Everyday Joy - Committed To The Cause - Cross Bright

Amen. Amen. Yeah. Y'all go ahead and Amen. Amen. Yeah. Y'all go ahead and grab a seat. Well, hey, good morning grab a seat. Well, hey, good morning grab a seat. Well, hey, good morning church. Welcome in again. I know Pastor church. Welcome in again. I know Pastor church. Welcome in again. I know Pastor Jacob has already welcomed you guys in, Jacob has already welcomed you guys in, Jacob has already welcomed you guys in, but if you are a first-time guest, if but if you are a first-time guest, if but if you are a first-time guest, if you're watching online with us, if you're watching online with us, if you're watching online with us, if you're watching on television, uh I'm you're watching on television, uh I'm you're watching on television, uh I'm glad that you have tuned in and you're glad that you have tuned in and you're glad that you have tuned in and you're here this morning, it is always a here this morning, it is always a here this morning, it is always a privilege to get to worship with you all privilege to get to worship with you all privilege to get to worship with you all uh on Sundays. And so, my name is uh on Sundays. And so, my name is uh on Sundays. And so, my name is Crossbright. I get the privilege of Crossbright. I get the privilege of Crossbright. I get the privilege of serving as college pastor here at serving as college pastor here at serving as college pastor here at Central. And I just finished up my Central. And I just finished up my Central. And I just finished up my rookie season, if you will, this last rookie season, if you will, this last rookie season, if you will, this last year in May. And as I have had some time year in May. And as I have had some time year in May. And as I have had some time to reflect over the last couple days, to reflect over the last couple days, to reflect over the last couple days, weeks on what all the Lord has done over weeks on what all the Lord has done over weeks on what all the Lord has done over the last calendar year, I have just been the last calendar year, I have just been the last calendar year, I have just been blown away and enamored with how good blown away and enamored with how good blown away and enamored with how good and how sovereign and how blessed or how and how sovereign and how blessed or how and how sovereign and how blessed or how good sovereign God is, but how blessed good sovereign God is, but how blessed good sovereign God is, but how blessed we are as a church and as a body of we are as a church and as a body of we are as a church and as a body of Christ. It doesn't take much looking. Christ. It doesn't take much looking. Christ. It doesn't take much looking. Whether you're looking in the preschool Whether you're looking in the preschool Whether you're looking in the preschool and kids area or all the way up to and kids area or all the way up to and kids area or all the way up to senior adults, the Lord's hand is all senior adults, the Lord's hand is all senior adults, the Lord's hand is all over what is going on here at Central. over what is going on here at Central. over what is going on here at Central. And it's a a blessing and a privilege to And it's a a blessing and a privilege to And it's a a blessing and a privilege to get to be a part of. If you would, I get to be a part of. If you would, I get to be a part of. If you would, I would invite you to turn in your Bibles would invite you to turn in your Bibles would invite you to turn in your Bibles to Philippians chapter 1. We're going to to Philippians chapter 1. We're going to to Philippians chapter 1. We're going to be continuing on in the series that we be continuing on in the series that we be continuing on in the series that we started a couple weeks ago entitled started a couple weeks ago entitled started a couple weeks ago entitled Everyday Joy. We're going to pick up in Everyday Joy. We're going to pick up in Everyday Joy. We're going to pick up in verse 21. I know Pastor Archie verse 21. I know Pastor Archie verse 21. I know Pastor Archie technically hit it last week on Father's technically hit it last week on Father's technically hit it last week on Father's Day, but we're going to recover it Day, but we're going to recover it Day, but we're going to recover it again. It's that important. It's that again. It's that important. It's that again. It's that important. It's that impactful. And so, as you're turning impactful. And so, as you're turning impactful. And so, as you're turning there, I want to tell you about a guy by there, I want to tell you about a guy by there, I want to tell you about a guy by the name of Aaron Rostston. And so, the name of Aaron Rostston. And so, the name of Aaron Rostston. And so, Aaron Rston, he you may have heard of Aaron Rston, he you may have heard of Aaron Rston, he you may have heard of him, maybe not if you're into like the

him, maybe not if you're into like the him, maybe not if you're into like the hiking and mountain climbing and hiking and mountain climbing and hiking and mountain climbing and bouldering scene. Well, Aaron Rston got bouldering scene. Well, Aaron Rston got bouldering scene. Well, Aaron Rston got some popularity and notoriety in the some popularity and notoriety in the some popularity and notoriety in the mid200s. And he actually had a movie mid200s. And he actually had a movie mid200s. And he actually had a movie made about him in 2010. It's called 127 made about him in 2010. It's called 127 made about him in 2010. It's called 127 Hours. And what this movie is about is Hours. And what this movie is about is Hours. And what this movie is about is Aaron in 2003 decides that one day he's Aaron in 2003 decides that one day he's Aaron in 2003 decides that one day he's going to go rock climbing or bouldering going to go rock climbing or bouldering going to go rock climbing or bouldering or just go on this excursion somewhere or just go on this excursion somewhere or just go on this excursion somewhere in the mountains of Utah. And Aaron, in the mountains of Utah. And Aaron, in the mountains of Utah. And Aaron, notably, he doesn't tell his family notably, he doesn't tell his family notably, he doesn't tell his family where he's going. He doesn't tell how where he's going. He doesn't tell how where he's going. He doesn't tell how long he's going or where or when he's long he's going or where or when he's long he's going or where or when he's going, but he just goes. And so he going, but he just goes. And so he going, but he just goes. And so he starts off on this hike and everything starts off on this hike and everything starts off on this hike and everything is is pretty normal. Uh not anything is is pretty normal. Uh not anything is is pretty normal. Uh not anything that Aaron has never experienced before. that Aaron has never experienced before. that Aaron has never experienced before. But then about 3 or 4 days into it, But then about 3 or 4 days into it, But then about 3 or 4 days into it, Aaron is uh working around this boulder Aaron is uh working around this boulder Aaron is uh working around this boulder and what happens is the boulder kind of and what happens is the boulder kind of and what happens is the boulder kind of shakes loose and it pins Aaron's hand shakes loose and it pins Aaron's hand shakes loose and it pins Aaron's hand between the boulder and the rock. So between the boulder and the rock. So between the boulder and the rock. So literally stuck between a rock and a literally stuck between a rock and a literally stuck between a rock and a hard place. And so he's there, he's hard place. And so he's there, he's hard place. And so he's there, he's trying to figure out, he's like, I I trying to figure out, he's like, I I trying to figure out, he's like, I I can't get my I mean this is a 10,000lb can't get my I mean this is a 10,000lb can't get my I mean this is a 10,000lb boulder. I can't get my hand free. And boulder. I can't get my hand free. And boulder. I can't get my hand free. And so he begins to ration out his food. He so he begins to ration out his food. He so he begins to ration out his food. He rations out his water over the next rations out his water over the next rations out his water over the next couple of days. and he has a camcorder couple of days. and he has a camcorder couple of days. and he has a camcorder that he ultimately begins recording that he ultimately begins recording that he ultimately begins recording himself on and he's basically giving his himself on and he's basically giving his himself on and he's basically giving his his last wishes, his goodbyes to his his last wishes, his goodbyes to his his last wishes, his goodbyes to his friends and family if someone finds him friends and family if someone finds him friends and family if someone finds him and he thinks it's the end of his story.

and he thinks it's the end of his story. and he thinks it's the end of his story. Well, after a little more time has Well, after a little more time has Well, after a little more time has passed, Aaron kind of comes to his passed, Aaron kind of comes to his passed, Aaron kind of comes to his senses and he he decides, I don't I senses and he he decides, I don't I senses and he he decides, I don't I don't want to live like this. I I don't don't want to live like this. I I don't don't want to live like this. I I don't want to to this just to be the end of my want to to this just to be the end of my want to to this just to be the end of my story. So, what he does is I'll save the story. So, what he does is I'll save the story. So, what he does is I'll save the the medical and surgical deep analysis, the medical and surgical deep analysis, the medical and surgical deep analysis, but he has a a dullish fishing blade of but he has a a dullish fishing blade of but he has a a dullish fishing blade of some sort in his pocket and uh what he some sort in his pocket and uh what he some sort in his pocket and uh what he then takes that and he removes the the then takes that and he removes the the then takes that and he removes the the uncrushed part of his forearm from the uncrushed part of his forearm from the uncrushed part of his forearm from the boulder and he goes hikes eight more boulder and he goes hikes eight more boulder and he goes hikes eight more miles, finds help and then he finds a miles, finds help and then he finds a miles, finds help and then he finds a couple that would then call uh a couple that would then call uh a couple that would then call uh a helicopter to come medevac him out and helicopter to come medevac him out and helicopter to come medevac him out and he would be saved and relieved from he would be saved and relieved from he would be saved and relieved from harm. But I say all of that not to give harm. But I say all of that not to give harm. But I say all of that not to give us this weird illustration or story to us this weird illustration or story to us this weird illustration or story to start the morning off, but I say that to start the morning off, but I say that to start the morning off, but I say that to remind us and bring to our attention the remind us and bring to our attention the remind us and bring to our attention the idea that humans will do remarkable idea that humans will do remarkable idea that humans will do remarkable things when it comes to surviving or things when it comes to surviving or things when it comes to surviving or when it comes to living. But the caveat when it comes to living. But the caveat when it comes to living. But the caveat in that is that that will only happen if in that is that that will only happen if in that is that that will only happen if you have something worth living for. And you have something worth living for. And you have something worth living for. And so the question that I'm going to ask so the question that I'm going to ask so the question that I'm going to ask now and we're going to come back to now and we're going to come back to now and we're going to come back to again and again and again this morning again and again and again this morning again and again and again this morning is what are you living for?

