Everyday Joy - Committed To The Cause - Greg Crabtree

Good morning and welcome to Central Good morning and welcome to Central Baptist Church. If you're a firsttime Baptist Church. If you're a firsttime Baptist Church. If you're a firsttime visitor, we invite you to take the visitor, we invite you to take the visitor, we invite you to take the connect card in the seat in front of connect card in the seat in front of connect card in the seat in front of you, fill out your information, drop it you, fill out your information, drop it you, fill out your information, drop it in one of the black boxes out in the in one of the black boxes out in the in one of the black boxes out in the lobby. Why do we ask you to do that? We lobby. Why do we ask you to do that? We lobby. Why do we ask you to do that? We want to know that you were here. We want want to know that you were here. We want want to know that you were here. We want to contact you and let you know how to contact you and let you know how to contact you and let you know how happy we are that you're with us today. happy we are that you're with us today. happy we are that you're with us today. And also, if you have a prayer request, And also, if you have a prayer request, And also, if you have a prayer request, you can write it on that card. Drop it you can write it on that card. Drop it you can write it on that card. Drop it in that back slot. the black boxes out in that back slot. the black boxes out in that back slot. the black boxes out in the lobby. So, what do we need to in the lobby. So, what do we need to in the lobby. So, what do we need to know about next month before we get into know about next month before we get into know about next month before we get into the message? It's called prek and below the message? It's called prek and below the message? It's called prek and below only during service. PreK and only below only during service. PreK and only below only during service. PreK and only below during service. I think we had the during service. I think we had the during service. I think we had the graphic up this morning at the 8 8:00. graphic up this morning at the 8 8:00. graphic up this morning at the 8 8:00. I'm not seeing it right now, but there I'm not seeing it right now, but there I'm not seeing it right now, but there will be no child care above preK in will be no child care above preK in will be no child care above preK in July. So, Pastor Chuck let me down. And July. So, Pastor Chuck let me down. And July. So, Pastor Chuck let me down. And he told me backstage, he said, "I know he told me backstage, he said, "I know he told me backstage, he said, "I know you're struggling with pronouncing that you're struggling with pronouncing that you're struggling with pronouncing that name, and you've got it wrong again, so name, and you've got it wrong again, so name, and you've got it wrong again, so I'm going to work that into the prayer I'm going to work that into the prayer I'm going to work that into the prayer closing out." And I stood there and closing out." And I stood there and closing out." And I stood there and listened. Yeah, I'm just kidding. He listened. Yeah, I'm just kidding. He listened. Yeah, I'm just kidding. He would never do that. But you'll hear me would never do that. But you'll hear me would never do that. But you'll hear me butcher a name here shortly, and I'll do butcher a name here shortly, and I'll do butcher a name here shortly, and I'll do it with love, and I'll do it with it with love, and I'll do it with it with love, and I'll do it with excitement, and give you something to excitement, and give you something to excitement, and give you something to laugh. But today we're here to talk laugh. But today we're here to talk laugh. But today we're here to talk about Philippians chapter 1, committed about Philippians chapter 1, committed about Philippians chapter 1, committed to the cause. And what is the cause? Of to the cause. And what is the cause? Of to the cause. And what is the cause? Of course, we're committed to the cause of course, we're committed to the cause of course, we're committed to the cause of Christ. Two quick points,

Christ. Two quick points, Christ. Two quick points, but also two sermons. So, hold your but also two sermons. So, hold your but also two sermons. So, hold your breath, take a deep breath, let it out. breath, take a deep breath, let it out. breath, take a deep breath, let it out. We're going to work through this We're going to work through this We're going to work through this rapidly. But we're going to talk about rapidly. But we're going to talk about rapidly. But we're going to talk about two points. committed to the labor of two points. committed to the labor of two points. committed to the labor of Christ and committed to suffer for Christ and committed to suffer for Christ and committed to suffer for Christ's sake. So committed to labor and Christ's sake. So committed to labor and Christ's sake. So committed to labor and committed to suffer. Now when uh Pastor committed to suffer. Now when uh Pastor committed to suffer. Now when uh Pastor Cross at Central, Pastor Jacob and Como, Cross at Central, Pastor Jacob and Como, Cross at Central, Pastor Jacob and Como, we were all trying to come up with some we were all trying to come up with some we were all trying to come up with some kind of introduction. You know, we've kind of introduction. You know, we've kind of introduction. You know, we've been going through Philippians now for a been going through Philippians now for a been going through Philippians now for a couple weeks and we've talked about Paul couple weeks and we've talked about Paul couple weeks and we've talked about Paul and we know when you're talking about and we know when you're talking about and we know when you're talking about committed to the cause, labor, and committed to the cause, labor, and committed to the cause, labor, and suffering for Christ, Paul's here. suffering for Christ, Paul's here. suffering for Christ, Paul's here. >> Okay? It didn't take me but about eight >> Okay? It didn't take me but about eight >> Okay? It didn't take me but about eight seconds to figure out that I have seconds to figure out that I have seconds to figure out that I have nothing as far as an illustration and an nothing as far as an illustration and an nothing as far as an illustration and an introduction worthy of that. So, the introduction worthy of that. So, the introduction worthy of that. So, the name that I'm going to butcher, name that I'm going to butcher, name that I'm going to butcher, Adam Judson, and I hope Chuck walked Adam Judson, and I hope Chuck walked Adam Judson, and I hope Chuck walked back in. I don't hear him laughing. I back in. I don't hear him laughing. I back in. I don't hear him laughing. I guarantee you that was wrong. But he's guarantee you that was wrong. But he's guarantee you that was wrong. But he's our illustration this morning. And he our illustration this morning. And he our illustration this morning. And he kind of he he fits in with Paul. And you kind of he he fits in with Paul. And you kind of he he fits in with Paul. And you say, "Well, I don't know who that is." I say, "Well, I don't know who that is." I say, "Well, I don't know who that is." I really didn't either till I took really didn't either till I took really didn't either till I took Missiology.

Missiology. Missiology. But he was the first overseas missionary But he was the first overseas missionary But he was the first overseas missionary that was sent out from this country. And that was sent out from this country. And that was sent out from this country. And he was sent out to Burma. To Burma. And he was sent out to Burma. To Burma. And he was sent out to Burma. To Burma. And after 14 years, he and his wife serving after 14 years, he and his wife serving after 14 years, he and his wife serving faithfully in Burma. faithfully in Burma. faithfully in Burma. They took inventory, he did. They took inventory, he did. They took inventory, he did. What did he have? And in the eyes of the What did he have? And in the eyes of the What did he have? And in the eyes of the world physically, world physically, world physically, here's what he had. 14 years of service here's what he had. 14 years of service here's what he had. 14 years of service to the Lord. He had buried his wife. to the Lord. He had buried his wife. to the Lord. He had buried his wife. He had buried all of his children. Died He had buried all of his children. Died He had buried all of his children. Died of illness. every one of them and a of illness. every one of them and a of illness. every one of them and a handful of converts. handful of converts. handful of converts. So like the Apostle Paul, I guarantee So like the Apostle Paul, I guarantee So like the Apostle Paul, I guarantee you I wasn't there of course talking you I wasn't there of course talking you I wasn't there of course talking early 19th century, but I guarantee you early 19th century, but I guarantee you early 19th century, but I guarantee you he longed to be with the Lord after he longed to be with the Lord after he longed to be with the Lord after suffering that loss. suffering that loss. suffering that loss. But just like Paul, he was committed to But just like Paul, he was committed to But just like Paul, he was committed to the cause of Christ. And so he prayed the cause of Christ. And so he prayed the cause of Christ. And so he prayed and he prayed for two things. a two-part and he prayed for two things. a two-part and he prayed for two things. a two-part prayer. Number one, Lord, I pray that prayer. Number one, Lord, I pray that prayer. Number one, Lord, I pray that you would keep me here on this earth.

you would keep me here on this earth. you would keep me here on this earth. You would keep me here in this Burmese You would keep me here in this Burmese You would keep me here in this Burmese village until we finish the translation village until we finish the translation village until we finish the translation of Burmese to English and English to of Burmese to English and English to of Burmese to English and English to Burmese so these people can have a copy Burmese so these people can have a copy Burmese so these people can have a copy of your holy word. But also the second of your holy word. But also the second of your holy word. But also the second part of the prayer was Lord keep me here part of the prayer was Lord keep me here part of the prayer was Lord keep me here long enough long enough long enough until you build a church with a hundred until you build a church with a hundred until you build a church with a hundred converts here in Burma. You know what? converts here in Burma. You know what? converts here in Burma. You know what? We serve a mighty God. We serve a mighty God. We serve a mighty God. >> He answered both of those prayers. The >> He answered both of those prayers. The >> He answered both of those prayers. The work was done. There's actually a Bible work was done. There's actually a Bible work was done. There's actually a Bible now in Burmese language. And there was a now in Burmese language. And there was a now in Burmese language. And there was a church before he passed church before he passed church before he passed with a hundred converts now. with a hundred converts now. with a hundred converts now. Four full decades of service in Burma. I Four full decades of service in Burma. I Four full decades of service in Burma. I think when we're talking about think when we're talking about think when we're talking about commitment, he would fit in that commitment, he would fit in that commitment, he would fit in that category with the Apostle Paul. And category with the Apostle Paul. And category with the Apostle Paul. And Judson said this, notice I'm not going Judson said this, notice I'm not going Judson said this, notice I'm not going to pronounce his first name again in to pronounce his first name again in to pronounce his first name again in case I got it right. Judson said this, case I got it right. Judson said this, case I got it right. Judson said this, "If I had not felt certain that every "If I had not felt certain that every "If I had not felt certain that every trial was ordained by God's infinite trial was ordained by God's infinite trial was ordained by God's infinite love and mercy, I could not have love and mercy, I could not have love and mercy, I could not have survived my accumulated suffering."

