Everyday Joy - Stand Firm - Jonathan Freeman

Amen. Amen. You guys can have a seat. Amen. Amen. You guys can have a seat. Welcome to the greenhouse, or should I Welcome to the greenhouse, or should I Welcome to the greenhouse, or should I say the splash zone after those say the splash zone after those say the splash zone after those baptisms. Uh we're glad you guys are baptisms. Uh we're glad you guys are baptisms. Uh we're glad you guys are here. Uh so glad to see you here for our here. Uh so glad to see you here for our here. Uh so glad to see you here for our second greenhouse service this morning. second greenhouse service this morning. second greenhouse service this morning. My name is Jonathan. I serve as our My name is Jonathan. I serve as our My name is Jonathan. I serve as our NextGen pastor and our 320 residency NextGen pastor and our 320 residency NextGen pastor and our 320 residency director. It's good to see you guys director. It's good to see you guys director. It's good to see you guys here. I hope summer's treated you guys here. I hope summer's treated you guys here. I hope summer's treated you guys well. Like Cam said, August is always an well. Like Cam said, August is always an well. Like Cam said, August is always an exciting time for us as uh things just exciting time for us as uh things just exciting time for us as uh things just ramp up and go full speed. It's kind of ramp up and go full speed. It's kind of ramp up and go full speed. It's kind of like that treadmill. You just jump on. like that treadmill. You just jump on. like that treadmill. You just jump on. It's already going and you just get on It's already going and you just get on It's already going and you just get on it. And so, thank you uh for those who it. And so, thank you uh for those who it. And so, thank you uh for those who came out yesterday for college movein. came out yesterday for college movein. came out yesterday for college movein. If your neighbor uh is moving around a If your neighbor uh is moving around a If your neighbor uh is moving around a little slow today or a little down on little slow today or a little down on little slow today or a little down on their back or whatever, you know, maybe their back or whatever, you know, maybe their back or whatever, you know, maybe from uh yesterday, it's probably because from uh yesterday, it's probably because from uh yesterday, it's probably because they just climbed some stairs at K's or they just climbed some stairs at K's or they just climbed some stairs at K's or U-Haul or were moving boxes yesterday. U-Haul or were moving boxes yesterday. U-Haul or were moving boxes yesterday. So, guys, thank you so much. I wish I So, guys, thank you so much. I wish I So, guys, thank you so much. I wish I had a picture I could show you right had a picture I could show you right had a picture I could show you right now. I've popped my head in the worship now. I've popped my head in the worship now. I've popped my head in the worship center uh before coming in here. uh center uh before coming in here. uh center uh before coming in here. uh about 150 college students are filled about 150 college students are filled about 150 college students are filled have filled that floor uh down there in have filled that floor uh down there in have filled that floor uh down there in the worship center right now. So guys, the worship center right now. So guys, the worship center right now. So guys, thank you so much for your investment.

thank you so much for your investment. thank you so much for your investment. Yeah, praise God for that. We uh we are Yeah, praise God for that. We uh we are Yeah, praise God for that. We uh we are so blessed to see what God has done and so blessed to see what God has done and so blessed to see what God has done and and all of our ministries, but our and all of our ministries, but our and all of our ministries, but our college ministry has just been it's been college ministry has just been it's been college ministry has just been it's been a really cool thing to see and that a really cool thing to see and that a really cool thing to see and that moving is one of those uh special days. moving is one of those uh special days. moving is one of those uh special days. So, thank you for that. Uh hey, if you So, thank you for that. Uh hey, if you So, thank you for that. Uh hey, if you have your Bibles, if you haven't have your Bibles, if you haven't have your Bibles, if you haven't already, open them to Philippians 4. already, open them to Philippians 4. already, open them to Philippians 4. We're going to check out the first five We're going to check out the first five We're going to check out the first five verses today. And the title of today's verses today. And the title of today's verses today. And the title of today's message is this. Stand firm. Stand firm. message is this. Stand firm. Stand firm. message is this. Stand firm. Stand firm. And we're going to see that throughout And we're going to see that throughout And we're going to see that throughout these five verses. But before we do these five verses. But before we do these five verses. But before we do that, I want to share with you a quick that, I want to share with you a quick that, I want to share with you a quick story um that happened to me a couple of story um that happened to me a couple of story um that happened to me a couple of months ago. Uh about two months ago, I months ago. Uh about two months ago, I months ago. Uh about two months ago, I decided that I was going to set off for decided that I was going to set off for decided that I was going to set off for a 2 and 1 half day silence and solitude a 2 and 1 half day silence and solitude a 2 and 1 half day silence and solitude retreat. And uh I'd done a day before, retreat. And uh I'd done a day before, retreat. And uh I'd done a day before, but I've never had done more than a day. but I've never had done more than a day. but I've never had done more than a day. And so I set off for a two and a half And so I set off for a two and a half And so I set off for a two and a half day silence and solitude retreat. We day silence and solitude retreat. We day silence and solitude retreat. We were just coming off our NextGen staff were just coming off our NextGen staff were just coming off our NextGen staff retreat the days before. That was a good retreat the days before. That was a good retreat the days before. That was a good time as we did some personal reflection time as we did some personal reflection time as we did some personal reflection uh ministry planning and evaluation and uh ministry planning and evaluation and uh ministry planning and evaluation and it was just a really good time. But now it was just a really good time. But now it was just a really good time. But now it was time for me to get away and just it was time for me to get away and just it was time for me to get away and just get with God. And so I set off uh no get with God. And so I set off uh no get with God. And so I set off uh no laptop, no iPad, had my phone turned on laptop, no iPad, had my phone turned on laptop, no iPad, had my phone turned on do not disturb. Only Sarah Freeman could do not disturb. Only Sarah Freeman could do not disturb. Only Sarah Freeman could come through and that was it. So if you come through and that was it. So if you come through and that was it. So if you try to call me that day, that was why.

try to call me that day, that was why. try to call me that day, that was why. All right. And so got away from All right. And so got away from All right. And so got away from everything and uh just really got alone everything and uh just really got alone everything and uh just really got alone with God. And uh to be honest with you, with God. And uh to be honest with you, with God. And uh to be honest with you, uh I was tired uh physically. I was uh I was tired uh physically. I was uh I was tired uh physically. I was spiritually tired. I just needed to be spiritually tired. I just needed to be spiritually tired. I just needed to be with God. My faith was was weak in the with God. My faith was was weak in the with God. My faith was was weak in the moment. Uh I was I I was I was moving moment. Uh I was I I was I was moving moment. Uh I was I I was I was moving forward and trembling and it was just it forward and trembling and it was just it forward and trembling and it was just it was just a difficult time. And so I I I was just a difficult time. And so I I I was just a difficult time. And so I I I wanted to get away. And so I I set off wanted to get away. And so I I set off wanted to get away. And so I I set off and and I'm in the word. And one of the and and I'm in the word. And one of the and and I'm in the word. And one of the things that I did uh at the Silence and things that I did uh at the Silence and things that I did uh at the Silence and Solitude retreat was I prayed through Solitude retreat was I prayed through Solitude retreat was I prayed through the Psalms. Uh if you pray through the the Psalms. Uh if you pray through the the Psalms. Uh if you pray through the Psalms, uh you take the day of the week. Psalms, uh you take the day of the week. Psalms, uh you take the day of the week. So today is uh the 16th, I believe. So today is uh the 16th, I believe. So today is uh the 16th, I believe. What's the day? Is it the 16th? Yeah. What's the day? Is it the 16th? Yeah. What's the day? Is it the 16th? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Today's the 16th. I was Yeah. Yeah. Today's the 16th. I was Yeah. Yeah. Today's the 16th. I was like, I can't remember what day it is. like, I can't remember what day it is. like, I can't remember what day it is. Uh today's the 16th. So you can pray the Uh today's the 16th. So you can pray the Uh today's the 16th. So you can pray the uh 16th Psalm and add 30 to it. So 46, uh 16th Psalm and add 30 to it. So 46, uh 16th Psalm and add 30 to it. So 46, 76, and so on. If you do that all five 76, and so on. If you do that all five 76, and so on. If you do that all five days uh or all for all five psalms every days uh or all for all five psalms every days uh or all for all five psalms every day, you'll pray through the entire day, you'll pray through the entire day, you'll pray through the entire Psalms in a month. And so on this day Psalms in a month. And so on this day Psalms in a month. And so on this day particular day, it was the 25th. And so particular day, it was the 25th. And so particular day, it was the 25th. And so I was praying through Psalm 25 and Psalm I was praying through Psalm 25 and Psalm I was praying through Psalm 25 and Psalm 55. And I was reading Psalm 55. And I 55. And I was reading Psalm 55. And I 55. And I was reading Psalm 55. And I remember I was I was reading it and remember I was I was reading it and remember I was I was reading it and praying through it. And I and and I saw praying through it. And I and and I saw praying through it. And I and and I saw a few verses that really uh were a few verses that really uh were a few verses that really uh were important for me when I was 23 or 24 important for me when I was 23 or 24 important for me when I was 23 or 24 years old, first few years out of years old, first few years out of years old, first few years out of college. And so it initially caught my college. And so it initially caught my college. And so it initially caught my attention, kind of sparked my attention.

attention, kind of sparked my attention. attention, kind of sparked my attention. And I kept reading. And as I'm reading And I kept reading. And as I'm reading And I kept reading. And as I'm reading in, the Lord's kind of already drawn me in, the Lord's kind of already drawn me in, the Lord's kind of already drawn me in because I'm remembering what I'm in because I'm remembering what I'm in because I'm remembering what I'm feeling now was a lot of what I felt feeling now was a lot of what I felt feeling now was a lot of what I felt back then. And I was I was intrigued and back then. And I was I was intrigued and back then. And I was I was intrigued and to see what it what what he was trying to see what it what what he was trying to see what it what what he was trying to show me. And I get to Psalm 55:22. to show me. And I get to Psalm 55:22. to show me. And I get to Psalm 55:22. And here is what Psalm 55:22 says. It And here is what Psalm 55:22 says. It And here is what Psalm 55:22 says. It says, "Cast your burden on the Lord and says, "Cast your burden on the Lord and says, "Cast your burden on the Lord and he will sustain you. He will never he will sustain you. He will never he will sustain you. He will never permit the righteous to be moved." You permit the righteous to be moved." You permit the righteous to be moved." You know those moments where you're reading know those moments where you're reading know those moments where you're reading God's word and he just speaks to you God's word and he just speaks to you God's word and he just speaks to you like he just hits you? Like have you had like he just hits you? Like have you had like he just hits you? Like have you had those encounters? None of y'all are those encounters? None of y'all are those encounters? None of y'all are shaking your head. Yes. I hope we're shaking your head. Yes. I hope we're shaking your head. Yes. I hope we're reading our Bibles, people. Right. Yeah. reading our Bibles, people. Right. Yeah. reading our Bibles, people. Right. Yeah. Right. You know those moments like Right. You know those moments like Right. You know those moments like you're just in God's word and it just you're just in God's word and it just you're just in God's word and it just hits you. It was one of those moments. hits you. It was one of those moments. hits you. It was one of those moments. And when I read that, I remember even And when I read that, I remember even And when I read that, I remember even saying something out loud like, "Oh, saying something out loud like, "Oh, saying something out loud like, "Oh, that's good." Right? That that's good that's good." Right? That that's good that's good." Right? That that's good stuff right there. And so I prayed and I stuff right there. And so I prayed and I stuff right there. And so I prayed and I cast those burdens on the Lord. In fact, cast those burdens on the Lord. In fact, cast those burdens on the Lord. In fact, it's the same language as 1 Peter 5:7 to it's the same language as 1 Peter 5:7 to it's the same language as 1 Peter 5:7 to cast your anxieties on him for he cares cast your anxieties on him for he cares cast your anxieties on him for he cares for you. And so I'm casting these for you. And so I'm casting these for you. And so I'm casting these burdens on the Lord. And the next day I burdens on the Lord. And the next day I burdens on the Lord. And the next day I go through and to be honest with you, I go through and to be honest with you, I go through and to be honest with you, I feel like I'm still fighting with God.