is what are you living for? is what are you living for? What is the thing that gets you out of What is the thing that gets you out of What is the thing that gets you out of bed in the morning? What's the thing bed in the morning? What's the thing bed in the morning? What's the thing that drives the purpose of your life? that drives the purpose of your life? that drives the purpose of your life? What do you look forward to? What is the What do you look forward to? What is the What do you look forward to? What is the the statement or the moniker of your the statement or the moniker of your the statement or the moniker of your life? Well, in our passage today, we're life? Well, in our passage today, we're life? Well, in our passage today, we're going to see Paul is kind of in a going to see Paul is kind of in a going to see Paul is kind of in a similar situation. He is going to similar situation. He is going to similar situation. He is going to illustrate for us and lay out exactly illustrate for us and lay out exactly illustrate for us and lay out exactly why he lives. And so, if you're taking why he lives. And so, if you're taking why he lives. And so, if you're taking notes this morning, the title of this notes this morning, the title of this notes this morning, the title of this message is committed to the cause. And message is committed to the cause. And message is committed to the cause. And we have two points that we're going to we have two points that we're going to we have two points that we're going to kind of survey through as we walk kind of survey through as we walk kind of survey through as we walk through these next couple of p verses. through these next couple of p verses. through these next couple of p verses. The first one is committed to labor. And The first one is committed to labor. And The first one is committed to labor. And the second one is committed to suffer. the second one is committed to suffer. the second one is committed to suffer. And so if you're anything like me, you And so if you're anything like me, you And so if you're anything like me, you hear committed to labor and committed to hear committed to labor and committed to hear committed to labor and committed to suffer in a book about joy, having joy suffer in a book about joy, having joy suffer in a book about joy, having joy every day, and you're like, "Okay, every day, and you're like, "Okay, every day, and you're like, "Okay, something's backwards here. I'm not something's backwards here. I'm not something's backwards here. I'm not really uh grabbing that fully." I really uh grabbing that fully." I really uh grabbing that fully." I promise you, you will. It'll make sense. promise you, you will. It'll make sense. promise you, you will. It'll make sense. But committed to labor, committed the But committed to labor, committed the But committed to labor, committed the suffer. And so, if you would, if you're suffer. And so, if you would, if you're suffer. And so, if you would, if you're willing and able, if you'd stand with me willing and able, if you'd stand with me willing and able, if you'd stand with me as we read God's word together, we're as we read God's word together, we're as we read God's word together, we're starting in verse 21. We're going starting in verse 21. We're going starting in verse 21. We're going through the end of the chapter and it through the end of the chapter and it through the end of the chapter and it says, "For to me to live is Christ and says, "For to me to live is Christ and says, "For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain. But I if I am to live on to die is gain. But I if I am to live on to die is gain. But I if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful in the flesh, this will mean fruitful in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me and I do not know which to labor for me and I do not know which to labor for me and I do not know which to choose. But I am hardpressed from both choose. But I am hardpressed from both choose. But I am hardpressed from both directions, having the desire to depart directions, having the desire to depart directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very and be with Christ, for that is very and be with Christ, for that is very much better. Yet to remain on in the much better. Yet to remain on in the much better. Yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.

flesh is more necessary for your sake. flesh is more necessary for your sake. Convinced of this, I know I will remain Convinced of this, I know I will remain Convinced of this, I know I will remain and continue with you all for your and continue with you all for your and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that progress and joy in the faith, so that progress and joy in the faith, so that your proud confidence in me may abound your proud confidence in me may abound your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you in Christ Jesus through my coming to you in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again. Only conduct yourselves in a again. Only conduct yourselves in a again. Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or so that whether I come and see you or so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you, and remain absent, I will hear of you, and remain absent, I will hear of you, and that you are standing firm in one spirit that you are standing firm in one spirit that you are standing firm in one spirit with one mind, striving together for the with one mind, striving together for the with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel. in no way alarmed faith of the gospel. in no way alarmed faith of the gospel. in no way alarmed by your opponents, which is a sign of by your opponents, which is a sign of by your opponents, which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation destruction for them, but of salvation destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too from God. For to for you, and that too from God. For to for you, and that too from God. For to you it has been granted for Christ's you it has been granted for Christ's you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in him, but sake, not only to believe in him, but sake, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for his sake, also to suffer for his sake, also to suffer for his sake, experiencing the same conflict which you experiencing the same conflict which you experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now here to be in me. saw in me, and now here to be in me. saw in me, and now here to be in me. Let's pray. Father, I pray that over the Let's pray. Father, I pray that over the Let's pray. Father, I pray that over the next 25 to 30 minutes, Lord, that you next 25 to 30 minutes, Lord, that you next 25 to 30 minutes, Lord, that you would move in this space that as we ask would move in this space that as we ask would move in this space that as we ask the question, what are we living for? the question, what are we living for? the question, what are we living for? and we look to what we should be and we look to what we should be and we look to what we should be committing our lives to. And I pray that committing our lives to. And I pray that committing our lives to. And I pray that you would um provoke us, that you would you would um provoke us, that you would you would um provoke us, that you would stir us to movement and action. And God, stir us to movement and action. And God, stir us to movement and action. And God, that we wouldn't leave here without that we wouldn't leave here without that we wouldn't leave here without responding to you. So God, if there are responding to you. So God, if there are responding to you. So God, if there are people also in this room that that have people also in this room that that have people also in this room that that have no idea what a relationship with you no idea what a relationship with you no idea what a relationship with you looks like, that they do not have that looks like, that they do not have that looks like, that they do not have that yet, God, I pray that you would draw yet, God, I pray that you would draw yet, God, I pray that you would draw them to yourself and reveal yourself to them to yourself and reveal yourself to them to yourself and reveal yourself to them so they may walk in relationship them so they may walk in relationship them so they may walk in relationship with you. So Father, we ask all this in with you. So Father, we ask all this in with you. So Father, we ask all this in your precious and holy name. Amen.

your precious and holy name. Amen. your precious and holy name. Amen. You may be seated. Thank you for You may be seated. Thank you for You may be seated. Thank you for standing. Um, okay. So, before we we standing. Um, okay. So, before we we standing. Um, okay. So, before we we fully get into committing the labor and fully get into committing the labor and fully get into committing the labor and committing the suffering, we have to committing the suffering, we have to committing the suffering, we have to identify and ask the question, well, identify and ask the question, well, identify and ask the question, well, well, what are what is the cause that well, what are what is the cause that well, what are what is the cause that we're committing to? As we read this we're committing to? As we read this we're committing to? As we read this passage, and we're actually going to go passage, and we're actually going to go passage, and we're actually going to go back to verse 20. We're going to see back to verse 20. We're going to see back to verse 20. We're going to see Paul's example and and really what he is Paul's example and and really what he is Paul's example and and really what he is identifying as the cause for which he identifying as the cause for which he identifying as the cause for which he lives. Look at verse 20 with me on the lives. Look at verse 20 with me on the lives. Look at verse 20 with me on the screen. It says, "According to my screen. It says, "According to my screen. It says, "According to my earnest expectation and hope that I will earnest expectation and hope that I will earnest expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in anything, but not be put to shame in anything, but not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even that with all boldness, Christ will even that with all boldness, Christ will even now as always be exalted in my body, now as always be exalted in my body, now as always be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death." So Paul's whether by life or by death." So Paul's whether by life or by death." So Paul's primary goal, his primary mission in primary goal, his primary mission in primary goal, his primary mission in life is to what? Exalt Christ or magnify life is to what? Exalt Christ or magnify life is to what? Exalt Christ or magnify the name of Jesus. And so we see that he the name of Jesus. And so we see that he the name of Jesus. And so we see that he then begins to talk about whether I'm then begins to talk about whether I'm then begins to talk about whether I'm alive or whether I'm dead, Christ is alive or whether I'm dead, Christ is alive or whether I'm dead, Christ is going to be magnified one way or going to be magnified one way or going to be magnified one way or another. And just to kind of refresh another. And just to kind of refresh another. And just to kind of refresh ourselves, Paul as he's writing this is ourselves, Paul as he's writing this is ourselves, Paul as he's writing this is in prisonment. He's under house arrest in prisonment. He's under house arrest in prisonment. He's under house arrest in Rome. The same government, the same in Rome. The same government, the same in Rome. The same government, the same people that persecuted and and crucified people that persecuted and and crucified people that persecuted and and crucified Jesus. So Paul is thinking, "Hey, I'm Jesus. So Paul is thinking, "Hey, I'm Jesus. So Paul is thinking, "Hey, I'm preaching. Like this could very well be preaching. Like this could very well be preaching. Like this could very well be it for me." The Apostle Paul's life it for me." The Apostle Paul's life it for me." The Apostle Paul's life could be coming to a close very soon.

could be coming to a close very soon. could be coming to a close very soon. And so he's writing with that in mind, And so he's writing with that in mind, And so he's writing with that in mind, thinking, hey, like if I die, I die. If thinking, hey, like if I die, I die. If thinking, hey, like if I die, I die. If I live, praise God. But then he goes on I live, praise God. But then he goes on I live, praise God. But then he goes on and he says, for me to live or for me to and he says, for me to live or for me to and he says, for me to live or for me to live is Christ and die is gain. So for live is Christ and die is gain. So for live is Christ and die is gain. So for him to live means that he gets to him to live means that he gets to him to live means that he gets to continue on in his work, that he gets to continue on in his work, that he gets to continue on in his work, that he gets to labor for the sake of the church in labor for the sake of the church in labor for the sake of the church in Philippi and he gets to magnify the name Philippi and he gets to magnify the name Philippi and he gets to magnify the name of Christ there. But if he dies, he of Christ there. But if he dies, he of Christ there. But if he dies, he still magnifies the Lord. Because the still magnifies the Lord. Because the still magnifies the Lord. Because the ultimate way that we get to magnify ultimate way that we get to magnify ultimate way that we get to magnify Christ's name is when we are unified Christ's name is when we are unified Christ's name is when we are unified again with him in eternal life. If we again with him in eternal life. If we again with him in eternal life. If we think back to the beginning of the think back to the beginning of the think back to the beginning of the Bible, Genesis chapters 1, 2, and 3, as Bible, Genesis chapters 1, 2, and 3, as Bible, Genesis chapters 1, 2, and 3, as God is creating the things of the earth, God is creating the things of the earth, God is creating the things of the earth, when he gets to us, the ultimate goal in when he gets to us, the ultimate goal in when he gets to us, the ultimate goal in his creation is that we would dwell with his creation is that we would dwell with his creation is that we would dwell with our creator, with the heavenly father, our creator, with the heavenly father, our creator, with the heavenly father, and that the father would dwell with his and that the father would dwell with his and that the father would dwell with his creation. upon death, assuming that you creation. upon death, assuming that you creation. upon death, assuming that you have trusted and repented and believed have trusted and repented and believed have trusted and repented and believed in the name and sal or salvific work of in the name and sal or salvific work of in the name and sal or salvific work of Christ, you're going to get to dwell Christ, you're going to get to dwell Christ, you're going to get to dwell with the father one day. So in Paul's with the father one day. So in Paul's with the father one day. So in Paul's mind, dying is gain for him. This is the mind, dying is gain for him. This is the mind, dying is gain for him. This is the this is best case scenario. Everything this is best case scenario. Everything this is best case scenario. Everything that he's doing while on earth is that he's doing while on earth is that he's doing while on earth is working towards dying and being united working towards dying and being united working towards dying and being united with Christ. Now just to preface, James with Christ. Now just to preface, James with Christ. Now just to preface, James is very explicit by saying faith without is very explicit by saying faith without is very explicit by saying faith without works is dead. But he also goes on and works is dead. But he also goes on and works is dead. But he also goes on and says that hey if you are working alone says that hey if you are working alone says that hey if you are working alone without faith you're also dead. So without faith you're also dead. So without faith you're also dead. So Paul's not working so that he can get Paul's not working so that he can get Paul's not working so that he can get eternal life. He's working because he is eternal life. He's working because he is eternal life. He's working because he is going to have eternal life. This is a going to have eternal life. This is a going to have eternal life. This is a byproduct of what he's doing. So he's byproduct of what he's doing. So he's byproduct of what he's doing. So he's looking to magnify the name of Christ in

