Philippians 2:12-15 - Do Everything without Complaining or Arguing

How to Enjoy the Rest of Your Life (Part 4)
Do Everything without Complaining or Arguing
Philippians 2:12-15
Jeff Garrett

This is the fourth in a series of sermons through Philippians called “How to Enjoy the Rest of Your Life”

Lesson 1 – Enjoy the people in your life
Lesson 2 – Choose joy no matter what
Lesson 3 – Enjoy unity
Lesson 4 – Do everything without complaining or arguing

Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. 14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, …

“Complaining” means “grumbling” or “murmuring” – it’s an expression of discontent. “Arguing” means “disputing, questionings, and criticizing”. The first word “complaining” is more like an emotional bellyache and the second word “arguing” is more like an intellectual debate with God or other people.

The context of the challenge is – to work out your salvation with fear and trembling (not complaining and arguing) for it is God who works in you to will and act according to his good purpose. Don’t have a complaining attitude as you work out what God works in.

I want to give you a challenge to stop complaining and arguing for 21 days. You have received a little bracelet which has Philippians 2:14-15 on it which says “Do everything without complaining or arguing …”. Deuteronomy 6 says to love God with all your heart and keep his commandments upon your heart and to tie them as symbols around on your hands. That’s what we’re going to do. If you catch yourself complaining take it off and switch it to the opposite wrist and start counting the days from scratch. It may take you a while to put 21 complaint-free days together. If that seems impossible then wear it for 21 days and try to significantly reduce complaining and arguing. I’ve been wearing one for a week and it’s a helpful tool.

Why do we complain so much? Some Sociologists believe that we are breeding a generation of complainers. John MacArthur summarized the thesis of a sociologist (who he did not name), - basically his thesis was that in many ways this discontented generation of young people is a product of small families i.e., small families in a materialistic society breed selfish, self-indulgent children. He illustrated it with a common scenario – kids get up in the morning and mom asked “What do you want for breakfast?” One says bacon and eggs and the other says pancakes so she fixes both. When they get home from school they ask for two different meals and she fixes them while they complain about their cell phone reception or the high speed internet or the fact that their 2 gigabit ipod is too small to watch movies on.

Now, if you were raised in my father’s family of 14 [two pics of Dad’s family] those kinds of conversations would never take place. You just learned to be content with what you had.

In large parent-centered families the child bends to the system. But in small child-centered families the system bends to the child and the children get about anything they want until they grow up and get a job and the system doesn’t bend to them so they complain because they are over‑indulged and used to be in an environment that they control. They don't like being controlled so they become restless, irritable and discontent and they constantly complain.

That’s an interesting thesis but I don’t believe totally supported because I know some senior citizens who grew up in large families during the depression and they seem to complain just as much as overindulged kids from small families. They complain about doctors and preachers and politicians and family members and they really get down on the spoiled younger generation. What they don’t realize is that they sound just like them!

Complaining is like bad breath, you notice it when it comes out of somebody else's mouth, but not your own.

I believe the problem runs deeper than sociologists theorize. Social factors may influence individual attitudes but I believe to root problem is sin. And we see how God responded to it in the Old Testament. Do you know how long it takes to get from Horeb (Mt Sinai) to the Promise Land? 11 Days. Deuteronomy 1:2 It takes eleven days to go from Horeb to Kadesh Barnea by the Mount Seir road. Why did Israel 40 years to enter the promise land? Because they complained and argued with God.

Numbers 14:26 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron: 27 "How long will this wicked community grumble against me? I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites. 28 So tell them, 'As surely as I live, declares the LORD, I will do to you the very things I heard you say: 29 In this desert your bodies will fall—every one of you twenty years old or more who was counted in the census and who has grumbled against me. 30 Not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, except Caleb… and Joshua ….

If we grumble and complain about our circumstances God made discipline us by making us wonder in the wilderness. God expects three simple things from us.

1. Obey God

Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence— Stop complaining and arguing and start obeying God especially when no one else around. If we did more obeying and less complaining we would be better of. Our oldest daughter Amber now has her driver's permit which allows her to drive an automobile while Kim or are in the car. She is doing a great job obeying all the laws of the highway but we have to be present during this six-month period. In a few months she will have her driver's license and she will be able to drive on her own with no one in the car. We trust that she will continue to obey the rules of the highway - not only in our presence, but then much more in our absence.

Paul had been with the Philippians (Acts 16) during the birth and early period of the church but now he is not able to be with them because he is a prisoner in Rome. So he told them to obey God in his absense. We must also obey God when no one else is looking.

2. Work out what God works in

2:12b …- continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

Underline the words "work out" in v.12 and the words "works in" in v.13. “Work out” is your part. “Works in” is God's part. We are to work out what God works in. Notice that it doesn't say "work for" your salvation. It says "work out". Ephesians 2:9 says that salvation is … “not by works, so that no one can boast.

What do you do in a physical workout? You develop muscles you already have. When you workout your salvation you are developing something God has already given you.

God works in his righteousness (Phil 3:9) and we work out his righteousness be offering the parts of our bodies as instruments of righteousness (Rom 6:13).

God works in his Spirit (Romans 8) and we work out by bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22)

God works in a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26) and we work out by loving God and people from the heart (Matt. 22:36-40)

God works in the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16) and we work out by adopting the attitude of Christ (Phil 2:5)

Paul said “To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me” (Colossians 1:29). We labor and struggle, not in the strength of our own energy, but with all of his energy which so powerfully works in us. So we work out what God works in.

3. Do everything with a good attitude

2:14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, ….