feel like I'm still fighting with God. feel like I'm still fighting with God. Like I feel like I'm still wrestling Like I feel like I'm still wrestling Like I feel like I'm still wrestling with the Lord. Like Lord, I want you to with the Lord. Like Lord, I want you to with the Lord. Like Lord, I want you to speak to me. Like Lord, I want you to speak to me. Like Lord, I want you to speak to me. Like Lord, I want you to break these walls down of fear or I want break these walls down of fear or I want break these walls down of fear or I want you to fill my heart with faith. I I you to fill my heart with faith. I I you to fill my heart with faith. I I want you to speak to me. And I get want you to speak to me. And I get want you to speak to me. And I get through my quiet time in First John. I through my quiet time in First John. I through my quiet time in First John. I say amen after an extended prayer of say amen after an extended prayer of say amen after an extended prayer of time. And when I get done, words, time. And when I get done, words, time. And when I get done, words, "Amen." The word amen comes out of my "Amen." The word amen comes out of my "Amen." The word amen comes out of my mouth. My eyes lift and I look up above mouth. My eyes lift and I look up above mouth. My eyes lift and I look up above the coffee pot on a chalkboard is the coffee pot on a chalkboard is the coffee pot on a chalkboard is written one verse. You want to guess written one verse. You want to guess written one verse. You want to guess what was written there on that what was written there on that what was written there on that chalkboard? Psalm 55:22. chalkboard? Psalm 55:22. chalkboard? Psalm 55:22. Of all the verses that could have been Of all the verses that could have been Of all the verses that could have been on that chalkboard in that moment, Psalm on that chalkboard in that moment, Psalm on that chalkboard in that moment, Psalm 55:22 was on that board. And that was a 55:22 was on that board. And that was a 55:22 was on that board. And that was a moment for me that I won't forget, but moment for me that I won't forget, but moment for me that I won't forget, but it was a moment for me where I I kind of it was a moment for me where I I kind of it was a moment for me where I I kind of had a I had an emotional moment where I had a I had an emotional moment where I had a I had an emotional moment where I I just got real with the Lord and I was I just got real with the Lord and I was I just got real with the Lord and I was like, "All right, Lord. I heard him say, like, "All right, Lord. I heard him say, like, "All right, Lord. I heard him say, "I hear you and I see you." And it was "I hear you and I see you." And it was "I hear you and I see you." And it was good because like I said, heading into good because like I said, heading into good because like I said, heading into that weekend, my faith was weak, but that weekend, my faith was weak, but that weekend, my faith was weak, but coming out of that weekend, my faith was coming out of that weekend, my faith was coming out of that weekend, my faith was strong. It was secure because God had strong. It was secure because God had strong. It was secure because God had met me. [snorts] met me. [snorts] met me. [snorts] Today, some of us may come in today Today, some of us may come in today Today, some of us may come in today feeling discouraged, worn down, beat up feeling discouraged, worn down, beat up feeling discouraged, worn down, beat up by life, beat up by the things that come by life, beat up by the things that come by life, beat up by the things that come with life, whether it's parenting or with life, whether it's parenting or with life, whether it's parenting or jobs or or or or just issues between you jobs or or or or just issues between you jobs or or or or just issues between you and a and a friend or a family member.

and a and a friend or a family member. and a and a friend or a family member. You feel discouraged, run down, You feel discouraged, run down, You feel discouraged, run down, depleted. If if you're a phone battery, depleted. If if you're a phone battery, depleted. If if you're a phone battery, you just feel like you're waking up you just feel like you're waking up you just feel like you're waking up every day and you can't get to 100%. You every day and you can't get to 100%. You every day and you can't get to 100%. You start every day at like 72%. And you're start every day at like 72%. And you're start every day at like 72%. And you're just dwindling down. But what if I told just dwindling down. But what if I told just dwindling down. But what if I told you that it didn't have to be that way? you that it didn't have to be that way? you that it didn't have to be that way? What if I told you that God wanted you What if I told you that God wanted you What if I told you that God wanted you to have a faith that is firmly fixed, to have a faith that is firmly fixed, to have a faith that is firmly fixed, that allows you to stand firm in him? that allows you to stand firm in him? that allows you to stand firm in him? The good news of Philippians 4 is that The good news of Philippians 4 is that The good news of Philippians 4 is that Paul shows us what a firm faith life Paul shows us what a firm faith life Paul shows us what a firm faith life looks like. looks like. looks like. Paul shows us in Philippians 4 what firm Paul shows us in Philippians 4 what firm Paul shows us in Philippians 4 what firm faith how where its source comes from faith how where its source comes from faith how where its source comes from and then what the outcome of a firm and then what the outcome of a firm and then what the outcome of a firm faith life looks like. The Christian faith life looks like. The Christian faith life looks like. The Christian life is tough and what you and I need is life is tough and what you and I need is life is tough and what you and I need is a firm foundation. We need a faith a firm foundation. We need a faith a firm foundation. We need a faith that's fixed firmly on that firm that's fixed firmly on that firm that's fixed firmly on that firm foundation. And so here's today's main foundation. And so here's today's main foundation. And so here's today's main point, the sermon in a sentence. If I point, the sermon in a sentence. If I point, the sermon in a sentence. If I can capture these five verses in just can capture these five verses in just can capture these five verses in just one simple statement, here's what it is.

one simple statement, here's what it is. one simple statement, here's what it is. Standing firm is the result of a faith Standing firm is the result of a faith Standing firm is the result of a faith firmly fixed in the Lord. firmly fixed in the Lord. firmly fixed in the Lord. Standing firm is the result of a faith Standing firm is the result of a faith Standing firm is the result of a faith firmly fixed in the Lord. You and I can firmly fixed in the Lord. You and I can firmly fixed in the Lord. You and I can only stand firm in this life when our only stand firm in this life when our only stand firm in this life when our faith is firmly fixed in Jesus Christ. faith is firmly fixed in Jesus Christ. faith is firmly fixed in Jesus Christ. That is how we stand firm is when our That is how we stand firm is when our That is how we stand firm is when our faith is fixed in Jesus. And we're going faith is fixed in Jesus. And we're going faith is fixed in Jesus. And we're going to explore what that looks like, how to explore what that looks like, how to explore what that looks like, how that can happen in verse one. And then that can happen in verse one. And then that can happen in verse one. And then we're going to see the results of a we're going to see the results of a we're going to see the results of a faith that's fixed in Jesus Christ and faith that's fixed in Jesus Christ and faith that's fixed in Jesus Christ and how that works itself out. Before I read how that works itself out. Before I read how that works itself out. Before I read this passage and pray, let me just this passage and pray, let me just this passage and pray, let me just remind us that Paul writes this epistle. remind us that Paul writes this epistle. remind us that Paul writes this epistle. It's one of his prison epistles where he It's one of his prison epistles where he It's one of his prison epistles where he writes with Philippians, uh, Ephesians, writes with Philippians, uh, Ephesians, writes with Philippians, uh, Ephesians, Colossians, and Fleiman. He's writing Colossians, and Fleiman. He's writing Colossians, and Fleiman. He's writing this around 62 AD under house arrest this around 62 AD under house arrest this around 62 AD under house arrest most likely. So he's under house arrest. most likely. So he's under house arrest. most likely. So he's under house arrest. But unlike his other letters like to to But unlike his other letters like to to But unlike his other letters like to to the the Corinthian church or the the the Corinthian church or the the the Corinthian church or the Galatian church, this is not one of Galatian church, this is not one of Galatian church, this is not one of those letters filled with rebukes. This those letters filled with rebukes. This those letters filled with rebukes. This is an encouraging letter. This is a is an encouraging letter. This is a is an encouraging letter. This is a letter, a a missionary thank you letter, letter, a a missionary thank you letter, letter, a a missionary thank you letter, a an encouragement letter that Paul is a an encouragement letter that Paul is a an encouragement letter that Paul is writing to his people as a thank you. He writing to his people as a thank you. He writing to his people as a thank you. He loved the Philippian church. They loved the Philippian church. They loved the Philippian church. They supported him financially. They supported him financially. They supported him financially. They supported him in many ways. And so supported him in many ways. And so supported him in many ways. And so Paul's writing this thank you letter to Paul's writing this thank you letter to Paul's writing this thank you letter to the church. And in Philippians 4, we the church. And in Philippians 4, we the church. And in Philippians 4, we begin to close out this letter. Let me begin to close out this letter. Let me begin to close out this letter. Let me read it for us if you will. Let's stand

read it for us if you will. Let's stand read it for us if you will. Let's stand and read God's word together, starting and read God's word together, starting and read God's word together, starting in verse one. Philippians 4. This is the in verse one. Philippians 4. This is the in verse one. Philippians 4. This is the word of the Lord. Therefore, my beloved word of the Lord. Therefore, my beloved word of the Lord. Therefore, my beloved brethren, whom I long to see, my joy in brethren, whom I long to see, my joy in brethren, whom I long to see, my joy in my crown, in this way, stand firm in the my crown, in this way, stand firm in the my crown, in this way, stand firm in the Lord. My beloved, I urge you, Yodia, and Lord. My beloved, I urge you, Yodia, and Lord. My beloved, I urge you, Yodia, and I urge Cinti to live in harmony in the I urge Cinti to live in harmony in the I urge Cinti to live in harmony in the Lord. Indeed, true companion, I ask also Lord. Indeed, true companion, I ask also Lord. Indeed, true companion, I ask also to help these women who have shared my to help these women who have shared my to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel struggle in the cause of the gospel struggle in the cause of the gospel together with Clement also in the rest together with Clement also in the rest together with Clement also in the rest of my fellow workers whose names are in of my fellow workers whose names are in of my fellow workers whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice. Let always. Again, I will say, rejoice. Let always. Again, I will say, rejoice. Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. your gentle spirit be known to all men. your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. This is the word of The Lord is near. This is the word of The Lord is near. This is the word of the Lord. Let's pray. the Lord. Let's pray. the Lord. Let's pray. God, we cling to that promise, the last God, we cling to that promise, the last God, we cling to that promise, the last thing we just read, that the Lord is thing we just read, that the Lord is thing we just read, that the Lord is near. Jesus Christ, thank you for being near. Jesus Christ, thank you for being near. Jesus Christ, thank you for being near. Holy Spirit, thank you for being near. Holy Spirit, thank you for being near. Holy Spirit, thank you for being in the room right now. now and the Holy in the room right now. now and the Holy in the room right now. now and the Holy Spirit, we ask that you would illuminate Spirit, we ask that you would illuminate Spirit, we ask that you would illuminate this word to us, divide it among the this word to us, divide it among the this word to us, divide it among the hearts of all the people here, Lord, so hearts of all the people here, Lord, so hearts of all the people here, Lord, so that we apply it to our lives and look that we apply it to our lives and look that we apply it to our lives and look more like Christ as a result. Lord, I more like Christ as a result. Lord, I more like Christ as a result. Lord, I pray that you would save sinners today.