looking to magnify the name of Christ in looking to magnify the name of Christ in death and in life. So he has a difficult death and in life. So he has a difficult death and in life. So he has a difficult choice to make. He ultimately says, choice to make. He ultimately says, choice to make. He ultimately says, "Hey, I know it's better for my sake to "Hey, I know it's better for my sake to "Hey, I know it's better for my sake to die and be with the father, but for your die and be with the father, but for your die and be with the father, but for your sake it's better that I live on and be sake it's better that I live on and be sake it's better that I live on and be with you." Look with me at verse 22. It with you." Look with me at verse 22. It with you." Look with me at verse 22. It says, "But if I am to live on in the says, "But if I am to live on in the says, "But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me." We're going to come back to this me." We're going to come back to this me." We're going to come back to this idea of fruitful labor here in just a idea of fruitful labor here in just a idea of fruitful labor here in just a second. It says, "And I don't know which second. It says, "And I don't know which second. It says, "And I don't know which to choose, but I am hardpressed from to choose, but I am hardpressed from to choose, but I am hardpressed from both directions. Having the desire to both directions. Having the desire to both directions. Having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is depart and be with Christ, for that is depart and be with Christ, for that is much better. Yet to remain on in the much better. Yet to remain on in the much better. Yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake." flesh is more necessary for your sake." flesh is more necessary for your sake." So Paul says, "Hey, if I am to live, So Paul says, "Hey, if I am to live, So Paul says, "Hey, if I am to live, this means for me fruitful labor." He this means for me fruitful labor." He this means for me fruitful labor." He didn't say, "This could suggest to me or didn't say, "This could suggest to me or didn't say, "This could suggest to me or I might do this." this. He says, "No, if I might do this." this. He says, "No, if I might do this." this. He says, "No, if I'm living and I'm looking to magnify I'm living and I'm looking to magnify I'm living and I'm looking to magnify Christ, the result or the goal is Christ, the result or the goal is Christ, the result or the goal is fruitful labor." But we get to this and fruitful labor." But we get to this and fruitful labor." But we get to this and we ask the question, okay, well, what is we ask the question, okay, well, what is we ask the question, okay, well, what is fruitful labor in Paul's eyes? If you're fruitful labor in Paul's eyes? If you're fruitful labor in Paul's eyes? If you're anything like me and you hear the word anything like me and you hear the word anything like me and you hear the word fruitful labor, you think of, okay, fruitful labor, you think of, okay, fruitful labor, you think of, okay, well, my labor is producing fruit. Maybe well, my labor is producing fruit. Maybe well, my labor is producing fruit. Maybe that comes in the form of you are that comes in the form of you are that comes in the form of you are providing financially for your family or providing financially for your family or providing financially for your family or you have generational wealth or you have you have generational wealth or you have you have generational wealth or you have societal equity, your relational cloud societal equity, your relational cloud societal equity, your relational cloud or whatever you want to you want to put or whatever you want to you want to put or whatever you want to you want to put your your stock in. Maybe that is your your stock in. Maybe that is your your stock in. Maybe that is fruitful labor for you. And those things fruitful labor for you. And those things fruitful labor for you. And those things aren't necessarily bad in and of aren't necessarily bad in and of aren't necessarily bad in and of themselves. But what happens is that at themselves. But what happens is that at themselves. But what happens is that at the end of the day, if that is where we the end of the day, if that is where we the end of the day, if that is where we are putting our trust and our our just are putting our trust and our our just are putting our trust and our our just our satisfaction, we're going to be left our satisfaction, we're going to be left our satisfaction, we're going to be left dry. And so as we we look at this, Paul dry. And so as we we look at this, Paul dry. And so as we we look at this, Paul says, "Hey, the fruitful labor is not says, "Hey, the fruitful labor is not says, "Hey, the fruitful labor is not for me, but the fruitful labor stems

for me, but the fruitful labor stems for me, but the fruitful labor stems from what happens with the church in from what happens with the church in from what happens with the church in Philippi." You go down a little longer Philippi." You go down a little longer Philippi." You go down a little longer in verse 25, he says, "Convinced of in verse 25, he says, "Convinced of in verse 25, he says, "Convinced of this, I'm going to stay with you for this, I'm going to stay with you for this, I'm going to stay with you for why? for your progress and your joy in why? for your progress and your joy in why? for your progress and your joy in the faith so that your proud confidence the faith so that your proud confidence the faith so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through in me may abound in Christ Jesus through in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again. So the answer we my coming to you again. So the answer we my coming to you again. So the answer we know that the labor Paul is talking know that the labor Paul is talking know that the labor Paul is talking about is remaining with the church in about is remaining with the church in about is remaining with the church in Philippi. He's going to stay there. He's Philippi. He's going to stay there. He's Philippi. He's going to stay there. He's going to edify them. He's going to going to edify them. He's going to going to edify them. He's going to continue to pour into them. Lord continue to pour into them. Lord continue to pour into them. Lord willing, he doesn't know. He's still in willing, he doesn't know. He's still in willing, he doesn't know. He's still in prisoner at this moment. But the goal is prisoner at this moment. But the goal is prisoner at this moment. But the goal is not for him to be fruitful or for him to not for him to be fruitful or for him to not for him to be fruitful or for him to have this fruit or these badges of have this fruit or these badges of have this fruit or these badges of honor, but for the church in Philippi to honor, but for the church in Philippi to honor, but for the church in Philippi to be grown and edified and developed and be grown and edified and developed and be grown and edified and developed and what their progress and joy in the what their progress and joy in the what their progress and joy in the faith. So as we walk through this, you faith. So as we walk through this, you faith. So as we walk through this, you know, Paul's goal is to magnify Christ. know, Paul's goal is to magnify Christ. know, Paul's goal is to magnify Christ. And then if he's staying with the And then if he's staying with the And then if he's staying with the church, he's investing them. He's he's church, he's investing them. He's he's church, he's investing them. He's he's encouraging them. He's growing them up encouraging them. He's growing them up encouraging them. He's growing them up so that they may do what? Magnify the so that they may do what? Magnify the so that they may do what? Magnify the name of Christ. Paul's goal is name of Christ. Paul's goal is name of Christ. Paul's goal is explicitly clear to the church is that explicitly clear to the church is that explicitly clear to the church is that he wants them to abound in Christ. Maybe he wants them to abound in Christ. Maybe he wants them to abound in Christ. Maybe your version says exalt Christ or glory your version says exalt Christ or glory your version says exalt Christ or glory in Christ. This word just means every in Christ. This word just means every in Christ. This word just means every any translation is just signifying hey any translation is just signifying hey any translation is just signifying hey we are ecstatic and we are enamored and we are ecstatic and we are enamored and we are ecstatic and we are enamored and we are magnifying the name of Christ.

we are magnifying the name of Christ. we are magnifying the name of Christ. So he goes on and we know that the labor So he goes on and we know that the labor So he goes on and we know that the labor means spending time with the Philippian means spending time with the Philippian means spending time with the Philippian church and the fruit is the progress and church and the fruit is the progress and church and the fruit is the progress and joy and faith. But again, we see this joy and faith. But again, we see this joy and faith. But again, we see this way Paul writes in a way that's way Paul writes in a way that's way Paul writes in a way that's technically termed as a deductive technically termed as a deductive technically termed as a deductive writing style, which means that just as writing style, which means that just as writing style, which means that just as he goes on, he goes from A leads to B he goes on, he goes from A leads to B he goes on, he goes from A leads to B leads to C and so on and so forth. So he leads to C and so on and so forth. So he leads to C and so on and so forth. So he starts off with this idea that my goal starts off with this idea that my goal starts off with this idea that my goal is to magnify the name of Jesus Christ, is to magnify the name of Jesus Christ, is to magnify the name of Jesus Christ, Lord Almighty. But then to die in that Lord Almighty. But then to die in that Lord Almighty. But then to die in that is gained for me. Why is that gained? is gained for me. Why is that gained? is gained for me. Why is that gained? Because what that means is that I get to Because what that means is that I get to Because what that means is that I get to be in the presence of my creator, my be in the presence of my creator, my be in the presence of my creator, my father. But if I live, then that means I father. But if I live, then that means I father. But if I live, then that means I get to be with the church. I get to get to be with the church. I get to get to be with the church. I get to edify them. I get to invest. I get to edify them. I get to invest. I get to edify them. I get to invest. I get to love. I get to pour into them. And then love. I get to pour into them. And then love. I get to pour into them. And then they are also emitting that same they are also emitting that same they are also emitting that same tenacity for the gospel of Christ. So in tenacity for the gospel of Christ. So in tenacity for the gospel of Christ. So in saying all this, understanding Paul's saying all this, understanding Paul's saying all this, understanding Paul's goal, the question then comes back to us goal, the question then comes back to us goal, the question then comes back to us is what are we living for? What's the is what are we living for? What's the is what are we living for? What's the thing in our life that gets us up in the thing in our life that gets us up in the thing in our life that gets us up in the morning that we look forward to? If we morning that we look forward to? If we morning that we look forward to? If we were to take verse 21 and say, "For to were to take verse 21 and say, "For to were to take verse 21 and say, "For to me to live is blank and to die is me to live is blank and to die is me to live is blank and to die is blank." What would that be for you? For blank." What would that be for you? For blank." What would that be for you? For some of us, we have a tendency to fill some of us, we have a tendency to fill some of us, we have a tendency to fill these blanks with cheap, material, these blanks with cheap, material, these blanks with cheap, material, unsatisfying things that at one point or unsatisfying things that at one point or unsatisfying things that at one point or another are going to fall to the wayside another are going to fall to the wayside another are going to fall to the wayside and just be dismissed. For some of us, and just be dismissed. For some of us, and just be dismissed. For some of us, we may say that for us, living is money we may say that for us, living is money we may say that for us, living is money or living is sexual pleasure or living or living is sexual pleasure or living or living is sexual pleasure or living is power or beauty or entertainment.