Verse 14 is not a narrow isolated command. It is a broad general attitude that is related working out your salvation with fear and trembling because God is working in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

As you are driving through life it will do no good to complain about traffic. I was in line at Burger King when my cell phone rang. I didn’t want the phone call to be interrupted while I was ordering food. So I tried to back up but there was a lady in a truck behind me who was honking her horn. There were no cars behind her and virtually no cars in the parking lot but she would not back up. I put the phone to my chest and said a few things about the lady in the truck that I didn’t want the person on the phone to hear and was barely able to maneuver my car through a narrow place to get out of line. After I finished my conversation I had to move my bracelet from my right arm to my left.

Sometimes you get so frustrate you’d like to smack them. Like this women who had a complaining husband and she wrote this little poem about him.

Complaining Husband
He didn’t like the casserole and he didn’t like my cake.
My biscuits were too hard… not like his mother used to make.
I didn’t perk the coffee right. He didn’t like the stew,
I didn’t mend his socks, the way his mother used to do.
I pondered for an answer, as I was looking for a clue.
Then I turned around and smacked him… like his Mother used to do.

Prayer Time

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Small Group Questions
Philippians 2:12-15

Ice breaker
When are you more likely to complain or argue?

Text: Read Deuteronomy 1:2 and Numbers 14:26
Deuteronomy 1:2 It takes eleven days to go from Horeb to Kadesh Barnea by the Mount Seir road.

Numbers 14:26 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron: 27 "How long will this wicked community grumble against me? I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites. 28 So tell them, 'As surely as I live, declares the LORD, I will do to you the very things I heard you say: 29 In this desert your bodies will fall—every one of you twenty years old or more who was counted in the census and who has grumbled against me. 30 Not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, except Caleb… and Joshua ….

Discussion Questions

· Why did it take Israel 40 years to make an 11 day journey?
· Do you believe complaining and grumbling is contagious? Explain why or why not?
· Do you believe complaining is addictive or habit forming? Explain why or why not?
· How do people typically respond to constant complaining?
· How did God respond?
· Why did God get so angry?

Text: Read Philippians 2:12-15

Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. 14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, …

Discussion Questions

· When is it more difficult for you to obey? During good times or hard times? When you are with Christians or when Christian is around?
· When Paul says to work out your salvation – does he mean that salvation is by works? If not, what does he mean?
· How can we “work out” (v.12) what God “works in” (v.13)? What does God “work in”?
· How long can you go without complaining?
· Do you think it’s possible complain and grip and yet be unaware of it? Do you know any people who have a habit of complaining but they seem unaware of their negative attitude or how they negatively affect other people?
· If you took the 21 day challenge and you are wearing the “no-complaint” bracelet – where do you expect to have the most difficulty? What area? What person(s)?
· What would be some positive benefits if you stopped complaining and arguing?


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Resources - I borrowed and used the same title for my sermon series in Philippians as Rick Warren: "How to Enjoy the Rest of Your Life". The resources I used in preparation for this series include: Rick Warren; Ray Stedman's expository studies; Rick Atchley's sermon series "To Live is Christ"; Tyndale's commentary "Life Application Bible Commentary"; James Montgomery Boice's commentary; and John MacArthur's commentary. I borrowed the idea of the no complaint bracelet from my friend Buddy Bell who is the minister at the Landmark Church of Christ in MontgomeryAlabama. I think the original idea for the bracelet was popularized by Pastor Will Bowen in Kansas City Missouri. Jeanie Meadows wrote the discussion guide for our small group ministry - her resources included the Serendipity Bible and other internet resources.

Philippians 1:27-2:11 - Enjoy Unity

How to Enjoy the Rest of Your Life (Part 3)
Enjoy Unity
Philippians 1:27-2:11
Jeff Garrett

Before the sermon, I want you to look at the new church website http://www.norwayave.org/ which appears on the screens. Rob Durst built the new church website and he launched it this week. It contains all the information you need including upcoming events, announcements, and the latest bulletin. You will also be able to obtain my sermon manuscripts and, if you miss an assembly, you can listen to the most recent sermon because Rob has an mp3 player on the website. There are links to previous sermons which can be downloaded on itunes.

As always, Rob Durst, has done an outstanding job building this new website and I want to encourage you to visit it often because this is where you will find the information you need to keep up with the exciting things that are happening in our church family.

We are in a series of sermons from the book of Philippians. The theme of our series is “How to Enjoy the Rest of Your Life”. In the first lesson (1:1-11) we talked about how to enjoy the people in your life. In the second lesson (1:12-30) we talked about how to choose joy in spite of difficult circumstances. In this third lesson (1:27-2:11) we are going to discussed how to enjoy unity. That’s the title of today’s sermon – “Enjoy Unity”.

Some Christians don’t know how to enjoy unity because the enjoy arguing. I have discovered that “being right” is highly overrated. The cost of proving I am right is frequently too high for me to engage in an argument. In fact, I have discovered that the older I get the less things I am willing to argue about. I used to enjoy arguing about a lot of things in the Bible but over time the list of things I believe are essential to salvation have become smaller and smaller. At this time, I believe the only essential is: “Jesus is Lord.” If you accept Jesus as Lord I believe God is living in you and drawing you to himself and I want to do everything I can to encourage you to strengthen your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and I want enjoy unity with you as we journey through life together. I want to stand with you in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel. I want to make every effort to keep the unity that the Spirit created so that we are like-minded, having the same love and being one in spirit and purpose and it all focuses on the Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s look at our text for today.

Philippians 1:27-2:2 1:27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

2:1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

Five times Paul pleads for unity: I want to know that you stand firm in one Spirit (1:27; 2:2); as one man (1:27); with one mind (2:2) and one love (2:2) and one purpose (2:2).