pray that you would save sinners today. pray that you would save sinners today. I pray you would sanctify the saints and I pray you would sanctify the saints and I pray you would sanctify the saints and build up the church for the purpose of build up the church for the purpose of build up the church for the purpose of the gospel being advanced. And we pray the gospel being advanced. And we pray the gospel being advanced. And we pray all these things in the name of Jesus all these things in the name of Jesus all these things in the name of Jesus Christ. And all of God's people said, Christ. And all of God's people said, Christ. And all of God's people said, "Amen." Amen. You may have a seat. So, "Amen." Amen. You may have a seat. So, "Amen." Amen. You may have a seat. So, let's talk about what it means to stand let's talk about what it means to stand let's talk about what it means to stand firm. The first point we're going to firm. The first point we're going to firm. The first point we're going to look at today, two points to support look at today, two points to support look at today, two points to support that overall truth that we just talked that overall truth that we just talked that overall truth that we just talked about. Number one is that we are called about. Number one is that we are called about. Number one is that we are called to stand firm in the Lord. And just to stand firm in the Lord. And just to stand firm in the Lord. And just verse one, we see this stand firm in the verse one, we see this stand firm in the verse one, we see this stand firm in the Lord. Paul lays uh opens this section of Lord. Paul lays uh opens this section of Lord. Paul lays uh opens this section of the letter to the Philippian church the letter to the Philippian church the letter to the Philippian church using five terms to show his expression, using five terms to show his expression, using five terms to show his expression, his love for the Philippian church. As I his love for the Philippian church. As I his love for the Philippian church. As I already said, this was a encouragement already said, this was a encouragement already said, this was a encouragement letter. He loved the Philippian church. letter. He loved the Philippian church. letter. He loved the Philippian church. He uses these words, "Beloved, brethren, He uses these words, "Beloved, brethren, He uses these words, "Beloved, brethren, my joy, my crown." And then he restates, my joy, my crown." And then he restates, my joy, my crown." And then he restates, "My beloved again." He's like, "Just in "My beloved again." He's like, "Just in "My beloved again." He's like, "Just in case you think I don't love you, I'm case you think I don't love you, I'm case you think I don't love you, I'm going to call you my beloved again." going to call you my beloved again." going to call you my beloved again." Right? Paul is reminding the Philippian Right? Paul is reminding the Philippian Right? Paul is reminding the Philippian church of his love for them. He had a church of his love for them. He had a church of his love for them. He had a deep and affectionate relationship with deep and affectionate relationship with deep and affectionate relationship with the Philippian church. He longed to see the Philippian church. He longed to see the Philippian church. He longed to see them. He had sent Epaphroditis before.

them. He had sent Epaphroditis before. them. He had sent Epaphroditis before. He wanted to see Timothy in the future, He wanted to see Timothy in the future, He wanted to see Timothy in the future, but Paul wanted to be able to go himself but Paul wanted to be able to go himself but Paul wanted to be able to go himself one day to see the Philippian church one day to see the Philippian church one day to see the Philippian church again. He loved this church. And church, again. He loved this church. And church, again. He loved this church. And church, that's a beautiful outworking of the that's a beautiful outworking of the that's a beautiful outworking of the gospel in our lives, isn't it? That when gospel in our lives, isn't it? That when gospel in our lives, isn't it? That when we love God, a natural love for others we love God, a natural love for others we love God, a natural love for others is then produced in us. And Paul sets is then produced in us. And Paul sets is then produced in us. And Paul sets for us an example of the gospel in us for us an example of the gospel in us for us an example of the gospel in us and then the gospel through us here by and then the gospel through us here by and then the gospel through us here by showing us the love that we have for showing us the love that we have for showing us the love that we have for others. And this love that he has for others. And this love that he has for others. And this love that he has for the Philippian church, it's important the Philippian church, it's important the Philippian church, it's important for many reasons, but it's really about for many reasons, but it's really about for many reasons, but it's really about to be important for what we're going to to be important for what we're going to to be important for what we're going to look at in verses two and three. So look at in verses two and three. So look at in verses two and three. So [snorts] everything he says is rooted in [snorts] everything he says is rooted in [snorts] everything he says is rooted in his love for them. You know, it's easier his love for them. You know, it's easier his love for them. You know, it's easier to say the difficult things to people to say the difficult things to people to say the difficult things to people when you love them. And it's easier to when you love them. And it's easier to when you love them. And it's easier to receive the difficult things said to you receive the difficult things said to you receive the difficult things said to you when you know they love you, right? Love when you know they love you, right? Love when you know they love you, right? Love does something special and important. does something special and important. does something special and important. And so a couple of things that Paul is And so a couple of things that Paul is And so a couple of things that Paul is doing right here in this first verse. doing right here in this first verse. doing right here in this first verse. Paul calls them to perseverance and then Paul calls them to perseverance and then Paul calls them to perseverance and then he looks at the source of power. But he looks at the source of power. But he looks at the source of power. But let's look at that first part that Paul let's look at that first part that Paul let's look at that first part that Paul calls them to perseverance. He says, calls them to perseverance. He says, calls them to perseverance. He says, "Stand firm like a runner running a "Stand firm like a runner running a "Stand firm like a runner running a marathon. Keep running. Don't quit marathon. Keep running. Don't quit marathon. Keep running. Don't quit running. Keep running the race that is running. Keep running the race that is running. Keep running the race that is set before you. Stand firm in this." As set before you. Stand firm in this." As set before you. Stand firm in this." As we just saw last week with Dr. Huff here we just saw last week with Dr. Huff here we just saw last week with Dr. Huff here in the greenhouse, Pastor Archie out in in the greenhouse, Pastor Archie out in in the greenhouse, Pastor Archie out in the worship center, we saw that our the worship center, we saw that our the worship center, we saw that our citizenship is in heaven. And the end of citizenship is in heaven. And the end of citizenship is in heaven. And the end of Philippians 3, if you look at your Philippians 3, if you look at your Philippians 3, if you look at your Bibles, you see in verse 20, it says

Bibles, you see in verse 20, it says Bibles, you see in verse 20, it says that our citizenship is in heaven. And that our citizenship is in heaven. And that our citizenship is in heaven. And so, it makes perfect sense for Paul to so, it makes perfect sense for Paul to so, it makes perfect sense for Paul to say, "Now, in light of our heavenly say, "Now, in light of our heavenly say, "Now, in light of our heavenly citizenship, let's live differently on citizenship, let's live differently on citizenship, let's live differently on this earth. Because our citizenship is this earth. Because our citizenship is this earth. Because our citizenship is in heaven, we can stand firm in the in heaven, we can stand firm in the in heaven, we can stand firm in the Lord. Because our citizenship is in Lord. Because our citizenship is in Lord. Because our citizenship is in heaven, we can have unity in the body of heaven, we can have unity in the body of heaven, we can have unity in the body of Christ. Because our citizenship is in Christ. Because our citizenship is in Christ. Because our citizenship is in heaven, we can rejoice always. Because heaven, we can rejoice always. Because heaven, we can rejoice always. Because our citizenship is in heaven, we can our citizenship is in heaven, we can our citizenship is in heaven, we can have a gentle spirit. Everything that have a gentle spirit. Everything that have a gentle spirit. Everything that Paul is about to say is rooted in this Paul is about to say is rooted in this Paul is about to say is rooted in this theological grounding that we see right theological grounding that we see right theological grounding that we see right here of standing firm in the Lord. He here of standing firm in the Lord. He here of standing firm in the Lord. He calls them to perseverance and then he calls them to perseverance and then he calls them to perseverance and then he gives the power source for that. The gives the power source for that. The gives the power source for that. The power source for perseverance is that power source for perseverance is that power source for perseverance is that little phrase that may be small in little phrase that may be small in little phrase that may be small in length but is not small in significance length but is not small in significance length but is not small in significance in the Lord. If you're a writer in your in the Lord. If you're a writer in your in the Lord. If you're a writer in your Bible, I would underline that. I would Bible, I would underline that. I would Bible, I would underline that. I would highlight that. I would draw attention highlight that. I would draw attention highlight that. I would draw attention to that because that is the theological to that because that is the theological to that because that is the theological grounding of why we can stand firm in grounding of why we can stand firm in grounding of why we can stand firm in the Lord. Because it's in the Lord.

the Lord. Because it's in the Lord. the Lord. Because it's in the Lord. Because it is Jesus that we can stand Because it is Jesus that we can stand Because it is Jesus that we can stand firm on and in. And so Paul calls them firm on and in. And so Paul calls them firm on and in. And so Paul calls them to the power source. Standing firm is to the power source. Standing firm is to the power source. Standing firm is only possible because of who we're only possible because of who we're only possible because of who we're standing on. Our faith is strong not standing on. Our faith is strong not standing on. Our faith is strong not because it's our faith. Our faith is because it's our faith. Our faith is because it's our faith. Our faith is strong because of who it is in. Our strong because of who it is in. Our strong because of who it is in. Our faith is only as strong as the object of faith is only as strong as the object of faith is only as strong as the object of our faith. The object of our faith is no our faith. The object of our faith is no our faith. The object of our faith is no other than the resurrected right other than the resurrected right other than the resurrected right handseated Jesus Christ. church. That is handseated Jesus Christ. church. That is handseated Jesus Christ. church. That is who our faith is in. He It is in the one who our faith is in. He It is in the one who our faith is in. He It is in the one who holds the keys to both life and who holds the keys to both life and who holds the keys to both life and death. It is in the one who died for the death. It is in the one who died for the death. It is in the one who died for the sins of the world. It is in the one who sins of the world. It is in the one who sins of the world. It is in the one who was laid buried in the grave for three was laid buried in the grave for three was laid buried in the grave for three days. And it is in the one who came out days. And it is in the one who came out days. And it is in the one who came out victorious conquering sin, death, and victorious conquering sin, death, and victorious conquering sin, death, and hell three days later. That is who our hell three days later. That is who our hell three days later. That is who our faith is in. That is what Paul is faith is in. That is what Paul is faith is in. That is what Paul is drawing us to when he says, "Stand firm drawing us to when he says, "Stand firm drawing us to when he says, "Stand firm in the Lord." And Paul is going to say in the Lord." And Paul is going to say in the Lord." And Paul is going to say that phrase in the Lord three times in that phrase in the Lord three times in that phrase in the Lord three times in just five verses. Now the original just five verses. Now the original just five verses. Now the original church didn't have chapters and verses.

church didn't have chapters and verses. church didn't have chapters and verses. Those didn't come till about400 years Those didn't come till about400 years Those didn't come till about400 years later. But Paul three times in five later. But Paul three times in five later. But Paul three times in five verses says in the Lord trying to remind verses says in the Lord trying to remind verses says in the Lord trying to remind us that our faith is only as strong as us that our faith is only as strong as us that our faith is only as strong as the object. I want to illustrate it to the object. I want to illustrate it to the object. I want to illustrate it to us this way. Now I'm not going to get us this way. Now I'm not going to get us this way. Now I'm not going to get too practical with illustration. All too practical with illustration. All too practical with illustration. All right? But here's what I mean. This is a right? But here's what I mean. This is a right? But here's what I mean. This is a chair that sits in our house. This is chair that sits in our house. This is chair that sits in our house. This is where our boys sit at the end of our where our boys sit at the end of our where our boys sit at the end of our dining room table and they have their dining room table and they have their dining room table and they have their little play table, right? It's filled little play table, right? It's filled little play table, right? It's filled with crayons and markers and pieces of with crayons and markers and pieces of with crayons and markers and pieces of dolls and other things, right? That just dolls and other things, right? That just dolls and other things, right? That just collects, right? It's just it's just the collects, right? It's just it's just the collects, right? It's just it's just the catch-all table, right? But this is catch-all table, right? But this is catch-all table, right? But this is where they sit. And a lot of times when where they sit. And a lot of times when where they sit. And a lot of times when I come home from work, I'll see Sarah I come home from work, I'll see Sarah I come home from work, I'll see Sarah sitting my wife sitting down there in sitting my wife sitting down there in sitting my wife sitting down there in that in in this chair eating with the that in in this chair eating with the that in in this chair eating with the boys. When I'm playing 1v2 defense with boys. When I'm playing 1v2 defense with boys. When I'm playing 1v2 defense with the boys and she's gone, I'm sitting in the boys and she's gone, I'm sitting in the boys and she's gone, I'm sitting in this chair because our boys are at that this chair because our boys are at that this chair because our boys are at that age, right? They want to just play. They age, right? They want to just play. They age, right? They want to just play. They don't want to eat, they want to play, don't want to eat, they want to play, don't want to eat, they want to play, right? And so sometimes what I we have right? And so sometimes what I we have right? And so sometimes what I we have learned is that if we sit down in that learned is that if we sit down in that learned is that if we sit down in that chair with them, they do a little better chair with them, they do a little better chair with them, they do a little better job eating. Maybe instead of one chicken job eating. Maybe instead of one chicken job eating. Maybe instead of one chicken nugget, they get two now, right? And so nugget, they get two now, right? And so nugget, they get two now, right? And so we sit in these chairs and and and and we sit in these chairs and and and and we sit in these chairs and and and and and I brought the good chair. But here's and I brought the good chair. But here's and I brought the good chair. But here's what's happened. When we've sat down in what's happened. When we've sat down in what's happened. When we've sat down in these chairs, every time I look at this these chairs, every time I look at this these chairs, every time I look at this chair, I get a little nervous, right?