is power or beauty or entertainment. is power or beauty or entertainment. And while some of those things aren't And while some of those things aren't And while some of those things aren't inherently bad, like I said, we all we inherently bad, like I said, we all we inherently bad, like I said, we all we need money to live. That's just a fact need money to live. That's just a fact need money to live. That's just a fact of life. If that becomes our idol and of life. If that becomes our idol and of life. If that becomes our idol and our primary goal, what then happens is our primary goal, what then happens is our primary goal, what then happens is if to live is money, then to die is if to live is money, then to die is if to live is money, then to die is being broke. If to live is to seek being broke. If to live is to seek being broke. If to live is to seek pleasure, then to die is having no more pleasure, then to die is having no more pleasure, then to die is having no more pleasure. If to live is having power, pleasure. If to live is having power, pleasure. If to live is having power, then dying is being powerless. And if to then dying is being powerless. And if to then dying is being powerless. And if to live is finding fulfillment and live is finding fulfillment and live is finding fulfillment and entertainment, then dying is having no entertainment, then dying is having no entertainment, then dying is having no more fun. Paul completely flips this more fun. Paul completely flips this more fun. Paul completely flips this idea on its head when he says, "My sole idea on its head when he says, "My sole idea on its head when he says, "My sole purpose purpose purpose is to magnify the name of Jesus." So to is to magnify the name of Jesus." So to is to magnify the name of Jesus." So to me, dying is gain. I get to be with the me, dying is gain. I get to be with the me, dying is gain. I get to be with the father in heaven. This is this idea that father in heaven. This is this idea that father in heaven. This is this idea that I just kind of laid out is what has so I just kind of laid out is what has so I just kind of laid out is what has so strongly gripped western culture, in strongly gripped western culture, in strongly gripped western culture, in particular, American culture. We have particular, American culture. We have particular, American culture. We have this idea of the American dream. You're this idea of the American dream. You're this idea of the American dream. You're like, "Oh, my goal is I want to have a like, "Oh, my goal is I want to have a like, "Oh, my goal is I want to have a large house, a lot of land, two-car large house, a lot of land, two-car large house, a lot of land, two-car garage, a garage fridge. Amen." Like garage, a garage fridge. Amen." Like garage, a garage fridge. Amen." Like that's the like the the token idea of that's the like the the token idea of that's the like the the token idea of status and wealth. And so we seek these status and wealth. And so we seek these status and wealth. And so we seek these things, but then what happens is they things, but then what happens is they things, but then what happens is they continually leave us wanting more. And continually leave us wanting more. And continually leave us wanting more. And this is this this perpetual cycle that this is this this perpetual cycle that this is this this perpetual cycle that we'll fall into if we're not careful.

we'll fall into if we're not careful. we'll fall into if we're not careful. And there's actually a book in the Bible And there's actually a book in the Bible And there's actually a book in the Bible called Ecclesiastes where the author called Ecclesiastes where the author called Ecclesiastes where the author Solomon is known as the the wisest Solomon is known as the the wisest Solomon is known as the the wisest individual to ever grace the earth. And individual to ever grace the earth. And individual to ever grace the earth. And he is the king. He is the successor of he is the king. He is the successor of he is the king. He is the successor of King David. And so he is coming after a King David. And so he is coming after a King David. And so he is coming after a long lineage of of prominent strong long lineage of of prominent strong long lineage of of prominent strong kings in Israel. And he writes in the kings in Israel. And he writes in the kings in Israel. And he writes in the book of Ecclesiastes chapter 2 starting book of Ecclesiastes chapter 2 starting book of Ecclesiastes chapter 2 starting in verse 4 his thoughts and what happens in verse 4 his thoughts and what happens in verse 4 his thoughts and what happens whenever he is pursuing these things of whenever he is pursuing these things of whenever he is pursuing these things of the world. Follow with me along on the the world. Follow with me along on the the world. Follow with me along on the screen in verse four it says I enlarged screen in verse four it says I enlarged screen in verse four it says I enlarged my works. I built houses for myself. I my works. I built houses for myself. I my works. I built houses for myself. I planted vineyards for myself. I made planted vineyards for myself. I made planted vineyards for myself. I made gardens and parks for myself and I gardens and parks for myself and I gardens and parks for myself and I planted in them all kinds of fruit planted in them all kinds of fruit planted in them all kinds of fruit trees. I made ponds of water for myself trees. I made ponds of water for myself trees. I made ponds of water for myself from which to irrigate a forest of from which to irrigate a forest of from which to irrigate a forest of growing trees. I bought male and female growing trees. I bought male and female growing trees. I bought male and female slaves and had homeborn slaves. I also slaves and had homeborn slaves. I also slaves and had homeborn slaves. I also possessed flocks and herds larger than possessed flocks and herds larger than possessed flocks and herds larger than who preceded me in Jerusalem. Also, I who preceded me in Jerusalem. Also, I who preceded me in Jerusalem. Also, I collected for myself silver and gold and collected for myself silver and gold and collected for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I the treasure of kings and provinces. I the treasure of kings and provinces. I provided for myself male and female provided for myself male and female provided for myself male and female singers and the pleasures of men, many singers and the pleasures of men, many singers and the pleasures of men, many concubines. Then I became great and concubines. Then I became great and concubines. Then I became great and increased more than all who preceded me increased more than all who preceded me increased more than all who preceded me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also stood by in Jerusalem. My wisdom also stood by in Jerusalem. My wisdom also stood by me. All that my eyes desired, I did not me. All that my eyes desired, I did not me. All that my eyes desired, I did not refuse them. I did not withhold my heart refuse them. I did not withhold my heart refuse them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart was from any pleasure, for my heart was from any pleasure, for my heart was pleased because all of my labor, and pleased because all of my labor, and pleased because all of my labor, and this was the reward for my labor. Pause this was the reward for my labor. Pause this was the reward for my labor. Pause right there for just a second before we right there for just a second before we right there for just a second before we get to the last part. Solomon, one of get to the last part. Solomon, one of get to the last part. Solomon, one of the most powerful individuals to walk

the most powerful individuals to walk the most powerful individuals to walk this earth given their time period, saw this earth given their time period, saw this earth given their time period, saw nothing that he liked and did not nothing that he liked and did not nothing that he liked and did not possess. If there was something that possess. If there was something that possess. If there was something that that stirred in his heart that he that stirred in his heart that he that stirred in his heart that he wanted, he grabbed it. He pursued it. He wanted, he grabbed it. He pursued it. He wanted, he grabbed it. He pursued it. He went after it and he retrieved it. And went after it and he retrieved it. And went after it and he retrieved it. And he says in verse 10, he says, "And this he says in verse 10, he says, "And this he says in verse 10, he says, "And this was the reward of my labor." The things was the reward of my labor." The things was the reward of my labor." The things that he was able to attain was a reward that he was able to attain was a reward that he was able to attain was a reward for his labor. And then we go to verse for his labor. And then we go to verse for his labor. And then we go to verse 11 and it brings us to this grand 11 and it brings us to this grand 11 and it brings us to this grand crescendo of what the result of this crescendo of what the result of this crescendo of what the result of this pursuit of of monetary fleeting fame and pursuit of of monetary fleeting fame and pursuit of of monetary fleeting fame and wealth and all this is. It says, "Thus I wealth and all this is. It says, "Thus I wealth and all this is. It says, "Thus I considered all my activities which my considered all my activities which my considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had hands had done and the labor which I had hands had done and the labor which I had exerted and behold all was vanity and exerted and behold all was vanity and exerted and behold all was vanity and striving after the wind and there was no striving after the wind and there was no striving after the wind and there was no profit under the sun." profit under the sun." profit under the sun." Solomon has has given us a sober Solomon has has given us a sober Solomon has has given us a sober reminder that everything that we pursue reminder that everything that we pursue reminder that everything that we pursue and everything that we are persistent and everything that we are persistent and everything that we are persistent with, if it is not exclusively with, if it is not exclusively with, if it is not exclusively magnifying the name of Christ, it's magnifying the name of Christ, it's magnifying the name of Christ, it's going to leave us feeling this reality going to leave us feeling this reality going to leave us feeling this reality that all of it was vanity and that we that all of it was vanity and that we that all of it was vanity and that we are striving after something that we are striving after something that we are striving after something that we would never fully find satisfaction in.

