In a recent article on SI.com, Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson says he's worthy of a first round pick in the upcoming NFL draft. He says "My natural ability to throw the ball has always been my signature. But it’s also my ability to move around a little bit and buy myself some time to make throws other guys wouldn’t make because I’m tough and will hang in there a little longer, and I can make throws while I’m being pressured" (http://nflspinzone.com/2013/02/20/nfl-draft-2013-arkansas-qb-tyler-wilson-says-he-is-a-first-round-pick/). Tyler Wilson is using the word worthy in regard to his athletic performance on the football field, but did you know there is something that matters much more than sports of which we can be considered worthy?
Paul talks about living a life worthy of the gospel in Phil. 1:27-30. Our text reads: "Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have."
As we examine this text at the conclusion of the first chapter of Philippians, let us consider what Paul says about living a life worthy of the gospel. It is my aim with this lesson to have us evaluate our lives as Christians in order to see if our current life measures up as being worthy of the gospel.
First, a gospel worthy life includes standing firm in one spirit.
As I notice what Paul is saying here, it seems there is a twofold emphasis on unwavering perseverance and unified spirit. The phrase used in the text where Paul says "standing firm" (27) entails perseverance. We've all heard the phrase "keep on keeping on." The Christian life is one of perseverance. It's not a sprint, but it is a marathon. When Paul tells them to stand firm "in one spirit" he is talking about their unity. It does not appear that this is the same thing as the unity of the Spirit in Ephesians chapter four because there is an absence of an article "the" before it , so it seems this is simply talking about the human spirit (Jackson 61).
Perseverance and unity are two big themes in the New Testament. Paul says later in this letter "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:14). There is an idea of perseverance portrayed by Paul in this statement. In this life we keep going until our lives are taken from us or Jesus comes back, whichever comes first.
In the movie Rocky III, Clubber Lang punished Rocky in their first fight. When they had their rematch later in the movie, Rocky allowed his opponent to repeatedly give him blows, but this was on purpose. Rocky was trying to wear Clubber Lang out, and by doing this Rocky was able to persevere through the fight and take the victory. We are in a constant fight against our enemy, the Devil. We need to understand that it takes perseverance to withstand all of his tactics. When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, it says "...he departed from him until an opportune time" (Lk. 4:13). Satan did not stop with these temptations of Christ, and he does not stop with us either. We have to do what it takes to persevere through all the temptations that Satan throws our way. We can live a life worthy of the gospel when we stand firm in one spirit both by an unwavering perseverance and unified spirit.
Second, a gospel worthy life will have us striving side by side.
The phrase translated as "striving side by side" is also used in another form as "to engage in an athletic contest" (Fee 166). Paul is saying that the Philippians are participating together in the Christian life. Another way this phrase is used is in the sense of contending along with others (Vine 634). We are told in the New Testament that we as Christians are to contend for something special. When Jude wrote his letter he changed directions from talking about the common salvation to an appeal "...to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3). Whether you are striving or contending for the faith, this is not something you can do passively. This is an active word that requires Christians to be proactive in their faith each and every day.
Not only does this denote an active faith, but it also requires us to partner with our fellow Christians as we do this. Christianity is not an isolated lifestyle. I've never figured out why monks feel like they are doing what God wants them to do by traveling far away to an isolated monastery where they don't have any contact with the outside world. How can they be striving together for the faith of the gospel when they are where they can't share their faith with others? Jesus sent his disciples out two by two ahead of him to towns where he would eventually travel (Lk. 10:1). It is a great thing when Christians can strive for the faith side by side, partnering together to share the good news.
In Philippi there did seem to be the problem of two women who had labored side by side in the gospel with Paul and others, their names being Euodia and Synteche (Phil. 4:2-3). Whatever disagreements they had needed to be resolved so they could go back to striving side by side for the faith of the gospel. The church is made up of people so there will always be problems in the church until the Lord comes back. However, we need to make sure that we don't let things get in the way of our efforts together in the Lord. If things are left unresolved this can lead to a refusal for some people to work together. How can we strive side by side when we can't stand to be next to each other? If we want to live a life worthy of the gospel we will make sure we are striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.
Third, a gospel worthy life means we must be suffering for his sake.
