Philippians 3:12-4:3 - Let Go of the Past and Press On

How to Enjoy the Rest of Your Life (Part 8)
Let Go of the Past and Press On
Philippians 3:12-4:3
Jeff Garrett

The title of my message today is “Let Go of the Past and Press On.” Philippians 3 is basically Paul’s autobiography. Verses 1- 11 deals with his past and v.12ff deals with his present and future. Paul shared his five life goals in v.10-11. 1) I want to know Christ intimately. 2) I want to know the power of his resurrection. 3) I want to know the fellowship of his sufferings. 4) I want to become like him in his death. 5) I want to attain the resurrection from the dead i.e. one way or another I want to experience the resurrection from the dead. He compared the Christian life to a race and as you run the race you have to give it your all and press on and endure hardships and focus on the goal i.e. to be like Jesus Christ. As you run the Christian race there are five things you need to do.

1. Face your faults (3:12-13a)

3:12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. The legalist may have taught perfection was possible with circumcision and law-keeping but three times Paul said he hadn’t achieved it. Perfection it is not possible this side of heaven. James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. When you face your faults you become authentic and attractive. God loves humility and authenticity and people are attracted to you (not repelled by your honest admission that you don’t have it all together).

2. Forget the former (3:13b)

3:13b But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind … What was “behind” Paul?

His goodness
His religious credentials and his legalistic righteousness (3:4-8) - puffed up (example: Balloon -3:4 If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. But then Paul met Christ and his life was totally changed. v.7 … whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ … “Rubbish” is an interesting word. It could mean waste or manure. It could also mean dog food - which is a play on his words in v.2 where he called the legalists “dogs.”

His guilt
1 Timothy 1:13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.

1 Corinthians 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

His grudges
2 Timothy 4:14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done.

Forget your goodness, your guilt and your grudges. Forgetting doesn’t mean amnesia or memory loss. I am trying to drink less diet Pepsi. I used to drink regular Coke but the older I got the more I struggled with weight. I walked 11 miles yesterday. I changed to diet Pepsi and it took awhile but I acquired a taste for it and started drinking more diet Pepsi. And I thought I can drink all the diet Pepsi I want. And I began to drink way too much diet Pepsi. During the 40 days lent I drank no diet Pepsi and it was difficult. Now I’m trying to cut back. I don’t know whether you knew this but there has been a recent study that suggested a possible link between diet sodas and short term memory loss – which is not good for a preacher I could end up repeating myself and not even knowing it. And there have been other studies that have suggested a possible link between artificial sweeteners and some kind of cancers. And there is no way all that carbonation and caffeine in my body everyday can be good for me. And I don’t know if you heard about this but there has been a recent study that suggested a possible link between diet sodas and short term memory loss – which is not good for a preacher or teacher I could end up repeating myself and not even knowing it.

The point is … forgetting does not mean amnesia or memory loss. Just stop dwelling on it on your goodness or your guilt or your grudges.

3. Fight to the finish (3:13b-15)

3:13b But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 15 All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

“Straining toward” and “pressing on” means to give it all you got! Like a runner straining every muscle and fiber in her body as she advances toward the finish line. Give it your all. All mature Christians view agree that you need to strain press on toward the prize. And if you have something less than total commitment in mind God will clear up your blurred vision but until that happens let’s live up that want we have attained – hold on to the progress we’ve made and don’t let anybody pull you down. Go for it.

I read about an experimental study that involved monkeys. They started with a cage containing five monkeys. Inside the cage was a pole and they hung bananas at the top of the pole. Before long, a monkey started to climb the pole towards the banana. As soon as he touched the pole, they sprayed all of the monkeys with cold water. After awhile, another monkey made an attempt with the same result – all the monkeys are sprayed with cold water. Pretty soon, when any monkey tried to climb the pole, the other monkeys attacked him.

Then they put away the cold water and removed one monkey from the cage and replaced it with a new one. As soon as the new monkey saw the bananas and started to climb the pole, to his surprise, all of the other monkeys attacked him. Every time he went for went for the bananas he was assaulted.

Then they removed another of the original five monkeys and replaced it with a new one. Who saw the bananas and started to climb the pole but was attacked. The previous newcomer took part in the punishment with enthusiasm!

Then they replaced a third original monkey with a new one, then a fourth, then the fifth. Every time the newest monkey tried to climb the pole, he was attacked. The monkeys that beat him have no idea why they weren’t permitted to climb the pole or why they’re participating in the beating of the newest monkey. After replacing all the original monkeys, none of the remaining monkeys have ever been sprayed with cold water. Nevertheless, no monkey ever again approaches the pole to try for the banana.

Who are the monkeys in your life that are pulling you down? It’s time for you to press on Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

What’s the prize? The prize is the five life goals in v.10-11. 1) I want to know Christ intimately. 2) I want to know the power of his resurrection. 3) I want to know the fellowship of his sufferings. 4) I want to become like him in his death. 5) I want to attain the resurrection from the dead.

4. Follow godly examples (3:17-21)

3:17 Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. We need godly examples to follow. Paul told them to join with others who were following his example and to avoid bad examples. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. Who are these “enemies”? They could be the legalist he warned them about in 3:2.

But I think, based on v.19, that this is another group - the libertines.

I heard about a father who tested his 21 year old son to see what he would become. He went into his bedroom and placed four items on his dresser. A Bible. A $100 bill. A bottle whiskey. Playboy Magazine. If he picked up the Bible it meant that he was going to be a preacher. If he picked up the money he was going to be a business man. If we picked up the whiskey he was going to be a drunk. And if he picked up the Playboy he was going to be a womanizer. His hid behind the door and waited for him. As soon as he walked in the room he picked up the Bible and the father thought “He’s going to be a preacher.” But when he put the money in his pocket and took a swig of whiskey and started looking at the magazine his father thought - “He’s going to be a libertine.”