would never fully find satisfaction in. would never fully find satisfaction in. The only thing that we can find that The only thing that we can find that The only thing that we can find that fulfillment and satisfaction is is Jesus fulfillment and satisfaction is is Jesus fulfillment and satisfaction is is Jesus Christ alone. Again, this is something Christ alone. Again, this is something Christ alone. Again, this is something that that entangles us and ens snares us that that entangles us and ens snares us that that entangles us and ens snares us as a culture and society that we think as a culture and society that we think as a culture and society that we think we have to have the next nicest thing or we have to have the next nicest thing or we have to have the next nicest thing or the newest like phone or the newest car the newest like phone or the newest car the newest like phone or the newest car or bigger house or whatever the case is. or bigger house or whatever the case is. or bigger house or whatever the case is. But ultimately, it's worthless. It's But ultimately, it's worthless. It's But ultimately, it's worthless. It's meaningless. And as Paul is writing and meaningless. And as Paul is writing and meaningless. And as Paul is writing and he's he's continuing to say, he's like, he's he's continuing to say, he's like, he's he's continuing to say, he's like, "Hey, don't chase those things, but "Hey, don't chase those things, but "Hey, don't chase those things, but chase Christ in particular. Chase Christ chase Christ in particular. Chase Christ chase Christ in particular. Chase Christ and and fulfill this by being committed and and fulfill this by being committed and and fulfill this by being committed to labor. link arms with your brothers to labor. link arms with your brothers to labor. link arms with your brothers and sisters in Christ and follow along and sisters in Christ and follow along and sisters in Christ and follow along and serve one another and be with one and serve one another and be with one and serve one another and be with one another because apart from that, nothing another because apart from that, nothing another because apart from that, nothing is valid. Nothing is lasting. is valid. Nothing is lasting. is valid. Nothing is lasting. I've had over the last 3 to four years I've had over the last 3 to four years I've had over the last 3 to four years of my life this really, really cool of my life this really, really cool of my life this really, really cool opportunity to see verse 21, Philippians opportunity to see verse 21, Philippians opportunity to see verse 21, Philippians 1:21, played out in real time for me to 1:21, played out in real time for me to 1:21, played out in real time for me to live as Christ, to die as gain. My live as Christ, to die as gain. My live as Christ, to die as gain. My grandfather, who I grew up idolizing, he grandfather, who I grew up idolizing, he grandfather, who I grew up idolizing, he was the the patriarch of our family.

was the the patriarch of our family. was the the patriarch of our family. He's the reason that my family's in He's the reason that my family's in He's the reason that my family's in church. He's a huge reason as to why I'm church. He's a huge reason as to why I'm church. He's a huge reason as to why I'm in ministry. He played college in ministry. He played college in ministry. He played college basketball. He did all these things. He basketball. He did all these things. He basketball. He did all these things. He was like, he was a rock star to me. And was like, he was a rock star to me. And was like, he was a rock star to me. And over the last couple years, um, he has over the last couple years, um, he has over the last couple years, um, he has just had grown older. And, I mean, as as just had grown older. And, I mean, as as just had grown older. And, I mean, as as age comes, he was beginning to age comes, he was beginning to age comes, he was beginning to deteriorate a little bit. I mean, he was deteriorate a little bit. I mean, he was deteriorate a little bit. I mean, he was at his peak, 6'8, 250, and then as time at his peak, 6'8, 250, and then as time at his peak, 6'8, 250, and then as time goes on, he would steadily shrink a goes on, he would steadily shrink a goes on, he would steadily shrink a little bit, and he became frail. And little bit, and he became frail. And little bit, and he became frail. And last summer, I got to go visit him in last summer, I got to go visit him in last summer, I got to go visit him in the hospital. uh just he had had some the hospital. uh just he had had some the hospital. uh just he had had some some issues. He had a heart attack and some issues. He had a heart attack and some issues. He had a heart attack and he was about to be discharged. But I he was about to be discharged. But I he was about to be discharged. But I remember sitting in there and he was he remember sitting in there and he was he remember sitting in there and he was he was pleading with me and this is at 93 was pleading with me and this is at 93 was pleading with me and this is at 93 years old at this point. He's like, years old at this point. He's like, years old at this point. He's like, "Cross, I'm ready to go. Like I'm good. "Cross, I'm ready to go. Like I'm good. "Cross, I'm ready to go. Like I'm good. Like I know where I'm going. I'm ready Like I know where I'm going. I'm ready Like I know where I'm going. I'm ready to be with my creator. Praise God." But to be with my creator. Praise God." But to be with my creator. Praise God." But he also knew that in that same time he also knew that in that same time he also knew that in that same time frame, in that same moment, that because frame, in that same moment, that because frame, in that same moment, that because the little beat in his neck had not the little beat in his neck had not the little beat in his neck had not stopped yet, that there was still a goal stopped yet, that there was still a goal stopped yet, that there was still a goal for him to achieve. and that was to for him to achieve. and that was to for him to achieve. and that was to magnify the name of Christ through his magnify the name of Christ through his magnify the name of Christ through his life. So what he did was as he was in life. So what he did was as he was in life. So what he did was as he was in that hospital, uh the poor medical staff that hospital, uh the poor medical staff that hospital, uh the poor medical staff of McCurten County Memorial Hospital, of McCurten County Memorial Hospital, of McCurten County Memorial Hospital, every medical professional that came in, every medical professional that came in, every medical professional that came in, uh there was not one person that left uh there was not one person that left uh there was not one person that left without hearing a gospel presentation or without hearing a gospel presentation or without hearing a gospel presentation or that was that was not asked about, hey, that was that was not asked about, hey, that was that was not asked about, hey, what do you like, do you practice any what do you like, do you practice any what do you like, do you practice any religion or getting to hear a little religion or getting to hear a little religion or getting to hear a little snippet of Glenn Steven's testimony or snippet of Glenn Steven's testimony or snippet of Glenn Steven's testimony or whatever you name it. But he knew that whatever you name it. But he knew that whatever you name it. But he knew that even as a as a frail old man at 93 years even as a as a frail old man at 93 years even as a as a frail old man at 93 years old who can do nothing for himself old who can do nothing for himself old who can do nothing for himself anymore, that has no agency, whose anymore, that has no agency, whose anymore, that has no agency, whose mental capacity is rapidly declining,

mental capacity is rapidly declining, mental capacity is rapidly declining, that he still had a job to execute to that he still had a job to execute to that he still had a job to execute to magnify the name of Christ. And he did magnify the name of Christ. And he did magnify the name of Christ. And he did that until the very last breath that he that until the very last breath that he that until the very last breath that he took. took. took. And so in April this last year, he got And so in April this last year, he got And so in April this last year, he got to he got to experience the gain Paul is to he got to experience the gain Paul is to he got to experience the gain Paul is talking about that because of the life talking about that because of the life talking about that because of the life he lived magnifying Christ, he is now he lived magnifying Christ, he is now he lived magnifying Christ, he is now experiencing the gain of eternal life experiencing the gain of eternal life experiencing the gain of eternal life with the father in heaven. And I'm I'm with the father in heaven. And I'm I'm with the father in heaven. And I'm I'm just beyond thankful for that. It has just beyond thankful for that. It has just beyond thankful for that. It has been such a cool opportunity to see been such a cool opportunity to see been such a cool opportunity to see that. And so as as we move through this that. And so as as we move through this that. And so as as we move through this point, we go to the next one. I I want point, we go to the next one. I I want point, we go to the next one. I I want to ask three questions for us to to ask three questions for us to to ask three questions for us to evaluate. First off, we know that evaluate. First off, we know that evaluate. First off, we know that through this committing to labor, to through this committing to labor, to through this committing to labor, to labor we have to serve. We have to work, labor we have to serve. We have to work, labor we have to serve. We have to work, right? So the question is, are you right? So the question is, are you right? So the question is, are you serving? serving? serving? There are a number of areas in this in There are a number of areas in this in There are a number of areas in this in this body of Christ in this church where this body of Christ in this church where this body of Christ in this church where you can serve. There's preschool you can serve. There's preschool you can serve. There's preschool ministry, there is college, there's ministry, there is college, there's ministry, there is college, there's students, there's kids, there's all students, there's kids, there's all students, there's kids, there's all sorts of areas are you serving? Paul sorts of areas are you serving? Paul sorts of areas are you serving? Paul talks very frequently about this idea of talks very frequently about this idea of talks very frequently about this idea of the body of Christ being similar to a a the body of Christ being similar to a a the body of Christ being similar to a a physical body that we possess. He says physical body that we possess. He says physical body that we possess. He says that the the hand can't do the same that the the hand can't do the same that the the hand can't do the same thing the eye can or that the ear can't thing the eye can or that the ear can't thing the eye can or that the ear can't do the same thing the nose can. And so do the same thing the nose can. And so do the same thing the nose can. And so for us, I would ask if you were to leave for us, I would ask if you were to leave for us, I would ask if you were to leave the church, if you were to move, would the church, if you were to move, would the church, if you were to move, would your absence be felt?

your absence be felt? your absence be felt? Or are you in a position to where you're Or are you in a position to where you're Or are you in a position to where you're just a consumer and a spectator and as a just a consumer and a spectator and as a just a consumer and a spectator and as a result, your absence leaves no mark? result, your absence leaves no mark? result, your absence leaves no mark? You're in and out and nobody notices. I You're in and out and nobody notices. I You're in and out and nobody notices. I know for me, if you were to take away my know for me, if you were to take away my know for me, if you were to take away my left arm, I would I would miss this arm left arm, I would I would miss this arm left arm, I would I would miss this arm dearly. I'm left-handed. I would have to dearly. I'm left-handed. I would have to dearly. I'm left-handed. I would have to learn how to do a lot of stuff. Like I learn how to do a lot of stuff. Like I learn how to do a lot of stuff. Like I would recognize when my arm is would recognize when my arm is would recognize when my arm is disassociated with my body. And so for disassociated with my body. And so for disassociated with my body. And so for you guys as the body of Christ, are you you guys as the body of Christ, are you you guys as the body of Christ, are you fulfilling the role and the function fulfilling the role and the function fulfilling the role and the function that you have been given as believers in that you have been given as believers in that you have been given as believers in Jesus? Jesus? Jesus? And so if not, my my charge or my And so if not, my my charge or my And so if not, my my charge or my encouragement to you is, hey, look, encouragement to you is, hey, look, encouragement to you is, hey, look, let's get it in gear. Enough of being let's get it in gear. Enough of being let's get it in gear. Enough of being spectators. Let's get in the game there. spectators. Let's get in the game there. spectators. Let's get in the game there. The probably the greatest thing that The probably the greatest thing that The probably the greatest thing that Central does aside from preaching the Central does aside from preaching the Central does aside from preaching the gospel week in and week out is that we gospel week in and week out is that we gospel week in and week out is that we have a number of opportunities for you have a number of opportunities for you have a number of opportunities for you to serve. to serve. to serve. There are a lot of ways that you can get There are a lot of ways that you can get There are a lot of ways that you can get in the game. But then secondly is are in the game. But then secondly is are in the game. But then secondly is are you serving for the progress and joy of you serving for the progress and joy of you serving for the progress and joy of Christ to see others grow in their Christ to see others grow in their Christ to see others grow in their progress and joy of Christ so that they progress and joy of Christ so that they progress and joy of Christ so that they may boast in his name as well. That they may boast in his name as well. That they may boast in his name as well. That they may exalt his name as well. We sometimes may exalt his name as well. We sometimes may exalt his name as well. We sometimes get in this this kind of cycle of where get in this this kind of cycle of where get in this this kind of cycle of where we start off serving for good reason, we start off serving for good reason, we start off serving for good reason, but as time goes on, we slowly begin but as time goes on, we slowly begin but as time goes on, we slowly begin making about us and we're like, I want making about us and we're like, I want making about us and we're like, I want to I want to do this for me. And so, I to I want to do this for me. And so, I to I want to do this for me. And so, I just ask you to to to question that and just ask you to to to question that and just ask you to to to question that and and to think, what am I doing this for?

