Bible Text: Philippians 3:1-14 | Pastor: Pastor Jim Wood | Series: Philippians 2020
In the conclusion of Paul's letter to the Philippians, even while in prison, Paul tells believers to rejoice. We need to be content, whatever our situation is. If we have plenty or even if we don't have much, we can be generous. Rejoicing, contentment, and generosity, come from within, not our circumstances. In every circumstance, God is in control and no matter what happens around us, we need to remember that the Lord will take care of us. In Jesus, we find everything we need.
We stand firm in the Lord by realizing that God is in control and He will take care of us. Our confidence needs to be in the Lord alone. While we are living this life, we need to cast off anything that does not follow God's plan. The Bible does not say, do not feel anxious, it says, do not be anxious. Likewise, the Bible does not say, do not feel fear, it says, do not be afraid. We can always find a reason to rejoice. If people imitate us, what will they be doing? We need to imitate the good things that we see others doing.
In times of difficulty, instead of just thinking positive thoughts, we should be praising God in the midst of our tribulations. Nothing compares to the greatness of knowing Christ. We are all sinners and we all deserve God's wrath. If we do good works in order to make us acceptable to God, those good works are rubbish. Rather, we should do good works because we love and obey God.
The message of the Gospel is true, no matter who preaches it. God does not change. If we believe the gospel is true, we will be changed, if we don't believe the gospel is true we will regret it. There is nothing on Earth that can compare to the joys of Heaven. The reason why God's children are here is for the spread of the gospel. There is hope and Jesus Christ came to save sinners. Jesus will give us brand new lives. Suffering for Jesus is a privilege and gift. God is not the author of sin and God is in total control. In the midst of persecution, we don't need to enjoy it, but we should rejoice in the Lord.
God's word says that we will suffer. It is better to suffer for doing what is right than suffering for doing what is wrong. What the world is offering is leading to death. We need to do what God calls us to do.