It was clear that the first century church did not diminish because of persecution, but rather it dispersed. While persecution was meant to suppress the church, it actually progressed the church. If you actually look at church growth in the first century, it progressed the most during persecution. Not only did the church progress during persecution, we also see such a godly perspective during it all. After the apostles were beaten and charged not to speak in the name of Jesus they were "...rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name" (Acts 5:41). Not only were the apostles suffering for his sake, but they were looking at their suffering as an evidence that God considered them worthy. Jesus had already given his apostles instructions before he left that they would be persecuted. He said "'...If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you...'" (Jn. 15:20).
Paul told the Philippians not to be frightened by what their opponents might try to do to them, and by doing this it would be a sign of their opponents' destruction but of their own salvation (28). Christians can be confident in the midst of suffering at the hands of their opponents because they know what their ultimate destiny is in contrast with the destiny of those who are opposed to God. The eternal fire has been prepared for the devil and his angels, and those who follow them will wind up there also (Mt. 25:41). An eternal home in Heaven with the Lord is waiting for those who follow Him (Mt. 25:34).
He told the Philippians "For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake" (29). Paul told Timothy "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Tim. 3:12). Granted that persecution here in the United States of America does not take the same form as what would have happened to Christians in the first century. Followers of Christ were told not to speak in the name of Christ, beaten, mocked, flogged, crucified, beheaded, burned at the stake, fed to wild beasts, etc. However, if we live a Christian life as expected of us we will still experience family conflicts, emotional and verbal persecution and other things that won't necessarily bring bodily harm or physical suffering on us. There are other places in the world where people are still suffering persecution in a physical sense which we do not experience here. Even if we don't experience that here, are you willing to suffer for his sake? If we want to live a life worthy of the gospel we will be willing to suffer for his sake.
In the movie Wayne's World there is a scene where the two main characters are invited by a rock star to spend some time with him, but they reply by bowing down to him repeating the phrase "we're not worthy, we're not worthy!" We know even today that we were unworthy of the sacrifice that God made on our behalf by sending his Son to die for us on the cross. Paul says "For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person - though perhaps for a good person one might dare even to die - but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:6-8). Though we were not worthy, we are called to live our lives worthy of the gospel by standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side for the faith of the gospel and suffering for his sake.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
In 1981 a band called "The Clash" performed a song they wrote called "Should I Stay or Should I Go?" A midst the chorus you find the lines "if I go there will be trouble, but if I stay it will be double, so come on and let me know, should I stay or should I go?" In this song which I have heard many times in the past it seems this individual is in a lose lose situation. He has a hard decision to make about whether to leave or stay put, but either way it's not going to turn out for his well-being. When you are put in a situation where whatever choice you make is going to be bad, it is not a pleasant decision to make.
On the flip side of that, imagine what it would be like to have to make a decision between two good choices. In Philippians chapter one we see a difficult decision he is faced with, which is actually not up to him, but he is clear if he had to make the decision it would be very hard. Paul had already brought up the issue of his life and death, so we see a follow up to that discussion in Phil. 1:21-26 which says:
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again."
We will determine from a study of this text that Paul was having a really hard time as he reflects on what his ultimate desire would be verses what would be better for the church at Philippi. Let us examine his question, should I stay or should I go?
Let us first notice that Paul had an unusual dilemma.
He viewed both life and death as positive for him. He said "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Phil. 1:21). We could observe that Paul had a powerful perspective of life and death that allowed him to make that statement. He knew that in his life he could bring Christ glory, but he also knew that in his death he would experience the glory of Christ. He was a man who was not afraid of death. How many of us can say that? I have heard many older people in the church make similar statements saying they are ready to depart from this life.
Paul knew this was a win win situation for the Lord. If he did remain alive, then he would continue to be fruitful. As a Christian, the Lord expects us to bear fruit. Jesus discusses this in John 15 with the expectation that we as his followers must bear fruit. Those which do not bear fruit are gathered up and burned in the fire. We know this is a reference to Hell, so this inspires us to bear fruit for Him. Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit in Gal. 5:22-23. Paul is a great example to us of how to be fruitful for the Master until our life is over or Jesus comes back first.