That’s what a libertine is. They are the opposite of legalists. They believe in justification but they are not concerned about sanctification. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

5. Forgive and love each other (4:2-3)

4:1 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Have you ever wished your name was in the Bible? It would be far better to have your name in the Bible than in the paper. We’ve had a number of members whose pictures and stories have recently been in the paper which is great but can you imagine having your name and story record in the Bible? If you ever had such a wish you probably want your name mentioned in a positive way. But you probably wouldn’t want your name mentioned the way these two godly women in Philippians 4:2 are mentioned. That is, to rebuke you because you are having a fight with one another. Can you imagine how it must feel to be known for 2000 years as the two women in Philippi whose argument disrupted the church?

This argument was so bad and widely known that Paul mentioned them by name. Let’s say Susie May and Janet Johnson were arguing and it continued for weeks and caused such a disruption that I called them by name and ask you to help them settle their disagreement. That’s basically what happened. Can you imagine how they felt the first time this letter was read aloud in church?

But Paul knew that he had to deal the with problem openly and directly because these women should not be arguing, they should “agree in the Lord” and love each other. Paul modeled this love in the verse preceded it by saying 1 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! Look at all these terms of affection – my brothers, I love you, I long for you, you are my joy and crown, stand firm together. Take up for each other. Protect each other.

Come with me to a third grade classroom..... There is a nine-year-old kid sitting at his desk and all of a sudden, there is a puddle between his feet and the front of his pants are wet. He thinks his heart is going to stop because he cannot possibly imagine how this has happened. It's never happened before, and he knows that when the boys find out he will never hear the end of it. When the girls find out, they'll never speak to him again as long as he lives. The boy believes his heart is going to stop; he puts his head down and prays this prayer, 'Dear God, this is an emergency! I need help now! Five minutes from now I'm dead meat.'

He looks up from his prayer and here comes the teacher with a look in her eyes that says he has been discovered. As the teacher is walking toward him, a classmate named Susie is carrying a goldfish bowl that is filled with water. Susie trips in front of the teacher and inexplicably dumps the bowl of water in the boy's lap. The boy pretends to be angry, but all the while is saying to himself, 'Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Lord!' Now all of a sudden, instead of being the object of ridicule, the boy is the object of sympathy. The teacher rushes him downstairs and gives him gym shorts to put on while his pants dry out. All the other children are on their hands and knees cleaning up around his desk. The sympathy is wonderful. But as life would have it, the ridicule that should have been his has been transferred to someone else - Susie. She tries to help, but they tell her to get out. You've done enough, you klutz!'

Finally, at the end of the day, as they are waiting for the bus, the boy walks over to Susie and whispers, 'You did that on purpose, didn't you?' Susie whispers back, 'I wet my pants once too.'
What do you do when someone messes up? Do you run to their rescue or ridicule. We need to face our faults, forget our failures, fight to the finish, follow good examples, and forgive and love each other.

Prayer Time

____________________________
Small Group
Let Go Of The Past And Press On

Ice Breaker
In your dream of an ‘ideal lifestyle’, are you more like the pioneer (always pushing on) or the settler (fixin’ to settle down)?

Text - Philippians 3:12-4:3

Discussion Questions
Paul uses the imagery of a track race, where does he picture himself in his spiritual life?
How is he going to reach his goal?
After repeating the fact that Paul has not yet laid hold of the goal, we read, “…one thing I do, forgetting those things which are ahead and reaching forward to those things which are ahead…” Discuss the meaning and application of this text?
Twice the apostle says “…I press on…” what thought does this phrase convey?
Why does Paul press on….what makes him let go of the past and focus on what is ahead?
If the Philippians imitated this attitude how would that contribute to their unity?
In verse 15 what mind set does Paul call on the mature to have?
Paul acknowledges that people differ in their level of maturity as Christians. What is the instruction for all in verse 16?
Paul identifies enemies of Christ in descriptive ways:
………whose end is destruction
……….whose god is their belly
……….whose glory is their shame
………..who set their minds on earthly things
Why do you believe Paul reminds them of these views?
Discuss the transformation which will occur at the Lord’s coming in 3:20-21?
Compare your spiritual life to a race… are you:
Sitting out due to an injury
At the starting blocks
Going full tilt
Ready to give up

Discuss what we can learn from this study about letting go of the past and pressing on?
Last week we discussed v.1-11 where Paul said to rejoice in the Lord and to v.2 Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. He was talking about the legalists who require circumcision and put confidence in the flesh.

Paul said, after my conversion to Christ I just want to v.9 be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.

Philippians 3:1-11 The Joy of Knowing Jesus

How to Enjoy the Rest of Your Life (Part 7)
The Joy of Knowing Jesus
Philippians 3:1-11
Jeff Garrett

Rejoice in the Lord.

Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. "Finally" could mean "furthermore". Or it could be that Paul intended to end the letter here but the the Spirit prompted him to right more. The final "Finally" does not occure until 4:8.

"Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things
to you again …". Paul is patient. He didn’t say “How many times do I have to repeat myself? Why don’t you listen? When are you ever going to learn?” Paul said, “it’s no trouble for me … its not a problem” because repetition is the mother of learning.

But what is he repeating? Perhaps he’s look back to chapter 2 (at the themes of humility and unity) or may he was looking forward to his warning about false teachers (3:1-11).

Perhaps he was referring to his repeated call to “rejoice in the Lord” Paul repeats the words "joy" or "rejoice" or "be glad" are used 17 times. Why did Paul repeat the call to rejoice? This week I thought of beneifits of "rejoicing in the Lord."

Seven Benefits of Rejoicing in the Lord
1. Strength –Nehemiah 8:10 the joy of the LORD is your strength
2. Thankful – 1 Thess. 5:16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus..
3. Peace - Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
4. Hope - Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
5. Endurance – Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
6. Freedom – because you don’t wrap my emotional life around problems.
7. Productive - joy makes you creative and improves your ability to solve problems.