and to think, what am I doing this for? and to think, what am I doing this for? So, are we serving and are we serving to So, are we serving and are we serving to So, are we serving and are we serving to progress others in their joy for Christ? progress others in their joy for Christ? progress others in their joy for Christ? This is a huge compartment of Paul's This is a huge compartment of Paul's This is a huge compartment of Paul's illustration of, hey, we need to be illustration of, hey, we need to be illustration of, hey, we need to be committed to the cause. We need to be committed to the cause. We need to be committed to the cause. We need to be committed to labor. But secondly, we committed to labor. But secondly, we committed to labor. But secondly, we also need to be committed to suffer. also need to be committed to suffer. also need to be committed to suffer. And so I know that we as And so I know that we as And so I know that we as um Christians in Jonesboro, Arkansas, we um Christians in Jonesboro, Arkansas, we um Christians in Jonesboro, Arkansas, we hear of suffering and we often times hear of suffering and we often times hear of suffering and we often times will attribute suffering directly to will attribute suffering directly to will attribute suffering directly to maybe one of the apostles or someone maybe one of the apostles or someone maybe one of the apostles or someone that was persecuted like likeund20 300 that was persecuted like likeund20 300 that was persecuted like likeund20 300 years ago in a place that's closed to years ago in a place that's closed to years ago in a place that's closed to religion or Christianity. And while that religion or Christianity. And while that religion or Christianity. And while that is true, Paul is in the midst of facing is true, Paul is in the midst of facing is true, Paul is in the midst of facing suffering and persecution. There is a suffering and persecution. There is a suffering and persecution. There is a lot of suffering to be had here in lot of suffering to be had here in lot of suffering to be had here in Jonesboro. We have fallen into this trap Jonesboro. We have fallen into this trap Jonesboro. We have fallen into this trap of almost overromanticizing of almost overromanticizing of almost overromanticizing this idea of Christian martyrdom in the this idea of Christian martyrdom in the this idea of Christian martyrdom in the world. Like yes, praise the Lord that we world. Like yes, praise the Lord that we world. Like yes, praise the Lord that we have brothers and sisters in Christ. have brothers and sisters in Christ. have brothers and sisters in Christ. Some of them that we have sent out from Some of them that we have sent out from Some of them that we have sent out from Central to go to these areas that are Central to go to these areas that are Central to go to these areas that are closed off to the gospel that could closed off to the gospel that could closed off to the gospel that could legitimately lose their life for sharing legitimately lose their life for sharing legitimately lose their life for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Praise the good news of Jesus Christ. Praise the good news of Jesus Christ. Praise God for them. But what that's done is God for them. But what that's done is God for them. But what that's done is because of the grand scale and scope of because of the grand scale and scope of because of the grand scale and scope of what they're doing, we then have what they're doing, we then have what they're doing, we then have sometimes flipped on ourselves thinking, sometimes flipped on ourselves thinking, sometimes flipped on ourselves thinking, "Okay, well then what I have to offer is "Okay, well then what I have to offer is "Okay, well then what I have to offer is meaningless or is marginal or is meaningless or is marginal or is meaningless or is marginal or is unimportant." And friends, that could unimportant." And friends, that could unimportant." And friends, that could not be the farthest thing that cannot be not be the farthest thing that cannot be not be the farthest thing that cannot be further from the truth. The roles that further from the truth. The roles that further from the truth. The roles that we have here are so instrumental. You we have here are so instrumental. You we have here are so instrumental. You just look on staff here at Central and

just look on staff here at Central and just look on staff here at Central and you've got people like Jacob Lindley and you've got people like Jacob Lindley and you've got people like Jacob Lindley and Jonathan Freeman, Cameron Moore, inter Jonathan Freeman, Cameron Moore, inter Jonathan Freeman, Cameron Moore, inter like all sorts of people that have been like all sorts of people that have been like all sorts of people that have been directly influenced by you guys, by life directly influenced by you guys, by life directly influenced by you guys, by life groups, by DGroups, by families and groups, by DGroups, by families and groups, by DGroups, by families and parents and friends and brothers and parents and friends and brothers and parents and friends and brothers and sisters that have spurred them on. And sisters that have spurred them on. And sisters that have spurred them on. And that is the labor and suffering we're that is the labor and suffering we're that is the labor and suffering we're talking about. So we have a role to play talking about. So we have a role to play talking about. So we have a role to play here even though that we're not in fear here even though that we're not in fear here even though that we're not in fear of losing our lives for the gospel. And of losing our lives for the gospel. And of losing our lives for the gospel. And so we all have a part to play. But more so we all have a part to play. But more so we all have a part to play. But more specifically, this idea of suffering, we specifically, this idea of suffering, we specifically, this idea of suffering, we see in this next section of scripture, see in this next section of scripture, see in this next section of scripture, Paul, he doesn't change the course Paul, he doesn't change the course Paul, he doesn't change the course entirely. What he does is he kind of entirely. What he does is he kind of entirely. What he does is he kind of breaks down this idea of committing to breaks down this idea of committing to breaks down this idea of committing to Christ. This is what it looks like to Christ. This is what it looks like to Christ. This is what it looks like to suffer. Look back with me at verse 27. suffer. Look back with me at verse 27. suffer. Look back with me at verse 27. It says, "Only conduct yourselves in a It says, "Only conduct yourselves in a It says, "Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. So that whether I come and see you or So that whether I come and see you or So that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear that you are remain absent, I will hear that you are remain absent, I will hear that you are standing firm in one spirit with one standing firm in one spirit with one standing firm in one spirit with one mind, striving together for the faith of mind, striving together for the faith of mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel." in no way alarmed by your the gospel." in no way alarmed by your the gospel." in no way alarmed by your opponents which is a sign of destruction opponents which is a sign of destruction opponents which is a sign of destruction for them but of salvation for you and for them but of salvation for you and for them but of salvation for you and that too from God. So here Paul is that too from God. So here Paul is that too from God. So here Paul is saying hey if you want to commit to saying hey if you want to commit to saying hey if you want to commit to Christ if you want to commit to exalting Christ if you want to commit to exalting Christ if you want to commit to exalting his name this is some these are some his name this is some these are some his name this is some these are some requirements that need to be true of requirements that need to be true of requirements that need to be true of your life. You need to be walking in a your life. You need to be walking in a your life. You need to be walking in a manner worthy of the gospel. And so what manner worthy of the gospel. And so what manner worthy of the gospel. And so what does that exactly look like? We have the does that exactly look like? We have the does that exactly look like? We have the goal but the evidence of that we see in goal but the evidence of that we see in goal but the evidence of that we see in the next part of this verse. The goal of the next part of this verse. The goal of the next part of this verse. The goal of that is standing firm, to be unified that is standing firm, to be unified that is standing firm, to be unified with one body and one spirit, with one body and one spirit, with one body and one spirit, to be striving together, and to be in no to be striving together, and to be in no to be striving together, and to be in no way alarmed by opponents. These four

way alarmed by opponents. These four way alarmed by opponents. These four components make up kind of this this components make up kind of this this components make up kind of this this body of evidence to show, hey, they're body of evidence to show, hey, they're body of evidence to show, hey, they're walking in a manner worthy of the walking in a manner worthy of the walking in a manner worthy of the gospel, which then leads us to gospel, which then leads us to gospel, which then leads us to understand that they are committing to understand that they are committing to understand that they are committing to the cause of exalting and magnifying the the cause of exalting and magnifying the the cause of exalting and magnifying the name of Jesus Christ. And so when we name of Jesus Christ. And so when we name of Jesus Christ. And so when we hear this word standing firm, this is hear this word standing firm, this is hear this word standing firm, this is kind of illustrating this like defensive kind of illustrating this like defensive kind of illustrating this like defensive posture that you're going to take heed. posture that you're going to take heed. posture that you're going to take heed. You're going to take root, that you're You're going to take root, that you're You're going to take root, that you're not going to be moved and swayed by the not going to be moved and swayed by the not going to be moved and swayed by the es and flows of the sufferings and the es and flows of the sufferings and the es and flows of the sufferings and the tragedies and and the and the tragedies and and the and the tragedies and and the and the frustrations of this world. So it's this frustrations of this world. So it's this frustrations of this world. So it's this idea of standing firm together, holding idea of standing firm together, holding idea of standing firm together, holding the ground together, but then you also the ground together, but then you also the ground together, but then you also have this idea of one spirit, one mind. have this idea of one spirit, one mind. have this idea of one spirit, one mind. We're unified. We're unified. We're unified. It's so cool that we as a body of It's so cool that we as a body of It's so cool that we as a body of Christ, we all follow under fall under Christ, we all follow under fall under Christ, we all follow under fall under one goal. We want to reach, connect, one goal. We want to reach, connect, one goal. We want to reach, connect, disciple, and send. disciple, and send. disciple, and send. We send students all the time. We send We send students all the time. We send We send students all the time. We send people all the time to go to unreached people all the time to go to unreached people all the time to go to unreached people groups to reach people groups to people groups to reach people groups to people groups to reach people groups to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. We share the gospel of Jesus Christ. We share the gospel of Jesus Christ. We want to see disciples made. We want to want to see disciples made. We want to want to see disciples made. We want to see the city of Jonesboro connected and see the city of Jonesboro connected and see the city of Jonesboro connected and reached and plugged into this local body reached and plugged into this local body reached and plugged into this local body of believers being unified, but then of believers being unified, but then of believers being unified, but then also we're called to strive together.