chair, I get a little nervous, right? chair, I get a little nervous, right? Like every time I'm about to sit and I I Like every time I'm about to sit and I I Like every time I'm about to sit and I I start I've started those old man grunts, start I've started those old man grunts, start I've started those old man grunts, you know, like I'm 33, but I've started you know, like I'm 33, but I've started you know, like I'm 33, but I've started those grunts. I'm like, right, I start those grunts. I'm like, right, I start those grunts. I'm like, right, I start moving and stuff. It's really moving and stuff. It's really moving and stuff. It's really embarrassing. But as I'm about to sit embarrassing. But as I'm about to sit embarrassing. But as I'm about to sit and my old man grunt comes out, I get and my old man grunt comes out, I get and my old man grunt comes out, I get really worried because of of the chair. really worried because of of the chair. really worried because of of the chair. Is this thing going to hold me? In fact, Is this thing going to hold me? In fact, Is this thing going to hold me? In fact, some of our chairs, this piece right some of our chairs, this piece right some of our chairs, this piece right here has popped off before, right? You here has popped off before, right? You here has popped off before, right? You just sit like, right? Sometimes these just sit like, right? Sometimes these just sit like, right? Sometimes these legs get bent. Every time I look down, legs get bent. Every time I look down, legs get bent. Every time I look down, the legs are like this now instead of the legs are like this now instead of the legs are like this now instead of more like this. I get nervous when I sit more like this. I get nervous when I sit more like this. I get nervous when I sit in this chair. Yet, I exercise faith in in this chair. Yet, I exercise faith in in this chair. Yet, I exercise faith in it. Now, you see this other chair right it. Now, you see this other chair right it. Now, you see this other chair right here? here? here? Most of you guys, when you came in Most of you guys, when you came in Most of you guys, when you came in today, you sat in a chair just like this today, you sat in a chair just like this today, you sat in a chair just like this one. And I doubt that any of you had a one. And I doubt that any of you had a one. And I doubt that any of you had a second guess about sitting in that second guess about sitting in that second guess about sitting in that chair. You sat down comfortably. You chair. You sat down comfortably. You chair. You sat down comfortably. You exhaled. You didn't think about it. exhaled. You didn't think about it. exhaled. You didn't think about it. You're like, "Oh yeah, moving was You're like, "Oh yeah, moving was You're like, "Oh yeah, moving was awesome yesterday." Blah, blah, blah. awesome yesterday." Blah, blah, blah. awesome yesterday." Blah, blah, blah. And you sat down and you rested, right? And you sat down and you rested, right? And you sat down and you rested, right? You rested in that chair.

You rested in that chair. You rested in that chair. What's the difference between this chair What's the difference between this chair What's the difference between this chair and this chair? and this chair? and this chair? It's the object that makes the It's the object that makes the It's the object that makes the difference. Our faith is strong difference. Our faith is strong difference. Our faith is strong when it's in the right object. Our faith when it's in the right object. Our faith when it's in the right object. Our faith is only as strong as the object. is only as strong as the object. is only as strong as the object. Our object of the faith is Jesus Christ, Our object of the faith is Jesus Christ, Our object of the faith is Jesus Christ, church. That's what makes our faith church. That's what makes our faith church. That's what makes our faith strong. It's not our faith that is strong. It's not our faith that is strong. It's not our faith that is strong. It is who our faith is in that strong. It is who our faith is in that strong. It is who our faith is in that is strong. And that is what Paul is is strong. And that is what Paul is is strong. And that is what Paul is trying to get at right here when he trying to get at right here when he trying to get at right here when he says, "Place your faith, stand firm in says, "Place your faith, stand firm in says, "Place your faith, stand firm in the Lord." That is what Paul is getting the Lord." That is what Paul is getting the Lord." That is what Paul is getting at. And church, you and I can persevere at. And church, you and I can persevere at. And church, you and I can persevere today because we have a firm foundation today because we have a firm foundation today because we have a firm foundation in Jesus Christ. You and I can persevere in Jesus Christ. You and I can persevere in Jesus Christ. You and I can persevere because he is seated at the RIGHT HAND because he is seated at the RIGHT HAND because he is seated at the RIGHT HAND OF GOD. He is seated because he is OF GOD. He is seated because he is OF GOD. He is seated because he is sovereign. He is seated because he is in sovereign. He is seated because he is in sovereign. He is seated because he is in control of this universe. Whatever may control of this universe. Whatever may control of this universe. Whatever may be happening in your life, whether it's be happening in your life, whether it's be happening in your life, whether it's hardships in the family, whether it's hardships in the family, whether it's hardships in the family, whether it's personal sin and struggle that you just personal sin and struggle that you just personal sin and struggle that you just can't get over, whether it's a prodal can't get over, whether it's a prodal can't get over, whether it's a prodal child or parenting issues or whatever it child or parenting issues or whatever it child or parenting issues or whatever it is that you may be facing, church, your is that you may be facing, church, your is that you may be facing, church, your faith can be strong because of who your faith can be strong because of who your faith can be strong because of who your faith is in. He is a firm foundation for faith is in. He is a firm foundation for faith is in. He is a firm foundation for us. And we can throw any and every us. And we can throw any and every us. And we can throw any and every burden on him because he will sustain burden on him because he will sustain burden on him because he will sustain us. He will sustain us. And so Paul

us. He will sustain us. And so Paul us. He will sustain us. And so Paul tells us to stand firm in the Lord. And tells us to stand firm in the Lord. And tells us to stand firm in the Lord. And he also tells us to stand firm in unity. he also tells us to stand firm in unity. he also tells us to stand firm in unity. Which brings us to our second point. And Which brings us to our second point. And Which brings us to our second point. And that's that's where we see in verses 2 that's that's where we see in verses 2 that's that's where we see in verses 2 through 5, Paul calls us to stand firm through 5, Paul calls us to stand firm through 5, Paul calls us to stand firm in unity. So we're to stand firm in the in unity. So we're to stand firm in the in unity. So we're to stand firm in the Lord. And secondly, we're to stand firm Lord. And secondly, we're to stand firm Lord. And secondly, we're to stand firm in unity. So evidently, there was a in unity. So evidently, there was a in unity. So evidently, there was a disagreement between two ladies in the disagreement between two ladies in the disagreement between two ladies in the church. Their names were Yuyodia and church. Their names were Yuyodia and church. Their names were Yuyodia and Cinti. If you're looking for new baby Cinti. If you're looking for new baby Cinti. If you're looking for new baby names, highly recommend these two. All names, highly recommend these two. All names, highly recommend these two. All right. So, Yodia and Cinti, they're right. So, Yodia and Cinti, they're right. So, Yodia and Cinti, they're they're they're they're they're having a they're they're they're they're having a they're they're they're they're having a little bit of an issue in the church. little bit of an issue in the church. little bit of an issue in the church. And so, Paul addresses them. Now, And so, Paul addresses them. Now, And so, Paul addresses them. Now, listen, guys. When these letters were listen, guys. When these letters were listen, guys. When these letters were written, they were read aloud to the written, they were read aloud to the written, they were read aloud to the church at large. Like, it would be like church at large. Like, it would be like church at large. Like, it would be like me coming up on this stage being like, me coming up on this stage being like, me coming up on this stage being like, "Hey, church, Paul wrote us a letter. I "Hey, church, Paul wrote us a letter. I "Hey, church, Paul wrote us a letter. I got something to read for you guys. got something to read for you guys. got something to read for you guys. Y'all ready?" And you're like, "Yes, Y'all ready?" And you're like, "Yes, Y'all ready?" And you're like, "Yes, sir. Let's go." And I [snorts] start sir. Let's go." And I [snorts] start sir. Let's go." And I [snorts] start reading. I read from chapter 1, verse reading. I read from chapter 1, verse reading. I read from chapter 1, verse one, all the way to the end. Paul's one, all the way to the end. Paul's one, all the way to the end. Paul's almost done. And everyone's pretty almost done. And everyone's pretty almost done. And everyone's pretty comfortable at this point, right? We're comfortable at this point, right? We're comfortable at this point, right? We're in chapter 4, right? [snorts] Paul gets in chapter 4, right? [snorts] Paul gets in chapter 4, right? [snorts] Paul gets to it and he says, "I urge Yodia and I to it and he says, "I urge Yodia and I to it and he says, "I urge Yodia and I urge Cinti to agree in the Lord." Can urge Cinti to agree in the Lord." Can urge Cinti to agree in the Lord." Can you imagine the reaction that happened you imagine the reaction that happened you imagine the reaction that happened in the church in that moment? Yodia and in the church in that moment? Yodia and in the church in that moment? Yodia and Cinti Cinti Cinti slump down in their seats, right? Their slump down in their seats, right? Their slump down in their seats, right? Their face turns red. Everyone starts scanning face turns red. Everyone starts scanning face turns red. Everyone starts scanning the room like, "Where's the where? Yodia the room like, "Where's the where? Yodia the room like, "Where's the where? Yodia is over here. Cinti is over here."

is over here. Cinti is over here." is over here. Cinti is over here." Right? They can't agree in the Lord for Right? They can't agree in the Lord for Right? They can't agree in the Lord for nothing. And Paul calls them out. But he nothing. And Paul calls them out. But he nothing. And Paul calls them out. But he calls them out in love. When he said, calls them out in love. When he said, calls them out in love. When he said, "My joy, my crown," he meant these two "My joy, my crown," he meant these two "My joy, my crown," he meant these two ladies. When he said, "My beloved," he ladies. When he said, "My beloved," he ladies. When he said, "My beloved," he meant these two ladies. He loved these meant these two ladies. He loved these meant these two ladies. He loved these ladies. In fact, they were gospel ladies. In fact, they were gospel ladies. In fact, they were gospel co-laborers with him. And Paul caused co-laborers with him. And Paul caused co-laborers with him. And Paul caused them to live in harmony, to agree in the them to live in harmony, to agree in the them to live in harmony, to agree in the Lord. Everyone's eyes probably turned to Lord. Everyone's eyes probably turned to Lord. Everyone's eyes probably turned to these two ladies. Yes, they were these two ladies. Yes, they were these two ladies. Yes, they were severely in probably embarrassed in the severely in probably embarrassed in the severely in probably embarrassed in the moment, but I guarantee you the Holy moment, but I guarantee you the Holy moment, but I guarantee you the Holy Spirit was working as those words were Spirit was working as those words were Spirit was working as those words were read to the church right there. This read to the church right there. This read to the church right there. This rebuke was in love. And notice how Paul rebuke was in love. And notice how Paul rebuke was in love. And notice how Paul talks to both of them. He doesn't take talks to both of them. He doesn't take talks to both of them. He doesn't take sides. sides. sides. He doesn't take sides. He says, "I urge He doesn't take sides. He says, "I urge He doesn't take sides. He says, "I urge you, Yodia." Look at your Bibles. He you, Yodia." Look at your Bibles. He you, Yodia." Look at your Bibles. He says, "I urge you, Yodi." And then he says, "I urge you, Yodi." And then he says, "I urge you, Yodi." And then he says it again. "I urge Cinti," equal says it again. "I urge Cinti," equal says it again. "I urge Cinti," equal emphasis to both ladies. He calls both emphasis to both ladies. He calls both emphasis to both ladies. He calls both of them to agree in the Lord. And then of them to agree in the Lord. And then of them to agree in the Lord. And then notice what Paul says. He says he he notice what Paul says. He says he he notice what Paul says. He says he he says something so significant at the says something so significant at the says something so significant at the end. He says whose names are in the book end. He says whose names are in the book end. He says whose names are in the book of life. You see, these weren't two of life. You see, these weren't two of life. You see, these weren't two ladies who were Philippian back row ladies who were Philippian back row ladies who were Philippian back row Baptists. No, no, no. These were two Baptists. No, no, no. These were two Baptists. No, no, no. These were two ladies who were true laborers in the ladies who were true laborers in the ladies who were true laborers in the faith with Paul. They probably helped faith with Paul. They probably helped faith with Paul. They probably helped this church get started back in Acts 16.