Joy is the predominant mood of the Christian. It’s not something you manufacture. It’s not determined by circumstance. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. And the source of joy for the Christian is Jesus. Jesus said in John 15:11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. Our joy is incomplete until it is mixed with his joy. Jesus also said in 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. The source of joy is Jesus. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). So the source of joy is Jesus and joy is a fruit produced by the Spirit independent of your circumstance or situation.

Joy does not mean that you go through life giggling. It means that your predominant mood is joy. God doesn’t expect you to suppress other emotions. Paul said in 2:26 that Epaphroditus “longs for all of you and is distressed”. In 2:27 he said that “God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow” which means wave after wave of grief. In 2:28 Paul said “I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.” There is a wide range of emotion in those three verses including “longing”, “distress”, “sorrow”, and anxiety.

When something bad happens God wants you to express emotion appropriate to the circumstance. An impression without an expression leads to depression. So express your longing, stress, sorrow, grief and anxiety but don’t get stuck in it. The predominant mood of a Christian is joy. If your normal mood is something other than joy you need to change the way you think. Get your mind off your problems. You don’t have to keep thinking about them. It’s a choice. And if you choose to focus on Jesus you will rejoice in the Lord because we move in the direction of our most dominant thoughts.

Reject Legalism

2 Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus,

Paul used three names for these legalists. First, he said “Beware of dogs”. Dogs were not cute little family pets but mangy wild dogs that eat garbage. Second, he called them “men who do evil.” Third, he referred to them as “those mutilators of the flesh” because they taught that "unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved" (Acts 15:1). That’s why they are dogs, evil men, and mutilators. Jesus called false teachers snakes, vipers, sons of Satan, white washed tombs full of dead men’s bones and hypocrites. He just couldn’t say enough bad things about them. Beware of them!

Then Paul described the Christians at Philippi four ways. Three are stated positively and one is stated negatively. All four statements are keyed by the phrase “it is we” implying the opposite of the false teachers. v.3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus and who put no confidence in the flesh.

Paul said “the next time you confront a legalist remember my testimony.” 3:4 If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.

Paul’s resume is impressive! None of the false teachers could match him. If legalist received awards Paul would have won the Grammy, the Emmy, the Heisman, and the Pulitzer Prize! There were five outstanding characteristics on his legalistic resume.

Five outstanding characteristics of Paul's legalistic resume.

1. Paul relied on rituals - v. 5 circumcised on the eighth day
2. Paul relied on his religious affiliation - v. 5 ... of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews
3. Paul relied on rules - v.5 ... in regard to the law, a Pharisee. When Paul made his defense in Jerusalem, he spoke the Jews in Aramaic and they became silent. Paul said Acts 22:3 "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. Under Gamaliel I was thoroughly trained in the law of our fathers and was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.
4. Paul relied on being right and persecuted others who were wrong - v.6 as for zeal, persecuting the church;
5. Paul relied on his own righteousness - v.6 as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.

If you want to know how to spot a legalist just check that list. That list described my own life. I am a recovering legalist. I relied on rituals (primarily baptism and communion). I relied on my religious affiliation (Church of Christ). I relied on keeping rules and being right and condemned people who I thought were wrong. I relied on my own righteousness but I knew in my heart I was not faultless. My sins of the flesh wore me out and I despaired.

Paul’s conversion was miraculous. He was blinded by Christ on the road to Damascus. After his conversion he went to Arabia. What did he do in Arabia? Maybe he lived in solitude to meditate. Can you imagine the guilt he felt as he thought of all the Christians he persecuted and condemned? Can you imagine his sorrow when he connected those thoughts with the words of Christ “Saul, Saul, Why do you persecute me? No wonder he disappeared. He had to reexamine the scriptures and adjust his thinking.

It takes time to recover from legalism. You have to spend time in Arabia. You have to pray and mediate and reexamine the scriptures to readjust your thinking. When you leave Arabia you will want three things.

Relationship with Christ - 3:7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ

Righteousness from God - 3:9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.

Resurrection Power - 10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Ephesians 1:17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

Prayer Time

Philippians 2:17-30 - Father’s Day: Characteristics of Godly Men

How to Enjoy the Rest of Your Life (Part 6)
Father’s Day: Characteristics of Godly Men
Philippians 2:17-30
Jeff Garrett

Bluefish.com Video – Dad’s duck tape (http://www.bluefishtv.com/ProductDetails.aspx?cid=1005&id=1605&f=s1m&cc=&csc=&ldr=&s=duck%20tape)

Ten Philippian Precepts (for Dads)
1. Conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ (1:27)
2. Do not be frightened by those who oppose you (1:28-30)
3. Be like-minded, have the same love, be one spirit and purpose (2:1-2)
4. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (2:3)
5. In humility consider others better than yourself (2:3)
6. Be considerate of the interest of others (2:4).
7. Have the attitude of Christ (2:5-11)
8. Work out your salvation with fear and trembling (2:12-13)
9. Do everything without complaining or arguing (2:14)
10. Be pure and blameless and shine like stars as you hold out the word of life (2:14 -16)

God’s precepts are wonderful principles for living but Paul knew that we needed more than precepts. We need examples and models. Today Paul gives three examples which illustrate all ten precepts I listed above.

Characteristics of Godly Men
· Paul (v.17-18)
· Timothy (v.19-24)
· Epaphroditus (v.25-30)

We need examples who model God's precepts. Thomas Brook said "Example is the most powerful rhetoric." After Paul laid down God's precepts he said "Imitate me as I follow Christ." We are sometimes reluctant to point to ourselves as examples because we think if others really knew us they would not want to follow our example. Well, I hope we can overcome our reluctance. People don't expect perfection. They don't expect you to be a spiritual giant. They just need a model. Especially children. Fathers need to model godly characteristics and teach their children by example. Values are caught as well as taught. Being aware of this fact is sobering and provides motivation for dads to live a godly life.

Fathers, you are an example to your children. Your children tend to follow in your steps. Bruce Johnson shared a story about a father who slipped out the back door one snowy day and walked to a neighborhood bar for a drink. He often visited this bar and was known to drink excessively. Soon after ordering his drink the tavern door opened and in walked his 10 year old son. The father asked "How did you know I was here?" The boy explained "It was easy. I just followed your footprints in the snow."