survived my accumulated suffering." survived my accumulated suffering." You see, Paul You see, Paul You see, Paul Judson both knew this that spiritual Judson both knew this that spiritual Judson both knew this that spiritual greatness includes a total commitment to greatness includes a total commitment to greatness includes a total commitment to the advancement of the kingdom and the advancement of the kingdom and the advancement of the kingdom and serving Christ with your whole heart. serving Christ with your whole heart. serving Christ with your whole heart. So before we jump into this passage, I So before we jump into this passage, I So before we jump into this passage, I want to ask you a couple questions for want to ask you a couple questions for want to ask you a couple questions for you to think about as we work through you to think about as we work through you to think about as we work through the first half of this message. the first half of this message. the first half of this message. Where is your commitment level today? Where is your commitment level today? Where is your commitment level today? Let me give you this. I've been Let me give you this. I've been Let me give you this. I've been preparing for this message for two weeks preparing for this message for two weeks preparing for this message for two weeks now. It has convicted me first. So, I'm now. It has convicted me first. So, I'm now. It has convicted me first. So, I'm not just throwing commitment or uh not just throwing commitment or uh not just throwing commitment or uh conviction out there. I'm saying I was conviction out there. I'm saying I was conviction out there. I'm saying I was convicted first. Where's your commitment convicted first. Where's your commitment convicted first. Where's your commitment level this morning? Are you totally level this morning? Are you totally level this morning? Are you totally committed to serving the Lord today? committed to serving the Lord today? committed to serving the Lord today? And are you serving Christ with a whole And are you serving Christ with a whole And are you serving Christ with a whole heart? Well, let's jump into starting uh heart? Well, let's jump into starting uh heart? Well, let's jump into starting uh chapter one verse 21. We'll finish chapter one verse 21. We'll finish chapter one verse 21. We'll finish chapter one today, but we're going to go chapter one today, but we're going to go chapter one today, but we're going to go through 26 under this first point of through 26 under this first point of through 26 under this first point of commitment to labor.

commitment to labor. commitment to labor. Verse 21, for to me to live is Christ Verse 21, for to me to live is Christ Verse 21, for to me to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live and to die is gain. But if I am to live and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me. And I do not know which to labor for me. And I do not know which to labor for me. And I do not know which to choose. choose. choose. But I am hardpressed from both But I am hardpressed from both But I am hardpressed from both directions, having the desire to depart directions, having the desire to depart directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very and be with Christ, for that is very and be with Christ, for that is very much better. Yet to remain on in the much better. Yet to remain on in the much better. Yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. flesh is more necessary for your sake. flesh is more necessary for your sake. Convinced of this, I know that I will Convinced of this, I know that I will Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for remain and continue with you all for remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith so your progress and joy in the faith so your progress and joy in the faith so that your proud confidence in me may that your proud confidence in me may that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming abound in Christ Jesus through my coming abound in Christ Jesus through my coming again. Let's go to the Lord in prayer. again. Let's go to the Lord in prayer. again. Let's go to the Lord in prayer. Heavenly Father God, I just pray that Heavenly Father God, I just pray that Heavenly Father God, I just pray that you hide me this morning, Lord. Holy you hide me this morning, Lord. Holy you hide me this morning, Lord. Holy Spirit, speak to your people. Lord, go Spirit, speak to your people. Lord, go Spirit, speak to your people. Lord, go ahead of your word. Convict hearts. draw ahead of your word. Convict hearts. draw ahead of your word. Convict hearts. draw them to you as only you can. And God, I them to you as only you can. And God, I them to you as only you can. And God, I just pray that I would never say just pray that I would never say just pray that I would never say anything that you would not have me to.

anything that you would not have me to. anything that you would not have me to. Lord, we love you and praise you for Lord, we love you and praise you for Lord, we love you and praise you for what you're about to do. We ask this in what you're about to do. We ask this in what you're about to do. We ask this in your holy and precious name. Amen. your holy and precious name. Amen. your holy and precious name. Amen. So, as we jump into this passage, we see So, as we jump into this passage, we see So, as we jump into this passage, we see Paul's predicament. And if you were here Paul's predicament. And if you were here Paul's predicament. And if you were here last week, what a blessing. Dr. Bill last week, what a blessing. Dr. Bill last week, what a blessing. Dr. Bill shared the gospel, shared his testimony, shared the gospel, shared his testimony, shared the gospel, shared his testimony, his calling to ministry as he worked his calling to ministry as he worked his calling to ministry as he worked through the passage and he introduced through the passage and he introduced through the passage and he introduced Paul's dilemma last week. But what was Paul's dilemma last week. But what was Paul's dilemma last week. But what was his dilemma? We see that Paul says this, his dilemma? We see that Paul says this, his dilemma? We see that Paul says this, "And I don't know which to choose. I "And I don't know which to choose. I "And I don't know which to choose. I don't know which to choose." In other don't know which to choose." In other don't know which to choose." In other words, he was not sure of what the words, he was not sure of what the words, he was not sure of what the Lord's will was for his life at that Lord's will was for his life at that Lord's will was for his life at that moment. And where is he at that moment? moment. And where is he at that moment? moment. And where is he at that moment? He is chained to a Roman guard. Roman He is chained to a Roman guard. Roman He is chained to a Roman guard. Roman guards, four-hour shifts, constantly guards, four-hour shifts, constantly guards, four-hour shifts, constantly changed. He's in prison in Philippi. changed. He's in prison in Philippi. changed. He's in prison in Philippi. And he's charged with treason. And what And he's charged with treason. And what And he's charged with treason. And what is the punishment for treason if you're is the punishment for treason if you're is the punishment for treason if you're found guilty?

found guilty? found guilty? Beheaded. Paul doesn't know if this is Beheaded. Paul doesn't know if this is Beheaded. Paul doesn't know if this is his last minute, his last hour, or his his last minute, his last hour, or his his last minute, his last hour, or his last day on earth. And Paul, you know, last day on earth. And Paul, you know, last day on earth. And Paul, you know, he's got to be wore out. He gives his he's got to be wore out. He gives his he's got to be wore out. He gives his dilemma here. Look at verse 23 and 24. dilemma here. Look at verse 23 and 24. dilemma here. Look at verse 23 and 24. Here's the dilemma. But I am hardpressed Here's the dilemma. But I am hardpressed Here's the dilemma. But I am hardpressed from both directions. from both directions. from both directions. Having the desire to depart and be with Having the desire to depart and be with Having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better. Christ, for that is very much better. Christ, for that is very much better. Yet to remain on in the flesh is more Yet to remain on in the flesh is more Yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. So Paul's necessary for your sake. So Paul's necessary for your sake. So Paul's dilemma was dilemma was dilemma was depart and be with Christ forever in depart and be with Christ forever in depart and be with Christ forever in heaven or to stay on the earth and labor heaven or to stay on the earth and labor heaven or to stay on the earth and labor for Christ. And he knew both. This was for Christ. And he knew both. This was for Christ. And he knew both. This was great. And the calling on his life was great. And the calling on his life was great. And the calling on his life was great. He was hardpressed. great. He was hardpressed. great. He was hardpressed. And when you look into what the the And when you look into what the the And when you look into what the the quote hard pressed means, hemmed in on quote hard pressed means, hemmed in on quote hard pressed means, hemmed in on both sides. Picture that you're walking both sides. Picture that you're walking both sides. Picture that you're walking through a rocky gorge, two uh rock stues through a rocky gorge, two uh rock stues through a rocky gorge, two uh rock stues on both sides, and it's scraping your on both sides, and it's scraping your on both sides, and it's scraping your shoulders. Now, if that gives you that shoulders. Now, if that gives you that shoulders. Now, if that gives you that other large word, claustrophobia. I other large word, claustrophobia. I other large word, claustrophobia. I don't know if that's right, but if it don't know if that's right, but if it don't know if that's right, but if it gives you that, I apologize. But gives you that, I apologize. But gives you that, I apologize. But hardpressed. That's how Paul felt. He hardpressed. That's how Paul felt. He hardpressed. That's how Paul felt. He was torn between these two situations.

was torn between these two situations. was torn between these two situations. the first having the desire to depart the first having the desire to depart the first having the desire to depart and be with Christ. and be with Christ. and be with Christ. Now, we have some heavy hearts here Now, we have some heavy hearts here Now, we have some heavy hearts here today who have lost loved ones. today who have lost loved ones. today who have lost loved ones. The testimonies that I've heard, they're The testimonies that I've heard, they're The testimonies that I've heard, they're both believers, both believers, both believers, so we'll get to that. But in respect to so we'll get to that. But in respect to so we'll get to that. But in respect to those who have lost loved ones this week those who have lost loved ones this week those who have lost loved ones this week and those who have lost a loved one this and those who have lost a loved one this and those who have lost a loved one this morning early, morning early, morning early, there's a grieving process. there's a grieving process. there's a grieving process. We're grieving with you. We're grieving with you. We're grieving with you. But just know this, for a believer, our But just know this, for a believer, our But just know this, for a believer, our ultimate hope ultimate hope ultimate hope is to be with the Lord, praising and is to be with the Lord, praising and is to be with the Lord, praising and worshiping him. So Paul tells us he has worshiping him. So Paul tells us he has worshiping him. So Paul tells us he has the desire to go and be with the Lord. the desire to go and be with the Lord. the desire to go and be with the Lord. The Greek word meaning depart is loosed The Greek word meaning depart is loosed The Greek word meaning depart is loosed or untied. Picture a sailboat. Ask me, or untied. Picture a sailboat. Ask me, or untied. Picture a sailboat. Ask me, "Pastor, have you done a lot of "Pastor, have you done a lot of "Pastor, have you done a lot of sailing?" No. But if I did, the first sailing?" No. But if I did, the first sailing?" No. But if I did, the first thing I would need to do before I thing I would need to do before I thing I would need to do before I sailed, untie the boat. That's what sailed, untie the boat. That's what sailed, untie the boat. That's what Paul's saying. Depart, untie, loose, go Paul's saying. Depart, untie, loose, go Paul's saying. Depart, untie, loose, go to heaven, be with my savior. You've got to heaven, be with my savior. You've got to heaven, be with my savior. You've got to untie the boat before you sail.