this church get started back in Acts 16. this church get started back in Acts 16. And these ladies are being addressed. And these ladies are being addressed. And these ladies are being addressed. And Paul speaks to them because the And Paul speaks to them because the And Paul speaks to them because the mission in the church is important, but mission in the church is important, but mission in the church is important, but disunityity will derail the mission disunityity will derail the mission disunityity will derail the mission every single time. And Paul says, every single time. And Paul says, every single time. And Paul says, "You're causing a stench in the church." "You're causing a stench in the church." "You're causing a stench in the church." And just like Jesus prayed for unity in And just like Jesus prayed for unity in And just like Jesus prayed for unity in John 17, the church is to be unified. We John 17, the church is to be unified. We John 17, the church is to be unified. We cannot move forward, church, if we're cannot move forward, church, if we're cannot move forward, church, if we're bickering with one another. And so Paul bickering with one another. And so Paul bickering with one another. And so Paul calls out this stench in the church. And calls out this stench in the church. And calls out this stench in the church. And he reminds them, they're in the same he reminds them, they're in the same he reminds them, they're in the same team. He reminds them that their names team. He reminds them that their names team. He reminds them that their names are written in the lamb's book of life. are written in the lamb's book of life. are written in the lamb's book of life. So because our because we're citizens in So because our because we're citizens in So because our because we're citizens in heaven, let's live like it, Paul is heaven, let's live like it, Paul is heaven, let's live like it, Paul is saying. And we're not sure who the true saying. And we're not sure who the true saying. And we're not sure who the true companion is here, but Paul asked for a companion is here, but Paul asked for a companion is here, but Paul asked for a mediator to help these women because mediator to help these women because mediator to help these women because sometimes relational issues require a sometimes relational issues require a sometimes relational issues require a third party. Sometimes we need another third party. Sometimes we need another third party. Sometimes we need another brother or sister to mediate and to help brother or sister to mediate and to help brother or sister to mediate and to help us resolve our issues. I want to show us resolve our issues. I want to show us resolve our issues. I want to show you six Rs that we can look through. And you six Rs that we can look through. And you six Rs that we can look through. And guys, let's just go ahead and throw all guys, let's just go ahead and throw all guys, let's just go ahead and throw all six of them up right now. I want to show six of them up right now. I want to show six of them up right now. I want to show you six Rs. Things that we can remember you six Rs. Things that we can remember you six Rs. Things that we can remember as we engage in conflict. Number one, we as we engage in conflict. Number one, we as we engage in conflict. Number one, we just need to recognize the conflict. I just need to recognize the conflict. I just need to recognize the conflict. I think sometimes as Christians, we think, think sometimes as Christians, we think, think sometimes as Christians, we think, "Oh, I'm a Christian. I must not have I "Oh, I'm a Christian. I must not have I "Oh, I'm a Christian. I must not have I shouldn't have issues with people or I shouldn't have issues with people or I shouldn't have issues with people or I shouldn't be in a conflict with shouldn't be in a conflict with shouldn't be in a conflict with someone."

someone." someone." I want to encourage you if I can by I want to encourage you if I can by I want to encourage you if I can by saying this. You will have conflict with saying this. You will have conflict with saying this. You will have conflict with other believers. You will not agree eye other believers. You will not agree eye other believers. You will not agree eye to eye. It may be theological. It may be to eye. It may be theological. It may be to eye. It may be theological. It may be personal. But you and I need to personal. But you and I need to personal. But you and I need to recognize the conflict and recognize recognize the conflict and recognize recognize the conflict and recognize that just like you, Yodia and Cinti had that just like you, Yodia and Cinti had that just like you, Yodia and Cinti had an issue. You and I may have issues with an issue. You and I may have issues with an issue. You and I may have issues with other people. What I've learned is they other people. What I've learned is they other people. What I've learned is they probably have issues with me, right? I'm probably have issues with me, right? I'm probably have issues with me, right? I'm the one that's done it, right? But we the one that's done it, right? But we the one that's done it, right? But we need to recognize the conflict. And need to recognize the conflict. And need to recognize the conflict. And unfortunately, if we trace the narrative unfortunately, if we trace the narrative unfortunately, if we trace the narrative of scripture, we see that when conflict of scripture, we see that when conflict of scripture, we see that when conflict entered the world in Genesis 3, after entered the world in Genesis 3, after entered the world in Genesis 3, after the after the fall and and sin entered the after the fall and and sin entered the after the fall and and sin entered into the world, when conflict entered into the world, when conflict entered into the world, when conflict entered the world, then it caused everything to the world, then it caused everything to the world, then it caused everything to be severed. I mean, think about it. God be severed. I mean, think about it. God be severed. I mean, think about it. God approaches Adam and Eve after they've approaches Adam and Eve after they've approaches Adam and Eve after they've ate of the tree of knowledge and good ate of the tree of knowledge and good ate of the tree of knowledge and good and evil. And God says, "Adam, what's and evil. And God says, "Adam, what's and evil. And God says, "Adam, what's happened?" Adam's like, "Well, the woman happened?" Adam's like, "Well, the woman happened?" Adam's like, "Well, the woman that you gave me, right, she caused me that you gave me, right, she caused me that you gave me, right, she caused me to this." And then he goes to the woman to this." And then he goes to the woman to this." And then he goes to the woman and he says, "Eve, what happened?" And and he says, "Eve, what happened?" And and he says, "Eve, what happened?" And she's like, "Well, the serpent that was she's like, "Well, the serpent that was she's like, "Well, the serpent that was over there, he caused me to do this." over there, he caused me to do this." over there, he caused me to do this." From the moment sin entered the world, From the moment sin entered the world, From the moment sin entered the world, conflict was inevitable.

conflict was inevitable. conflict was inevitable. Sin has caused this destruction. So we Sin has caused this destruction. So we Sin has caused this destruction. So we need to recognize the conflict and how need to recognize the conflict and how need to recognize the conflict and how that brought how this brings that brought how this brings that brought how this brings disunityity. Secondly, we need to disunityity. Secondly, we need to disunityity. Secondly, we need to remember that reconciliation is the remember that reconciliation is the remember that reconciliation is the goal. Reconciliation is the goal as we goal. Reconciliation is the goal as we goal. Reconciliation is the goal as we see in verse three. He says,"I want this see in verse three. He says,"I want this see in verse three. He says,"I want this true companion to or yeah, verse two, true companion to or yeah, verse two, true companion to or yeah, verse two, I'm sorry, to live in harmony in the I'm sorry, to live in harmony in the I'm sorry, to live in harmony in the Lord." But if you go back to verse two Lord." But if you go back to verse two Lord." But if you go back to verse two in Philippians 2, Paul says this, "Make in Philippians 2, Paul says this, "Make in Philippians 2, Paul says this, "Make my joy complete by having the same mind, my joy complete by having the same mind, my joy complete by having the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in maintaining the same love, united in maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose." spirit, intent on one purpose." spirit, intent on one purpose." Reconciliation is the goal every time. Reconciliation is the goal every time. Reconciliation is the goal every time. And we're going to talk about why that's And we're going to talk about why that's And we're going to talk about why that's possible here in a second. Three, we possible here in a second. Three, we possible here in a second. Three, we need to remember the enemy, the real need to remember the enemy, the real need to remember the enemy, the real enemy. The enemy is not your brother or enemy. The enemy is not your brother or enemy. The enemy is not your brother or sister. The real enemy is Satan himself. sister. The real enemy is Satan himself. sister. The real enemy is Satan himself. Your brother or sister is not the enemy. Your brother or sister is not the enemy. Your brother or sister is not the enemy. It is Satan. He is going to convince and It is Satan. He is going to convince and It is Satan. He is going to convince and persuade you that it's the other person persuade you that it's the other person persuade you that it's the other person and he's going to pre convince them that and he's going to pre convince them that and he's going to pre convince them that it's you that's the issue. But we need it's you that's the issue. But we need it's you that's the issue. But we need to remember that we share a common enemy to remember that we share a common enemy to remember that we share a common enemy and we need to be on high alert, and we need to be on high alert, and we need to be on high alert, soberminded as the Bible tells us to. If soberminded as the Bible tells us to. If soberminded as the Bible tells us to. If your disagreement is with another your disagreement is with another your disagreement is with another believer in Jesus Christ, they are not believer in Jesus Christ, they are not believer in Jesus Christ, they are not your boxing opponent. They are your your boxing opponent. They are your your boxing opponent. They are your brother or sister in the faith. You and brother or sister in the faith. You and brother or sister in the faith. You and I are part of the family of God. Now I are part of the family of God. Now I are part of the family of God. Now listen, everything that I'm saying right listen, everything that I'm saying right listen, everything that I'm saying right now, I I should have prefaced this, but now, I I should have prefaced this, but now, I I should have prefaced this, but everything that I'm saying con is everything that I'm saying con is everything that I'm saying con is pertaining to a believer and another

pertaining to a believer and another pertaining to a believer and another believer having an issue. Okay? We don't believer having an issue. Okay? We don't believer having an issue. Okay? We don't have time to dive into believers and have time to dive into believers and have time to dive into believers and unbelievers and their issues and how unbelievers and their issues and how unbelievers and their issues and how maybe we resolve that. Uh we are maybe we resolve that. Uh we are maybe we resolve that. Uh we are speaking directly to a believer and a speaking directly to a believer and a speaking directly to a believer and a believer in this particular moment. But believer in this particular moment. But believer in this particular moment. But number four, sometimes we need to number four, sometimes we need to number four, sometimes we need to recruit a mediator. Sometimes we need recruit a mediator. Sometimes we need recruit a mediator. Sometimes we need someone who can come in unbiased with a someone who can come in unbiased with a someone who can come in unbiased with a calm heartbeat to come [snorts] in and calm heartbeat to come [snorts] in and calm heartbeat to come [snorts] in and help mediate the issue and see it from help mediate the issue and see it from help mediate the issue and see it from an unbiased perspective to say, "Hey, an unbiased perspective to say, "Hey, an unbiased perspective to say, "Hey, listen. Here's what I'm seeing. Here's listen. Here's what I'm seeing. Here's listen. Here's what I'm seeing. Here's some ways that you can grow. Here's some some ways that you can grow. Here's some some ways that you can grow. Here's some ways that you can grow. Here's some ways that you can grow. Here's some ways that you can grow. Here's some things that I think can take place for things that I think can take place for things that I think can take place for you guys to be reconciled." That is you guys to be reconciled." That is you guys to be reconciled." That is needed in this life. And it is your needed in this life. And it is your needed in this life. And it is your business, church. If you get called on, business, church. If you get called on, business, church. If you get called on, maybe you're a lifeg groupoup leader, maybe you're a lifeg groupoup leader, maybe you're a lifeg groupoup leader, maybe you're a D-group leader or you maybe you're a D-group leader or you maybe you're a D-group leader or you serve in this church in a in a in in a serve in this church in a in a in in a serve in this church in a in a in in a way. [snorts] way. [snorts] way. [snorts] It is your business and my business to It is your business and my business to It is your business and my business to be involved with the unity of the be involved with the unity of the be involved with the unity of the church. There's a difference between church. There's a difference between church. There's a difference between meddling and caring. Metalling is you meddling and caring. Metalling is you meddling and caring. Metalling is you purposely sticking your nose in there purposely sticking your nose in there purposely sticking your nose in there just to start gossip and stir it all up, just to start gossip and stir it all up, just to start gossip and stir it all up, right? That's not what we're talking right? That's not what we're talking right? That's not what we're talking about here. You and I are called to care about here. You and I are called to care about here. You and I are called to care for the unity of the church. And so some for the unity of the church. And so some for the unity of the church. And so some of us need to be mediators in a of us need to be mediators in a of us need to be mediators in a particular situation. You may know of particular situation. You may know of particular situation. You may know of situation right now. You you're thinking situation right now. You you're thinking situation right now. You you're thinking of it and God is maybe laying on your of it and God is maybe laying on your of it and God is maybe laying on your heart, hey, you need to step into this heart, hey, you need to step into this heart, hey, you need to step into this situation and help bring this to to to situation and help bring this to to to situation and help bring this to to to to a spot where there's unity. Fifthly, to a spot where there's unity. Fifthly, to a spot where there's unity. Fifthly, we need to refuse to derail the mission.