Sons and daughters often follow the footprints of the fathers. That is one good reason dads should be faithful to Jesus Christ and display the characteristics of godly men like Paul.

Paul (v.17-18)

2:17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Paul sacrificed humbly - Paul used vivid imagery. Imagine that you and I are priests. You sacrifice a big bull. You kill it, gut it, cut it and put it on the altar to burn it. As it is being burned I make an additional offering to top it off. You offered the real sacrifice and I make a drink offering (called a libation) which is a cup of wine. Because the altar is so hot, when I pour my drink offering on your sacrifice my offering goes up in a puff of steam. Paul's humility is demonstrated in the fact that he view their gifts and service (cf. 4:18 I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God) as the main sacrifice and his gift as an accompanying drink offering.

Paul sacrificed continually - Notice the tense of the verb he use, it is present tense. He did not say “I have been poured out” or “One day I will be poured out”. Paul said "I am being poured out like a drink offering … Paul's entire life was a living sacrifice as day by day he was being poured out.

Paul sacrificed joyfully - Paul said in v.18 I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. This was it’s not joy in spite of. Paul was joyful because he was being poured out. Great sacrifice for Christ creates great joy.

I remember how hard dad worked. He delivered the mail for the U.S. Postal Service. When he got home he delivered the paper. After that he worked in his garden or worked on our cars or worked to repair his rental properties. When the sun went down he would study the Bible and prepare sermons. He took a break to eat and rest while he watched the Price is Right. But all week long he worked and studied the Bible and every night I heard him pray. His alarm went off at 2am on Saturday morning and he delivered papers from 2:30am-5:30am and then he drove 45 minutes to preach on Williams Mountain and he would let me lead the singing and lead prayer. I would sing and he would preach. When I grew up we reversed roles. He would lead singing and I would preach. And when he got home on Sunday afternoon he was tired. So he took a little nap and got up to review his sermon notes and drove 45 minutes to preach another sermon. Then, on Monday morning, he would get up and do it all over again. Hard work and holy living all for the glory of God and I cannot remember him complaining about it. He just poured out his drink offering day after day and he was happy. He did it with joy.

Would you be poured out like wine upon the altar for Me?
Would you be broken like bread to feed the hungry?
Would you be so one with Me that you would do just as I willed?
Would you be light, and life, and love, My word fulfilled?
Yes, I'll be poured out like wine upon the altar for You….

Godly dads pour out their sacrifice day by day as they serve Christ, their family and others.

Timothy (v.19-24)

2:19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

Paul and Timothy had a father-son relationship. They spent a lot of time together. He was with Paul when he planted the church in Philippi (Acts 16), he was with him in Thessalonica, Berea, Corinth, Ephesus, and he was with him here in Rome as he wrote this letter to Philippi. He was associated with Paul in the writing of many of epistles including 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 2 Corinthians, Colossians, Philippians, and Romans.

Not all of their time together was spent in preaching and teaching and writing. They spent of a lot of time doing routine things. They traveled, shopped, sit quietly by campfires, and fixed meals. Timothy remember little things about Paul only a child would know. My dad died in November 2000. But I still remember little things about my dad because we spent time together. I remember the way he fixed oat meal he fixed for breakfast and the funny way he sneezed. Dad sneezed loud and always said "a-bush-hopper!" I have still have no idea why he said "a-bush-hopper" but it makes me smile, even as I write this sermon. I remember our long walks through the woods while deer hunting and the day we both killed a deer. I still have video of that day. I remember his deep voice - he was a great singer. I remember his smile and his laugh and a thousand other little things. As I recall these little things about my father, you are are probably recalling little things about your dad. I imagine that Timothy knew Paul intimately just like you and I knew our fathers. It is little things like these that make father-child relationships unique and special.

I loved preparing for this lesson. I loved thinking about the father-son relationship between Paul and Timothy. I reviewed all the Bible passage regarding their relationship and it touched my heart. The father-son bond between the Paul and Timothy was wonderful. The only sad part in their story was the absence of Timothy's father. Apparently Timothy's father, who was Greek, was not a Christian. Timothy's mother and grandmother were Christians but Timothy's dad was not and if I could rewrite this story I would include Timothy's dad who missed out on the adventure.

Today many fathers are absent from their children's lives when it comes to faith in Christ. Many fathers encourage their children to go to church and support their wives decision to raise them up in the instruction of the Lord. These men require their children to go to church and participate in church youth group activities. All this is good, but you need to understand that the void they feel by your absence. We commend you for supporting your wife but what about you? Please understand, that your most important responsibility as a father is to be faithful to Jesus Christ while you are on earth and to get your family to heaven where you can live eternally in His presence. Stop hesitating. Stop resisting. If you are a dad who has not yet made Jesus Christ your Lord, do it today. Repent of your sins and confess his good name. Be baptized on Father's Day! Wow! What a great time to make a decision for Jesus. It would be the best Father's Day gift you have ever received. Forgiveness. Eternal life. And all the spiritual blessings found in Christ would be yours. Furthermore, it would open up a whole new dimension in your relationships with your wife and children. You could begin relating to them as their spiritual father. It's never too late to start. Do it today.

Let's look at some of the ways a spiritual father relates to his children. Here are some things Paul did for Timothy. Just follow the text because all these things come straight from scripture.

He trusted him with responsibility – 19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.

Paul trusted Timothy with important responsibility. He dispatched him to churches to check on their progress. In v.19 Paul was optimistic that if he had sent Timothy to Philippi he would have returned with a good report on the state of the church. The church of Philippi was healthy relative to other churches which had more serious problems. But even when churches were embroiled in controversy and plagued with serious problems, Paul often delegated the responsibility by sending Timothy to assess, evaluate, and resolve difficult problems.