to untie the boat before you sail. to untie the boat before you sail. More realistic is Paul's being chained More realistic is Paul's being chained More realistic is Paul's being chained to a Roman guard and being freed from to a Roman guard and being freed from to a Roman guard and being freed from your bonds. That's an illustration of your bonds. That's an illustration of your bonds. That's an illustration of depart. depart. depart. There again, heavy hearts. This morning, There again, heavy hearts. This morning, There again, heavy hearts. This morning, Warren Wearsby says this about death for Warren Wearsby says this about death for Warren Wearsby says this about death for a believer. For a believer, death is a believer. For a believer, death is a believer. For a believer, death is simply breaking camp. If you've ever simply breaking camp. If you've ever simply breaking camp. If you've ever been tent camping, you know about been tent camping, you know about been tent camping, you know about breaking camp. Breaking camp on their breaking camp. Breaking camp on their breaking camp. Breaking camp on their earthly home and moving on to their earthly home and moving on to their earthly home and moving on to their eternal home. And I love that eternal home. And I love that eternal home. And I love that illustration there for a believer. So, illustration there for a believer. So, illustration there for a believer. So, how does Paul describe death in verse how does Paul describe death in verse how does Paul describe death in verse 23? He's a believer. He's in prison. And 23? He's a believer. He's in prison. And 23? He's a believer. He's in prison. And he says this in verse 23, "For that is he says this in verse 23, "For that is he says this in verse 23, "For that is very much better." The English Standard very much better." The English Standard very much better." The English Standard Version says, "For that is far better." Version says, "For that is far better." Version says, "For that is far better." Both of them have the word that. And Both of them have the word that. And Both of them have the word that. And that is a direct reference to death.

that is a direct reference to death. that is a direct reference to death. Now, my dad has passed on more than two Now, my dad has passed on more than two Now, my dad has passed on more than two years ago. Couple months, over two years ago. Couple months, over two years ago. Couple months, over two years. I miss him every day. Yesterday years. I miss him every day. Yesterday years. I miss him every day. Yesterday we had a great day. My mom at my we had a great day. My mom at my we had a great day. My mom at my sister's house, he lived long enough to sister's house, he lived long enough to sister's house, he lived long enough to see four great grandchildren born. see four great grandchildren born. see four great grandchildren born. There's another one here now and another There's another one here now and another There's another one here now and another one on the way. So, we decided to one on the way. So, we decided to one on the way. So, we decided to simplify things for mom and all of us simplify things for mom and all of us simplify things for mom and all of us since we live an hour and a half apart. since we live an hour and a half apart. since we live an hour and a half apart. Let's have one birthday party one time Let's have one birthday party one time Let's have one birthday party one time for the year. So, we done that for the year. So, we done that for the year. So, we done that yesterday. It was a great time with yesterday. It was a great time with yesterday. It was a great time with family, but I know family, but I know family, but I know may not have come up, but everybody may not have come up, but everybody may not have come up, but everybody there misses dad. there misses dad. there misses dad. But I guarantee you if he had a choice But I guarantee you if he had a choice But I guarantee you if he had a choice to come back, it would be absolutely to come back, it would be absolutely to come back, it would be absolutely not. He is praising his Lord and Savior. not. He is praising his Lord and Savior. not. He is praising his Lord and Savior. Worshiping him every day. Of course, he Worshiping him every day. Of course, he Worshiping him every day. Of course, he doesn't want to come back. Paul says doesn't want to come back. Paul says doesn't want to come back. Paul says death for a believer is much better.

death for a believer is much better. death for a believer is much better. But I've also known people who have But I've also known people who have But I've also known people who have passed from this earth that are not passed from this earth that are not passed from this earth that are not believers. believers. believers. And here is the sad, sobering truth. And here is the sad, sobering truth. And here is the sad, sobering truth. They're not in a better place. They're They're not in a better place. They're They're not in a better place. They're eternally separated from God in literal eternally separated from God in literal eternally separated from God in literal hell. Torment. hell. Torment. hell. Torment. So Paul is talking about a believer So Paul is talking about a believer So Paul is talking about a believer here, of course. And Paul was under here, of course. And Paul was under here, of course. And Paul was under great pressure. And you say, "Well, how great pressure. And you say, "Well, how great pressure. And you say, "Well, how do you know you wasn't there?" Well, I do you know you wasn't there?" Well, I do you know you wasn't there?" Well, I can tell you this. Paul was a church can tell you this. Paul was a church can tell you this. Paul was a church planter, greatest missionary ever known, planter, greatest missionary ever known, planter, greatest missionary ever known, several church plants by this point. He several church plants by this point. He several church plants by this point. He had pressure on him, right, Pastor had pressure on him, right, Pastor had pressure on him, right, Pastor Blake? Pastor Archie will tell you that Blake? Pastor Archie will tell you that Blake? Pastor Archie will tell you that being the lead pastor and being involved being the lead pastor and being involved being the lead pastor and being involved in a church plant, that's heavy, a lot in a church plant, that's heavy, a lot in a church plant, that's heavy, a lot of burdens. How did Paul view this the of burdens. How did Paul view this the of burdens. How did Paul view this the labor that Christ gave him? He didn't labor that Christ gave him? He didn't labor that Christ gave him? He didn't view it as a burden. He viewed it as a view it as a burden. He viewed it as a view it as a burden. He viewed it as a blessing, a joyful opportunity to serve blessing, a joyful opportunity to serve blessing, a joyful opportunity to serve the Lord faithfully every day the Lord the Lord faithfully every day the Lord the Lord faithfully every day the Lord gave him on the earth. So his second gave him on the earth. So his second gave him on the earth. So his second part of this dilemma, be with Christ, part of this dilemma, be with Christ, part of this dilemma, be with Christ, depart depart depart yet to remain on in the flesh. In other yet to remain on in the flesh. In other yet to remain on in the flesh. In other words, I may die, may live. That was the words, I may die, may live. That was the words, I may die, may live. That was the dilemma.

dilemma. dilemma. But Paul knew. It's almost like Paul But Paul knew. It's almost like Paul But Paul knew. It's almost like Paul talked himself into knowing exactly what talked himself into knowing exactly what talked himself into knowing exactly what the Lord's will is. And you say, "How do the Lord's will is. And you say, "How do the Lord's will is. And you say, "How do I know that?" Well, look at verse 24. I know that?" Well, look at verse 24. I know that?" Well, look at verse 24. Yet to remain on in the flesh is more Yet to remain on in the flesh is more Yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Paul's telling necessary for your sake. Paul's telling necessary for your sake. Paul's telling the church at Philippi, "It's more the church at Philippi, "It's more the church at Philippi, "It's more necessary for your sake." You see, Paul necessary for your sake." You see, Paul necessary for your sake." You see, Paul knew that he was needed at the church at knew that he was needed at the church at knew that he was needed at the church at Philippi. He knew that his ministry Philippi. He knew that his ministry Philippi. He knew that his ministry there wasn't completed. and he knew the there wasn't completed. and he knew the there wasn't completed. and he knew the promise that the Lord would complete the promise that the Lord would complete the promise that the Lord would complete the great work. great work. great work. So you say, "Well, how do you know?" So you say, "Well, how do you know?" So you say, "Well, how do you know?" There again, you wasn't there. How do There again, you wasn't there. How do There again, you wasn't there. How do you know the church needed him? All you you know the church needed him? All you you know the church needed him? All you got to do is go home and read the rest got to do is go home and read the rest got to do is go home and read the rest of the book that we're going to preach of the book that we're going to preach of the book that we're going to preach through over the next couple of months. through over the next couple of months. through over the next couple of months. Probably you'll see the church needed Probably you'll see the church needed Probably you'll see the church needed Paul. So Paul hoped to remain and Paul. So Paul hoped to remain and Paul. So Paul hoped to remain and continue with the Philippians to lead continue with the Philippians to lead continue with the Philippians to lead the congregation. And verse 24 goes on the congregation. And verse 24 goes on the congregation. And verse 24 goes on to say or verse 25, excuse me, towards to say or verse 25, excuse me, towards to say or verse 25, excuse me, towards their progress and their joy in the their progress and their joy in the their progress and their joy in the faith. We see a progression there.

faith. We see a progression there. faith. We see a progression there. First, Paul tells the Philippian First, Paul tells the Philippian First, Paul tells the Philippian believers there to progress, progress in believers there to progress, progress in believers there to progress, progress in their joy and then next progress in your their joy and then next progress in your their joy and then next progress in your faith. In other words, spiritual faith. In other words, spiritual faith. In other words, spiritual maturity. You've got to have joy. You've maturity. You've got to have joy. You've maturity. You've got to have joy. You've got to have joy before you progress or got to have joy before you progress or got to have joy before you progress or make progress spiritual maturity-wise in make progress spiritual maturity-wise in make progress spiritual maturity-wise in the faith. So, what was the purpose of the faith. So, what was the purpose of the faith. So, what was the purpose of this spiritual maturity for the church this spiritual maturity for the church this spiritual maturity for the church at Philippi? Well, verse 26 gives us the at Philippi? Well, verse 26 gives us the at Philippi? Well, verse 26 gives us the answer. So that your proud confidence in answer. So that your proud confidence in answer. So that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my me may abound in Christ Jesus through my me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again. Now, Paul was coming to you again. Now, Paul was coming to you again. Now, Paul was saying here, don't don't misquote this saying here, don't don't misquote this saying here, don't don't misquote this or or mis misread what he's saying, that or or mis misread what he's saying, that or or mis misread what he's saying, that Christ Jesus was working in the Apostle Christ Jesus was working in the Apostle Christ Jesus was working in the Apostle Paul, and that was for the benefit of Paul, and that was for the benefit of Paul, and that was for the benefit of theirs. Paul wasn't putting himself up theirs. Paul wasn't putting himself up theirs. Paul wasn't putting himself up on the pedestal. Paul was just saying on the pedestal. Paul was just saying on the pedestal. Paul was just saying that Christ is working in me so that you that Christ is working in me so that you that Christ is working in me so that you can have proud confidence in Christ. So, can have proud confidence in Christ. So, can have proud confidence in Christ. So, what do we take away from this first what do we take away from this first what do we take away from this first passage of scriptures as a whole? I passage of scriptures as a whole? I passage of scriptures as a whole? I think every message needs to be think every message needs to be think every message needs to be applicable to us, if that's the proper applicable to us, if that's the proper applicable to us, if that's the proper word. How do we apply this to our lives word. How do we apply this to our lives word. How do we apply this to our lives both individually and as we look at the both individually and as we look at the both individually and as we look at the church corporately with all of you here?