also we're called to strive together. also we're called to strive together. So, not only are we supposed to take So, not only are we supposed to take So, not only are we supposed to take like take a stand and stand firm like take a stand and stand firm like take a stand and stand firm together, but then we're also supposed together, but then we're also supposed together, but then we're also supposed to take ground together and advance to take ground together and advance to take ground together and advance together, pushing and spurring one together, pushing and spurring one together, pushing and spurring one another on. We have a great opportunity another on. We have a great opportunity another on. We have a great opportunity all throughout the church for all throughout the church for all throughout the church for disciplehip and investment. I know disciplehip and investment. I know disciplehip and investment. I know Kinsey has is working incredibly hard as Kinsey has is working incredibly hard as Kinsey has is working incredibly hard as we are kind of revitalizing some things we are kind of revitalizing some things we are kind of revitalizing some things with in terms of disciplehip and it's with in terms of disciplehip and it's with in terms of disciplehip and it's exciting to see and hear already of the exciting to see and hear already of the exciting to see and hear already of the little stories of men that are bought in little stories of men that are bought in little stories of men that are bought in and that are desiring to strive together and that are desiring to strive together and that are desiring to strive together and for the women that are desiring to and for the women that are desiring to and for the women that are desiring to strive together. But then lastly, Paul strive together. But then lastly, Paul strive together. But then lastly, Paul says that we are to in no way be alarmed says that we are to in no way be alarmed says that we are to in no way be alarmed by the opposition. by the opposition. by the opposition. Friends, if we are convinced that Jesus Friends, if we are convinced that Jesus Friends, if we are convinced that Jesus is who he says he is and the and that is who he says he is and the and that is who he says he is and the and that the gospel is true, the gospel is true, the gospel is true, then what this means is that for us to then what this means is that for us to then what this means is that for us to die is gain and because the sting of die is gain and because the sting of die is gain and because the sting of death has been removed, we just sang death has been removed, we just sang death has been removed, we just sang about it earlier. Then man, we are not about it earlier. Then man, we are not about it earlier. Then man, we are not alarmed by anything the opposition can alarmed by anything the opposition can alarmed by anything the opposition can bring us. There's nothing they can bring us. There's nothing they can bring us. There's nothing they can throw. There's no plan or play that he throw. There's no plan or play that he throw. There's no plan or play that he can run that can that can strike fear can run that can that can strike fear can run that can that can strike fear into us. Maybe like a a little bit of into us. Maybe like a a little bit of into us. Maybe like a a little bit of momentary fear, but long lasting fear.

momentary fear, but long lasting fear. momentary fear, but long lasting fear. Absolutely not. We get to have joy in Absolutely not. We get to have joy in Absolutely not. We get to have joy in the fact that in life or in death, we the fact that in life or in death, we the fact that in life or in death, we are gaining and making Christ known. So are gaining and making Christ known. So are gaining and making Christ known. So those are evidences of this. But then we those are evidences of this. But then we those are evidences of this. But then we also see that there are some results of also see that there are some results of also see that there are some results of this. If we are to uphold those four this. If we are to uphold those four this. If we are to uphold those four things, what then happens? We look down things, what then happens? We look down things, what then happens? We look down and we see that this is a sign of and we see that this is a sign of and we see that this is a sign of destruction for them. them being the destruction for them. them being the destruction for them. them being the opposition, but then a sign of salvation opposition, but then a sign of salvation opposition, but then a sign of salvation for us. If we are upholding those four for us. If we are upholding those four for us. If we are upholding those four things, if we're walking in a manner things, if we're walking in a manner things, if we're walking in a manner worthy of the gospel, then man, that's worthy of the gospel, then man, that's worthy of the gospel, then man, that's proof that at some point, maybe not proof that at some point, maybe not proof that at some point, maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but at some today, maybe not tomorrow, but at some today, maybe not tomorrow, but at some point soon, the enemy is going to be point soon, the enemy is going to be point soon, the enemy is going to be defeated and Christ is going to be defeated and Christ is going to be defeated and Christ is going to be magnified to the highest degree when he magnified to the highest degree when he magnified to the highest degree when he returns back for his bride. But then returns back for his bride. But then returns back for his bride. But then also this is evidence of salvation for also this is evidence of salvation for also this is evidence of salvation for us that if if you are doing these things us that if if you are doing these things us that if if you are doing these things together then man there's only one together then man there's only one together then man there's only one reason we can be linked so tightly and reason we can be linked so tightly and reason we can be linked so tightly and that is through the love of Jesus that is through the love of Jesus that is through the love of Jesus Christ. And then the last thing in this Christ. And then the last thing in this Christ. And then the last thing in this in this section that we see is we see in this section that we see is we see in this section that we see is we see the result and then we see the root the the result and then we see the root the the result and then we see the root the root of it all. How do we even begin to root of it all. How do we even begin to root of it all. How do we even begin to take steps into walking in this manner take steps into walking in this manner take steps into walking in this manner worthy of Christ? And the answer is to worthy of Christ? And the answer is to worthy of Christ? And the answer is to believe and suffer believe and suffer believe and suffer in the Bible belt of America. It is very in the Bible belt of America. It is very in the Bible belt of America. It is very easy to believe, I say that loosely, to easy to believe, I say that loosely, to easy to believe, I say that loosely, to believe in the gospel or to believe in believe in the gospel or to believe in believe in the gospel or to believe in Christ. But it's even more so to suffer Christ. But it's even more so to suffer Christ. But it's even more so to suffer for Christ. We got a lot of people that for Christ. We got a lot of people that for Christ. We got a lot of people that have sweet little coffee mugs and have sweet little coffee mugs and have sweet little coffee mugs and calendars in their fridge that have

calendars in their fridge that have calendars in their fridge that have really cool Bible verses on them that really cool Bible verses on them that really cool Bible verses on them that have not even like touched the area of have not even like touched the area of have not even like touched the area of suffering for Christ. suffering for Christ. suffering for Christ. But on the flip side of that, why would But on the flip side of that, why would But on the flip side of that, why would anybody want to suffer for something anybody want to suffer for something anybody want to suffer for something they don't believe in? When I was in they don't believe in? When I was in they don't believe in? When I was in college, I got the I I was able to play college, I got the I I was able to play college, I got the I I was able to play college basketball for a couple years. college basketball for a couple years. college basketball for a couple years. And in my time of playing basketball, uh And in my time of playing basketball, uh And in my time of playing basketball, uh it was easy for me to wake up at 5 in it was easy for me to wake up at 5 in it was easy for me to wake up at 5 in the morning to go work out, go do the morning to go work out, go do the morning to go work out, go do weights, go run, do whatever because I weights, go run, do whatever because I weights, go run, do whatever because I was committed to the cause that we as a was committed to the cause that we as a was committed to the cause that we as a team had. I was satisfied in the cause team had. I was satisfied in the cause team had. I was satisfied in the cause that we were going towards. But the that we were going towards. But the that we were going towards. But the second that I stopped playing, there was second that I stopped playing, there was second that I stopped playing, there was zero part of me that still wanted to go zero part of me that still wanted to go zero part of me that still wanted to go wake up at 5 in the morning and run wake up at 5 in the morning and run wake up at 5 in the morning and run hills or come back immediately after hills or come back immediately after hills or come back immediately after spring break and do just the absolute spring break and do just the absolute spring break and do just the absolute worst like 70-minute workout of my worst like 70-minute workout of my worst like 70-minute workout of my entire life. So, if I'm not believing in entire life. So, if I'm not believing in entire life. So, if I'm not believing in something, then I'm not going to suffer something, then I'm not going to suffer something, then I'm not going to suffer for it. And so, we have to have this for it. And so, we have to have this for it. And so, we have to have this this this congruent effort on both sides this this congruent effort on both sides this this congruent effort on both sides that we need to believe, but we also that we need to believe, but we also that we need to believe, but we also need to suffer. and suffering. Like we need to suffer. and suffering. Like we need to suffer. and suffering. Like we said, yes, there's the aspect of some of said, yes, there's the aspect of some of said, yes, there's the aspect of some of you may legitimately be mocked or you may legitimately be mocked or you may legitimately be mocked or persecuted at work or with friends or at persecuted at work or with friends or at persecuted at work or with friends or at school because of the things you school because of the things you school because of the things you believe. But a lot of this persecution believe. But a lot of this persecution believe. But a lot of this persecution and this suffering that we're going to and this suffering that we're going to and this suffering that we're going to feel is the denial of our own flesh. The feel is the denial of our own flesh. The feel is the denial of our own flesh. The denial of of pursuing these goals and denial of of pursuing these goals and denial of of pursuing these goals and aspirations aspirations aspirations that as a result feel like we are that as a result feel like we are that as a result feel like we are suffering because we are not satisfying suffering because we are not satisfying suffering because we are not satisfying the nature of our flesh. But in reality the nature of our flesh. But in reality the nature of our flesh. But in reality that suffering only leads to what?