Though it was a win win situation as described by Paul, this was a very difficult decision for him. Well, in reality it wasn't a decision by him, because he didn't have any control over it. He is stating it in such a way that if he had to choose, he is telling them it would be very hard. He makes the statement that he is "hard pressed between the two" (Phil. 1:23). One of the definitions of this phrase is one farmers would be familiar with: it was used "of a cattle squeeze, that pushing in on each side, forcing the beast into a position where it cannot move so the farmer can administer medication" (http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/sunecho.html).When Paul makes this statement about the two possibilities, he is saying he is hemmed in, or being pressured from both sides (http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/robertsons-word-pictures/philippians/philippians-1-23.html).
In the midst of this dilemma, Paul discussed the positives of the possibilities. If you had a dilemma that would would turn out positive regardless of which decision you made, which way would you choose? We ought to remind ourselves that there are some serious matters we ought to consider. Paul did have a extraordinary view of death, but he also displayed a positive outlook on life from a spiritual perspective. He didn't say if I remain I can go hunting some more or go to the lake or watch some more sports. He was going to use the remainder of his life being fruitful for the Lord. We should take a page out of Paul's book when it comes to how we view life.
We should also notice that Paul expresses his ultimate desire.
He says "My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better" (Phil. 1:23). His ultimate desire was to die so he could be with Christ. When he says that it would be better, he is talking about for himself. Why would it be better? You mean being executed in prison is better than being released from prison? That is the attitude Paul had when he was in the situation. Paul could face the force of the executioner's ax knowing that would free him from this life to go on to the next.
The concept conveyed in the word depart is seen in the phrases weighing anchor or loosening threads (http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/robertsons-word-pictures/philippians/philippians-1-23.html). There is a similar phrase used in 2 Cor. 5:1ff. which Paul uses to describe death as a tearing down of our tent. He goes on to say that "we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord" (2 Cor. 5:8). To Paul death was simply the transition where he would leave this life to go on to the next.
When we stop and consider the ultimate desire of Paul, let us reflect on something that could have been on his mind when writing this letter. Paul wrote about a man who had a very interesting experience by taking a field trip to a heavenly realm. 2 Cor. 12:2-4 says: "I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven - whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into paradise - whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows - and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter." The view is widely held that Paul is describing himself. If indeed it is Paul, the time frame could be traced fourteen years from the writing of the second Corinthian letter (57 A.D.) which takes us back to 43 A.D., probably at the time that Paul was stoned in Lystra and left for dead (Acts 14:19ff). If this is truly the case, what vivid colors it adds to the picture that Paul is painting when he says that his desire of going to be with Christ would be far better!
Can you say you desire death like Paul? I am confident there are many people who don't have this positive view of death as he does, but we should. We are all transient beings here on this earth for a short time. As we sing the song "This World Is Not My Home" we realize this is not our permanent destination. You might have had a family member who is a faithful member of the Lord's body say they don't want to go on living. They are simply expressing their desire that they long to be with the Lord. Let us all be able to express this as our ultimate desire.
A final observation from this text is that Paul makes an unselfish decision.
I saw a commercial several years ago where a brother and sister wanted a cookie but there was only one left. The older sister opted to let the younger brother eat it. All of a sudden one of the Keebler elves put another cookie back where the package had been empty, rewarding her for unselfish behavior. There are lots of opportunities for us to do something better for someone else, but we're not talking about sharing cookies.
Even though it would be better for him to depart and be with Christ, Paul knew it would be better for the Philippians if he remained in the flesh. Though we have already said that it was not his decision to make either way, you can still see his unselfish attitude in wanting what's best for them. We see him give two reasons why this would be more necessary for them. First, it would be better for their progress. This word for progress was originally used of a pioneer cutting his way through brush (Vine's 468). He wants to see them continue their progress in Christ, and Paul's presence on earth would allow him to help them with their spiritual development. Second, it would be better for their joy in the faith. It seems that this is tied to their personal feelings for him. It would leave a rather large void if Paul was not around to aid them spiritually. That's not to say that Paul was the only way they could progress and rejoice. It seems from the text that this would give them an extra measure of these qualities.This would give them cause to glory in Christ when he returned to them in person. He didn't just want to see them and enjoy their company; he wanted to help them be better than they already were.
Have you ever made a decision where you had a choice to do something better for you or do something better for another person? The type of love that is so prevalent in the New Testament is agape. It is love that shows us putting the interests of others ahead of our own interests. God demonstrated this by giving us His Son as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. John 3:16 says "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." Christ demonstrated this by giving himself for the church (Eph. 5:25) and husbands are to love their wives in the same way according to this verse.