church corporately with all of you here? church corporately with all of you here? Well, Pastor Blake done a phenomenal job Well, Pastor Blake done a phenomenal job Well, Pastor Blake done a phenomenal job in the early verses of Philippians in the early verses of Philippians in the early verses of Philippians chapter 1. Absolutely no circumstance, chapter 1. Absolutely no circumstance, chapter 1. Absolutely no circumstance, no matter how severe, should steal our no matter how severe, should steal our no matter how severe, should steal our joy. Paul gave us a great example of joy. Paul gave us a great example of joy. Paul gave us a great example of this. And nothing could dimm his this. And nothing could dimm his this. And nothing could dimm his enthusiasm for his ministry in the enthusiasm for his ministry in the enthusiasm for his ministry in the church. church. church. Just like Paul, we can have ministry in Just like Paul, we can have ministry in Just like Paul, we can have ministry in our labor in the church, in the kingdom. our labor in the church, in the kingdom. our labor in the church, in the kingdom. 1 Corinthians 15:58 says this, and it's 1 Corinthians 15:58 says this, and it's 1 Corinthians 15:58 says this, and it's not up on the screen. We're going to not up on the screen. We're going to not up on the screen. We're going to focus on the last phrase, but I'm going focus on the last phrase, but I'm going focus on the last phrase, but I'm going to read it real quick. Therefore, my to read it real quick. Therefore, my to read it real quick. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, beloved brethren, be steadfast, beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work immovable, always abounding in the work immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil, I of the Lord, knowing that your toil, I of the Lord, knowing that your toil, I cannot say that word, so I'm going to cannot say that word, so I'm going to cannot say that word, so I'm going to say labor work. Knowing that your labor say labor work. Knowing that your labor say labor work. Knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord, it's not in is not in vain in the Lord, it's not in is not in vain in the Lord, it's not in vain. How can you know if your labor, vain. How can you know if your labor, vain. How can you know if your labor, your daily labor, your labor in your daily labor, your labor in your daily labor, your labor in ministry, your serving, how can you know ministry, your serving, how can you know ministry, your serving, how can you know if it's in vain in the Lord's eyes?

if it's in vain in the Lord's eyes? if it's in vain in the Lord's eyes? Well, Well, Well, you could answer that with it depends on you could answer that with it depends on you could answer that with it depends on the focus of the labor of your life. So, the focus of the labor of your life. So, the focus of the labor of your life. So, picture Solomon in the Old Testament. picture Solomon in the Old Testament. picture Solomon in the Old Testament. What do we know about Solomon? The What do we know about Solomon? The What do we know about Solomon? The wisest man that ever lived. wisest man that ever lived. wisest man that ever lived. also probably the richest man that ever also probably the richest man that ever also probably the richest man that ever lived. Wisdom and riches lived. Wisdom and riches lived. Wisdom and riches had it all. The Lord built the temple had it all. The Lord built the temple had it all. The Lord built the temple through Solomon. through Solomon. through Solomon. But did Solomon make wise choices But did Solomon make wise choices But did Solomon make wise choices towards the end? towards the end? towards the end? We know marriage is one man, one woman We know marriage is one man, one woman We know marriage is one man, one woman in a covenant with God for a lifetime. in a covenant with God for a lifetime. in a covenant with God for a lifetime. If you add up the wives and concubines If you add up the wives and concubines If you add up the wives and concubines that Solomon had, it's a thousand. How that Solomon had, it's a thousand. How that Solomon had, it's a thousand. How wise was that? I'll I'll leave it right there. How wise I'll I'll leave it right there. How wise is that? But then riches. He had is that? But then riches. He had is that? But then riches. He had everything at his disposal. But at the everything at his disposal. But at the everything at his disposal. But at the end of Solomon's life or close to it, he end of Solomon's life or close to it, he end of Solomon's life or close to it, he wrote Ecclesiastes chapter 1. We're wrote Ecclesiastes chapter 1. We're wrote Ecclesiastes chapter 1. We're going to read two short verses real going to read two short verses real going to read two short verses real quick. Here's how Solomon summed up all quick. Here's how Solomon summed up all quick. Here's how Solomon summed up all the riches and stuff in the world. Verse the riches and stuff in the world. Verse the riches and stuff in the world. Verse two, vanity of vanities. There's that two, vanity of vanities. There's that two, vanity of vanities. There's that vain word. All is vanity. Verse three, vain word. All is vanity. Verse three, vain word. All is vanity. Verse three, what advantage does a man have in all what advantage does a man have in all what advantage does a man have in all his work which he does under the sun?

his work which he does under the sun? his work which he does under the sun? Under the sun. That's here on this Under the sun. That's here on this Under the sun. That's here on this earth. Now you're saying, "Well, pastor, earth. Now you're saying, "Well, pastor, earth. Now you're saying, "Well, pastor, a few weeks ago you told me I had to a few weeks ago you told me I had to a few weeks ago you told me I had to work, and now you're saying, "Everything work, and now you're saying, "Everything work, and now you're saying, "Everything I do on this earth is in vain." Yes, I do on this earth is in vain." Yes, I do on this earth is in vain." Yes, we're all called to work in vocation. we're all called to work in vocation. we're all called to work in vocation. But we're also called as a believer to But we're also called as a believer to But we're also called as a believer to serve the Lord faithful. Some are called serve the Lord faithful. Some are called serve the Lord faithful. Some are called to lead, to lead, to lead, but all are called to serve. So I'll but all are called to serve. So I'll but all are called to serve. So I'll pose this question. Is our time, is our pose this question. Is our time, is our pose this question. Is our time, is our energy, and is our resources spent on energy, and is our resources spent on energy, and is our resources spent on the things that are under the sun, the the things that are under the sun, the the things that are under the sun, the things of this world? things of this world? things of this world? That's what I want you to think about That's what I want you to think about That's what I want you to think about today as we apply this passage. Are we today as we apply this passage. Are we today as we apply this passage. Are we living a Christ centered life or a self living a Christ centered life or a self living a Christ centered life or a self centered life? And then we get the centered life? And then we get the centered life? And then we get the commitment to labor. We move into the commitment to labor. We move into the commitment to labor. We move into the second passage. We joked about that all second passage. We joked about that all second passage. We joked about that all week. We're preaching two full passages week. We're preaching two full passages week. We're preaching two full passages this week. The second is commitment to this week. The second is commitment to this week. The second is commitment to suffer. Commitment to suffer. Let's blow suffer. Commitment to suffer. Let's blow suffer. Commitment to suffer. Let's blow through these verses 27 through30. Read through these verses 27 through30. Read through these verses 27 through30. Read through them real quickly. Only conduct through them real quickly. Only conduct through them real quickly. Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the yourselves in a manner worthy of the yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. So that whether I come gospel of Christ. So that whether I come gospel of Christ. So that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will and see you or remain absent, I will and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm hear of you that you are standing firm hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit with one mind, striving in one spirit with one mind, striving in one spirit with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel, in together for the faith of the gospel, in together for the faith of the gospel, in no way alarmed by your opponents, which no way alarmed by your opponents, which no way alarmed by your opponents, which is a sign of destruction for them, but

is a sign of destruction for them, but is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too from of salvation for you, and that too from of salvation for you, and that too from God. For to you it has been granted for God. For to you it has been granted for God. For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake not only to believe in him Christ's sake not only to believe in him Christ's sake not only to believe in him but also to suffer for his sake but also to suffer for his sake but also to suffer for his sake experiencing the same conflict which you experiencing the same conflict which you experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me and now here in me. And the saw in me and now here in me. And the saw in me and now here in me. And the three of us as we were prepping this three of us as we were prepping this three of us as we were prepping this week joked well maybe we need to pray week joked well maybe we need to pray week joked well maybe we need to pray twice after we read each one of these twice after we read each one of these twice after we read each one of these passages. But here's what I'll say. Paul passages. But here's what I'll say. Paul passages. But here's what I'll say. Paul is shifting here from his autobiography, is shifting here from his autobiography, is shifting here from his autobiography, who he is in Christ doctrine, the first who he is in Christ doctrine, the first who he is in Christ doctrine, the first 26 verses, and now in verse 27, he 26 verses, and now in verse 27, he 26 verses, and now in verse 27, he shifts his message to the believers shifts his message to the believers shifts his message to the believers there at the church at Philippi. And there at the church at Philippi. And there at the church at Philippi. And Paul loved this church. He appreciated Paul loved this church. He appreciated Paul loved this church. He appreciated this church. Matter of fact, it's this church. Matter of fact, it's this church. Matter of fact, it's probably one of the most mature churches probably one of the most mature churches probably one of the most mature churches in the New Testament. But Paul addresses in the New Testament. But Paul addresses in the New Testament. But Paul addresses some problems moving forward next week, some problems moving forward next week, some problems moving forward next week, he starts with some already this week. he starts with some already this week. he starts with some already this week. But here's what I'll say. The few But here's what I'll say. The few But here's what I'll say. The few problems the church had, Paul knew they problems the church had, Paul knew they problems the church had, Paul knew they were one short step away from becoming were one short step away from becoming were one short step away from becoming massive problems. And Pastor Blake, I massive problems. And Pastor Blake, I massive problems. And Pastor Blake, I put him on the spot at 8. Something he's put him on the spot at 8. Something he's put him on the spot at 8. Something he's told us before that his seminary told us before that his seminary told us before that his seminary professor told him and he said, "I got professor told him and he said, "I got professor told him and he said, "I got it right. So if I got it wrong, I'll it right. So if I got it wrong, I'll it right. So if I got it wrong, I'll repeat it wrong again and he'll laugh repeat it wrong again and he'll laugh repeat it wrong again and he'll laugh and smile. But his seminary professor and smile. But his seminary professor and smile. But his seminary professor told the whole class told the whole class told the whole class feeling good about themselves feeling good about themselves feeling good about themselves preaching.