Philippians 1:27 Whatever happens, [whether I am released or remain incarcerated] conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. The word “conduct” literally means “live as citizens.” The Philippians were proud to be citizens of Rome (cf. Acts 16:20-21) but Paul reminded them that they are citizens of heaven – a kingdom far greater than Rome. Citizenship has not only privileges but responsibilities i.e., you are to conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. What does it mean to live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ? It does not mean perfection i.e., you never sin (1 John 1:8-2:2). It means that your lifestyle gives evidence to your faith in Jesus Christ. Negatively, it means that you do not deliberately, persistently walk in sin – Ephesians 5:3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7Therefore do not be partners with them. So negatively, living a life worthy of the gospel of Christ means that you do not walk in high-handed, deliberate persistent sin. Positively, to live a life worthy of the Lord means that you seek to please Christ, to bear fruit, and to grow closer to God and people. Paul put it this way in Colossians 1:10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,… So, living in “a manner worthy of the gospel” means that, you turn from sin and walk with Christ so that your behavior is consistent with your beliefs.

Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel. As one man, with one voice we contend for the faith of the gospel which is that God became a human being in the person of Jesus, that he died for our sins and was raised from the dead. That Jesus Christ is Lord of all. That’s what we are contending for i.e. the faith of the gospel.

Some Christians contend for the wrong thing because they don’t understand the Bible. Some Christians don’t understand even simple truths. Like this four year old little girl who heard her preacher say with arms extended toward heaven - "Dear Lord, "Without you, we are but dust..." At that moment the little girl leaned over and asked, "Mom, what is butt dust?" We don’t understand. Five weeks ago, after officiating a wedding, I was talking with a guest. He told me that he went to such and such church. I said “That’s great. The most important thing in life is the Lord Jesus Christ – following Christ and the Bible. That’s it!” He responded, “Yes, we believe in Jesus and the King James Bible!” And I thought “What is butt dust?” I didn’t say it, I just politely changed the subject. The problem of elevating non-essential issues (e.g., versions of the Bible) and giving them the same weight as to the identity of Jesus runs across all denominations.

Our denomination (Church of Christ) has been split many times over because of non-essential issues. Just look at the abbreviations in the front cover of the directory for Churches of Christ in the United States. Each abbreviation stands for divisions in our tribe. Below are some examples.

MU – “Mutual Edification” – this split occurred over located preachers. These churches are opposed to hiring located preachers – the male members share in the preaching and teaching.
JO – “Baptizes in the name of Jesus Only” – this split occurred over the issue of a baptismal formula.
NI – “Non-institutional” – this split occurred over the issue of supporting institutions like orphanages, Christian colleges, and missionary associations or societies.
OC – “One cup” – this split occurred over the container used to serve communion. These churches are opposed to serving communion in multiple cups and use only one cup.

The list of abbreviations continues (e.g., OCa, OCb; OCc, OC+c, etc) and each one symbolizes another division over some frivolous, peripheral issue that has nothing to do with “the faith of the gospel.” We’ve divided over versions of the Bible, instrumental music, women’s role in the church, praise teams, etc.

This phenomenon of schisms and division is not unique to our denomination. The same sort of infighting and division has occurred in the Baptist and Methodist and Presbyterian and Lutheran and nearly every tribe of protestant and catholic churches. While some divisions were necessary because orthodox beliefs were compromised i.e., Jesus is not the Son of God, most of these divisions across various denominations should have never occurred because they did not concern core essential truths i.e. faith in Christ alone. But, in nearly every group, people elevate trivial issues and contend for them as if they were essential core doctrines but in reality they were not.

We’re not contending for a denomination. Our identity should not be wrapped up in the doctrinal distinctives of our denomination. Sometimes, because of when we make necessary changes in structure or methodology (e.g., instrumental music, small groups, organizational structure, evangelistic outreaches) people get worried and upset and say things like “We’re loosing our identity” or “I don’t know who we are anymore” or “Who are we?” But the question is not “Who are we?” The question is “Who is he?” Our identity is wrapped up in the wrong things. We are to
“stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel” which is focused on the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s all focused on Jesus, as you will see in 2:6-11.

Paul said you’ve got to stand together 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. Don’t be afraid of them. If God is for you who can be against you. You’ve got to be faithful. You’ve got to be focused on Jesus. And you’ve got to be fearless because This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. When see your courage they will eventually realize that they are not fighting against you – their fighting against God who will save you and destroy everyone who persistently opposes the Lord Jesus Christ.

And when you suffer you need to remember how God views it. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. All who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Jesus said “Blessed are you when men insult you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad for great is your reward in heaven!” When apostles were beaten (in Acts 5) they left the Sanhedrin rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer for the Name. Paul said you are going through the same struggle I’m going through – counted yourself blessed by God and realize that your present suffering is proof of your authentic faith and your suffering is not worthy to be compared to the glory of heaven.

Just focus on your intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. 2:1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ... The word “if” could be translated “since”. Since you have encouragement, comfort, love, fellowship, tenderness, and compassion in Christ – let it spill over into your relationship with your brothers and sisters. One of the reasons people are divided is because they don’t have an intimate relationship with Jesus. You can’t give what you don’t have. You can’t share what you’ve never experienced. The relationship Jesus has with us is always the model for how we are to relate to other people. Jesus said, forgive each other as I forgiven you and love each other as I have loved you. I keep coming back to Psalm 103.

Psalm 103:8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 9 He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; 10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.

I love to think about how compassionate and gracious the Lord has been to me and I want to translate it into my relationships with people. I want to be compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. I want to stop accusing and harboring anger. I want to stop treating people “as their sins deserve”. You see, that’s what Paul’s talking about in 2:1-2. Let the encouragement, comfort, love, fellowship, tenderness and compassion you receive from Jesus flow into your relationships with people - then you will enjoy unity.