When Paul is faced with this problem in Philippians chapter one, it was a good problem to have; that's why we called it a win win situation. Whether or not he should stay or go was an issue he faced from a heavenly perspective. Paul had an unusual dilemma of whether to stay or go, and he expressed his ultimate desire of wanting to be with Christ though he states to the Philippians his unselfish decision was to remain with them in the flesh. Paul recognized that it was best for him to put the church's spiritual development before his desire. Earlier when Paul said "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you...", we can see how precious a people they were to him for him to make such an unselfish statement to them. God help us to be more like that in our lives!
On the flip side of that, imagine what it would be like to have to make a decision between two good choices. In Philippians chapter one we see a difficult decision he is faced with, which is actually not up to him, but he is clear if he had to make the decision it would be very hard. Paul had already brought up the issue of his life and death, so we see a follow up to that discussion in Phil. 1:21-26 which says:
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again."
We will determine from a study of this text that Paul was having a really hard time as he reflects on what his ultimate desire would be verses what would be better for the church at Philippi. Let us examine his question, should I stay or should I go?
Let us first notice that Paul had an unusual dilemma.
He viewed both life and death as positive for him. He said "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Phil. 1:21). We could observe that Paul had a powerful perspective of life and death that allowed him to make that statement. He knew that in his life he could bring Christ glory, but he also knew that in his death he would experience the glory of Christ. He was a man who was not afraid of death. How many of us can say that? I have heard many older people in the church make similar statements saying they are ready to depart from this life.
Paul knew this was a win win situation for the Lord. If he did remain alive, then he would continue to be fruitful. As a Christian, the Lord expects us to bear fruit. Jesus discusses this in John 15 with the expectation that we as his followers must bear fruit. Those which do not bear fruit are gathered up and burned in the fire. We know this is a reference to Hell, so this inspires us to bear fruit for Him. Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit in Gal. 5:22-23. Paul is a great example to us of how to be fruitful for the Master until our life is over or Jesus comes back first.
Though it was a win win situation as described by Paul, this was a very difficult decision for him. Well, in reality it wasn't a decision by him, because he didn't have any control over it. He is stating it in such a way that if he had to choose, he is telling them it would be very hard. He makes the statement that he is "hard pressed between the two" (Phil. 1:23). One of the definitions of this phrase is one farmers would be familiar with: it was used "of a cattle squeeze, that pushing in on each side, forcing the beast into a position where it cannot move so the farmer can administer medication" (http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/sunecho.html).When Paul makes this statement about the two possibilities, he is saying he is hemmed in, or being pressured from both sides (http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/robertsons-word-pictures/philippians/philippians-1-23.html).
In the midst of this dilemma, Paul discussed the positives of the possibilities. If you had a dilemma that would would turn out positive regardless of which decision you made, which way would you choose? We ought to remind ourselves that there are some serious matters we ought to consider. Paul did have a extraordinary view of death, but he also displayed a positive outlook on life from a spiritual perspective. He didn't say if I remain I can go hunting some more or go to the lake or watch some more sports. He was going to use the remainder of his life being fruitful for the Lord. We should take a page out of Paul's book when it comes to how we view life.
We should also notice that Paul expresses his ultimate desire.
He says "My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better" (Phil. 1:23). His ultimate desire was to die so he could be with Christ. When he says that it would be better, he is talking about for himself. Why would it be better? You mean being executed in prison is better than being released from prison? That is the attitude Paul had when he was in the situation. Paul could face the force of the executioner's ax knowing that would free him from this life to go on to the next.
The concept conveyed in the word depart is seen in the phrases weighing anchor or loosening threads (http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/robertsons-word-pictures/philippians/philippians-1-23.html). There is a similar phrase used in 2 Cor. 5:1ff. which Paul uses to describe death as a tearing down of our tent. He goes on to say that "we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord" (2 Cor. 5:8). To Paul death was simply the transition where he would leave this life to go on to the next.
When we stop and consider the ultimate desire of Paul, let us reflect on something that could have been on his mind when writing this letter. Paul wrote about a man who had a very interesting experience by taking a field trip to a heavenly realm. 2 Cor. 12:2-4 says: "I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven - whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into paradise - whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows - and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter." The view is widely held that Paul is describing himself. If indeed it is Paul, the time frame could be traced fourteen years from the writing of the second Corinthian letter (57 A.D.) which takes us back to 43 A.D., probably at the time that Paul was stoned in Lystra and left for dead (Acts 14:19ff). If this is truly the case, what vivid colors it adds to the picture that Paul is painting when he says that his desire of going to be with Christ would be far better!
