[Biblemat] S> To Live Is Christ
ZekeFlores1 at cs.com
ZekeFlores1 at cs.com
Mon Aug 4 11:09:59 CDT 2008
Here's a lesson I hope you can use.
Zeke Flores
Kiber Street church of Christ
Angleton, TX
www.angletonchristians.com
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"To Live Is Christ"
Phil. 1:21
(Phil. 1:12-26)
Intro. The philosophy of the world is self centered.
A. We live in an age where "I" am of greatest importance.
1) It's been said that the 70's was the "I'm OK, you're OK"
decade & the 80's turned into the "ME" generation.
2) How many times do we hear, "What's in it for ME?"
B. Many try to make themselves more than they are.
1) Worked with a guy who'd been everywhere,
done everything, & knew everybody! He always
tried to make himself more than he was,
larger than life.
2) On the other hand, it's refreshing when someone
who really is a big deal realizes the need for
humility. During Ronald Reagan's administration he
visited his ancestral hometown in Ireland: Ballyporeen.
The name means "town of small potatoes." He remarked
how humbling it was for the most powerful man in the
world to realize he came form small potatoes! The truth
is,
all of us are from the"town of small potatoes".(1 Tim 6:7)
C. In his letter to the Philippian church, Paul reminds us that
there are greater purposes than ourselves for living and
he sums it all up in the great hallmark statement of
Christianity: Phil 1:21
1) What does it mean when you and I say "To live is
Christ"? In the context, Paul tells us what it meant
for him.
2) We will concentrate on three things from this passage.
I. The furtherance of the gospel. Vss 12-14
A. Paul's crusade for Christ amid unfavorable circumstances.
1) His fervent desire for others apparently converted some
of his own captors!
a. Vs 13, 4:22
2) He was guarded by an elite company of Roman
soldiers.
a. Was thought that some even lived in the
emperor's own palace. (Caesar's household)
B. He knew the saving power of the gospel even for those
who wanted him dead.
1) Rom 1:15-17 "Thus, for my part, I am eager to preach
the gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am
not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God
for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first
and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of
God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written,
"But the righteous man shall live by faith."
2) That same power continues to work but it depends on
you & me to spread it.
3) Sometimes we erect our own "prison walls" that keep
us from spreading the gospel!
C. Vs 14 - The result for others: "far more courage"!
1) Paul had previously encouraged the Philippian
church in the same way.
a. Acts 16:22-24 Paul & Silas beaten & thrown in jail
b. Vs 40 They encouraged the brethren before
they moved on.
c. Encourage: "to give courage or confidence in
words or teaching"
2) Paul & Silas were also encouraged
a. 1 Thess. 2:1-6
b. Even with his apostolic authority Paul knew that
the spread of the gospel was much more
important than extolling himself.
c. We must have the same attitude if we want to
be Jesus' servants.
II. Vss 19-23 "..to live is Christ.."
A. In these vss, Paul makes clear who is #1 in his life.
1) Whether he lives or dies makes no difference as
long as Jesus is exalted.
B. Sometimes it's hard to take ourselves off our pedestal.
1) We are convinced that WE are always right!
2) The captain of a ship looked out one dark night &
noticed lights in the distance. Immediately he
instructed the following message be sent:
"Alter your course 10 degrees south." The reply
was: "Alter your course 10 deg north." The angry
captain responded, Alter your course 10 deg south -
I am a captain!" The reply: Alter your course -
I am a seaman 3rd class." Now completely furious,
the captain sent a third message: "Alter your course
immediately - I am a battleship!" The reply came back,
"Alter your course, I am a lighthouse."
C. Paul knew what he was - a sinner who had rec'd grace.
1) 1 Tim. 1:15-16
a. He realized the source of mercy & marveled that it
would be extended to him.
2) For this reason Jesus became the holy hub of Paul's life.
a. Others make themselves the hub & Jesus a spoke.
D. We must live our lives so that our own desires & wants are
completely engulfed in the will of God.
1) Gal. 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ..."
a. Fully realizing the cost to Jesus for our salvation
should make us mirror his life more & more.
2) We learn that the more we put Him 1st, the more we
put ourselves behind.
a. "He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30
"The Christian life is the OUTliving of the INliving Christ"
E. We can realize the love of God & let it carry us thru the
adversities in this world!
1) Rom. 8:37-39
2) He has given us new life! Live to reflect your gratitude!
II. Vss 24-26 While here, do all we can to encourage each other
A. Paul was "between a rock & a hard place".
1) He wanted so much to "depart" to his reward
a. Depart - to let loose as in a ship setting sail or
the unyoking of animals (Vines)
b. Paul was ready for some "loose living,"
free from the entanglements of this world.
2) Yet realized that staying would help these
Christians grow
B. We can help each other get thru the trials of this life -
We're in this fight together!
1) Paul pleaded with them to help each other along
a. Phil. 2:1-4
2) Remember when a bro or sis stumbles,
it could be me!
a. Gal. 5:25-6:2
b. The law of Christ is epitomized in love - John 13:35
3) If we love each other, we'll help each other grow.
a. Eph 4:15 "..but speaking the truth in love, we are
to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the
head, even Christ.."
C. Be an example to someone else
1) Remember the attitude Jesus had - Make it yours!
Conc. Our lives are often measured by our goals & aims.
A. To live for Christ is the highest aspiration one can have.
1) Have faith in Him Meditate on Him
Hope in Him LIVE for Him!
B. Begin by showing Him & others that you want to be
obedient to Him.
1) John 15:13-14 "Greater love has no one than this,
that one lay down his life for his friends.
You are My friends, if you do what I
command you."
2) He's done His part, now do yours. INV
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