Run for the Prize

Run for the Prize

Philippians 3: 12 – 16.

Introduction

I found an inspirational story this week about Major Phil Packer of the British Armed Forces.  In February 2008, Major Packer suffered serious injuries while serving in Iraq.  A rocket explosion left him with heart and spinal cord injuries.  The doctors told him he would never walk again.  But that did not stop Major Packer.  One year later, he entered and completed the 2009 London Marathon…On crutches.

 (Source)

This is a picture of Packer crossing the finish line.  His doctors advised him not to walk more than 2 miles per day.  So, Packer finished the 26.2 miles in 13 days!  Did I mention that he was on crutches?

I suppose there are a couple of ways we could think of a marathon.  For some people, a marathon is an impossible 26.2 miles.  But Phil Packer thought of it differently.  Instead of 26.2 miles, Packer realized a marathon is nothing more than 52,400 steps.

 (Source)

52,400 steps.  One step at a time.  Even if it takes 13 days to complete.

Today, Phil Packer has established several charities and tells his story to inspire British youth who are experiencing difficulties in life.  (I don’t know about you…But I can’t decide if I feel inspired or guilty.  Inspired to do more with my life.  Or, guilty that I don’t do more than I do.)

In Philippians 3, Paul uses an athletic illustration to describe the Christian life.  The Christian life is like running a race.  It ain’t over until you cross the finish line.  Don’t quit running until you reach the end of the race.  Run for the prize that comes at the end of the race.

Philippians 3: 12 – 16…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. 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. 

Notice how humble Paul is in these verses.  There was no one quite like the Apostle Paul in the New Testament.  In the Book of Acts we read about Paul’s three missionary journeys.  He traveled all over the Roman Empire and preached the Gospel to the Gentiles.  Then, he helped these new converts organize into Christian churches.  Then, he maintained contact with these churches by writing letters to instruct them, encourage them, and to settle theological controversies they were facing.

We also know that Paul continued to preach the Gospel, even when he faced the threat of persecution and arrest from the Roman government.  In fact, he probably wrote the Book of Philippians during a time when he was under house arrest and chained to a Roman soldier twenty-four hours a day.

“All This”

Yet, Paul (the Apostle / the Super Christian / our hero) writes to the Philippians (and to us) to tell us that he is not perfect…he has not “already obtained all this.”  I believe the phrase “all this” refers backward to what Paul wrote in verses 10 – 11. 

Philippians 3: 10 – 11…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.

“All this” is the reason Paul runs the race and continues to press on in the Christian life.  He wants to know Christ and to grow closer and closer to Christ every day of his life.  He wants to experience the power of the Resurrection.  We might call this the Abundant Life—experiencing the presence of the Resurrected / Living Jesus who gives us the power to face whatever difficulties we might face. 

Knowing Christ and experiencing his power are present realities.  But, Paul also describes a future prize—to attain to the Resurrection from the dead.

Resurrection is an important part of Christian theology.  The Resurrection of Jesus is a twofold promise.  It promises that we worship a Living Lord, who is always present.  AND, it promises that (through faith in Jesus) we will also experience Resurrection. 

After Jesus’ Resurrection, Jesus spent forty days with his disciples.  Then, Jesus ascended into Heaven with a promise that he would return.  When Jesus returns to earth, the faithful who have died will experience a bodily Resurrection, and the faithful who are living will be given new bodies.  Our new bodies will be like Jesus.  Then, we will live eternally with Jesus in the new Heaven and new earth.

At that point, we will be “made perfect.”  Notice that Paul writes about perfection in the passive voice.  We cannot achieve perfection by our own efforts.  We are “made perfect” when we experience the final Resurrection.  In other words, perfection is possible…But it is a future reality.  God, and only God, can make us perfect.  God will make us perfect in the end.

Leaving the Good in the Past

I believe Paul is setting himself up as our example in this Scripture.  He continues to strive for perfection but knows that only God can make him perfect.  Paul also knows that he will remain imperfect as long as he experiences earthly life.  Paul lives his Christian life like a runner runs a race…all the way through the finish line—the Resurrection of the dead.

There is an interesting thing about running a race.  The runners run with their eyes facing forward—looking at the road in front of them, not the road behind them; looking at the finish line, not the starting blocks. If you look back over your shoulder, you might slow down or get off track.

What would Paul see if he looked back over his shoulder?

Philippians 3: 4b – 6…If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5circumcised 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. 

In the context, Paul is telling us that he has a lot of good and religious stuff in his past that he has always been very proud of.  But no matter how good Paul was—and no matter how proud he might have been—all of that religious stuff became worthless / rubbish / unspeakable filth to him when he encountered Jesus for the first time. 

As Christians, we should never stop growing closer to Jesus.  We should never retire from serving the Lord.  We should never become so confident in what we have done in the past that we stop running the race.

Leaving the Bad in the Past

Some of us are not tempted to look over our shoulders at the spiritual things we are proud of.  Instead, we are tempted to look back at the things we are ashamed of.  Of course, if Paul was not yet perfect when he wrote this, then Paul doesn’t have a perfect past either.  In Philippians 3, Paul listed out his Jewish / spiritual credentials.  But, he described himself differently in 1 Timothy 1…

1 Timothy 1: 15 – 16…15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

Some of us have a hard time in the Christian journey because we are plagued with guilt about our past sins and failures.  But, we need to realize that there are two types of guilt.  There is Good Guilt, and there is Bad Guilt.