Can you say you desire death like Paul? I am confident there are many people who don't have this positive view of death as he does, but we should. We are all transient beings here on this earth for a short time. As we sing the song "This World Is Not My Home" we realize this is not our permanent destination. You might have had a family member who is a faithful member of the Lord's body say they don't want to go on living. They are simply expressing their desire that they long to be with the Lord. Let us all be able to express this as our ultimate desire.
A final observation from this text is that Paul makes an unselfish decision.
I saw a commercial several years ago where a brother and sister wanted a cookie but there was only one left. The older sister opted to let the younger brother eat it. All of a sudden one of the Keebler elves put another cookie back where the package had been empty, rewarding her for unselfish behavior. There are lots of opportunities for us to do something better for someone else, but we're not talking about sharing cookies.
Even though it would be better for him to depart and be with Christ, Paul knew it would be better for the Philippians if he remained in the flesh. Though we have already said that it was not his decision to make either way, you can still see his unselfish attitude in wanting what's best for them. We see him give two reasons why this would be more necessary for them. First, it would be better for their progress. This word for progress was originally used of a pioneer cutting his way through brush (Vine's 468). He wants to see them continue their progress in Christ, and Paul's presence on earth would allow him to help them with their spiritual development. Second, it would be better for their joy in the faith. It seems that this is tied to their personal feelings for him. It would leave a rather large void if Paul was not around to aid them spiritually. That's not to say that Paul was the only way they could progress and rejoice. It seems from the text that this would give them an extra measure of these qualities.This would give them cause to glory in Christ when he returned to them in person. He didn't just want to see them and enjoy their company; he wanted to help them be better than they already were.
Have you ever made a decision where you had a choice to do something better for you or do something better for another person? The type of love that is so prevalent in the New Testament is agape. It is love that shows us putting the interests of others ahead of our own interests. God demonstrated this by giving us His Son as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. John 3:16 says "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." Christ demonstrated this by giving himself for the church (Eph. 5:25) and husbands are to love their wives in the same way according to this verse.
When Paul is faced with this problem in Philippians chapter one, it was a good problem to have; that's why we called it a win win situation. Whether or not he should stay or go was an issue he faced from a heavenly perspective. Paul had an unusual dilemma of whether to stay or go, and he expressed his ultimate desire of wanting to be with Christ though he states to the Philippians his unselfish decision was to remain with them in the flesh. Paul recognized that it was best for him to put the church's spiritual development before his desire. Earlier when Paul said "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you...", we can see how precious a people they were to him for him to make such an unselfish statement to them. God help us to be more like that in our lives!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Resignation Notice
Recently the Pope announced his resignation as the head of the Catholic church effective after February 28. This has many people in shock, as a pope has not resigned since 1415 when Pope Gregory XII stepped down from the office (http://world.time.com/2013/02/11/the-resignation-of-pope-benedict-xvi-is-it-health-or-politics-or-both/). One writer even said the Pope did not resign from office, but he rather renounced the office (http://www.philstar.com/opinion/2013/02/14/908552/pope-did-not-resign-he-renounced-his-office). Regardless of whether it's considered a resignation or a renouncement, it provides a platform for us to talk about the stability of the head of the church.
I'm not talking about the head of the Catholic church; I'm talking about the head of the Lord's church, the body of Christ, which he died for upon Calvary's cross. It does us all good to go back to the New Testament and see that Jesus is the head of the church as he reigns from Heaven. Paul says "...Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior" (Eph. 5:23). Using almost the same terminology in Colossians 1:18, Paul is clear that there is no human head of the church. Christ is in charge of the kingdom and will not relinquish control of his church until the final resurrection when he hands everything back over to God the Father (1 Cor. 15:24).