For instance, when there was serious trouble in the church at Corinth Paul sent Timothy to help them. 2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore I urge you to imitate me. 17 For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus. Paul urged the Christians at Corinth to imitate him. Since he could not personally visit Corinth at that time, he sent Timothy because Timothy, more than anyone else, could remind them of his "way of life in Christ Jesus." No one was more qualified to remind the Corinthians of Paul's way of life than Timothy. Timothy was Paul’s protégé. Can you imagine how good Timothy felt knowing that Paul trusted him with important responsibility?

He praised him - 20 I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. That is an amazing statement when you consider the caliber of Paul’s friends such as Silas and Titus and even the physician Luke who wrote most of the New Testament. But Paul said “I have no one else like him. Timothy stands head and shoulders above all the rest. He is peerless.” Paul gave Timothy high praise.

Paul also spoke highly of Timothy's mother. 2 Timothy 1:5 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. Later Paul said in 2 Timothy 3:14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

On mistake dads often make is criticizing their children's mother. When a father criticizes and puts down his wife in front of his children it is always a huge mistake. Withhold your criticism. Don't argue in front of your children. Wait and plan to discuss your disagreements in private. Speak highly of your children's mother and they will speak highly of your efforts to provide a peaceful and stable home.

He openly expressed his love - 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.

Paul called him his “son in the Lord”, “his son in the faith”, his “true child in the faith” and his "son whom he loved". Notice v.22 , because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. The word “son” is not the generic word for son, it is actually the word child. … because you know as a child with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. He served along side Paul as if he were a submissive little boy and he related to Paul was his spiritual father. It is a marvelous picture of a father-child relationship. Timothy looked up to him and admired him. But Paul did not relate to him as inferior but as equals. Paul did not say that he served me or that he served under me. He said “he served with me”. Timothy was his fellow servant in the work of the gospel.

He depended on him - 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.

Paul planned to send Epaphroditus right away but he was going to keep Timothy by his side until he learn the outcome of his imprisonment. Paul expressed his need for young Timothy. The last letter Paul wrote was to his beloved son Timothy. At that time Paul's conditions were much different because he was in a dungeon in Rome (not in a rented house). His time was short. He would soon be executed. In his final letter he wrote these touching words.

2 Timothy 4:9 Do your best to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

When your dad is old and near death he needs two things from you. He needs his coat to warm his body and his Bible to warm his heart.

Epaphroditus (v.25-30)

25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.

There are five titles in verse 25, three of them look at Epaphroditus in relation to Paul. Two of them look at him in relation to the Philippian church. The first three are key by the word "my." Paul called him "my brother" which spoke of their friendship; "fellow worker" which spoke of his zeal for the work; and "fellow soldier" which spoke of his courage. In relation to the church at Philippi Paul referred to him as "your messenger" i.e., your apostle (i.e., "apostle" in the general sense - not one of the Twelve or an Apostle like Paul - but one "sent forth" like in Acts 14:14 where the word "apostle" is used of Barnabas), the one you sent forth. In relation to the church at Philippi Paul also referred to him as the one "whom you sent to take care of my needs".

But while Epaphroditus was in route or after he arrived he became sick. Have you ever been ill while you were away from home? This week I spoke at a conference on Mackinac Island in Michigan. On the plane ride to Detroit a sitting man beside be vomited and I could not escape the smell because I had the window seat. I held my nose and dry-heaved so loud that people were looking at me. The man next to me had quietly vomited in the floor but the loud noise I made drew all the attention. The smell and the images it created in my mind because my brief case was stowed on the floor just inches away from his vomit) were too much for me to stomach and I could not get off the plane soon enough.

When you are sick you want to be home. But this is not why Epaphroditus wanted to be home. He was so sick he almost died but that is not why he wanted to go home. He wanted to be home because this church family HEARD he was ill.

26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. The word distressed means “grieved” and it is the same word used in Matthew 26 when Jesus in verse 38 says in the Garden, "My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death." It's a very heavy, heavy distress. Why is upset? because you heard he was ill. He’s not upset because he was ill. He’s upset because you heard about it. That’s amazing. When was the last time you were distressed. because somebody was worried about you? That shows you the depth of his love. Many people are concerned about this self and they don’t even think about the feelings of others.

The bond between these men and the church is so great that when he gets distressed about their worry and concern, Paul couldn’t handle it and was eager to send him home. The whole scene is one of affection and love and sympathy and unselfish concern and seeking to comfort somebody else and saying my needs aren't as important as yours (cf. 2:3).

So, because of all that Paul said 29 Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him. To “welcome” means to receive, to open your arms and embrace him with great joy because is not only back home but he is healthy. I want welcome him with great joy AND honor. Don't just be happy, be respectful. Don’t think that his return is an indication of failure. Don’t say...Well, it's obvious he failed. No, hold him in high regard and show him honor. Why? 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.

We need to honor men who risk their life for the gospel of Christ. And today we we honor fathers who, like Paul, pour out their life as a sacrifice to Christ on behalf of their family and church. Honor. Respect. Appreciation. That's what Father's Day is all about.

You're view of dad changes over time. When you're little you say "My dad can do anything." When you reach your teens you say "My dad can't do much - he's old fashion." When you reach your 30s and 40s you can't make a major decision without his counsel and you say "My dad knows a lot". Then, in later life, especially after your dad has died your view of dad is almost like it was when you were little and you say "My dad could do anything." Watch this video and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Video – What Dad’s can’t Do (http://www.ignitermedia.com/products/sea/singles/628/What-Dads-Cant-Do)


Prayer Time

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Small Group Questions

Philippians 2:17-30

Ice Breaker
How has your Father affected your view of God? How has your experience as a parent affected your understanding of God?