2:1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Being “like-minded” does not mean that you agree on every single issue – it means that you agree on the essential issue that Jesus is Lord. Having the “same love” means that you share the love that comes from God. Being “one in spirit and purpose” means that the overarching goal of your life is focused on God’s eternal purpose in Jesus Christ.

The night before Jesus went to the cross he prayed for the unity of all believers. John 17:13 "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. … 20 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

A couple of weeks ago I was on the phone with Amber and I overheard a conversation between her and Tori as they were saying goodbye. Amber said “Hold on dad, Tori is leaving for the track meet.” I heard them say to each other - “OK. See you later. I love you. I love you too.” And when I heard them telling each other “I love you” it made my joy complete. How good and pleasant it is when a family lives together in unity (Psalm 103:1). But if you’re not getting along and there’s division – it’s not pleasant and you’re joy is not complete. It’s hard to be happy when there is division in the church and your family.

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Our selfish ambition and vain conceit can be seen even in the pursuit of good things. We try to outdo one another and it always turns out bad. Bruce Johnson shared a story about a group of country friends from the Cottonwood Church wanted to get together on a regular basis in their small groups to socialize and play games. The lady of the house was to prepare the meal.

When it came time for Al and Janet to be the hosts - Janet wanted to outdo all the others. Janet decided to have mushroom-smothered steak, but, mushrooms are expensive. She then told her husband, "No mushrooms. They are too high."He said, "Why don't you go down in the pasture and pick some of those mushrooms? There are plenty in the creek bed." She said, "No, some wild mushrooms are poison." He said, "Well, I see varmints eating them and they're OK."

So, Janet decided to give it a try. She picked a bunch, washed, sliced, and diced them for her smothered steak. Then she went out on the back porch and gave Ol' Spot (the yard dog) a double handful. Ol' Spot ate every bite. All morning long, Janet watched Ol' Spot and the wild mushrooms didn't seem to affect him, so she decided to use them.

The meal was a great success. After everyone had finished, they relaxed, socialized, and played dominoes. About then, the neighbor lady came in the house and whispered in Janet's ear, "Ol' Spot just died."Janet went into hysterics. She called the doctor and told him what had happened.

The doctor said, "That's bad, but I think we can take care of it. I will call for an ambulance and I will be there as quick as possible. We'll give everyone enemas and we will pump out everyone's stomach. Everything will be fine. Just keep them calm."

Soon they could hear the siren as the ambulance was coming down the road. The EMTs and the doctor had their suitcases, syringes, and a stomach pump. One by one, they took each person into the bathroom, gave them an enema, and pumped out their stomach. After the last one was finished, the doctor came out and said, "I think everything will be fine now." Then he left.

They were all looking pretty weak sitting around the living room, and about this time, the neighbor lady came back in the house and said, "You know, that fellow that ran over Ol' Spot never even stopped!"

Selfish ambition and vain conceit always spoils a party and makes everybody sick. Stop trying to outdo one another. Humble yourself before the Lord and he will lift you up.

Do you remember the song “You’re so vain, you probably think this song is about you”? I identify with that song because sometimes I am vain and I think everything is about me. I'm trying to change but I still have problems with pride. The Holy Spirit convicted me of vain conceit just this week after I visited Fairland Middle School. I stopped in the school to drop off something for Shayna and I was talking to the principal Mike Whitley and his secretary Debbie. Mike and I usually talk about hunting and school and children and life. But this time I went on and on about myself. I bragged about my speaking engagements in Malibu CA and Birmingham AL and Charlotte NC and I went on to tell them how next month I will be speaking at the Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island MI. I just went on and on bragging about myself and when I walked out the door the Holy Spirit stopped me in my tracks in the parking lot. I did not hear him audibly but I’m almost certain God’s Spirit said to my spirit “I hope your flesh got something about of that – I didn’t. I will not bless you when you brag on yourself like you just did to Mike and Debbie.” It bothered me for two days and I finally called the school and apologized to Debbie. I said “Debbie, I am sorry for bragging on myself like I did. I didn’t even let you or Mike get a word in because I was so busy bragging on myself.” Debbie, laughed and said “I didn’t even notice.” And I said “Well, I did and I am sure God did and I just needed to apologize for that. The next time I’m going to try to have a more humble attitude.”

The Hymn of Christ

2:5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

This passage (2:5-11) is probably an ancient hymn. It is called the "Carmen Christi" or the Hymn of Christ. I have divided the song into four stances.

First, Jesus is God (v.6) - 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped … Jesus is the image of the invisible God. He is fully God. He is equal with God.

Second, God became human and died on the cross (v.7-8) - 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! … When God became human he did not cease to be God. Jesus did not empty himself of deity. That’s impossible! Jesus could not empty himself of deity anymore than we could empty ourselves of our humanity. In him the fullness of deity dwells in bodily form. God became human in the person of Jesus. Jesus was a humble servant and he learned obedience by the things he suffered. He was obedient to death – even death on a cross.

Third, Jesus was resurrected and exalted (v.9) - 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,… All authority has been given to Jesus. Jesus has been given a name that is above every name. The name Paul referred to is not “Jesus” but "Lord".

Fourth, everyone will confess “Jesus is Lord” (v.10-11) - 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Every knee will bow including the angels in heaven, the demons in hell, and every human who ever lived – and every one will confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father.

The hymn of Christ is more than a great theological statement about the identity of Jesus, it is intended to make us humble and obedient so that we can enjoy unity with our brothers and sisters. The message of the song is capture in the scripture "Humble yourself before the Lord and he will lift you up" (James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6).

