice.
Let your justice and something better than justice be evident to all- especially in relational problems
A man has- quality of being gentle- if he knows when to apply the strict letter of the law/when to apply mercy.
Woman caught in adultery Jn 8.3-11
