Lights in the World
Date: July 11th 2020
Speaker: Bro. Simeon Indupalli
Passage Reference: Philippians 2:12-18
Key Verse: Philippians 2: 12 & 14
Central message: Paul is reminding the believers through this letter to “Rejoice”, our joyful reflection in this life is an evidence of our “eternal hope” in life and in death. This eternal hope rests in God’s love, for who he is, one day he we will be unite with him in heaven as his children, heirs of his kingdom. Oftentimes, our current circumstances are not a reflection of what to come, so Paul encouraging the believers to live a life worthy of their calling, in joy and in calamity.
Message Outline:
Must have an Aim
A believer must stay Alert
Must hold fast to the Anchor
Message Summary:
Believers must have an Aim v 14 - 15
o In beginning of verse 14, Paul setting a stage for action – do all things without grumbling or disputing
o Paul’s usage of this words “crooked and twisted” to highlight the state human heart. Similar words were used by Moses addressing Israel after Joshua’s consecration.
o Deuteronomy 32:5 – They (the man kind) have dealt corruptly with him; they are no longer his children because they are blemished; they are a crooked and twisted generation. Again, in Deuteronomy 32:20, Moses uses the words, perverse generation, children in whom is no faithfulness.
o Perversity in Moses times, Paul’s times and even in our times is no different. Without God, people are perverse or stubborn or ignorant.
Believers must stay Alert v 12 - 13
o We all are uniquely made; we’re uniquely gifted with different abilities. Likewise we struggle with our weaknesses uniquely. This nature of ours is a reminder that we are fallen creatures.
o Salvation is passing over from death to life – God by his divine providence rescued us from his wrath. Salvation is the work of God.
Cross References - Ephesians 2:1-7 | 1 Peter 1:10-12 - 10
Believers must hold fast to the Anchor v 16 - 18
Until now the spot light was on believers, we must be alert and have an aim. But we can live to this life of calling on our own strength. We will never be sufficient for this task on our own but the sufficiency must come from the Christ and Christ alone.
Let’s change the subject for a minute, moon is a fascinating planet, for generations we have heard stories about its beauty and the splendor of its light. But without the sun, moon would be just another dark plant, has nothing special to talk about.
Application:
Are you aware of your blind spots?
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence,
Do you understand the preciousness of salvation?
(…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.)
Are you extending grace to people around you?
o Having received the free grace of God, we must be people who extend grace to others. Jesus in his earthly ministry, on many occasions the Gospels record the words that he was filled with compassion on people around him.
Are you pursuing holiness?
o Pursuit of holiness should be a lifelong mission of a believer. We must constantly tune our hearts and saturate our minds by the word of God.
Are you rejoicing in growing in the knowledge of Christ?
o Christ has inherently has the power to give life his subjects, Paul is quoting all the above verses in light of Christ’s character in his earthly mission.
o He did not seek his own will or the praises of men but his mission was to fulfill the will of God.
Are you abiding in in Christ?
o Friends, Paul is rejoicing in the fact that Christ is on the throne. His joy is rooted in Christ’s future kingdom over his current circumstances.
o For Paul, it is Christ, his character –
Philippians 1: 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 3: 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.
Full Sermon Video : TCF Charlotte July 11th 2020 ( link to be updated )