we need to refuse to derail the mission. we need to refuse to derail the mission. Nothing like disunityity derails the Nothing like disunityity derails the Nothing like disunityity derails the mission. We want to maintain the mission. We want to maintain the mission. We want to maintain the mission. And the way we do that is by mission. And the way we do that is by mission. And the way we do that is by fighting for unity. The body cannot be fighting for unity. The body cannot be fighting for unity. The body cannot be working against each other. At the end working against each other. At the end working against each other. At the end of the day, church, the priority of the of the day, church, the priority of the of the day, church, the priority of the mission is bigger than our preferences. mission is bigger than our preferences. mission is bigger than our preferences. I tell you one thing that we could say I tell you one thing that we could say I tell you one thing that we could say is just at the end of the day, we could is just at the end of the day, we could is just at the end of the day, we could say walk humbly because so many of our say walk humbly because so many of our say walk humbly because so many of our issues could just be resolved if we just issues could just be resolved if we just issues could just be resolved if we just walk into it humbly and say, you know walk into it humbly and say, you know walk into it humbly and say, you know what? So what? You didn't like my what? So what? You didn't like my what? So what? You didn't like my Facebook post. I'm not going to cause a Facebook post. I'm not going to cause a Facebook post. I'm not going to cause a big stink about it right now. There's big stink about it right now. There's big stink about it right now. There's sometimes there's bigger issues that sometimes there's bigger issues that sometimes there's bigger issues that need to be entered into, but so much need to be entered into, but so much need to be entered into, but so much disunityity can derail the mission. And disunityity can derail the mission. And disunityity can derail the mission. And lastly, we need to rest in the gospel. lastly, we need to rest in the gospel. lastly, we need to rest in the gospel. Aren't you thankful for the gospel? Aren't you thankful for the gospel? Aren't you thankful for the gospel? Aren't you thankful that the Aren't you thankful that the Aren't you thankful that the reconciliation that Jesus accomplished reconciliation that Jesus accomplished reconciliation that Jesus accomplished on the cross now makes it possible for on the cross now makes it possible for on the cross now makes it possible for reconciliation to happen in the church? reconciliation to happen in the church? reconciliation to happen in the church? Don't miss that. that the only way that Don't miss that. that the only way that Don't miss that. that the only way that you and I can have reconciliation with you and I can have reconciliation with you and I can have reconciliation with one another is because we have been one another is because we have been one another is because we have been reconciled to Christ. Jesus has reconciled to Christ. Jesus has reconciled to Christ. Jesus has reconciled us to himself and therefore reconciled us to himself and therefore reconciled us to himself and therefore we can be reconciled to one another. We we can be reconciled to one another. We we can be reconciled to one another. We can forgive because Jesus has forgiven can forgive because Jesus has forgiven can forgive because Jesus has forgiven us. We can extend kindness because Jesus us. We can extend kindness because Jesus us. We can extend kindness because Jesus has been kind to us. We can extend grace has been kind to us. We can extend grace has been kind to us. We can extend grace because grace has been first experienced because grace has been first experienced because grace has been first experienced in our souls. I love what Paul Trip in our souls. I love what Paul Trip in our souls. I love what Paul Trip says. He says there's no such thing as says. He says there's no such thing as says. He says there's no such thing as grace graduates.

grace graduates. grace graduates. You and I never graduate from our need You and I never graduate from our need You and I never graduate from our need for grace, do we? You and I never for grace, do we? You and I never for grace, do we? You and I never graduate from our need for grace. And graduate from our need for grace. And graduate from our need for grace. And the reason we can extend grace is the reason we can extend grace is the reason we can extend grace is because we have first experienced grace. because we have first experienced grace. because we have first experienced grace. And the more deeply that I understand And the more deeply that I understand And the more deeply that I understand and receive God's grace toward me, the and receive God's grace toward me, the and receive God's grace toward me, the more freely I can extend God's grace to more freely I can extend God's grace to more freely I can extend God's grace to those around me. to the depth that you those around me. to the depth that you those around me. to the depth that you understand grace will be to the depth understand grace will be to the depth understand grace will be to the depth that you give grace. that you give grace. that you give grace. So never forget the gospel when it comes So never forget the gospel when it comes So never forget the gospel when it comes in reconciliation or when it comes to in reconciliation or when it comes to in reconciliation or when it comes to reconciliation. The gospel is what reconciliation. The gospel is what reconciliation. The gospel is what allows us to be reconciled. And let us allows us to be reconciled. And let us allows us to be reconciled. And let us look forward to the day one day church look forward to the day one day church look forward to the day one day church where in heaven every conflict will be where in heaven every conflict will be where in heaven every conflict will be resolved once and for all. Let us look resolved once and for all. Let us look resolved once and for all. Let us look forward to the day where every sin will forward to the day where every sin will forward to the day where every sin will be wiped away, where every tear will be be wiped away, where every tear will be be wiped away, where every tear will be wiped away, where everything will be wiped away, where everything will be wiped away, where everything will be done away with, and it will be one of done away with, and it will be one of done away with, and it will be one of perfect harmony and unity in the church. perfect harmony and unity in the church. perfect harmony and unity in the church. I had a buddy who told me this one time I had a buddy who told me this one time I had a buddy who told me this one time in leadership. He said, "Awkward in leadership. He said, "Awkward in leadership. He said, "Awkward conversations make healthy churches."

conversations make healthy churches." conversations make healthy churches." Some of us may need to have awkward Some of us may need to have awkward Some of us may need to have awkward conversations this week. Some of us need conversations this week. Some of us need conversations this week. Some of us need to have awkward conversations for the to have awkward conversations for the to have awkward conversations for the sake of the unity of the church. Awkward sake of the unity of the church. Awkward sake of the unity of the church. Awkward conversations are necessary when it conversations are necessary when it conversations are necessary when it comes to the unity. Here's how you don't comes to the unity. Here's how you don't comes to the unity. Here's how you don't deal with it. You don't leave this deal with it. You don't leave this deal with it. You don't leave this church because you have an issue with church because you have an issue with church because you have an issue with someone in this church. You work through someone in this church. You work through someone in this church. You work through it. You don't come to the greenhouse at it. You don't come to the greenhouse at it. You don't come to the greenhouse at 11:00 because you don't like someone at 11:00 because you don't like someone at 11:00 because you don't like someone at 11:00 in the worship center. That's not 11:00 in the worship center. That's not 11:00 in the worship center. That's not how you resolve it. You don't quit how you resolve it. You don't quit how you resolve it. You don't quit serving in a ministry because you serve serving in a ministry because you serve serving in a ministry because you serve with someone that you don't appreciate with someone that you don't appreciate with someone that you don't appreciate or like. That's not how we resolve or like. That's not how we resolve or like. That's not how we resolve conflict. church, we are better than conflict. church, we are better than conflict. church, we are better than that. We have the gospel. If the gospel that. We have the gospel. If the gospel that. We have the gospel. If the gospel can forgive you and me of my sins, then can forgive you and me of my sins, then can forgive you and me of my sins, then the gospel can heal any and every the gospel can heal any and every the gospel can heal any and every relationship. If Jesus Christ can come relationship. If Jesus Christ can come relationship. If Jesus Christ can come out of that grave, then two people can out of that grave, then two people can out of that grave, then two people can come to agree in the Lord at the end of come to agree in the Lord at the end of come to agree in the Lord at the end of the day. Jesus's gospel provides the way the day. Jesus's gospel provides the way the day. Jesus's gospel provides the way for us to have reconciliation. Now, for us to have reconciliation. Now, for us to have reconciliation. Now, listen. Blake told me I I was we were listen. Blake told me I I was we were listen. Blake told me I I was we were talking back and forth via email this talking back and forth via email this talking back and forth via email this week and I sent out this resource to week and I sent out this resource to week and I sent out this resource to them and I was like, "Hey, we're going them and I was like, "Hey, we're going them and I was like, "Hey, we're going to use this." This Blake said we should to use this." This Blake said we should to use this." This Blake said we should just read it and then give the just read it and then give the just read it and then give the invitation. I don't think he's wrong.

invitation. I don't think he's wrong. invitation. I don't think he's wrong. Right. It's really good resource. But we Right. It's really good resource. But we Right. It's really good resource. But we printed off 200 of these. There's plenty printed off 200 of these. There's plenty printed off 200 of these. There's plenty over there on the bar. This is a quick over there on the bar. This is a quick over there on the bar. This is a quick start guide from the peace pursuit of start guide from the peace pursuit of start guide from the peace pursuit of how to resolve reconcil or how to how to resolve reconcil or how to how to resolve reconcil or how to resolve conflict. Maybe you find resolve conflict. Maybe you find resolve conflict. Maybe you find yourself in a situation right now and yourself in a situation right now and yourself in a situation right now and you need some additional help. Yeah, I you need some additional help. Yeah, I you need some additional help. Yeah, I hope what we've talked about the last hope what we've talked about the last hope what we've talked about the last few minutes has helped, but I know few minutes has helped, but I know few minutes has helped, but I know there's so much more to that and there there's so much more to that and there there's so much more to that and there we can't cover it possibly all in one we can't cover it possibly all in one we can't cover it possibly all in one sermon. I want I want you to grab one of sermon. I want I want you to grab one of sermon. I want I want you to grab one of these. There's a front and back to this. these. There's a front and back to this. these. There's a front and back to this. It's a great guide. Super helpful. It's a great guide. Super helpful. It's a great guide. Super helpful. There's 200 copies over there on the There's 200 copies over there on the There's 200 copies over there on the bar. You can grab one as you leave bar. You can grab one as you leave bar. You can grab one as you leave today. If you're not in conflict now, today. If you're not in conflict now, today. If you're not in conflict now, here how's this for encouragement? You here how's this for encouragement? You here how's this for encouragement? You will be one day, right? And so, grab will be one day, right? And so, grab will be one day, right? And so, grab [snorts] one for the future. Grab one to [snorts] one for the future. Grab one to [snorts] one for the future. Grab one to have. But I also want to point your have. But I also want to point your have. But I also want to point your attention to two other resources, two attention to two other resources, two attention to two other resources, two websites. One is the peace pursuit. You websites. One is the peace pursuit. You websites. One is the peace pursuit. You see that website down there at the see that website down there at the see that website down there at the bottom. But also rw360.org/pacemaking. Ken Sandy has wrote a few books on Ken Sandy has wrote a few books on peacemaking and peacekeeping. Tremendous peacemaking and peacekeeping. Tremendous peacemaking and peacekeeping. Tremendous resources. So Ken Sandy, check him out. resources. So Ken Sandy, check him out. resources. So Ken Sandy, check him out. Check out those websites. You can take a Check out those websites. You can take a Check out those websites. You can take a picture of those. Absolutely. Those are picture of those. Absolutely. Those are picture of those. Absolutely. Those are incredible, incredible things. But let's incredible, incredible things. But let's incredible, incredible things. But let's keep moving on. So Paul gives these keep moving on. So Paul gives these keep moving on. So Paul gives these gives this urge to stand firm in the gives this urge to stand firm in the gives this urge to stand firm in the Lord, stand firm in unity. And then now Lord, stand firm in unity. And then now Lord, stand firm in unity. And then now we're about to look at two essential we're about to look at two essential we're about to look at two essential ingredients for how we can fight for ingredients for how we can fight for ingredients for how we can fight for unity in the church. Paul lay lays out a unity in the church. Paul lay lays out a unity in the church. Paul lay lays out a couple of things. And it's kind of like couple of things. And it's kind of like couple of things. And it's kind of like your mom like telling you, yelling at your mom like telling you, yelling at your mom like telling you, yelling at you as you're leaving to go to your you as you're leaving to go to your you as you're leaving to go to your friend's house to spend the night, like, friend's house to spend the night, like, friend's house to spend the night, like, "Hey, brush your teeth. Make sure you go "Hey, brush your teeth. Make sure you go "Hey, brush your teeth. Make sure you go to bed on time, obey their parents, and to bed on time, obey their parents, and to bed on time, obey their parents, and don't act like an idiot, right?" Like