Discussion Questions
1. In verse 17 Paul uses the example of “being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice”, have you ever experienced this kind of sacrifice for the Lord? Do you know anyone who has experienced this kind of sacrifice?
2. What are you sacrificing in service for Christ?
3. What amount of treasure or time do you put into ministry or what have you given up in your life in order to say “yes” to God? Sports, TV, Pleasure Trips,
4. Paul’s love for the Philippians shines in vs. 19-22 as he sends Timothy to do his work. Why do you think he chose Timothy? What does this say about his relationship with Timothy?
5. Have you ever turned a project that was important to you over to someone you trusted? Has anyone trusted you with a project or job that was important to them? What was the outcome?
6. What was the character reference Paul gave Timothy or Epaphroditus?
7. What is the relationship that Paul and the Philippians have with Epaphroditus? Vv. 25-30
8. What would your character reference be if Paul was referring you to a body of believers?
9. How has ‘men of integrity’ whether it be your own Father or a ‘Father in the Faith’ affected your leadership ability?
10. If you are a Father, what are you doing to bring your sons and daughters into your heart so you can raise them in the Lord?

What changes must you make by God’s grace so that you can become a better father to your children or a better leader and example for the brothers and sisters in your faith community?

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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. Jeanie Meadows wrote the discussion guide for small groups and her resources included Serendipity Bible and other internet resources.

Philippians 2:14-18 - Joy Shines in Dark Places

How to Enjoy the Rest of Your Life (Part 5)
Joy Shines in Dark Places
Philippians 2:14-18
Jeff Garrett

Welcome home Chris LeMaster!!

Philippians 2:15 says "you shine like stars in the universe." Several of our shining stars have been in the news paper over the past couple of years. Allen Meadows for his achievements at Marshall University. Pat Chambers for her leadership role as the Director of Volunteer Services (DVS) at St Mary’s and as President of the Southeastern DVS Association representing 13 states. John Sammons for his company “Second Creek Technologies” which is on the cutting edge of computer forensics and electronic discovery. Amy Wright for her mission work from a trip to China. Larry Murray for developing tracking systems for coal mines to help save miner’s lives. Jordan Wehmeier for her academic achievements at Covenant School and for her awards for gold metals at a recent Latin exam. Cameron Knight and Kailey Imlay for their achievements on the Huntington High Debate Team where they placed 1st in the state. And Elliot Imlay is truly a star performer and recognized for his musical abilities and talent as an actor.

Jesus said to “let your light shine before men so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” It's sometimes difficult to let your light shine in dark places but that's where the light is needed most.

Dark days were upon the apostle Paul. He was chained to Roman guards waiting for the slow-moving Roman courts to try his case but Paul's joy continued to shine.

Victor Frankl was a Jewish psychiatrist who was arrested by the Nazi's during WWII and sent to a death camp. Once when he was standing naked with his head shaved before SS troops as they were performing terrible experiments on his body, he had a liberating thought. Frankl thought "You've taken away my wife, my parents, my home, my practice ... you've taken everything from me but one thing. The one thing you cannot take away is my choice of how I will respond to you." He called it the last of the human freedoms. The freedom to respond despite external factors. From this idea was born his theory and approach which he called Logo-Therapy.

Like Frankl many, other humanistic, existential psychotherapist have proposed theories that emphasize freedom and responsibility. I teach 11 different types of psychological theories at Marshall and it is amazing how resilient people can become in the face of tragedy.

But the message of Philippians is not based on existential philosophy or humanistic psychology. The message of Philippians is focused on the Lord Jesus Christ who is our joy. He doesn't merely give us joy, he is our joy. He doesn't merely give us peace, Jesus himself is our peace. Something wonderful has happened to you. Someone very powerful lives inside you. What you have cannot be obtained or maintained by reason or logic. Jesus Christ lives in you. You don't need more joy or peace, you simply need faith in Christ to release it. Jesus is completely sovereign and sufficient to help you cope through dark times. In fact, his joy shines brighter in dark places. And that's why Paul could write these amazing words ...

2:14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16 as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Do everything – not some things or fun things, but everything but do everything without complaining [grumbling, emotional bellyaching] or arguing [intellectual debate] v.15 so that you may become blameless and pure. Blameless does not mean sinless perfection. It means that no justifiable criticism can be brought against you. Pursue moral excellence and live a life of integrity so that if an enemy tries to discredit you or say something bad against you they will have to lie to do it.

Pure means “innocent”. It can also mean “unmixed” like to undiluted wine or liquor - 80 proof means 40% alcohol, a 100 proof means 50% alcohol – but we want to be 200 proof which means we are 100% pure Jesus. The word “pure” was also used to describe metal that had no weakening alloys. So be blameless (before God and men) so that you will not be discredited. Be pure and strong so that your faith in Christ endures and shines to dispel the darkness.

The contrast between the children of God and the people of this world is stark. Paul described unbelievers “a crooked and depraved generation”. This is similar to the way Moses described Israel when she went astray. Peter used similar language to describe his generation in Acts 2. “Crooked” means “bent out of shape” or “warped” (this is where the word “crooks” originates]. “Depraved” means “immoral”, “corrupt”, “evil”, or “wicked”.

We don’t like to view our generation like this. We tend to view our own generation as better than others. A famous Rock and Roll Band called “The Who” wrote a popular song called “My Generation”. Pete Townsend sang “People try to put us down. (talkin’ bout my generation). Just because we get around (talkin’ bout my generation). The things they say are awful cold (talkin’ bout my generation). I hope I die before I get old (talkin’ bout my generation).” That song captures our tendency to be defensive of our generation. But the Bible teaches that every generation is crooked and depraved because all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3). God saved us from our generation so that we would be pure and blameless, children of God without fault. The contrast between the children of God and the crooked and depraved generation they live in is like night and day.

The empty blackness of the night sky represents the crooked and depraved world in which you live. And you are like the stars of the universe that shine out of the darkness v.16 as you hold out the word of life. The “word of life” means the word of God or the message of Jesus or, even better, Jesus himself because Jesus is the living Word. The words “hold out” can also mean “hold on” (see the footnote in your Bible). I like to think of it both ways because you can’t hold out if you don’t hold on. And the more you hold on the more you will have to hold out to a lost generation so that God can recue them from the darkness just like he rescued you.