To enjoy unity you’ve got to let your faith rest fully on the Lord Jesus Christ. Not on non-essential issues, but on Christ alone. Then, adopt the humble attitude of Jesus. Like Jesus, humble yourself before the Lord and he will lift you up. Consider others better than yourself. Stop fighting for your rights and focus on your responsibilties to love others and maintain the unity of the Spirit. Let the attitude of Jesus dominate your thought life and your behavior will naturally follow.

Prayer Time

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Small Group Questions
Philippians 1:27-2:13
“Enjoy Unity”

Churches often divide along denominational, cultural, theological and social lines, what would it mean to apply Phil. 1:27 in our community? What would have to change to make this possible?

1. Reading between the lines, what was wrong with the church in Philippi?
2. Read Phil. 2:1-2 and name 4 motives for living in unity?
3. How is this unity related to humility?
4. How does Jesus exemplify this humility? (What stories from the gospels come to mind)
5. What else stands out about Jesus from this early church hymn? Vv 6-11
6. How would things change if verses 3-8 marked your family life?
7. How would things change if verses 3-8 marked your church life?
8. How would things change if verses 3-8 marked your work life?
9. How does humility differ from ‘being a doormat’?
In verses 2:12-13 what does it mean to “work out your salvation”…what part is up to God and what part is up to you?

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Resources - I borrowed and used the same title for my sermon series in Philippians as Rick Warren: "How to Enjoy the Rest of Your Life". The resources I used in preparation for this series include: Rick Warren; Ray Stedman's expository studies; Rick Atchley's sermon series "To Live is Christ"; Tyndale's commentary "Life Application Bible Commentary"; James Montgomery Boice's commentary; and John MacArthur's commentary. In addition, Jeanie Meadows used the Serendipity Bible and other online resources for the small group questions which are used in our small group ministry on Sunday nights.

Godly Mothers (Mothers Day 2008)

Mothers Day 2008
Godly Mothers
Jeff Garrett

This morning 12 children will be dedicated to the Lord. Will the parents please bring the children who are being dedicated come to the front and face the congregation.

Baby Dedication
Since children are a gift from God (Psalm 127:3), it is natural that parents dedicate their children to God. In the Old Testament Hannah dedicated her son to God. Samuel became a great leader. In the New Testament parents brought their little children to Jesus so that he would place his hands on them and bless them. In the same way, these parents are dedicating their children to God.

Listen to what the Lord says about raising children in Deuteronomy 6:4-7 "Hear O Israel: The Lord our God is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on their children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

As these children are dedicated to God, we are going to make two promises. The parents of these children are going to promise to raise their children to follow the Lord Jesus Christ and we are going to make a promise to love and support each of these families. I’m going to ask a question and I want you to respond be saying “we do.”

First, to the parents - Parents, by coming forward before God and his people, do you hereby declare your desire to dedicate yourselves and your children to the Lord? If so, please respond by saying "we do." ("We do.")

Now, I want to invite our entire church family to make a vow. As members of the body of Christ, do you hereby declare that you will support these parents and their children so that they may walk in the abundant life that Christ offers? If so please respond by saying “we do.” (“We do.”)

As Matt and the Praise Team sing, the shepherds are going say a prayer of dedication and blessing for these children and their parents. Each child will receive a Bible so that these families always remember the day that their children were dedicated to God. Listen to Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

Shepherds privately prayer with each family and then give them the Bible.

Jeff Prayer – Father, Thank you for these precious children who have just been dedicated to you. Bless these children! Help these parents raise them to be faithful to you and your Son Jesus Christ. Fill them with your Spirit. Teach them to walk according to your word. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen!

Sermon

Exodus 20:12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

We have first class mothers here today and they don’t even know it. Some would say I don’t feel like I’m riding first class. First class is the most expensive and luxurious class of accommodation on an airplane. I don’t even feel like I’m in coach. I feel more like a stewardess who serves everybody.

I’ve never ridden in the first class cabin either. But coming back from LA I was sitting one seat away from 1st class. I noticed that the first class passengers already had their refreshments when I walked on the plane. I could peep through the curtain and see that they had their own bathroom. They were served better food. They even looked important—attractive, successful, relaxed.

I was not relaxed because I had missed my flight. The night before I was to leave I checked the departure time and it said my plane left 7:25 but. I was looking at the itinerary from Columbus to Los Angeles. The next morning I couldn’t find that paper so I checked my computer. It was then I realized that it was a 7am flight. So I crammed everything in my suit case, checked out, and ran to the car. I had to get gas so the rental company wouldn’t charge me $10 a gallon.

I forgot the map to Enterprise at the hotel so asked this guy at the gas station… “Can you give me directions to Enterprise?” He said “Follow me, I’m headed that way” but he took me the wrong way. So I called Enterprise and made them stay on the phone until I saw their sign’.

The bus from Enterprise to LAX was full of people. Just as we pulled out a man ran across the parking lot with a suitcase. The driver stopped and took his bags and he “I’ll be right back”. I was just about to say “Where are you going?” when he said … “I’ve got more bags.” He also had a wife & three kids and they also had bags. The door closed and as we were pulling, another man came running up with trolley of suitcases. I was just about to say “Don’t stop!” when bus driver opened the door and said “let me help you.” The bus was now completely full of men, women and little children singing about big airplanes and of course Continental was the last stop.

When I got off the bus the lady said “you missed your flight, you’ll have to fly stand by.” She said ‘Don’t check your heavy suitcase because you don’t know how you will get home…then she said ‘Hurry on down to the gate and see if they will let you on.’