preaching. preaching. He said, "Every one of you is one step He said, "Every one of you is one step He said, "Every one of you is one step from stupid." Y'all remember him telling from stupid." Y'all remember him telling from stupid." Y'all remember him telling that story? that story? that story? That's so true for all of us. So true That's so true for all of us. So true That's so true for all of us. So true for all of us. And that's what Paul's for all of us. And that's what Paul's for all of us. And that's what Paul's telling the church the rest of the way telling the church the rest of the way telling the church the rest of the way through the book of Philippians. Hey, through the book of Philippians. Hey, through the book of Philippians. Hey, you're a mature church. Things are going you're a mature church. Things are going you're a mature church. Things are going well. We need to address some issues well. We need to address some issues well. We need to address some issues before the train falls off the tracks. before the train falls off the tracks. before the train falls off the tracks. So, that's what we're going to walk So, that's what we're going to walk So, that's what we're going to walk through today. And just know this. You through today. And just know this. You through today. And just know this. You say, "Well, what's that got to do with say, "Well, what's that got to do with say, "Well, what's that got to do with us? We wasn't there 2,000 years ago. us? We wasn't there 2,000 years ago. us? We wasn't there 2,000 years ago. This is a letter to that church at This is a letter to that church at This is a letter to that church at Philippi." Remember, God's word is alive Philippi." Remember, God's word is alive Philippi." Remember, God's word is alive and it's active and it is just as and it's active and it is just as and it's active and it is just as relevant for this church and us today. relevant for this church and us today. relevant for this church and us today. This is God's word's message. So when we This is God's word's message. So when we This is God's word's message. So when we get to a commitment to suffer, we see get to a commitment to suffer, we see get to a commitment to suffer, we see the first introduction of this passage, the first introduction of this passage, the first introduction of this passage, conduct and character counts. Verse 27 conduct and character counts. Verse 27 conduct and character counts. Verse 27 opens up with only conduct yourselves in opens up with only conduct yourselves in opens up with only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Now we see the word only at the first of Now we see the word only at the first of Now we see the word only at the first of the sentence. And in the Greek word, the sentence. And in the Greek word, the sentence. And in the Greek word, you'll see that very few times. But when you'll see that very few times. But when you'll see that very few times. But when you do, just picture this. It's like you do, just picture this. It's like you do, just picture this. It's like starting a sentence with an exclamation starting a sentence with an exclamation starting a sentence with an exclamation point on the front of the sentence, not point on the front of the sentence, not point on the front of the sentence, not the back. The word only. Basically, Paul the back. The word only. Basically, Paul the back. The word only. Basically, Paul is saying, "Listen up. Don't miss this. is saying, "Listen up. Don't miss this. is saying, "Listen up. Don't miss this. You need to get this one thing here." You need to get this one thing here." You need to get this one thing here." And then you see the word conduct or And then you see the word conduct or And then you see the word conduct or conduct. conduct. conduct. Here's what we need to know about Here's what we need to know about Here's what we need to know about Philippi. Very, very short history. They Philippi. Very, very short history. They Philippi. Very, very short history. They were a Roman colony. And Romans believe were a Roman colony. And Romans believe were a Roman colony. And Romans believe the civilization, you must be a good the civilization, you must be a good the civilization, you must be a good citizen. You must conduct yourselves citizen. You must conduct yourselves citizen. You must conduct yourselves according to the laws of the Roman according to the laws of the Roman according to the laws of the Roman civilization. civilization. civilization. Start with paying your taxes. Start with paying your taxes. Start with paying your taxes. Paul is saying this. Yes, you should be Paul is saying this. Yes, you should be Paul is saying this. Yes, you should be a good citizen here in this colony. But a good citizen here in this colony. But a good citizen here in this colony. But Paul was saying, it's way more important Paul was saying, it's way more important Paul was saying, it's way more important that you live every minute of your life that you live every minute of your life that you live every minute of your life as faithful citizens of the kingdom of as faithful citizens of the kingdom of as faithful citizens of the kingdom of Christ according to the word of God. In Christ according to the word of God. In Christ according to the word of God. In other words, you're a believer. You're other words, you're a believer. You're other words, you're a believer. You're called to act like a believer. You're called to act like a believer. You're called to act like a believer. You're called to live like a believer. And we called to live like a believer. And we called to live like a believer. And we see this. What does it look like to have see this. What does it look like to have see this. What does it look like to have a life worthy of the gospel of Christ?

a life worthy of the gospel of Christ? a life worthy of the gospel of Christ? Well, it's to live a life that's Well, it's to live a life that's Well, it's to live a life that's consistent with God's word. every bit of consistent with God's word. every bit of consistent with God's word. every bit of it. Not just the parts that fits our it. Not just the parts that fits our it. Not just the parts that fits our narrative. Every bit of it. You see, to narrative. Every bit of it. You see, to narrative. Every bit of it. You see, to live a life worthy of the gospel Christ live a life worthy of the gospel Christ live a life worthy of the gospel Christ is to profess, to believe, to teach, to is to profess, to believe, to teach, to is to profess, to believe, to teach, to preach, and sometimes defend all the preach, and sometimes defend all the preach, and sometimes defend all the time defend the truths in the word of time defend the truths in the word of time defend the truths in the word of God. In other words, we go back to God. In other words, we go back to God. In other words, we go back to Ephesians 4. Walk worthy is what Paul is Ephesians 4. Walk worthy is what Paul is Ephesians 4. Walk worthy is what Paul is telling the believers here at Philippi. telling the believers here at Philippi. telling the believers here at Philippi. If you want to know what the greatest If you want to know what the greatest If you want to know what the greatest testimony of a church is to a lost and testimony of a church is to a lost and testimony of a church is to a lost and dying world full of unbelievers, it's to dying world full of unbelievers, it's to dying world full of unbelievers, it's to have spiritual integrity. Spiritual have spiritual integrity. Spiritual have spiritual integrity. Spiritual integrity. integrity. integrity. I think so many people are focused I think so many people are focused I think so many people are focused wrongly wrongly wrongly on looking more like the world on looking more like the world on looking more like the world because they don't want to offend because they don't want to offend because they don't want to offend somebody. afraid they'll hurt somebody's somebody. afraid they'll hurt somebody's somebody. afraid they'll hurt somebody's feelings.

feelings. feelings. Let me just say this. God's word is Let me just say this. God's word is Let me just say this. God's word is offensive to unbelievers. offensive to unbelievers. offensive to unbelievers. The gospel is offensive to unbelievers. The gospel is offensive to unbelievers. The gospel is offensive to unbelievers. And you say, "Why would you say that?" And you say, "Why would you say that?" And you say, "Why would you say that?" Because the first 30 years of my life, I Because the first 30 years of my life, I Because the first 30 years of my life, I was an unbeliever. And I'm telling you, was an unbeliever. And I'm telling you, was an unbeliever. And I'm telling you, I was offended that people were calling I was offended that people were calling I was offended that people were calling out my sins, which is exactly what they out my sins, which is exactly what they out my sins, which is exactly what they were. alcohol and all the sins that go were. alcohol and all the sins that go were. alcohol and all the sins that go with it. I didn't like it. I didn't like with it. I didn't like it. I didn't like with it. I didn't like it. I didn't like people calling me out. It wasn't just my people calling me out. It wasn't just my people calling me out. It wasn't just my parents. I grew up in a godly home. They parents. I grew up in a godly home. They parents. I grew up in a godly home. They were broke over what their son was were broke over what their son was were broke over what their son was doing. And it was aunts, it was uncles, doing. And it was aunts, it was uncles, doing. And it was aunts, it was uncles, it was a whole church full of people. It it was a whole church full of people. It it was a whole church full of people. It was a community full of people calling was a community full of people calling was a community full of people calling out my sin for what it was. And you know out my sin for what it was. And you know out my sin for what it was. And you know what? I was offended. I was mad. what? I was offended. I was mad. what? I was offended. I was mad. But guess what? that calling out that But guess what? that calling out that But guess what? that calling out that sin sin sin started becoming conviction. started becoming conviction. started becoming conviction. The Holy Spirit used that to convict me, The Holy Spirit used that to convict me, The Holy Spirit used that to convict me, to draw me, and those prayers were to draw me, and those prayers were to draw me, and those prayers were answered at age 30. It led to my answered at age 30. It led to my answered at age 30. It led to my salvation. And I am so thankful that all salvation. And I am so thankful that all salvation. And I am so thankful that all of those people didn't love me all the of those people didn't love me all the of those people didn't love me all the way to hell. And I don't know of a way to hell. And I don't know of a way to hell. And I don't know of a better way to say it. They cared about better way to say it. They cared about better way to say it. They cared about me and they loved me and they confronted me and they loved me and they confronted me and they loved me and they confronted those sins.

those sins. those sins. When a li when a believer lives their When a li when a believer lives their When a li when a believer lives their lives below the moral standards that is lives below the moral standards that is lives below the moral standards that is in God's word, they compromise their in God's word, they compromise their in God's word, they compromise their character and they compromise their character and they compromise their character and they compromise their purpose of life. And we only have one purpose of life. And we only have one purpose of life. And we only have one purpose purpose as a believer and that's purpose purpose as a believer and that's purpose purpose as a believer and that's to give honor and glory to the Lord. to give honor and glory to the Lord. to give honor and glory to the Lord. It's what we were created to do. So I It's what we were created to do. So I It's what we were created to do. So I think we need to focus our effort and to think we need to focus our effort and to think we need to focus our effort and to stop asking the question so much of can stop asking the question so much of can stop asking the question so much of can we do this as a believer. I think the we do this as a believer. I think the we do this as a believer. I think the much better question is should we do much better question is should we do much better question is should we do this and apply that to every situation this and apply that to every situation this and apply that to every situation when it comes to God's word. when it comes to God's word. when it comes to God's word. So here's here's some questions. What do So here's here's some questions. What do So here's here's some questions. What do unbelievers see when they see you? What unbelievers see when they see you? What unbelievers see when they see you? What comes to their mind? And you think, comes to their mind? And you think, comes to their mind? And you think, "Well, I can't answer that. That's up to "Well, I can't answer that. That's up to "Well, I can't answer that. That's up to them. Okay. Well, just humor me and them. Okay. Well, just humor me and them. Okay. Well, just humor me and think about it a little bit. Do they see think about it a little bit. Do they see think about it a little bit. Do they see someone that looks different than them?