that suffering only leads to what? that suffering only leads to what? Magnification of the name of Jesus. So Magnification of the name of Jesus. So Magnification of the name of Jesus. So friends, we are called to suffer and friends, we are called to suffer and friends, we are called to suffer and believe for him. And all of this is what believe for him. And all of this is what believe for him. And all of this is what ultimately leads to this culmination of ultimately leads to this culmination of ultimately leads to this culmination of walking in a manner worthy of Christ. So walking in a manner worthy of Christ. So walking in a manner worthy of Christ. So we need to be committed to laboring for we need to be committed to laboring for we need to be committed to laboring for and with one another. And we need to be and with one another. And we need to be and with one another. And we need to be committing to suffering for and with one committing to suffering for and with one committing to suffering for and with one another. Because when we do both of another. Because when we do both of another. Because when we do both of these things, these feed into this these things, these feed into this these things, these feed into this avenue and this idea of committing to avenue and this idea of committing to avenue and this idea of committing to the cause. Paul lays this out for us and the cause. Paul lays this out for us and the cause. Paul lays this out for us and shows us this so clearly. As I begin to shows us this so clearly. As I begin to shows us this so clearly. As I begin to close, um I want to go back to the close, um I want to go back to the close, um I want to go back to the question that we started with and that question that we started with and that question that we started with and that is what are you living for? is what are you living for? is what are you living for? Some of us in here, a lot of us in here Some of us in here, a lot of us in here Some of us in here, a lot of us in here again are living for things that are not again are living for things that are not again are living for things that are not making Christ known. exalting the name making Christ known. exalting the name making Christ known. exalting the name of Christ, boasting in the name of of Christ, boasting in the name of of Christ, boasting in the name of Christ. Christ. Christ. But then the flip side of that question But then the flip side of that question But then the flip side of that question is what would you die for? is what would you die for? is what would you die for? The things that you are pursuing, would The things that you are pursuing, would The things that you are pursuing, would you die for those things? Would you lay you die for those things? Would you lay you die for those things? Would you lay your life on the line for those things?

your life on the line for those things? your life on the line for those things? I would go as far to say probably not. I would go as far to say probably not. I would go as far to say probably not. And so for us to ask this question and And so for us to ask this question and And so for us to ask this question and evaluate, we have to really come to evaluate, we have to really come to evaluate, we have to really come to grips with this idea of, hey, when I am grips with this idea of, hey, when I am grips with this idea of, hey, when I am magnifying and making in the name of magnifying and making in the name of magnifying and making in the name of Christ, there's a lot that I have to let Christ, there's a lot that I have to let Christ, there's a lot that I have to let go and release. go and release. go and release. I cannot serve myself and Christ at the I cannot serve myself and Christ at the I cannot serve myself and Christ at the same time. I need to release that. And same time. I need to release that. And same time. I need to release that. And so, church, if you're here this morning so, church, if you're here this morning so, church, if you're here this morning and maybe you don't you don't like and maybe you don't you don't like and maybe you don't you don't like you're not even at the starting point. you're not even at the starting point. you're not even at the starting point. You don't have a relationship with the You don't have a relationship with the You don't have a relationship with the Lord. You're like, I don't know how to Lord. You're like, I don't know how to Lord. You're like, I don't know how to magnify his name because I I'm not I magnify his name because I I'm not I magnify his name because I I'm not I have not trusted in that salvific work have not trusted in that salvific work have not trusted in that salvific work that he paid for on the cross. And man, that he paid for on the cross. And man, that he paid for on the cross. And man, we have we're going to have pastors and we have we're going to have pastors and we have we're going to have pastors and ministers and leaders down here that ministers and leaders down here that ministers and leaders down here that would love to talk with you, that would would love to talk with you, that would would love to talk with you, that would love to pray with you because it can be love to pray with you because it can be love to pray with you because it can be one of the most daunting things to to one of the most daunting things to to one of the most daunting things to to get up out of your seat and walk down. get up out of your seat and walk down. get up out of your seat and walk down. But man, we would love to walk through But man, we would love to walk through But man, we would love to walk through that with you. But then also for the that with you. But then also for the that with you. But then also for the church, for those that are walking in church, for those that are walking in church, for those that are walking in this walk, that are fighting this good this walk, that are fighting this good this walk, that are fighting this good fight, for those that are doing it well, fight, for those that are doing it well, fight, for those that are doing it well, I want to encourage you and exhort you I want to encourage you and exhort you I want to encourage you and exhort you and say, "Well done. Continue on. Keep and say, "Well done. Continue on. Keep and say, "Well done. Continue on. Keep pressing on. Who's that person you can pressing on. Who's that person you can pressing on. Who's that person you can bring on with you? Who's that person you bring on with you? Who's that person you bring on with you? Who's that person you can link arms with and strive with or can link arms with and strive with or can link arms with and strive with or that you can hold accountable that you that you can hold accountable that you that you can hold accountable that you can stand your ground with? But then for can stand your ground with? But then for can stand your ground with? But then for those that are saying, "Hey, I think I'm those that are saying, "Hey, I think I'm those that are saying, "Hey, I think I'm just a spectator. Like, I've got season just a spectator. Like, I've got season just a spectator. Like, I've got season tickets to Sundays and to VBS and to tickets to Sundays and to VBS and to tickets to Sundays and to VBS and to camps and to moveins and all sorts of camps and to moveins and all sorts of camps and to moveins and all sorts of stuff, but I am I'm not in this stuff, but I am I'm not in this stuff, but I am I'm not in this committed relationship to serve and to committed relationship to serve and to committed relationship to serve and to suffer."

suffer." suffer." And friends, I want to caution you that And friends, I want to caution you that And friends, I want to caution you that if those things are omitted from our if those things are omitted from our if those things are omitted from our lives, lives, lives, then you have to ask, am I really then you have to ask, am I really then you have to ask, am I really committed to magnifying the name of committed to magnifying the name of committed to magnifying the name of Christ? Christ? Christ? So, I'm going to pray. And if this is So, I'm going to pray. And if this is So, I'm going to pray. And if this is you, if if this is a reality for your you, if if this is a reality for your you, if if this is a reality for your life, again, we we don't want you to sit life, again, we we don't want you to sit life, again, we we don't want you to sit here. Pastor Archie says all the time here. Pastor Archie says all the time here. Pastor Archie says all the time that everybody gives a response. Some that everybody gives a response. Some that everybody gives a response. Some people just choose to not respond as people just choose to not respond as people just choose to not respond as their response. Some people come down. their response. Some people come down. their response. Some people come down. And we don't want to pressure you, but And we don't want to pressure you, but And we don't want to pressure you, but again, we this is something that we are again, we this is something that we are again, we this is something that we are so seriously invested in the unification so seriously invested in the unification so seriously invested in the unification and the progression of the gospel in the and the progression of the gospel in the and the progression of the gospel in the body of Christ. And this is how it's body of Christ. And this is how it's body of Christ. And this is how it's achieved. Looking back at VBS, we had achieved. Looking back at VBS, we had achieved. Looking back at VBS, we had over 300 volunteers, adults. How cool over 300 volunteers, adults. How cool over 300 volunteers, adults. How cool would it be to see 600 volunteers and would it be to see 600 volunteers and would it be to see 600 volunteers and then 900 volunteers or for college then 900 volunteers or for college then 900 volunteers or for college movein to have over 350 people help in movein to have over 350 people help in movein to have over 350 people help in the hot August heat carry cinder blocks the hot August heat carry cinder blocks the hot August heat carry cinder blocks up 12 flights of stairs. Like that is a up 12 flights of stairs. Like that is a up 12 flights of stairs. Like that is a like that is suffering that you're like that is suffering that you're like that is suffering that you're self-inflicting that to a normal person self-inflicting that to a normal person self-inflicting that to a normal person would seem absolutely insane.

would seem absolutely insane. would seem absolutely insane. But what it does is it strengthens the But what it does is it strengthens the But what it does is it strengthens the body of Christ in a way that very few body of Christ in a way that very few body of Christ in a way that very few other things do. other things do. other things do. And so I'm going to pray and then we'll And so I'm going to pray and then we'll And so I'm going to pray and then we'll close out this morning and uh we can we close out this morning and uh we can we close out this morning and uh we can we can be done. So father, thank you so can be done. So father, thank you so can be done. So father, thank you so much for this morning. God, thank you much for this morning. God, thank you much for this morning. God, thank you for the reality that we have an for the reality that we have an for the reality that we have an opportunity to know you. But God, opportunity to know you. But God, opportunity to know you. But God, ultimately, I pray that we would we ultimately, I pray that we would we ultimately, I pray that we would we would leave here understanding that our would leave here understanding that our would leave here understanding that our main goal is not an occupation. Our main main goal is not an occupation. Our main main goal is not an occupation. Our main goal is not a financial status. It's not goal is not a financial status. It's not goal is not a financial status. It's not a it's not relational equity. It's none a it's not relational equity. It's none a it's not relational equity. It's none of those things. But God, it is of those things. But God, it is of those things. But God, it is exclusively in you. Lord, I pray that we exclusively in you. Lord, I pray that we exclusively in you. Lord, I pray that we as a church would seek to aim to magnify as a church would seek to aim to magnify as a church would seek to aim to magnify your name. That we as individuals would your name. That we as individuals would your name. That we as individuals would would posture our lives around the idea would posture our lives around the idea would posture our lives around the idea of magnifying the name of your son, of magnifying the name of your son, of magnifying the name of your son, Jesus Christ. that we wouldn't seek our Jesus Christ. that we wouldn't seek our Jesus Christ. that we wouldn't seek our selfish desires or our selfish pleasures selfish desires or our selfish pleasures selfish desires or our selfish pleasures above you. But God, that we would above you. But God, that we would above you. But God, that we would prioritize you. We would we would strive prioritize you. We would we would strive prioritize you. We would we would strive for you, God, I pray for that we would for you, God, I pray for that we would for you, God, I pray for that we would walk in a manner worthy of the gospel, walk in a manner worthy of the gospel, walk in a manner worthy of the gospel, that we would stay unified, that we that we would stay unified, that we that we would stay unified, that we would stand firm, we would strive, and would stand firm, we would strive, and would stand firm, we would strive, and that we would not be fearful of what that we would not be fearful of what that we would not be fearful of what could be thrown at us. But God, that you could be thrown at us. But God, that you could be thrown at us. But God, that you would prevail, and that you would be would prevail, and that you would be would prevail, and that you would be glorified. So God, we love you and we glorified. So God, we love you and we glorified. So God, we love you and we praise you. And Lord, we ask this all in praise you. And Lord, we ask this all in praise you. And Lord, we ask this all in your precious and holy name. Amen.