JOY/FULL: A GENEROUS AND CONTENT LIFE
(Joy in faithfulness - October 22, 2023)
Series Big Idea: "Because God exalted Jesus, the crucified servant, with the name above every name, knowing Jesus Christ is more joyous and vital than anything else"
Sermon Big Idea: “Rejoicing in the Lord helps Christians to live a holy (sanctified) life“
Key Scripture (Philippians 3:1-11)
The Apostle Paul seems to value joy. But why? Are we simply to smile and be super optimistic for Jesus? Consider the places where Paul has stated or persuaded the Philippians to rejoice. It was in difficult situations where these remarks were found. Choosing to rejoice is something we are choosing to do, not just a feeling. Joy then implies not only something we are choosing, but also choosing not to do something else. There is a lesson here we can’t afford to miss.
(Philippians 3:1-11)
Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write to you again about this is no trouble for me and is a protection for you. 2 Watch out for “dogs,” watch out for evil workers, watch out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, the ones who serve by the Spirit of God, boast in Christ Jesus, and do not put confidence in the flesh— 4 although I once also had confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised the eighth day; of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; regarding the law, a Pharisee; 6 regarding zeal, persecuting the church; regarding the righteousness that is in the law, blameless. 7 But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. 8 More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of Him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them filth, so that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ —the righteousness from God based on faith. 10 My goal is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead.
Why did Paul preach so much about rejoicing to his readers? Because it is crucial to protect their hearts from discouragement. It is not merely a nice idea, it's a God-designed protection. Why? Because grumbling and complaining will be practically impossible if they choose to delight in the Lord regardless of their circumstances. It has to be one or the other. When you rejoice in the Lord, you can't grumble. You cannot gripe and rejoice at the same time. Grumbling is not rejoicing. He begins like this because he is going to warn them about the people who will seek to rob them of their joy (vv. 3).
Paul introduces one of his most important statements by stressing we should never put our confidence in anything but Christ (vv. 4). But then he does what he just told them not to. He begins to brag. Paul does this to show that in the end, only being found in Christ with a righteousness that comes from faith in God is worth boasting about. After saying not to do something, he does it excessively to emphasize the tremendous value of knowing Christ.
Paul’s religious credentials were perfect. But the accomplishments on his list are simply an example; they will soon be discarded. For now, he makes his trophy wall seem enticing—the more, the better. Paul is showing his willingness to sacrifice everything to know and be identified with Christ. Paul exaggerates his trophy wall's value to justify giving it away. These things are valuable, but knowing Christ is more valuable.
Paul continues his discussion of how much he cherishes knowing Christ (vv. 8). It’s like he is asking, “How much would you expect me to pay for all of this?” But then he increases the price instead of decreasing it. He raises the stakes. Paul believes knowing Christ is worth giving up everything, not just his trophies!
So, what’s left after risking all for Christ? It may surprise you. Till now he has viewed the things he was willing to trade for Christ as something worth keeping. They are priceless by any realistic extent! So how can he raise the stakes? By suggesting these prestigious items are worthless, literally. He says all the things he considers dear should be worth as much as dung. Compared to Christ, they aren’t worth squat.
Paul carefully contrasts human-based righteousness with God-given righteousness based on faith. God's righteousness includes unexpected things like knowing His resurrection power and the fellowship of His suffering. Paul emphasizes that his connection with God is based on conforming to Christ's image, not his own selfish comfort.
Conclusion:
My friends, because of Christ’s resurrection, we as believers no longer have to be a slave to our sinful nature. We don’t have to fear judgment or death. In Christ, you and I can experience the freedom and deliverance from sin that Christ purchased on the cross. We have a home in glory because of this! But you need to know that when we identify ourselves with Christ, we are embracing everything about Him (vv. 2:5-11). We are giving up our own rights and privileges. This means we will be humble and obedient like Jesus. Even unto death. This is the ultimate commitment!
Why the complete identification with Christ? What was Paul saying? He doesn’t feel he is owed something from Christ. If it was all about our righteousness, then we might feel that God did owe us something (Romans 4:4-5). Paul gave everything because of his love for Christ. He wasn’t trying to earn his way to heaven. Eternity in heaven with Christ is our hope, His death and resurrection is our motivation.
Pastor Beaver's thoughts and ideas are inspired by:
Holman Christian Standard Bible
English Standard Version Bible
King James Version Bible
Christian Standard Bible
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