Though the numbers will vary depending upon who you ask, there have been somewhere around 266 popes. I am eternally grateful that the church for which Jesus died will not have that kind of turnover. We don't have to worry about Jesus resigning. He is the stable leadership until God reveals that it is time. He is the head of the body. Are you a part of that body? The resignation that needs to happen is the resignation from the life of sin for the one who is not a child of God. If you will repent of your sins (Acts 2:38), confess Christ as your Savior (Acts 8:37) and be baptized into Christ for remission of sins (Acts 2:38) then the Lord will add you to the body (Acts 2:47).
I'm not talking about the head of the Catholic church; I'm talking about the head of the Lord's church, the body of Christ, which he died for upon Calvary's cross. It does us all good to go back to the New Testament and see that Jesus is the head of the church as he reigns from Heaven. Paul says "...Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior" (Eph. 5:23). Using almost the same terminology in Colossians 1:18, Paul is clear that there is no human head of the church. Christ is in charge of the kingdom and will not relinquish control of his church until the final resurrection when he hands everything back over to God the Father (1 Cor. 15:24).
Though the numbers will vary depending upon who you ask, there have been somewhere around 266 popes. I am eternally grateful that the church for which Jesus died will not have that kind of turnover. We don't have to worry about Jesus resigning. He is the stable leadership until God reveals that it is time. He is the head of the body. Are you a part of that body? The resignation that needs to happen is the resignation from the life of sin for the one who is not a child of God. If you will repent of your sins (Acts 2:38), confess Christ as your Savior (Acts 8:37) and be baptized into Christ for remission of sins (Acts 2:38) then the Lord will add you to the body (Acts 2:47).
Friday, February 8, 2013
The Gospel Progressed Regardless of Roadblocks
I recall the day when my wife and I were leaving to spend a few days at Forrest Hills Resort in Dahlonega, GA. We were just about to walk out the door to start our trip when Dianna's father informed her of a bad traffic accident that took place on I-75 just south of Chattanooga. There was a really bad fog that morning which caused a pileup of close to 130 cars. That was the exact route we were going to take, but the wreck was now a major roadblock to our plans. Looking at a map, we determined we could get to our destination by going through Huntsville and Scottsboro, AL, Rome, GA and eventually on to our resort. It was a longer route to take, but it would have to suffice because of the accident. Later that day we made it to the resort, proving that regardless of a roadblock, the progress was still made.
In the first chapter of Philippians in verses twelve through twenty, Paul shows us that the gospel progressed despite some roadblocks in its way. The text for our lesson reads in this way:
"I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death" (Phil. 1:12-20).
The first roadblock we see is The Manacles of Prison.
If you were taking a survey to see where an effective evangelizing ground would be, how many of us would say prison? I doubt very many would want to go there to preach the gospel! Whether you think about the types of people who are incarcerated there, being chained to a guard (in Paul's case), the fact that you can't travel around to different places, etc., it doesn't seem like prison would be the prime place to spread the gospel.
Paul didn't look at it that way. Paul viewed prison not as an obstacle but an opportunity. He shares this in two senses. First it was an opportunity for him. He says "...it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ" (Phil. 1:13). Warren Wiersbe says that Paul was chained to a guard twenty-four hours a day, and the shifts changed every six hours (68). From his perspective he had six hours to talk about the gospel with that guard, and then he got to do it all over again when the shift changed with a completely different guard. These manacles which had taken away his freedom in one sense had not taken away his opportunities for the gospel. One of the worst places to be was one of the greatest possibilities for Paul to preach. Second it was an opportunity for others. He states "...most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear" (Phil. 1:14). His imprisonment had fostered a fervor among the Christians as evidenced by the increased boldness in their preaching. Again, Paul viewed this as an opportunity. It not only affected him, but it affected others in the church as well. Paul portrayed a positive perspective on persecution in prison. The roadblock of prison's manacles would not hinder the gospel.
Bad things do happen to good people, as we see over and over again in the Bible. However, it's how these good people respond to those circumstances that determines what the outcome of the situation will be. Paul could have very easily gotten discouraged and given up, but he gives us an example of how to make good things happen out of a bad situation. "I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13) is a statement that Paul makes later in this letter, showing his positive attitude no matter what comes his way. Even from the example of Job, we have the statement: "Though he slay me, I will hope in him..." (Job 13:15). We can do much with this kind of attitude in life.
The second roadblock from this text is The Motives of Preachers.