So I lug my bags to security and security had to do a bag search because I had tooth paste in my suitcase. The security man said “Don’t you know that you can’t take this on the plane?” I said “Yes, but I’ve had a bad morning. I planned to check this big bag in but I was late and I just forgot about the stupid toothpaste.” He said “I have to keep it”. I said “I don’t care, I need to go”

So I grab my suit case and brief case and run down the terminal and with the gate in sight I noticed that my brief case seemed very light. I unzipped it and realized that I had left my laptop in the plastic container at the security x-ray machine. So I ran back to security and I say to the guy who took my toothpaste…. ‘have you seen my laptop? When he found my laptop I ran back to the gate but the plane had just pulled away. So I sit down and waited three hours.
Finally I boarded a flight with a layover in Houston TX. The plane was full but I was sitting in a middle seat, squished between 2 men.

I was studying and writing notes on the tray and my elbow was barely touching the man on my right. So he got a magazine and put it between my elbow and his. This crowded me even more. I asked, “What are you doing?” He said “Your elbow is annoying me”. So I grabbed the magazine and hit him in the face. No, I didn’t but I wanted to. I did the Christian thing and said “I’m sorry”….but in my mind I was saying “you are a stupid idiot”.

The man on the left was a student at USC and he started talking about his dissertation research in ‘aerodynamics’ … but I wasn’t in the mood. Finally, we landed in Houston and after a long lay over…that’s when I noticed the first class passengers. They boarded the plane first and they were relaxing with refreshments when I boarded…their leather seats were wide and luxurious, There were only 8 --- elite 8 passengers. Getting special treatment and it made me wonder what it would be like to fly first class.

Some of you mother’s know what I’m talking about. Your day starts early and you’re always in a hurry, running 30 minutes late. A lot can go wrong because your day is so much more than catching a plane. You’re trying to keep up with everybody’s busy schedule as you take them to school, to soccer practice, and somebody forgets their tennis shoes so you run back and get them.

Moms are so busy. I know one mother used to hide in the bathroom just to be alone time. Here is a little sign may want to hang up on the bathroom door.

Mom's Sign
Attention Children: The Bathroom Door is Closed. Please do not stand here and talk, whine, or ask questions. Wait until I get out. Yes, it is locked. I want it that way. It is not broken, I am not trapped. I know I have left it unlocked, and even open at times, since you were born, because I was afraid some horrible tragedy might occur while I was in here, but it's been 10 years and I want some PRIVACY. Do not ask me how long I will be. I will come out when I am done.
Do not bring the phone to the bathroom door. Do not go running back to the phone yelling, "She's in the BATHROOM!" Do not begin to fight as soon as I go in. Do not stick your little fingers under the door and wiggle them. This was funny when you were two, but not now.
Do not slide pennies, Legos, or notes under the door. Even when you were two this got a little tiresome. If you have followed me down the hall talking, and are still talking as you face this closed door, please turn around, walk away, and wait for me in another room. I will be glad to listen to you when I am done.
And yes, I still love you.
Mom

You’re fixing meals and paying bills, taking kids to orthodontist and the pediatrician. You’re cleaning up messes…and no one has a clue as to what you do all day. Then when you finally sit down somebody starts complaining about something little thing that annoys them (e.g., your elbow is annoying me and they do the magazine thing) and you respond like Mothers do…. but you think, “if they even had a clue…if they only knew what it takes to be a Mom and all that you do for them. They would show a little more appreciation.” But they don’t know and won’t know until they have kids of their own.

So you wait on them and help with the homework and do all the chores that moms do but sometimes you wonder “How in the world am I going to raise my family without losing my mind?”

And some days, when your weary and frazzled, you see another mother that you don’t really know but they just seem to have it all together….they dress nice, they live in bigger houses, drive nicer cars…and you think she must go to El Haaj for her manicures, pedicures and I bet she gets a massage once a week. The way she looks and that tan from her recent trip to the beach. And you hear her talking about an expensive family vacation and her children are so excited. And you think, “I’ll bet she never worries about how she’s going to pay her bills.” I’ll bet her husband listens to her and her children obey her and I’ll bet she has no problems. I’ll bet she’s appreciated and loved.

But you can’t remember the last time you felt that good. The only time you get their attention is when they want something. Sometimes you feel like the stewardess who gives safety instructions with animated gestures but no matter how important it is, they don’t even listen.
And you wonder what it’s like to ride first class. But let me share a few things God gave me.

First, you have no idea what problems people have. I’ve been a counselor long enough to learn that everybody has problems. If you only knew what they deal with you might think your life is a picnic compared to theirs. Jesus said in John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Second, you will have first class accommodations in heaven. God has a first class room for you in heaven. John 14:2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. If you have to ride in coach to get there---that is not too bad, is it? In fact when you know you’re going to spend eternity in a place far greater than any expensive vacation on earth you can enjoy the trip. This week I spent time at the Presidents House at Pepperdine University, overlooking Malibu Beach (this o’ boy from Boone Co., who knows that Malibu’s nothing compared to the heaven Jesus is preparing. You can even be happy for those who have more and ride in first class.

Third, it might be best for you to be right where you are because if you had more it might not be good for you. Another thing---I think God sometimes sends difficult people into our lives to help us grow. Hebrews 12:7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons [and daughters]. I know God saw that whole ordeal, he saw the man who took me the wrong direction and the bus full of people and the toothpaste and laptop. He saw it all and wondered if he didn’t have an influence on the man who said “your elbow annoys me.” Why would he do this? Because I’m going to face things a whole lot worse than that man on an airplane. I didn’t need to be frustrated about that man. He’s not my problem, he’s God’s problem. When you are faithful in the small things, it equips you for the big things. And mothers, your faithfulness is what makes you so beautiful.

That’s what Peter said in 1 Peter 3:2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4 Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful.