don't act like an idiot, right?" Like don't act like an idiot, right?" Like she says a bunch of things and they're she says a bunch of things and they're she says a bunch of things and they're not related, but yet they all are at the not related, but yet they all are at the not related, but yet they all are at the same time. You know what I mean? That's same time. You know what I mean? That's same time. You know what I mean? That's kind of what Paul's doing right now. kind of what Paul's doing right now. kind of what Paul's doing right now. He's laying out just a series of He's laying out just a series of He's laying out just a series of commands that are not connected, but at commands that are not connected, but at commands that are not connected, but at the same time connected. And the two the same time connected. And the two the same time connected. And the two that we're going to look at today, and that we're going to look at today, and that we're going to look at today, and we're going to finish this out next we're going to finish this out next we're going to finish this out next week, is rejoice in the Lord always, and week, is rejoice in the Lord always, and week, is rejoice in the Lord always, and then let your gentle spirit be known to then let your gentle spirit be known to then let your gentle spirit be known to all men. Notice that Paul doesn't all men. Notice that Paul doesn't all men. Notice that Paul doesn't suggest commanding or it doesn't suggest suggest commanding or it doesn't suggest suggest commanding or it doesn't suggest rejoicing. He commands rejoicing. He rejoicing. He commands rejoicing. He rejoicing. He commands rejoicing. He writes it in an imperative sense. writes it in an imperative sense. writes it in an imperative sense. If there was such a thing in the Greek, If there was such a thing in the Greek, If there was such a thing in the Greek, right? He says, "Rejoice in the Lord." right? He says, "Rejoice in the Lord." right? He says, "Rejoice in the Lord." This is written imperatively. He's not This is written imperatively. He's not This is written imperatively. He's not suggesting it. He is commanding it. And suggesting it. He is commanding it. And suggesting it. He is commanding it. And Paul is saying, if rejoice is the Paul is saying, if rejoice is the Paul is saying, if rejoice is the command, always is the circumstance. command, always is the circumstance. command, always is the circumstance. He says, whether you're in house arrest He says, whether you're in house arrest He says, whether you're in house arrest or free, rejoice in the Lord. or free, rejoice in the Lord. or free, rejoice in the Lord. Whether you have a lot of money and Whether you have a lot of money and Whether you have a lot of money and you're financially secure or you're you're financially secure or you're you're financially secure or you're you're struggling, rejoice in the Lord.

you're struggling, rejoice in the Lord. you're struggling, rejoice in the Lord. When this chapter of life is dark and When this chapter of life is dark and When this chapter of life is dark and you don't know what's next, rejoice in you don't know what's next, rejoice in you don't know what's next, rejoice in the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. Rejoicing in the Lord that that a melody Rejoicing in the Lord that that a melody Rejoicing in the Lord that that a melody of joy can win you a lot of battles. of joy can win you a lot of battles. of joy can win you a lot of battles. Believer, a melody of joy can win you a Believer, a melody of joy can win you a Believer, a melody of joy can win you a lot of wars in the faith if you just lot of wars in the faith if you just lot of wars in the faith if you just rejoice in the Lord. One thing I've been rejoice in the Lord. One thing I've been rejoice in the Lord. One thing I've been mindful of, see, a good sermon always mindful of, see, a good sermon always mindful of, see, a good sermon always hits the preacher first before your hits the preacher first before your hits the preacher first before your preacher tries to preach it to other preacher tries to preach it to other preacher tries to preach it to other people. One thing I've tried to do this people. One thing I've tried to do this people. One thing I've tried to do this entire week is just to rejoice in the entire week is just to rejoice in the entire week is just to rejoice in the Lord. Cleaning poopy diapers, rejoice in Lord. Cleaning poopy diapers, rejoice in Lord. Cleaning poopy diapers, rejoice in the Lord. Right? Struggling out there in the Lord. Right? Struggling out there in the Lord. Right? Struggling out there in the movein heat, rejoice in the Lord. the movein heat, rejoice in the Lord. the movein heat, rejoice in the Lord. going on a run one morning. Rejoice in going on a run one morning. Rejoice in going on a run one morning. Rejoice in the Lord. Good or bad. Rejoice in the the Lord. Good or bad. Rejoice in the the Lord. Good or bad. Rejoice in the Lord. Paul is saying not anything new Lord. Paul is saying not anything new Lord. Paul is saying not anything new here either. He's already said it in here either. He's already said it in here either. He's already said it in 118. He said it in 217. He said it in 118. He said it in 217. He said it in 118. He said it in 217. He said it in 3:1. And now he's saying it again in 3:1. And now he's saying it again in 3:1. And now he's saying it again in 4:4. Rejoice in the Lord. And if you 4:4. Rejoice in the Lord. And if you 4:4. Rejoice in the Lord. And if you were to go back and look at every one of were to go back and look at every one of were to go back and look at every one of those verses, they were not good those verses, they were not good those verses, they were not good circumstances. When Paul writes this, he circumstances. When Paul writes this, he circumstances. When Paul writes this, he is in house arrest. So Paul's not just is in house arrest. So Paul's not just is in house arrest. So Paul's not just talking the talk here. He's walking the talking the talk here. He's walking the talking the talk here. He's walking the walk. And he is saying, I'm telling you walk. And he is saying, I'm telling you walk. And he is saying, I'm telling you to do something that I am doing as well.

to do something that I am doing as well. to do something that I am doing as well. Rejoice in the Lord. Rejoice that your Rejoice in the Lord. Rejoice that your Rejoice in the Lord. Rejoice that your sins have been covered. Rejoice that the sins have been covered. Rejoice that the sins have been covered. Rejoice that the gospel is glorious. The gospel gives us, gospel is glorious. The gospel gives us, gospel is glorious. The gospel gives us, church, 10,000 reasons to rejoice, church, 10,000 reasons to rejoice, church, 10,000 reasons to rejoice, doesn't it. Let us rejoice in the Lord. doesn't it. Let us rejoice in the Lord. doesn't it. Let us rejoice in the Lord. It sets the tone for the day and it sets It sets the tone for the day and it sets It sets the tone for the day and it sets the path forward for the believer. And the path forward for the believer. And the path forward for the believer. And we have an example in Jesus because we have an example in Jesus because we have an example in Jesus because Jesus had every right to complain, Jesus had every right to complain, Jesus had every right to complain, didn't he? He had every right to didn't he? He had every right to didn't he? He had every right to complain as he came to this earth and complain as he came to this earth and complain as he came to this earth and humbled himself. As he died on a cross, humbled himself. As he died on a cross, humbled himself. As he died on a cross, not for his sins but for ours. As he was not for his sins but for ours. As he was not for his sins but for ours. As he was buried in a grave. As he was raised to buried in a grave. As he was raised to buried in a grave. As he was raised to life. He had every reason to complain life. He had every reason to complain life. He had every reason to complain about what was going on, but he chose to about what was going on, but he chose to about what was going on, but he chose to do so joyfully. In fact, Hebrews 12:2 do so joyfully. In fact, Hebrews 12:2 do so joyfully. In fact, Hebrews 12:2 didn't line this up with Payton earlier, didn't line this up with Payton earlier, didn't line this up with Payton earlier, but I believe the Lord's in it. Hebrews but I believe the Lord's in it. Hebrews but I believe the Lord's in it. Hebrews 12:2 says, "For the joy that was set 12:2 says, "For the joy that was set 12:2 says, "For the joy that was set before him, he endured the cross, before him, he endured the cross, before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at despising the shame, and is seated at despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of God." Go. Jesus saw the right hand of God." Go. Jesus saw the right hand of God." Go. Jesus saw the cross, but he didn't just see the the cross, but he didn't just see the the cross, but he didn't just see the cross. He saw the grave in the cross. He saw the grave in the cross. He saw the grave in the resurrection on the other side. And resurrection on the other side. And resurrection on the other side. And friends, for us, we can do the same friends, for us, we can do the same friends, for us, we can do the same thing. Whatever's in front of you, don't thing. Whatever's in front of you, don't thing. Whatever's in front of you, don't fixate on that. Fixate on the glory that fixate on that. Fixate on the glory that fixate on that. Fixate on the glory that awaits. Fixate on the glory of Jesus awaits. Fixate on the glory of Jesus awaits. Fixate on the glory of Jesus Christ returning one day. and let the Christ returning one day. and let the Christ returning one day. and let the glory of Jesus Christ returning one day glory of Jesus Christ returning one day glory of Jesus Christ returning one day instill and motivate you to rejoice in instill and motivate you to rejoice in instill and motivate you to rejoice in the Lord whatever it is look forward to the Lord whatever it is look forward to the Lord whatever it is look forward to the day like in Revelation 4:8 where we the day like in Revelation 4:8 where we the day like in Revelation 4:8 where we will join with the angels and the will join with the angels and the will join with the angels and the creatures in heaven and say holy holy creatures in heaven and say holy holy creatures in heaven and say holy holy holy is the Lord God Almighty who's who

holy is the Lord God Almighty who's who holy is the Lord God Almighty who's who was and is and is to come one day we was and is and is to come one day we was and is and is to come one day we will rejoice in heaven so we better get will rejoice in heaven so we better get will rejoice in heaven so we better get good on it or good at it and on earth good on it or good at it and on earth good on it or good at it and on earth shouldn't we rejoice all day in heaven shouldn't we rejoice all day in heaven shouldn't we rejoice all day in heaven so let us be a people now marked by so let us be a people now marked by so let us be a people now marked by rejoicing rejoicing rejoicing And then last, Paul says, "Don't forget And then last, Paul says, "Don't forget And then last, Paul says, "Don't forget to be gentle." Don't forget, It's funny, to be gentle." Don't forget, It's funny, to be gentle." Don't forget, It's funny, isn't it? [laughter] isn't it? [laughter] isn't it? [laughter] Don't forget to be gentle. Don't forget Don't forget to be gentle. Don't forget Don't forget to be gentle. Don't forget to be a person marked by gentleness. to be a person marked by gentleness. to be a person marked by gentleness. Paul says, "Let let your gentle spirit Paul says, "Let let your gentle spirit Paul says, "Let let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near." be known to all men. The Lord is near." be known to all men. The Lord is near." This is the same command or the same This is the same command or the same This is the same command or the same quality that Paul gives elders in 1 quality that Paul gives elders in 1 quality that Paul gives elders in 1 Timothy 3:3. You know, someone da Carson Timothy 3:3. You know, someone da Carson Timothy 3:3. You know, someone da Carson I said I think said the most I said I think said the most I said I think said the most extraordinary thing about the elder extraordinary thing about the elder extraordinary thing about the elder qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 is how qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 is how qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 is how unextraordinary they are. [laughter] unextraordinary they are. [laughter] unextraordinary they are. [laughter] He he said that about like the He he said that about like the He he said that about like the qualifications. This is the same qualifications. This is the same qualifications. This is the same qualification given in 1 Timothy 3:3 for qualification given in 1 Timothy 3:3 for qualification given in 1 Timothy 3:3 for pastors that we're to have a gentle pastors that we're to have a gentle pastors that we're to have a gentle spirit. Jesus was marked by gentleness.

spirit. Jesus was marked by gentleness. spirit. Jesus was marked by gentleness. He was meek. This idea of gentleness He was meek. This idea of gentleness He was meek. This idea of gentleness right here means not giving retribution right here means not giving retribution right here means not giving retribution or repayment to someone over menial or repayment to someone over menial or repayment to someone over menial issues. It's meaning that you're not issues. It's meaning that you're not issues. It's meaning that you're not going to retaliate when when when it's going to retaliate when when when it's going to retaliate when when when it's not needed. And Paul says that we're to not needed. And Paul says that we're to not needed. And Paul says that we're to be gentle and rejoicing. And two, these be gentle and rejoicing. And two, these be gentle and rejoicing. And two, these are two essential ingredients, church, are two essential ingredients, church, are two essential ingredients, church, as we think about standing firm in as we think about standing firm in as we think about standing firm in unity. These are two essential unity. These are two essential unity. These are two essential ingredients that we need to have. ingredients that we need to have. ingredients that we need to have. Rejoicing in a gentle spirit can fix a Rejoicing in a gentle spirit can fix a Rejoicing in a gentle spirit can fix a lot of situations, especially in lot of situations, especially in lot of situations, especially in conflict. The proverb tells us, "A conflict. The proverb tells us, "A conflict. The proverb tells us, "A gentle answer turns away wrath." A gentle answer turns away wrath." A gentle answer turns away wrath." A gentle spirit turns away wrath. And Paul gentle spirit turns away wrath. And Paul gentle spirit turns away wrath. And Paul is telling us and calling us to a gentle is telling us and calling us to a gentle is telling us and calling us to a gentle spirit. It should change how we live spirit. It should change how we live spirit. It should change how we live because Paul roots it theologically in because Paul roots it theologically in because Paul roots it theologically in that last part. The Lord is near. The that last part. The Lord is near. The that last part. The Lord is near. The Lord is near. He means this in in a Lord is near. He means this in in a Lord is near. He means this in in a spatial sense like the Lord is near in spatial sense like the Lord is near in spatial sense like the Lord is near in his presence with us. But he also means his presence with us. But he also means his presence with us. But he also means this in his return. The Lord is near.