Willard Tate said that there are basically two types of Christians: candle glowers and candle blowers. Candle glowers have the humble attitude of Christ, stubbornly refuse to complain or argue, live a life of integrity, and sacrificially serve others. Candle blowers have a bad attitude, constantly complain and argue and live a self-absorbed life of duplicity. Some people light up the room when the enter it. Others light up the room when they leave it. The church cannot be blameless when you live sinfully. The church cannot be pure and strong if you undermine its strength with needless arguments that disrupts her unity. It’s easy, even for a crooked and depraved generation, to find fault with the church when its members constantly complain and argue. Ongoing arguments and persistent complaints blow out the light so that others who live in darkness cannot see or find their way to Jesus. God wants you to shine like stars and illuminate the way for others to find Christ.

So 2:14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16 as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.

That’s not Paul’s pride speaking – that’s his faith speaking. Paul wanted them to live in such a way that he could boast about them like a father does his children. He had invested so much and he didn’t want it to be for nothing. Paul boasted about the Philippians to other Christians and he wanted to boast about their faith to God "on the day of Christ." I love Paul's passion for Christ. It enabled him to say things we would never dream or even think. What church leader would ever be so free as to think about boasting to God about a church he or she helped build? Again, this is not "vain conceit" or "selfish ambition" (2:3). This was Paul's passionate concern to build a church that would last. Jesus said "I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." In the spirit of Jesus Paul wanted to build churches that would stand strong.

Paul had laid a foundation as an expert builder (cf. 2 Cor. 3:10) and did not want his work at Philippi to end up like wood, hay or straw, burned up in the fire of church politics, pride, complaints and arguments. Paul appealed to the Philippians' love for him. He told them "Do it for me! Let me enjoy the privilege of boasting about you on the day of Christ. Let me receive my full reward." Following Jesus and Paul, every Christian needs to burn with a passion to build a church that will last. We need to care enough to give our all as we build on the foundation stone of Jesus Christ using gold, silver and costly stones.

Build with a humble attitude but, for the sake of Christ, take pride in your work (cf. Gal. 6:4). And when people who are driven by selfish ambition and vain concete threaten the integrity and strength of our church by their constant complaining and arguing, we need to care enough to speak up! We need to be bold enough to stop the mouth of the gainsayer. To protect it with the same zeal that drove us to build it. Remembering at all times that the zeal and passion that drives us comes directly from God who is at work in us to will and act according to his good purpose.

17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

In the Old Testament drink offerings (or libations) of wine were poured out on the altar as a sacrifice. Paul regarded his life blood as a suitable libation to complete the Philippians’ sacrifice. One day Paul would be executed. Tradition says that at a later date (after writing 2 Timothy from a dungeon in Rome) Paul was beheaded. His blood was be poured out on a chopping block. But even now, at the time Paul wrote Philippians, he viewed his blood being poured out as a drink offering.

If you read v.17 carefully you will see two offerings: Paul’s sacrifice and the Philippians’ sacrifice. Paul’s sacrifice was his execution. The Philippians’ “sacrifice and service” probably referred to the gift of money they sent, as well as their partnership in the gospel. And notice, Paul pinpoints the source of their sacrifice and service with the phrase “coming from your faith". Their sincere faith in Christ was Paul’s reason for being “glad”. Their genuine faith caused him rejoice with “all” the Christians at Philippi.

When you understand the significance of how Paul viewed the interaction of these two sacrifices it makes v.17 even more meaningful. Paul seemed to assign more value to the sacrifice and service coming from their faith than he assigned his own. They gave money and support. Paul gave his life and died as a martyr. In reality, Paul’s sacrifice was far greater. But in Paul’s humble mind he viewed what they offered as the real sacrifice and he pictured his blood as only a drink offering being poured on their sacrifice. His blook was merely the accompanying libation. This vivid word picture gives us great insight into Paul’s humble heart and it beautifully illustrates the humble attitude of Christ he had just encouraged the Philippians to adopt a few verses earlier in 2:5-11.

Because of their great love for Paul the Philippians undoubtedly read v.17 with tears. Paul, knowing how they would respond with sadness to the mention of his blood being spilled immediately called for gladness and rejoicing. Paul said “since I am glad and rejoice with all of you – you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Amazing! Faith in Christ enables you to shine with joy in the darkest hour. Some of you are living in dark places. You are worried about your health or your job or your children or you feel so guilty over a recent moral failure or you are grieving over some significant loss. Depression, guilt and anxiety can sap your joy and leave you feeling hopeless and weak. But David said the Lord can restore joy. Nehemiah said “the joy of the Lord is our strength.” So here is how we can apply what we’ve learned.

Four Ways to Let Your Joy Shine

Here are four ways to “let” your joy shine, even in dark times. I want to emphasize the word “let” because it communicates the idea that the joy you experience and show others is not something you manufacture. The source of your joy is Jesus who lives in you by his Spirit. Your job is to “let” or permit Jesus to shine. The light that shines within you is the light that comes from him. If you have a bad attitude, complain and argue, live a life of duplicity and become self-absorb you will not be joyful, you will be miserable, especially in dark places. But if you apply these four points which come from the passage we just studied, you can let your joy shine no matter how dark life becomes.

1. Change your attitude

2:5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.

An attitude is more than a thought. It's your disposition. Your thoughts flow out of your attitude. Your attitude influences, to a large degree, how you interpret events, and how you view yourself and others. Your attitude influences the way you process information, evaluate situations, and assign meaning to circumstance. If you have a bad attitude you will likely assign negative meanings to circumstances and have a negative outlook. If you have a proud attitude you tend to be more argumentative and self-centered. But if you have the attitude of Christ you will view yourself as a humble servant. You will not only look out for your interests but also for the interest of others. You will lower yourself and become a slave. You will be secure in your identity and won't grasp for equality and argue for your rights. You'll give them to become a servant. When you humble yourself like Jesus did, God will exalt you. So humble yourself before the Lord and he will lift you up. But it begins by changing your attitude.