This week I did a study on the holy women of the past and I focused on five outstanding women and what the god-like qualities that they are remember for. I learned about the laughter of Sarah (Genesis 21:6) and the earnest prayer of Hannah (1 Samuel 1:12-15) and the beautiful song of Mary (Luke 1:46-49) and the service of Dorcas (Acts 9:36-39) and how Eunice and Lois taught Timothy the scriptures from infancy. That’s what makes you beautiful and that’s what we remember. We remember that your beauty was not just outward adornment. We remember your inner and unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which is of great worth in God’s sight and ours because you …

Laugh like Sarah (Genesis 21:6)
Pray like Hannah (1 Samuel 1:12-15)
Worship like Mary (Luke 1:46-49)
Serve like Dorcas (Acts 9:36-39)
Teach like Eunice and Lois (Luke 1:46-49)

And when we read passages like Proverbs 1:8 Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching – we think of you and we honor you by being grateful for all you do and by living life as you taught us to live.

Prayer Time
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Small Group Questions
Godly Mothers
May 11, 2008


What TV mom do you most identify with…..The Cosby Mom, Married with Children Mom, 7th Heaven Mom, Marge Simpson, Joy from “my name is Earl”, Elyse Keaton from Family Ties, or the Brady Bunch Mom?


1. How do children bring joy and laughter into your life?
2. Read I Samuel 1:12-21, describe what you think Hannah’s prayer may have been like….have you ever prayed like that?
3. How hard is it when God does not answer your prayers the way you want?
4. Read Mary’s Song in Luke 1:46-55, why do you think Mary was chosen to bare God’s son?
5. In verse 48 how does Mary describe herself after her vision with the angel? What example does she leave for us as parents?
6. Read 2 Tim. 1:5; in light of all the pressures Timothy is under why do you think scriptures reveal that his faith came from his mother and grandmother? What does this say to us about the power of Mothers?
7. Dorcas was used as an example of service. What would happen to our churches today if only men were to serve? Expound on this thought?
8. Turn to Proverbs 31, before you read it….can you think of all the jobs this virtuous women did each day? How is this like the multi tasking that mother’s go through today?

What one memory of your mother stands out to you?

Easter 2008

Easter 2008
Easter Changes Everything
Jeff Garrett

Psalm 103:8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 9 He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; 10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.

The title of my lesson is "Easter Changes Everything" and I want to make three points.

1) Jesus helps you heal from the pain of the past

Two types of pain: regret and resentment. We regret what we’ve done to others. We resent what others have done to us.

First, Jesus wants to heal the pain of regret. King David knew the pain or regret. After his sin with Bathsheba he wrote in Psalm 32:3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "-- and you forgave the guilt of my sin.

My first bout with guilt was at age 11. My friends and I were smoking stolen cigarettes under the train trestle at the mouth of Six Mile. I saw dad's truck coming down the road. He parked his truck and started walking down the railroad tracks. I ran to meet him and he asked "What are you boys doing?" I said "We're skipping rocks." He looked at me knowingly, as if he could see right through me. He said, "Be home before dark." He walked back to his truck and drove away. As I walked back to the trestle where my friends were I felt so guilty. I couldn’t play. I felt so heavy with guilt. The one-mile bike ride up to hollow to my home was pure torture as I thought about how I had lied to my dad about smoking cigarettes. I knew I would go to hell now! I kept it a secret for three hours and could stand it no longer - I confessed to mom at a PTA meeting and that night, after dad come home from work, I told him the truth. I thought he was going to punish me and I knew that deserved it. But he was compassionate and gracious. Slow to anger. Abounding in love. He did not treat me as my sins deserve. He was so tender and forgiving. This gave me a little glimpse into the character of my heavenly Father. Look at these character qualities. Think about the character qualities described in the first passage I read. I don't know what your concept of God is but listen to the Bible's description.

Psalm 103:8-14
God is compassionate and gracious,
God is slow to anger,
God is abounding in love.
God will not always accuse or harbor his anger
He does not treat us as our sins deserve
He does no repay us according to our iniquities.
His love is higher than the heavens
He’s removed our sin as far as the east is from the west
He is a compassionate Father
He remembers we are dust

I like to contemplate on that passage. It helps me with guilt. It helps me deal with the pain of the past. You see, my sin developed into something far worse the under-age smoking and lying to my parents. It developed into full-blown alcoholism with all the associated vices and the guilt and shame ate me up. I used to punish myself but then I learned that Jesus took my place.

Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. I don’t have to punish myself because Jesus was punished for me. He was falsely accused. Beaten. Mocked. Led through the streets and lifted up on skull hill. His face covered in spit and blood. Bruised. Swollen. Lacerations covered his body. Marred beyond human likeness. Gradual asphyxiation. Unimaginable agony. Darkness. Devils. Evil. Wave after wave of human guilt poured into him until he became sin as God’s wrath burned down on him. Vicarious punishment. Substitute sacrifice – for us. God’s glory, a bloody cross. God’s Son, dead on Friday but raised on Sunday and exalted to the highest place. His cross proves that we are loved. Accepted. Justified by faith. Forgiven forever. Praise God for Jesus Christ our Lord who forgives our sin and takes away our guilt and regrets of the past.

Second, Jesus wants to heal the pain of resentment. We regret what we’ve done. We resent what others have done to us. Your loved ones can hurt you and it’s easy to be resentful.

I heard about a married couple. The wife died and when she got to heaven she met Peter at the gate. She could see all her friends were enjoying each other and having a good time and she said “What do I need to do to get in here?” Peter said, “All you have to do is spell one word.” She said “What’s the word?” He said “love.” She said “That’s easy – L O V E.” Peter said “Come on in.”