There are lots of different things people do with bad motives; believe it or not, it even happens with preachers. Whether it's fame or fortune there are preachers who proclaim God's Word for the wrong reasons. Paul talked about preachers and their motives. In this text he said there are preachers with the wrong motives, as some were doing it from "envy and rivalry" (15) and "not sincerely" (17) trying to bother Paul in some way while he was in prison. However, there were also those who were preaching with good motives, such as "good will" (15) and "out of love" (16). These preachers have the proper perspective of being a servant of God by the attitudes they have in their preaching.
Paul was not going to be bothered by the bad motives of those preaching the gospel because the end result was the same. The message of Christ was still being proclaimed despite what was behind it all. This gave him reasons to rejoice (18). In the case of Christianity, motives have no bearing on results. Bad motives are not the same things as bad doctrine. The doctrine of Christ is right, even though the motives may be bad. That does not change the message. I have seen movies where two people fell in love because of a bet the man made that he could get the woman to fall in love with him. Regardless of the motive, the outcome was the same from the recipients. This passage does not give us the right to have bad motives, but rather it shows what God can do through people despite their motives.
Paul revealed to the Thessalonian Christians that his motives were pure in regard to his proclamation of the gospel to them (1 Thess. 2:3-6). There are people who have the wrong reasons for doing things, and we need to know that motives do matter for us personally. Prov. 16:2 says: "All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit." Maybe you have had improper motives for some things you've recently done. God knows what they are even though the people who were at the receiving ends of these things do not.
The third roadblock listed is The Mortality of Paul.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was confident that his death could not stop the struggle for equal rights (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassination_of_Martin_Luther_King,_Jr.). The wheels had already been in motion long enough when he was assassinated that the civil rights movement would carry on with or without him. Paul made this clear when he wrote that certain things were not dependent upon his life or death. The first was his deliverance. An obvious question is whether Paul is talking about physical or spiritual deliverance. It seems there is at least a chance he is talking about both, as he does allude to life and death not being hindrances either way. Paul was confident in his deliverance regardless of his mortality. The second was the exaltation of Christ. Whether Paul was alive or dead, it didn't matter, Christ would still be honored, exalted or magnified. One of the quotes from Star Wars Episode IV is given by the character Obi-Wan Kenobi: "If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you could possibly imagine." The principle is evident here that death does not stop a good cause. Paul had this is mind when it came to the exaltation of Christ.
One of the simple truths here is that nobody is indispensable. It doesn't matter how popular a preacher is, he can be replaced. Even though some preachers are more effective than others, God will still find a way to further his cause when certain preachers are gone. As much of a bulwark in the faith Paul was, the gospel would continue to progress regardless of his mortality. Jesus even said to Peter: "...I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it" (Mt. 16:18). The death of the greatest preacher who ever walked the face of this earth would not even stop the gospel plan; it actually became the centerpiece.
Physical roadblocks have a definite parallel to spiritual roadblocks; the roadblock doesn't mean what is blocked cannot be reached. Paul showed us in this passage that the gospel progressed regardless of roadblocks. Despite the manacles of prison, the motives of preachers and the mortality of Paul, the gospel cause was furthered for Christ. You've probably heard of certain things being done all in the name of progress. Those situations are referencing things being done to achieve progress. The case with the gospel is different as Paul showed it progressed despite the obstacles that were in its way. God doesn't let roadblocks stop his progress!
In the first chapter of Philippians in verses twelve through twenty, Paul shows us that the gospel progressed despite some roadblocks in its way. The text for our lesson reads in this way:
"I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death" (Phil. 1:12-20).
The first roadblock we see is The Manacles of Prison.
If you were taking a survey to see where an effective evangelizing ground would be, how many of us would say prison? I doubt very many would want to go there to preach the gospel! Whether you think about the types of people who are incarcerated there, being chained to a guard (in Paul's case), the fact that you can't travel around to different places, etc., it doesn't seem like prison would be the prime place to spread the gospel.
Paul didn't look at it that way. Paul viewed prison not as an obstacle but an opportunity. He shares this in two senses. First it was an opportunity for him. He says "...it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ" (Phil. 1:13). Warren Wiersbe says that Paul was chained to a guard twenty-four hours a day, and the shifts changed every six hours (68). From his perspective he had six hours to talk about the gospel with that guard, and then he got to do it all over again when the shift changed with a completely different guard. These manacles which had taken away his freedom in one sense had not taken away his opportunities for the gospel. One of the worst places to be was one of the greatest possibilities for Paul to preach. Second it was an opportunity for others. He states "...most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear" (Phil. 1:14). His imprisonment had fostered a fervor among the Christians as evidenced by the increased boldness in their preaching. Again, Paul viewed this as an opportunity. It not only affected him, but it affected others in the church as well. Paul portrayed a positive perspective on persecution in prison. The roadblock of prison's manacles would not hinder the gospel.