someone that looks different than them? someone that looks different than them? Or do they see someone that says Or do they see someone that says Or do they see someone that says different things but looks a whole lot different things but looks a whole lot different things but looks a whole lot like them in their daily life? like them in their daily life? like them in their daily life? What do unbelievers in our community and What do unbelievers in our community and What do unbelievers in our community and region see when they see our church region see when they see our church region see when they see our church believers together corporately? believers together corporately? believers together corporately? Do they see holiness, purity, Do they see holiness, purity, Do they see holiness, purity, words like virtue, integrity, words like virtue, integrity, words like virtue, integrity, or do they see members that pro profess or do they see members that pro profess or do they see members that pro profess to have faith, but they really don't to have faith, but they really don't to have faith, but they really don't live their lives any different than an live their lives any different than an live their lives any different than an unbeliever does on a daily basis? Do unbeliever does on a daily basis? Do unbeliever does on a daily basis? Do they see people that profess faith they see people that profess faith they see people that profess faith that argue with each other, gossip, that argue with each other, gossip, that argue with each other, gossip, slander each other on social media, slander each other on social media, slander each other on social media, quarrel, fight with each other. You see, quarrel, fight with each other. You see, quarrel, fight with each other. You see, when professing believers when professing believers when professing believers live their lives disobedient to God's live their lives disobedient to God's live their lives disobedient to God's word, word, word, it's no wonder that unbelievers call us it's no wonder that unbelievers call us it's no wonder that unbelievers call us things like hypocrites.

things like hypocrites. things like hypocrites. Because really, that's what we are when Because really, that's what we are when Because really, that's what we are when we live below the standards of God's we live below the standards of God's we live below the standards of God's word. Now, we can't be perfect. We can't word. Now, we can't be perfect. We can't word. Now, we can't be perfect. We can't live above sin. You know that and I know live above sin. You know that and I know live above sin. You know that and I know that. But there's confession and that. But there's confession and that. But there's confession and repentance for sin. So, we see this repentance for sin. So, we see this repentance for sin. So, we see this first phrase, only conduct yourselves in first phrase, only conduct yourselves in first phrase, only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. And we know the gospel of Christ is the And we know the gospel of Christ is the And we know the gospel of Christ is the death, the burial, and the resurrection death, the burial, and the resurrection death, the burial, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ for the payment of our of Jesus Christ for the payment of our of Jesus Christ for the payment of our sins. You see the point here is when we sins. You see the point here is when we sins. You see the point here is when we accept Christ, those who belong to accept Christ, those who belong to accept Christ, those who belong to Christ with genuine saving faith Christ with genuine saving faith Christ with genuine saving faith should demonstrate that gospel should demonstrate that gospel should demonstrate that gospel by the power of living a changed life. by the power of living a changed life. by the power of living a changed life. Then we get into verse 27 a little Then we get into verse 27 a little Then we get into verse 27 a little further. Paul tells us this. So that further. Paul tells us this. So that further. Paul tells us this. So that whether I come and see you or remain whether I come and see you or remain whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are absent, I will hear of you that you are absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit. Now, our standing firm in one spirit. Now, our standing firm in one spirit. Now, our pastor family went on vacation. He pastor family went on vacation. He pastor family went on vacation. He reported to me that they had a great reported to me that they had a great reported to me that they had a great time and a relaxing time. That's time and a relaxing time. That's time and a relaxing time. That's awesome. What Paul's saying here is awesome. What Paul's saying here is awesome. What Paul's saying here is Paul's telling the church at Philippi, Paul's telling the church at Philippi, Paul's telling the church at Philippi, you're not accountable to me. You're you're not accountable to me. You're you're not accountable to me. You're accountable to Christ. So, Pastor Blake, accountable to Christ. So, Pastor Blake, accountable to Christ. So, Pastor Blake, he was gone this week and joining his he was gone this week and joining his he was gone this week and joining his family.

family. family. We were still accountable to Christ. We were still accountable to Christ. We were still accountable to Christ. Every one of us. He's the pastor of this Every one of us. He's the pastor of this Every one of us. He's the pastor of this church. God leads this church through church. God leads this church through church. God leads this church through him and he does an awesome job leading him and he does an awesome job leading him and he does an awesome job leading this church. But we're not accountable this church. But we're not accountable this church. But we're not accountable to Paul, to Paul, to Paul, to Archie, to Blake. We're accountable to Archie, to Blake. We're accountable to Archie, to Blake. We're accountable to Christ. And that's what Paul's to Christ. And that's what Paul's to Christ. And that's what Paul's saying. So the question then becomes, saying. So the question then becomes, saying. So the question then becomes, how do believers stay accountable to how do believers stay accountable to how do believers stay accountable to Christ? Christ? Christ? We're going to work through four verbs We're going to work through four verbs We're going to work through four verbs real quickly in these last few verses. real quickly in these last few verses. real quickly in these last few verses. three of them in verse uh verse 27 three of them in verse uh verse 27 three of them in verse uh verse 27 that's going to lead to one in verse 29 that's going to lead to one in verse 29 that's going to lead to one in verse 29 four verbs four verbs four verbs I will hear of you that you are standing I will hear of you that you are standing I will hear of you that you are standing firm think about this Roman sandals when firm think about this Roman sandals when firm think about this Roman sandals when they had come wart time they had sandals they had come wart time they had sandals they had come wart time they had sandals with cleats that would dig in they could with cleats that would dig in they could with cleats that would dig in they could hold their ground pastor Declan told us hold their ground pastor Declan told us hold their ground pastor Declan told us about in Kennet about in Kennet about in Kennet they throw hands I think it was hey they throw hands I think it was hey they throw hands I think it was hey They're throwing swords here, the They're throwing swords here, the They're throwing swords here, the Romans. They needed to dig in. They Romans. They needed to dig in. They Romans. They needed to dig in. They needed to fight physically. That is a needed to fight physically. That is a needed to fight physically. That is a physical illustration. But what Paul's physical illustration. But what Paul's physical illustration. But what Paul's saying here is a spiritual standing saying here is a spiritual standing saying here is a spiritual standing firm. They needed to hold fast to the firm. They needed to hold fast to the firm. They needed to hold fast to the belief. They needed to hold fast to the belief. They needed to hold fast to the belief. They needed to hold fast to the conviction and never compromise on God's conviction and never compromise on God's conviction and never compromise on God's word and his truth, no matter the word and his truth, no matter the word and his truth, no matter the personal cost. That's what Paul was personal cost. That's what Paul was personal cost. That's what Paul was telling.

telling. telling. And I run across this quote and I can't And I run across this quote and I can't And I run across this quote and I can't remember who. I I couldn't find it. I remember who. I I couldn't find it. I remember who. I I couldn't find it. I spent the last three days searching. I spent the last three days searching. I spent the last three days searching. I don't remember. But anyway, courage is don't remember. But anyway, courage is don't remember. But anyway, courage is not the absence of danger, not the absence of danger, not the absence of danger, but confidence in the midst of danger. but confidence in the midst of danger. but confidence in the midst of danger. That's a powerful quote. Paul was That's a powerful quote. Paul was That's a powerful quote. Paul was telling the believers at Philippi, telling the believers at Philippi, telling the believers at Philippi, "Stand firm in all matters of biblical "Stand firm in all matters of biblical "Stand firm in all matters of biblical truth." Not some. Not just the ones that truth." Not some. Not just the ones that truth." Not some. Not just the ones that are popular. All. All. And Paul was are popular. All. All. And Paul was are popular. All. All. And Paul was telling the believers there that it telling the believers there that it telling the believers there that it would be a positive stand, but there would be a positive stand, but there would be a positive stand, but there would also be a negative stand. You say, would also be a negative stand. You say, would also be a negative stand. You say, "What are you talking about?" Well, he "What are you talking about?" Well, he "What are you talking about?" Well, he was telling them to stand for truth and was telling them to stand for truth and was telling them to stand for truth and stand for righteous righteousness. stand for righteous righteousness. stand for righteous righteousness. That's that's a positive. That's that's a positive. That's that's a positive. But he was also telling them it's going But he was also telling them it's going But he was also telling them it's going to be negative. It's not gonna be a lot to be negative. It's not gonna be a lot to be negative. It's not gonna be a lot of fun, but you've got to stand against of fun, but you've got to stand against of fun, but you've got to stand against sin and things that oppose the gospel. sin and things that oppose the gospel. sin and things that oppose the gospel. So Paul wasn't afraid. If you're going So Paul wasn't afraid. If you're going So Paul wasn't afraid. If you're going to view leadership and study leadership, to view leadership and study leadership, to view leadership and study leadership, to me, it starts with the Apostle Paul.

to me, it starts with the Apostle Paul. to me, it starts with the Apostle Paul. Paul was not afraid of being ridiculed. Paul was not afraid of being ridiculed. Paul was not afraid of being ridiculed. He wasn't afraid of some hardship. He He wasn't afraid of some hardship. He He wasn't afraid of some hardship. He wasn't afraid to suffer. Most of his wasn't afraid to suffer. Most of his wasn't afraid to suffer. Most of his ministry, he spent suffering for the ministry, he spent suffering for the ministry, he spent suffering for the sake of Christ. And Paul in this sake of Christ. And Paul in this sake of Christ. And Paul in this passage, the first one, he wasn't afraid passage, the first one, he wasn't afraid passage, the first one, he wasn't afraid to die. He knew where he would spend to die. He knew where he would spend to die. He knew where he would spend eternity. eternity. eternity. What else we find in Paul leading the What else we find in Paul leading the What else we find in Paul leading the church? He didn't waver and he didn't church? He didn't waver and he didn't church? He didn't waver and he didn't waffle on his convictions. He knew what waffle on his convictions. He knew what waffle on his convictions. He knew what God's word said and that's what he stood God's word said and that's what he stood God's word said and that's what he stood for. for. for. But when it comes to his decisions, he But when it comes to his decisions, he But when it comes to his decisions, he didn't waver and he didn't waffle in didn't waver and he didn't waffle in didn't waver and he didn't waffle in them. He stood firm. Paul was telling them. He stood firm. Paul was telling them. He stood firm. Paul was telling the believers at Philippi, you've got to the believers at Philippi, you've got to the believers at Philippi, you've got to stand firm to continue on in kingdom stand firm to continue on in kingdom stand firm to continue on in kingdom work. work. work. Here's what we need to know. The Here's what we need to know. The Here's what we need to know. The requirements are high for believers. requirements are high for believers. requirements are high for believers. They're high, but they're even higher They're high, but they're even higher They're high, but they're even higher for church leaders. And if you don't for church leaders. And if you don't for church leaders. And if you don't believe that, go to First Timothy and believe that, go to First Timothy and believe that, go to First Timothy and you'll find three places.