About ten years later her husband died and she met him at the gate. She said “I really missed you and I’ve been wondering how you spent the rest of your life? Did you miss me?” He said “Yes I did but I got a long just fine. Do you remember that attractive nurse that took care of you before you died? We fell in love and got married. We took the million dollars from your life insurance policy and bought a nice house on the beach.” He looked over her shoulder and saw all their friends enjoying each other and having a good time. He said “What do I have to do to get in here?” She said “All you have to do is spell one word.” He said, “What is the word?” She said “Checkloslavakia”

It’s easy to resent the father who abused you or the mother who criticized you or the brother or sister who deceived you or the husband or wife who betrayed you. You need two things.

First, you need healing. You need to know that Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and He saves those whose spirits have been crushed."

Second, you need a fresh start. You need to hear Isaiah 43:18-19 “The Lord says, ‘Forget about what has happened. Do not think about the past. Instead look at the new thing I am going to do.’”

Don’t be preoccupied with the pain of the past. Don't allow resentment and bitterness take root in your heart. Instead, learn to say with Joseph Genesis 50: 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Easter changes everything. Jesus wants to heal the pain of your past.

2) Jesus helps you deal with the pressure of the present

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me for real rest and you’ll recover your life and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” A lot of you are tired, worn out, and burned out by the pressure of the present. What’s got you stressed out? Your finances? Marriage problems? Your children? Your aged parents? Are you worried about your job? Are you worried about your health? Are you worried about your taxes? What's got you stressed out?

The pressure keeps building. The pressure makes you tired, exhausted, worn down, used up. Like the battery on my cell phone. When my cell phone battery gets low a little red icon appears in the top corner of the screen and the phone makes an annoying beep because the battery is drained and it needs recharged. That’s you! You're drained. Overwhelmed. You’ve got so much on you and you think "know one knows; no one understands; no one really cares."

But there is one who knows and understands and cares. Listen to this beautiful passage from Psalm 139.

Psalm 139:1 O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. … 16 … All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. … 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

When you feel overwhelmed by anxiety, when your feel stressed out by the pressures of life; when you feel like know one knows what you are going pray Psalm 139 aloud. Speak words of faith into your heart and soul. Don't let yourself talk to you, you talk to yourself. Let your faith speak to you and then be very still. Be very quiet and listen for God to speak. You’ve heard the statement “Don’t just stand there, do something.” I like to turn it around and say “Don’t just do something, stand there.” Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

When you get a vision of how awesome and mighty and powerful God is, it will give you a fresh new perspective on your problems and it relieves your pressure. So exalt God over your problems and then be quiet and hear Jesus say “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me for real rest and you’ll recover your life and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly” (Matthew 11:28).

Jesus can heal the pain of the past, the pressure of the present and third ...

3) Jesus helps you deal with the pessimism of the future

When you’re haunted by the pain of the past and you're living under the pressure of the present it’s easy to be pessimistic about the future. You can’t enjoy life because you feel hopeless, like you have nothing to live for.

I heard about a older woman who was pessimistic. But she had four sons who went to college and became successful. Two became doctors and and the other two became attorneys. All four were wealthy. One day these four brothers had dinner together and they discussed the gifts they were able to give their elderly mother who lived far away in another city.

The first said, "I had a big house built for Mama." The second said, "I had a hundred thousand dollar theater with Dolby sound built in the house." The third said, "I had my Mercedes dealer deliver an SL600 to her." And the fourth said, "You know how Mamma loves reading the Bible but she cannot read anymore because of her poor eyesight?" He continued, "I met a preacher who told me about a parrot that can recite the entire Bible. It took twenty preachers 12 years to teach him. I had to pledge to contribute 100,000 a year for twenty years to the church, but it was worth it because all Mamma has to do is name the book, chapter and verse and the parrot will recite it word for word." And the other brothers were impressed.

After the holidays Mom sent out her "thank you" notes. She wrote;

"Milton, the house you built is so huge I live in only one room, but I have to clean the whole house. Thanks anyway. Love, Mamma"

"Marvin, I am too old to travel. I stay home, I have my groceries delivered, so I never use the Mercedes. The thought was good. Thanks. Love, Mamma."

"Michael, you gave me an expensive theater with Dolby sound, it could hold 50 people, but all of my friends are dead, I've lost my hearing, and I'm nearly blind. I'll never use it. Thank you for the gesture just the same. Love, Mamma."

"Dearest Melvin, you were the only son to have the good sense to give a little thought to your gift. The chicken was delicious. Thank you. Love, Mama"

We can become so pessimistic that we can't appreciate anything and we end up eating the parrot!

In contrast, last Friday Mildred Lucas came to the building and dropped off Easter gifts. She buys gifts for 18 children. After I put the gifts up I went with her to decorate the grave of her husband. She’s been visiting her husband's grave and her brother’s grave for 23 years. Mildred has many health problems and she is a widow. She deals with a lot but she has such a sweet spirit because she is full of Jesus Christ.

I don’t know what you are struggling with or why you are pessimistic – old age, health, finances, marriage, work, but Jesus gives you hope for the future.

Romans 8:31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?... 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? … 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Easter changes everything. History is divided into AD and BC by the event i.e., the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Every time you write a date, whether you believe in him or not, you’re using Jesus as the reference point. Your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is the most important thing in your life. He helps you deal the past, present, and future.

Here’s the conclusion of our Easter message. Jesus is the fountain of every blessing and the stream of blessing runs in all directions to help us heal the pain of the past, the pressure of the present, and the pessimism of the future. We are going to sing a song that celebrates Jesus as the fount of every blessing. Let’s pray over this lesson as the Praise Team takes their places.

Prayer

Praise and Worship - Come Thou Fount, Come Thou King

Benediction