Bad things do happen to good people, as we see over and over again in the Bible. However, it's how these good people respond to those circumstances that determines what the outcome of the situation will be. Paul could have very easily gotten discouraged and given up, but he gives us an example of how to make good things happen out of a bad situation. "I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13) is a statement that Paul makes later in this letter, showing his positive attitude no matter what comes his way. Even from the example of Job, we have the statement: "Though he slay me, I will hope in him..." (Job 13:15). We can do much with this kind of attitude in life.
The second roadblock from this text is The Motives of Preachers.
There are lots of different things people do with bad motives; believe it or not, it even happens with preachers. Whether it's fame or fortune there are preachers who proclaim God's Word for the wrong reasons. Paul talked about preachers and their motives. In this text he said there are preachers with the wrong motives, as some were doing it from "envy and rivalry" (15) and "not sincerely" (17) trying to bother Paul in some way while he was in prison. However, there were also those who were preaching with good motives, such as "good will" (15) and "out of love" (16). These preachers have the proper perspective of being a servant of God by the attitudes they have in their preaching.
Paul was not going to be bothered by the bad motives of those preaching the gospel because the end result was the same. The message of Christ was still being proclaimed despite what was behind it all. This gave him reasons to rejoice (18). In the case of Christianity, motives have no bearing on results. Bad motives are not the same things as bad doctrine. The doctrine of Christ is right, even though the motives may be bad. That does not change the message. I have seen movies where two people fell in love because of a bet the man made that he could get the woman to fall in love with him. Regardless of the motive, the outcome was the same from the recipients. This passage does not give us the right to have bad motives, but rather it shows what God can do through people despite their motives.
Paul revealed to the Thessalonian Christians that his motives were pure in regard to his proclamation of the gospel to them (1 Thess. 2:3-6). There are people who have the wrong reasons for doing things, and we need to know that motives do matter for us personally. Prov. 16:2 says: "All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit." Maybe you have had improper motives for some things you've recently done. God knows what they are even though the people who were at the receiving ends of these things do not.
The third roadblock listed is The Mortality of Paul.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was confident that his death could not stop the struggle for equal rights (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassination_of_Martin_Luther_King,_Jr.). The wheels had already been in motion long enough when he was assassinated that the civil rights movement would carry on with or without him. Paul made this clear when he wrote that certain things were not dependent upon his life or death. The first was his deliverance. An obvious question is whether Paul is talking about physical or spiritual deliverance. It seems there is at least a chance he is talking about both, as he does allude to life and death not being hindrances either way. Paul was confident in his deliverance regardless of his mortality. The second was the exaltation of Christ. Whether Paul was alive or dead, it didn't matter, Christ would still be honored, exalted or magnified. One of the quotes from Star Wars Episode IV is given by the character Obi-Wan Kenobi: "If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you could possibly imagine." The principle is evident here that death does not stop a good cause. Paul had this is mind when it came to the exaltation of Christ.
One of the simple truths here is that nobody is indispensable. It doesn't matter how popular a preacher is, he can be replaced. Even though some preachers are more effective than others, God will still find a way to further his cause when certain preachers are gone. As much of a bulwark in the faith Paul was, the gospel would continue to progress regardless of his mortality. Jesus even said to Peter: "...I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it" (Mt. 16:18). The death of the greatest preacher who ever walked the face of this earth would not even stop the gospel plan; it actually became the centerpiece.
Physical roadblocks have a definite parallel to spiritual roadblocks; the roadblock doesn't mean what is blocked cannot be reached. Paul showed us in this passage that the gospel progressed regardless of roadblocks. Despite the manacles of prison, the motives of preachers and the mortality of Paul, the gospel cause was furthered for Christ. You've probably heard of certain things being done all in the name of progress. Those situations are referencing things being done to achieve progress. The case with the gospel is different as Paul showed it progressed despite the obstacles that were in its way. God doesn't let roadblocks stop his progress!
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