this in his return. The Lord is near. this in his return. The Lord is near. Jesus can come back any moment, any day. Jesus can come back any moment, any day. Jesus can come back any moment, any day. The church of Philippi believed that and The church of Philippi believed that and The church of Philippi believed that and we believe that that Jesus Christ can we believe that that Jesus Christ can we believe that that Jesus Christ can come back. So we should live in light of come back. So we should live in light of come back. So we should live in light of his coming judgment. We should live in his coming judgment. We should live in his coming judgment. We should live in light of his return. But we should also light of his return. But we should also light of his return. But we should also live in light and in response to the live in light and in response to the live in light and in response to the spirit of God in us. If I can take us spirit of God in us. If I can take us spirit of God in us. If I can take us back to Sunday school for a second and back to Sunday school for a second and back to Sunday school for a second and kid for for kids, gentleness is a fruit kid for for kids, gentleness is a fruit kid for for kids, gentleness is a fruit of the spirit in Galatians. So Jesus is of the spirit in Galatians. So Jesus is of the spirit in Galatians. So Jesus is calling us to something that the Holy calling us to something that the Holy calling us to something that the Holy Spirit is birthing in us that when the Spirit is birthing in us that when the Spirit is birthing in us that when the gospel saves us and is in us, it's gospel saves us and is in us, it's gospel saves us and is in us, it's gentleness comes out when we're living gentleness comes out when we're living gentleness comes out when we're living by faith, when we're standing firm in by faith, when we're standing firm in by faith, when we're standing firm in the Lord. If you find yourself in the Lord. If you find yourself in the Lord. If you find yourself in conflict this week or if you find conflict this week or if you find conflict this week or if you find yourself in conflict in the future, yourself in conflict in the future, yourself in conflict in the future, practice gentleness. practice gentleness. practice gentleness. put on gentleness. You know, every one put on gentleness. You know, every one put on gentleness. You know, every one of us carries two buckets to every fight of us carries two buckets to every fight of us carries two buckets to every fight or every every flight fight's not the or every every flight fight's not the or every every flight fight's not the right word. Let's rewind that. Every right word. Let's rewind that. Every right word. Let's rewind that. Every conflict, right? Every conflict, we conflict, right? Every conflict, we conflict, right? Every conflict, we carry two buckets. We carry a bucket of carry two buckets. We carry a bucket of carry two buckets. We carry a bucket of water and we carry a bucket of gasoline.

water and we carry a bucket of gasoline. water and we carry a bucket of gasoline. Let us be a people marked by gentleness Let us be a people marked by gentleness Let us be a people marked by gentleness that puts water on situations that that puts water on situations that that puts water on situations that diffuses it and not puts gas and don't diffuses it and not puts gas and don't diffuses it and not puts gas and don't put gasoline on situations to just cause put gasoline on situations to just cause put gasoline on situations to just cause it to flame higher and higher. church. it to flame higher and higher. church. it to flame higher and higher. church. We have been bloodbought, spirit birthed We have been bloodbought, spirit birthed We have been bloodbought, spirit birthed people of God. We can be gentle because people of God. We can be gentle because people of God. We can be gentle because the Holy Spirit has done that work in the Holy Spirit has done that work in the Holy Spirit has done that work in us. Now, hey, as we close out, I want to us. Now, hey, as we close out, I want to us. Now, hey, as we close out, I want to invite Payton back up as we begin to invite Payton back up as we begin to invite Payton back up as we begin to close out this time. We've talked about close out this time. We've talked about close out this time. We've talked about a lot today specifically about the a lot today specifically about the a lot today specifically about the believer, but I want to go back to what believer, but I want to go back to what believer, but I want to go back to what we started with in that verse verse of we started with in that verse verse of we started with in that verse verse of standing firm in the Lord. You know, we standing firm in the Lord. You know, we standing firm in the Lord. You know, we said standing firm is the result of a said standing firm is the result of a said standing firm is the result of a faith fixed firmly on the Lord. Hey, faith fixed firmly on the Lord. Hey, faith fixed firmly on the Lord. Hey, maybe you've come in here today and you maybe you've come in here today and you maybe you've come in here today and you have a faith, but the problem is is you have a faith, but the problem is is you have a faith, but the problem is is you have a faith fixed on the wrong thing. have a faith fixed on the wrong thing. have a faith fixed on the wrong thing. You have a faith fixed on the wrong You have a faith fixed on the wrong You have a faith fixed on the wrong person. person. person. Maybe your faith is in something like Maybe your faith is in something like Maybe your faith is in something like this. It's feeble. It's fickle. It's this. It's feeble. It's fickle. It's this. It's feeble. It's fickle. It's weak. You don't need faith weak. You don't need faith weak. You don't need faith on something like this or in something on something like this or in something on something like this or in something like this. You need faith in something like this. You need faith in something like this. You need faith in something like this. And so what I'm asking for like this. And so what I'm asking for like this. And so what I'm asking for some of us to do, what this text is some of us to do, what this text is some of us to do, what this text is calling us is for some of us who are calling us is for some of us who are calling us is for some of us who are sitting in these chairs physically to sitting in these chairs physically to sitting in these chairs physically to then move into sitting in these chairs then move into sitting in these chairs then move into sitting in these chairs spiritually. Well, some of you who don't spiritually. Well, some of you who don't spiritually. Well, some of you who don't have a relationship with Jesus Christ, have a relationship with Jesus Christ, have a relationship with Jesus Christ, he will save you if you just rest in he will save you if you just rest in he will save you if you just rest in him. If you fix your faith on him and him. If you fix your faith on him and him. If you fix your faith on him and rest in him, you sit back in that chair

rest in him, you sit back in that chair rest in him, you sit back in that chair of faith. You rest in the work of Jesus. of faith. You rest in the work of Jesus. of faith. You rest in the work of Jesus. You rest in his per in the person and You rest in his per in the person and You rest in his per in the person and work of Jesus Christ. What he has done work of Jesus Christ. What he has done work of Jesus Christ. What he has done for us on the cross. That he died for for us on the cross. That he died for for us on the cross. That he died for your sins and mine. He lived the life your sins and mine. He lived the life your sins and mine. He lived the life that you couldn't live and that I that you couldn't live and that I that you couldn't live and that I couldn't live. He died the death that we couldn't live. He died the death that we couldn't live. He died the death that we deserved so that you could place your deserved so that you could place your deserved so that you could place your faith in him. So that you could be faith in him. So that you could be faith in him. So that you could be bloodbot and all your sins could be bloodbot and all your sins could be bloodbot and all your sins could be forgiven past, present, and future. forgiven past, present, and future. forgiven past, present, and future. What's your faith in? Like Matthew 7, is What's your faith in? Like Matthew 7, is What's your faith in? Like Matthew 7, is it the house that's built on the sand, it the house that's built on the sand, it the house that's built on the sand, that shaky sand, or is it the house that shaky sand, or is it the house that shaky sand, or is it the house that's built on the rock? If your faith that's built on the rock? If your faith that's built on the rock? If your faith is in anything other than the rock of is in anything other than the rock of is in anything other than the rock of Jesus Christ, it's in vain. Get out of Jesus Christ, it's in vain. Get out of Jesus Christ, it's in vain. Get out of that chair and move over to this chair. that chair and move over to this chair. that chair and move over to this chair. Move over to placing your faith in Move over to placing your faith in Move over to placing your faith in Jesus. We have pastors and ladies here Jesus. We have pastors and ladies here Jesus. We have pastors and ladies here who would love to talk to you as we head who would love to talk to you as we head who would love to talk to you as we head into this invitation. We have a QR code into this invitation. We have a QR code into this invitation. We have a QR code that you can scan on the seat if you that you can scan on the seat if you that you can scan on the seat if you would like to respond that way. I'll be would like to respond that way. I'll be would like to respond that way. I'll be around even after the service if you around even after the service if you around even after the service if you would like to talk. We have cards that would like to talk. We have cards that would like to talk. We have cards that you can fill out. There's a number of you can fill out. There's a number of you can fill out. There's a number of ways that you can respond, but let's ways that you can respond, but let's ways that you can respond, but let's respond in faith. And lastly, respond in faith. And lastly, respond in faith. And lastly, for the believer, let's be a people for the believer, let's be a people for the believer, let's be a people marked by standing firm in the Lord.

marked by standing firm in the Lord. marked by standing firm in the Lord. Let's be a people marked by our unity, a Let's be a people marked by our unity, a Let's be a people marked by our unity, a people marked by our gentleness, a people marked by our gentleness, a people marked by our gentleness, a people marked by our joy in this life. people marked by our joy in this life. people marked by our joy in this life. that no matter what comes, when the boss that no matter what comes, when the boss that no matter what comes, when the boss comes in and starts yelling at everyone comes in and starts yelling at everyone comes in and starts yelling at everyone and you walk out of the meeting, and you walk out of the meeting, and you walk out of the meeting, everyone starts gossiping, you say everyone starts gossiping, you say everyone starts gossiping, you say something like, "Man, I'm so glad to be something like, "Man, I'm so glad to be something like, "Man, I'm so glad to be here today." Right? That the Lord Jesus here today." Right? That the Lord Jesus here today." Right? That the Lord Jesus Christ can do has given you 10,000 Christ can do has given you 10,000 Christ can do has given you 10,000 reasons to rejoice. Stand firm like the reasons to rejoice. Stand firm like the reasons to rejoice. Stand firm like the tree, like a great big oak tree. No tree, like a great big oak tree. No tree, like a great big oak tree. No matter what storm comes, you can stand matter what storm comes, you can stand matter what storm comes, you can stand firm like Psalm 1 talks about the tree firm like Psalm 1 talks about the tree firm like Psalm 1 talks about the tree that is that is rooted in the ground by that is that is rooted in the ground by that is that is rooted in the ground by streams of water. You and I can stand streams of water. You and I can stand streams of water. You and I can stand firm in this life because we are firm in this life because we are firm in this life because we are fixated. Our faith is fixated on Jesus fixated. Our faith is fixated on Jesus fixated. Our faith is fixated on Jesus Christ, church. That's the hope we have. Christ, church. That's the hope we have. Christ, church. That's the hope we have. And this is the firm life out through And this is the firm life out through And this is the firm life out through our rejoicing, through our unity, and our rejoicing, through our unity, and our rejoicing, through our unity, and through our gentleness. Hey, let's through our gentleness. Hey, let's through our gentleness. Hey, let's respond to the Lord right now in this respond to the Lord right now in this respond to the Lord right now in this time. Let me pray for us. Lord Jesus, we time. Let me pray for us. Lord Jesus, we time. Let me pray for us. Lord Jesus, we ask and pray that you would speak, you ask and pray that you would speak, you ask and pray that you would speak, you would move in this time. God, let us would move in this time. God, let us would move in this time. God, let us respond in faith to whatever it is that respond in faith to whatever it is that respond in faith to whatever it is that you may be doing in our lives. Lord, I you may be doing in our lives. Lord, I you may be doing in our lives. Lord, I pray and ask that you would speak to us pray and ask that you would speak to us pray and ask that you would speak to us and that we'd be obedient people right and that we'd be obedient people right and that we'd be obedient people right now. I pray this in the name of Jesus.

now. I pray this in the name of Jesus. now. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.