You can change your attitude if you want to. "Let" it happen. That's how the KJV translates 2:5 i.e. "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ ...". The word "let" means "to permit". You don't have to strain to make it happen. "Let" it happen.

Last week, while we were out of town on vacation, I could not receive calls on my cell phone because the settings in my phone were set to avoid roaming. I didn't realize it at the time. I discovered it after our vacation when I was in Columbus and I immediately changed the settings in my cell phone so that it would pick up signals even when I was roaming outside my home calling area. This is analogous to changing the attitude settings in our heart. When you roam too far away from God in your thought life and your disposition is proud, complaining and argumentative - change the settings. Change your attitude so that the signals you receive from the indwelling Holy Spirit are not blocked. Remember, the signals are constantly there but your attitude has to be right before you can pick up on them. Let’s be like the old man who bought a radio, tuned it to 650 AM so that he could listen to the Grand Ole Opry and he took off the knobs. Let’s tune in to God and take the knobs off.

2. Stubbornly refuse to complain or argue

Philippians 2:14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, … Last week my family took a vacation in New York City and I want to show you some pictures of our trip. Here is Amber waiting on the subway [pic] which allowed use to tour the city, here’s a picture of Tori [pic] in Time Square. This is a picture of Shayna [pic] as we were shopping street vender carts. This is a picture of Kim [pic] in front of the New York Stock Exchange as we were walking down Wall Street. Here’s a picture of my family [pic] at Central Park. We had a great vacation but I still had to change my complaint bracelet several times. If the kids heard me complain the were quick to tell me I needed to put it on my other arm.

Paul was in the NYC of his day. He was in Rome, the most important city in the world at that time. He was not able to move about freely through the subways of Rome because he was a prisoner. Paul had dreamed of visiting Rome and preaching through that great city. His plan was to visit Rome, impart spiritual gifts and gain support from Roman Christians as he traveled on to Spain. But he arrived in chains. He could have complained but he didn’t. Instead, Luke said in Acts 28:30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul stubbornly refused to complain or argue. He continued to preach the word of God and let his joy shine in dark places.

3. Live a life of integrity as you hold out the word of life

15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16 as you hold out the word of life

4. Keep your mind off yourself and onto the needs of other people

17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me

When we keep our mind on our own interest we can be very self-centered and feel entitled. Carol decided she wanted to do something nice for her neighbor Mrs. Smith, so she baked a pie and carried it next door. When Mrs. Smith opened up her door, she was surprised to see her holding a pie. She replied, "For me? Oh, thank you so much! You just don't know how much I appreciate it! You are so thoughtful for doing this! Thank you!" Because Mrs. Smith liked the pie so much, Carol decided the next week to bake another one. When she took it over, Mrs. Smith opened the door and said, "Try using a little more sugar and don't bake it quite as long. The crust has been a little bit hard lately. And I'd like cherry instead of apple filling next time." The next week Carol was so busy, she was unable to cook for her neighbor. When Carol passed by her house on the way to the store, Mrs. Smith looked through the window and noticed she wasn't carrying a pie. She then stuck her head out the window and yelled, "Where's my pie?!"

When you keep your mind on yourself instead of others you begin to feel entitled to special treatment. You become less grateful and more demanding. You become weak because your motives are selfish and impure. It is impossible to live a blameless life when you are busy blaming other people. Instead of being “faultless”, you find fault with everyone and everything. Our whole mindset and attitude becomes negative and faithless and selfish. It's a process that occurs so slowly, we don't even realize it's happening. (Kent Crockett, The 911 Handbook, Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 2003, 157-158)

Why do we continue to make ourselves miserable with egotism? Perhaps we fear that if we don’t demand our rights or voice our displeasure others will forget about us. Some people think “If I focus on others, who will focus on me? I don’t want people to forget about me. But this passage says that if you forget yourself for others they will never forget you. God knows that the best way to deal with fear and anxiety is to help other people.

Charles H Spurgeon was a great preacher in London England. His classic sermons can be obtained free on the internet. He was an amazing expositor and effective leader who delivered messages to his congregation which grew to over 5,000 members. In spite of his great success Spurgeon often suffered with bouts of depression and high levels of anxiety with panic like symptoms. Once Spurgeon was crossing a busy street in London and had a panic attacked which immobilized him. The horses and buggies were moving fast in all directions but he could not move out of the dangerous street because he was paralyzed by panic. As he was standing in the middle of the street in danger of being ran over, a blind man bumped into him and ask “Will you lead me to the other side?” Spurgeon's anxiety dissipated and he guided the blind man safely across the street. Later, as he reflected on this experience, he concluded that God sometimes sends needy people into our life so that we can help them get where they’re going. In the process, the action of helping others, calms our own anxiety so that God can get us to were we need to be.

Prayer Time
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Small Group Questions
Joy Shines in Dark Places
Philippians 2:14-18

When does your joy shine brighter – in places where light is abundant or in dark places? Text - Philippians 2:14-18 Discussion questions

1. How are you doing with the 21 day challenge (i.e. 21 complaint-free days)? Share your progress. (v.14)
2. What affect does complaining and arguing have on you and others around you (v.14)?
3. What does a “pure and blameless” life look like? Explain what it is and what it’s not (v.15)?4. Why is the contrast between the “children of God who are without fault” and the “crooked and depraved generation” so great (v.15)? What (or who) makes the difference?
5. Who have your shining stars been (v.15)? What impressed you?
6. Where do you need to shine more?
7. How can you “hold on” to the word of life? How can we “hold out” the word of life (v.16)? Who are we holding it out to?8. Is boasting always wrong? What did Paul want to boast about (v.17)?
9. Is your life more like a drink offering or a fellowship offering or a thanksgiving offering or a burnt offering (v.17)?
10. Paul rejoiced even when he faced death (v.17-18). How can your joy shine during dark times?

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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. Jeanie Meadows wrote the discussion guide for small groups and her resources included Serendipity Bible and other internet resources.