you'll find three places. you'll find three places. three places that leaders must live or three places that leaders must live or three places that leaders must live or must be above reproach. We're one step must be above reproach. We're one step must be above reproach. We're one step from stupid as the seminary professor from stupid as the seminary professor from stupid as the seminary professor said. So, we see that stand firm in the said. So, we see that stand firm in the said. So, we see that stand firm in the truth. But then we see a second verb in truth. But then we see a second verb in truth. But then we see a second verb in verse 27, unity. You say, "Well, it's verse 27, unity. You say, "Well, it's verse 27, unity. You say, "Well, it's not in my Bible." Well, it says it like not in my Bible." Well, it says it like not in my Bible." Well, it says it like this. Firm in one spirit with one mind. this. Firm in one spirit with one mind. this. Firm in one spirit with one mind. There's the biblical definition of There's the biblical definition of There's the biblical definition of unity. unity. He's talking here of unity. unity. He's talking here of unity. unity. He's talking here of personal attitudes and perspective. And personal attitudes and perspective. And personal attitudes and perspective. And you say, "Well, I thought he was talking you say, "Well, I thought he was talking you say, "Well, I thought he was talking about the Holy Spirit there." Well, about the Holy Spirit there." Well, about the Holy Spirit there." Well, notice the capital S is not there. It's notice the capital S is not there. It's notice the capital S is not there. It's little S spirit. He's talking about little S spirit. He's talking about little S spirit. He's talking about personal attitudes and perspectives. personal attitudes and perspectives. personal attitudes and perspectives. Someone once said this, church members Someone once said this, church members Someone once said this, church members are teammates, are teammates, are teammates, not competitors. Church members are not competitors. Church members are not competitors. Church members are teammates and not competitors. Unity is teammates and not competitors. Unity is teammates and not competitors. Unity is discussed a lot in Philippians as well discussed a lot in Philippians as well discussed a lot in Philippians as well as all the other epistles.

as all the other epistles. as all the other epistles. And here's a spoiler alert And here's a spoiler alert And here's a spoiler alert in chapter 4. Whoever's preaching that in chapter 4. Whoever's preaching that in chapter 4. Whoever's preaching that passage, passage, passage, how would you like to be like the two how would you like to be like the two how would you like to be like the two ladies in chapter 4 that Paul calls out ladies in chapter 4 that Paul calls out ladies in chapter 4 that Paul calls out by name and in other words saying, by name and in other words saying, by name and in other words saying, "Ladies, get over yourselves. Get along "Ladies, get over yourselves. Get along "Ladies, get over yourselves. Get along with each other and live in harmony of with each other and live in harmony of with each other and live in harmony of the Lord. Their names are forever etched the Lord. Their names are forever etched the Lord. Their names are forever etched because of disunityity. because of disunityity. because of disunityity. You see, Paul calls that out. He knew You see, Paul calls that out. He knew You see, Paul calls that out. He knew that unity was precious in Christ's eyes that unity was precious in Christ's eyes that unity was precious in Christ's eyes and it was precious in his eyes, and it was precious in his eyes, and it was precious in his eyes, valuable. And Paul continually dealt valuable. And Paul continually dealt valuable. And Paul continually dealt with quarrels with quarrels with quarrels that led to divisions between the Jews that led to divisions between the Jews that led to divisions between the Jews and Gentiles. And that battle rages on and Gentiles. And that battle rages on and Gentiles. And that battle rages on today. It's the same thing today. And today. It's the same thing today. And today. It's the same thing today. And I'll say this, the greatest danger to I'll say this, the greatest danger to I'll say this, the greatest danger to the church is not from an explosion from the church is not from an explosion from the church is not from an explosion from the outside. The greatest danger of the the outside. The greatest danger of the the outside. The greatest danger of the church is disunityity that causes an church is disunityity that causes an church is disunityity that causes an implosion from the members inside the implosion from the members inside the implosion from the members inside the church.

church. church. So what's what's the answer to live in So what's what's the answer to live in So what's what's the answer to live in unity? unity? unity? Follow God's word. Follow God's word. Follow God's word. And just like Paul says to the ladies, And just like Paul says to the ladies, And just like Paul says to the ladies, paraphrasing, get over yourself. the two paraphrasing, get over yourself. the two paraphrasing, get over yourself. the two ladies that couldn't live alone. He says ladies that couldn't live alone. He says ladies that couldn't live alone. He says that to all of us today. Die to that to all of us today. Die to that to all of us today. Die to yourself. yourself. yourself. And each of us need more humility. And each of us need more humility. And each of us need more humility. Pastor Chuck will be preaching on Pastor Chuck will be preaching on Pastor Chuck will be preaching on humility next week. But then we see a humility next week. But then we see a humility next week. But then we see a third verb, striving together. Striving third verb, striving together. Striving third verb, striving together. Striving together for the faith of the gospel. together for the faith of the gospel. together for the faith of the gospel. And Paul goes on in verse 28 to say in And Paul goes on in verse 28 to say in And Paul goes on in verse 28 to say in no way be alarmed by your opponents no way be alarmed by your opponents no way be alarmed by your opponents which is a sign of destruction for them which is a sign of destruction for them which is a sign of destruction for them but of salvation for you and that too but of salvation for you and that too but of salvation for you and that too from God. We need to make great effort from God. We need to make great effort from God. We need to make great effort together to achieve the one common goal together to achieve the one common goal together to achieve the one common goal of the church and that's to share the of the church and that's to share the of the church and that's to share the gospel gospel gospel >> build the kingdom. Lord builds it. We >> build the kingdom. Lord builds it. We >> build the kingdom. Lord builds it. We just serve him in doing so. So Paul just serve him in doing so. So Paul just serve him in doing so. So Paul tells the Philippians to sacrifice your tells the Philippians to sacrifice your tells the Philippians to sacrifice your own welfare for the benefit of others.

own welfare for the benefit of others. own welfare for the benefit of others. You know, I remember 35 years ago when I You know, I remember 35 years ago when I You know, I remember 35 years ago when I started coaching, every locker room, started coaching, every locker room, started coaching, every locker room, I think in the United States had this I think in the United States had this I think in the United States had this saying, there's no I in team. There's no saying, there's no I in team. There's no saying, there's no I in team. There's no I in team. I in team. I in team. What a great saying for the church. What a great saying for the church. What a great saying for the church. There's no I in here today. There's There's no I in here today. There's There's no I in here today. There's there's an I and it's called NIL. there's an I and it's called NIL. there's an I and it's called NIL. We'll probably hear of an eight-year-old We'll probably hear of an eight-year-old We'll probably hear of an eight-year-old today signing an NL package for today signing an NL package for today signing an NL package for $500,000. Who knows? But it's all about $500,000. Who knows? But it's all about $500,000. Who knows? But it's all about selling your brand and what you bring to selling your brand and what you bring to selling your brand and what you bring to the table. And man, it hurts. It hurts the table. And man, it hurts. It hurts the table. And man, it hurts. It hurts to watch some of that stuff. But here's to watch some of that stuff. But here's to watch some of that stuff. But here's what I'll say. I think there's people that show up in I think there's people that show up in church today selling their brand instead church today selling their brand instead church today selling their brand instead of serving their Lord. of serving their Lord. of serving their Lord. >> God's not pleased with that. God won't >> God's not pleased with that. God won't >> God's not pleased with that. God won't approve of that. He will not. He cannot.

approve of that. He will not. He cannot. approve of that. He will not. He cannot. Striving together, Striving together, Striving together, striving together for the betterment of striving together for the betterment of striving together for the betterment of the gospel. the gospel. the gospel. You see, the only true unity is founded You see, the only true unity is founded You see, the only true unity is founded in the faith of the gospel. We must in the faith of the gospel. We must in the faith of the gospel. We must strive together. Spiritual discernment strive together. Spiritual discernment strive together. Spiritual discernment is almost a lost art today. Spiritual is almost a lost art today. Spiritual is almost a lost art today. Spiritual discernment. You say, "Why?" I think so discernment. You say, "Why?" I think so discernment. You say, "Why?" I think so many people are almost illiterate when many people are almost illiterate when many people are almost illiterate when it comes to God's word. Why? Because we it comes to God's word. Why? Because we it comes to God's word. Why? Because we spend so much time putting every other spend so much time putting every other spend so much time putting every other thing but God's word in our minds. It's thing but God's word in our minds. It's thing but God's word in our minds. It's why there's no discernment or very why there's no discernment or very why there's no discernment or very little of it today. little of it today. little of it today. Verse 28 tells us not to be alarmed. Verse 28 tells us not to be alarmed. Verse 28 tells us not to be alarmed. Don't be shocked when opposition comes. Don't be shocked when opposition comes. Don't be shocked when opposition comes. Paul says, "Let me tell you something. Paul says, "Let me tell you something. Paul says, "Let me tell you something. If you stand firm and you stand in If you stand firm and you stand in If you stand firm and you stand in unity, unity, unity, opposition's coming. If you strive opposition's coming. If you strive opposition's coming. If you strive together for the word of God, you will together for the word of God, you will together for the word of God, you will be opposed. Don't be alarmed." One be opposed. Don't be alarmed." One be opposed. Don't be alarmed." One commentator used a horse with a rider on commentator used a horse with a rider on commentator used a horse with a rider on it and a snake crawls out and the horse it and a snake crawls out and the horse it and a snake crawls out and the horse throws the rider. Paul is telling them, throws the rider. Paul is telling them, throws the rider. Paul is telling them, don't be alarmed when you get opposed, don't be alarmed when you get opposed, don't be alarmed when you get opposed, when opposition comes. He goes on to when opposition comes. He goes on to when opposition comes. He goes on to say, when opposition from an unbeliever say, when opposition from an unbeliever say, when opposition from an unbeliever comes, comes, comes, that leads to destruction for them. The that leads to destruction for them. The that leads to destruction for them. The passage says that destruction for an passage says that destruction for an passage says that destruction for an unbeliever, it's what we talked about, unbeliever, it's what we talked about, unbeliever, it's what we talked about, eternally separated from God.

eternally separated from God. eternally separated from God. So, basically, there's no gray area. So, basically, there's no gray area. So, basically, there's no gray area. You're either a believer that will spend You're either a believer that will spend You're either a believer that will spend eternity with the Lord or you're an eternity with the Lord or you're an eternity with the Lord or you're an unbeliever that won't. unbeliever that won't. unbeliever that won't. If we do those three things, we will If we do those three things, we will If we do those three things, we will suffer for the sake of Christ. It's suffer for the sake of Christ. It's suffer for the sake of Christ. It's coming. If it's not here right now, coming. If it's not here right now, coming. If it's not here right now, it'll be here tomorrow. We will suffer. it'll be here tomorrow. We will suffer. it'll be here tomorrow. We will suffer. For a believer, we're suffering for For a believer, we're suffering for For a believer, we're suffering for Christ's sake. We're not talking about Christ's sake. We're not talking about Christ's sake. We're not talking about physical ailments. physical ailments. physical ailments. At my age, I wake up hurting every At my age, I wake up hurting every At my age, I wake up hurting every morning. Usually go to bed hurting. morning. Usually go to bed hurting. morning. Usually go to bed hurting. That's not what he's talking about here. That's not what he's talking about here. That's not what he's talking about here. that's just decaying on this earth. He's that's just decaying on this earth. He's that's just decaying on this earth. He's talking about suffering for the sake of talking about suffering for the sake of talking about suffering for the sake of Christ. You know, one commentary said Christ. You know, one commentary said Christ. You know, one commentary said this, "When we're saved, we actually get this, "When we're saved, we actually get this, "When we're saved, we actually get two gifts. Salvation and we get to two gifts. Salvation and we get to two gifts. Salvation and we get to suffer for it. We're going to be suffer for it. We're going to be suffer for it. We're going to be opposed. We're going to be opposed." opposed. We're going to be opposed." opposed. We're going to be opposed." Second Timothy 3:12. You think, "Is that Second Timothy 3:12. You think, "Is that Second Timothy 3:12. You think, "Is that just your opinion?" 2 Timothy 3:12. just your opinion?" 2 Timothy 3:12. just your opinion?" 2 Timothy 3:12. Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. Paul Christ Jesus will be persecuted. Paul Christ Jesus will be persecuted. Paul goes on to say, "It's a privilege." It's goes on to say, "It's a privilege." It's goes on to say, "It's a privilege." It's a privilege. That's just evidence.

a privilege. That's just evidence. a privilege. That's just evidence. That's spiritual fruit. That's evidence That's spiritual fruit. That's evidence That's spiritual fruit. That's evidence of your salvation when you're opposed. of your salvation when you're opposed. of your salvation when you're opposed. Is it fun? No. Paul closes his chapter Is it fun? No. Paul closes his chapter Is it fun? No. Paul closes his chapter verse 30 by telling them, "Hey, I know verse 30 by telling them, "Hey, I know verse 30 by telling them, "Hey, I know I'm sitting in jail. I know what I'm sitting in jail. I know what I'm sitting in jail. I know what suffering for the sake of Christ. All I suffering for the sake of Christ. All I suffering for the sake of Christ. All I done was share the gospel. But you know done was share the gospel. But you know done was share the gospel. But you know what? I'm going to be joyful. what? I'm going to be joyful. what? I'm going to be joyful. So, as we invite the band back up, how So, as we invite the band back up, how So, as we invite the band back up, how do we enclose this out? Well, I'll tell do we enclose this out? Well, I'll tell do we enclose this out? Well, I'll tell you, the conviction starts with me. you, the conviction starts with me. you, the conviction starts with me. And for years, I spent my life And for years, I spent my life And for years, I spent my life serving the water and the sports idols serving the water and the sports idols serving the water and the sports idols of this world. of this world. of this world. And you know about a month ago when I And you know about a month ago when I And you know about a month ago when I preached John Wilcox and I got preached John Wilcox and I got preached John Wilcox and I got permission, didn't I, brother? permission, didn't I, brother? permission, didn't I, brother? He nodded his head yes. I asked him if I He nodded his head yes. I asked him if I He nodded his head yes. I asked him if I could use this man. It was precious. He could use this man. It was precious. He could use this man. It was precious. He come up to me and he said, "Pastor, it come up to me and he said, "Pastor, it come up to me and he said, "Pastor, it sounds like you and I wasted the best sounds like you and I wasted the best sounds like you and I wasted the best years of our lives on ourselves."

years of our lives on ourselves." years of our lives on ourselves." It's so true. But he went on to say, It's so true. But he went on to say, It's so true. But he went on to say, "And now all we have left to give to God "And now all we have left to give to God "And now all we have left to give to God are our leftovers." are our leftovers." are our leftovers." or leftovers what we have left. He's a or leftovers what we have left. He's a or leftovers what we have left. He's a 100% about my life. I'm not going to 100% about my life. I'm not going to 100% about my life. I'm not going to talk about John's. I've heard him talk talk about John's. I've heard him talk talk about John's. I've heard him talk about it. about it. about it. First 30 years of my life, I was lost. First 30 years of my life, I was lost. First 30 years of my life, I was lost. Then I was saved. Then I was saved. Then I was saved. Not a lot of growth the next decade. So Not a lot of growth the next decade. So Not a lot of growth the next decade. So basically, you could say 40 years of my basically, you could say 40 years of my basically, you could say 40 years of my life wasted. life wasted. life wasted. wasted, wasted time, wasted energy, wasted, wasted time, wasted energy, wasted, wasted time, wasted energy, wasted money spent on things of the wasted money spent on things of the wasted money spent on things of the world. And a lot of it instead of magnifying and exalting instead of magnifying and exalting Christ, Christ, Christ, sharing the gospel with others, sharing the gospel with others, sharing the gospel with others, serving and obeying him with a holy life serving and obeying him with a holy life serving and obeying him with a holy life of obedience. That's what I want to do of obedience. That's what I want to do of obedience. That's what I want to do every day I have left. Every leftover every day I have left. Every leftover every day I have left. Every leftover day I have left on this earth. That's day I have left on this earth. That's day I have left on this earth. That's exactly what I want to do. All about exactly what I want to do. All about exactly what I want to do. All about him. Am I going to fail? 100%.

him. Am I going to fail? 100%. him. Am I going to fail? 100%. So, as we close, back to the questions. So, as we close, back to the questions. So, as we close, back to the questions. Are you totally committed to serving the Are you totally committed to serving the Are you totally committed to serving the Lord today? That's what Paul was calling Lord today? That's what Paul was calling Lord today? That's what Paul was calling the church in Philippi to do. Are you the church in Philippi to do. Are you the church in Philippi to do. Are you serving Christ with your whole heart? is serving Christ with your whole heart? is serving Christ with your whole heart? is your time, energy, and resources spent your time, energy, and resources spent your time, energy, and resources spent on things as Solomon says under the sun on things as Solomon says under the sun on things as Solomon says under the sun of this earth, things of the world. of this earth, things of the world. of this earth, things of the world. Then the second half, what do Then the second half, what do Then the second half, what do unbelievers see when they see you as an unbelievers see when they see you as an unbelievers see when they see you as an individual? individual? individual? What do they see when they see me as an What do they see when they see me as an What do they see when they see me as an individual? Do they see someone that's individual? Do they see someone that's individual? Do they see someone that's different? different? different? or do they see someone that just looks a or do they see someone that just looks a or do they see someone that just looks a whole lot like they do? whole lot like they do? whole lot like they do? What do they see when they see our What do they see when they see our What do they see when they see our church? Do they see holiness, purity, integrity, Do they see holiness, purity, integrity, or do they see members professing faith or do they see members professing faith or do they see members professing faith in Christ but live their lives daily in Christ but live their lives daily in Christ but live their lives daily that looks a whole lot like a life of an that looks a whole lot like a life of an that looks a whole lot like a life of an unbeliever?

unbeliever? unbeliever? Hey, I don't know what the Holy Spirit Hey, I don't know what the Holy Spirit Hey, I don't know what the Holy Spirit is leading you, convicting you, drawing is leading you, convicting you, drawing is leading you, convicting you, drawing you to pray about, but I love this worship song that we're but I love this worship song that we're about to sing. Come back to your first about to sing. Come back to your first about to sing. Come back to your first love where nothing else matters more love where nothing else matters more love where nothing else matters more than serving the Lord. than serving the Lord. than serving the Lord. I'm going to pray. There'll be pastors I'm going to pray. There'll be pastors I'm going to pray. There'll be pastors up here, deacons, up here, deacons, up here, deacons, men praying with men, women praying with men praying with men, women praying with men praying with men, women praying with women, women, women, whatever the need is. After the prayer, whatever the need is. After the prayer, whatever the need is. After the prayer, you come. Heavenly Father God, we thank you come. Heavenly Father God, we thank you come. Heavenly Father God, we thank you for your word. God, I just pray, you for your word. God, I just pray, you for your word. God, I just pray, Holy Spirit, do a mighty work with your Holy Spirit, do a mighty work with your Holy Spirit, do a mighty work with your word. word. word. Lord, I just pray that hearts are Lord, I just pray that hearts are Lord, I just pray that hearts are changed from your word. We love you and changed from your word. We love you and changed from your word. We love you and praise you in everything. praise you in everything. praise you in everything. We ask this in your holy and precious We ask this in your holy and precious We ask this in your holy and precious name. Amen.