Good Guilt is the work of the Holy Spirit.  And, Good Guilt is focused on the present state of our lives.  When you place your faith in Jesus as Lord, you receive the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit strengthens us to face daily challenges.  The Spirit leads us away from temptation and empowers us to obey God’s will.  AND, the Spirit convicts us of our sins.  As a result, Christians cannot be comfortable living in sin.  The Spirit shows us where we have sin in our lives and leads us to confess those sins to God.  We know that when we confess, God forgives us of all our sins.  1 John 1: 9…9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Bad Guilt is not the work of the Holy Spirit.  It is the work of Satan, and it focuses on our past sins.  Satan wants to remind you of all the ways you have sinned in the past.  He wants you to think you are damaged goods and cannot be forgiven.  He wants you to think you are a failure who cannot be used by God.  But, Satan is a liar who wants to distract you and keep you from running the race—striving to become more like Jesus.

Conclusion: Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

Paul is setting himself up as our example.  He lives the Christian life like a runner runs a race.  He is not yet perfect.  He has not crossed the finish line.  But, he is closer today than he was yesterday.  He is growing closer to Jesus.  He is maturing in his faith.

Maturity does not mean being a Christian for a long period of time.  It is possible for a person to be old in years and still be immature.  Rather, Christian maturity is striving to become perfect, because you recognize that you are not yet perfect.

No matter how good your past might be, it is not good enough to make you like Jesus.  Only God can make you like Jesus.  Only God can make you perfect.

No matter how bad your past might be, it is not bad enough to prevent God from forgiving your sins, forming you to be more like Jesus and making you perfect in the Resurrection. 

God never intended for your past to be eternal.  God sent his Son, Jesus, to forgive you and to make your life like Jesus.  As long as you are experiencing this earthly life, God is still working on you.  The race is not over until we cross the finish line and receive the prize—a new life and a new body…the Resurrection and eternal life in Heaven.

Trying to Impress God

Trying to Impress God

Philippians 3: 1 – 11.

Introduction

The best way to distinguish the Christian faith from all other religions is the difference between “Do” and “Done.”  Other religions focus on what a person can “Do” for God.  If you live a good life, attend worship services and pray every day, then hopefully you can “Do” enough to be accepted by God and welcomed into heaven.  Christianity is different.  Being accepted by God and being welcomed into Heaven do not depend on what we “Do” for God.  Instead, we are accepted by God and welcomed into Heaven because of what God has “Done” for us

It occurred to me this week that religion and all the religious things people do are nothing more than our attempt to impress God.  Think about that for just a minute—human beings are trying to impress God.  I believe it is impossible to impress God. 

First, how can a human being impress the Creator of the universe?  We didn’t create the world we live in.  We didn’t create ourselves.  We can’t even provide for our most basic needs—like the oxygen we need to breathe.  We depend on God as the One who both created our lives and sustains our lives.  God has done infinitely more than we could ever imagine.  It is almost laughable to think we could impress the Creator of heaven and earth.

Secondly, imagine that you can go all day today doing everything right.  You are off to a good start by showing up for worship this morning.  Now imagine that you can make it through all 24 hours today without harming another person or committing a single sin.  Can you wake up tomorrow and do it again?  Probably not.  No human can live a perfect and sinless life.  Therefore, no one can impress God with their lifestyle.

At the spiritual level we all know that we cannot impress God.  However, that doesn’t stop people from trying.  It also doesn’t stop people from suggesting that Jesus is not enough.  In fact, I believe this is the theme of our Scripture this morning.

The Apostle Paul wrote the Book of Philippians to the Christian church in the city of Philippi.  These Christians did not come from a Jewish background.  They were Roman through and through.  However, Paul anticipates that they will eventually face a theological crisis from the Jews or the Jewish Christians.

Philippians 3: 1 – 6…  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. 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, and who put no confidence in the flesh-- 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence. 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.

There are two reasons why I believe Paul is warning the church about the Jews or the Jewish Christians.

First, he tells the church to “beware of the dogs.”  The ancient Jews typically referred to the Gentiles as “dogs.”  This was not a compliment.  Dogs in the ancient world were not sweet, domesticated pets like we think of today.  There were basically two kinds of dogs.  There were wild dogs that ran through the streets in packs.  And there were guard dogs.  Either way, calling someone a “dog” was not a compliment, because a dog was an animal to be feared.

Wild dogs in the streets were scavengers which threatened civilized people and ate leftover food scraps.  Guard dogs were used as a vicious security system.

When Paul referred to his opponents as “dogs” he was accusing them of two different behaviors.  They were like scavengers who swept in behind Paul and tried to steal his converts.  And, they were vicious protectors of their Jewish beliefs—Old Testament Law, kosher diet, Jewish worship, Jewish calendar of feasts, etc…

Secondly, Paul specifically refers to circumcision.  For the Jews and even the Jewish Christians, circumcision was important.  It set the Jews apart from the rest of the world, and it was a sign that a man had entered into the Jewish religion—a sign of entering into a covenant with God.

Paul has a completely different view of circumcision.  In his view, circumcision is unnecessary.  Yes, it symbolizes that a man has entered into the Jewish covenant.  However, that covenant is not what truly matters.  What matters is faith in Jesus, which unites Jew and Gentile as the true People of God.  Jesus is the way to enter into a covenant with God, not circumcision.  The sign that a person has entered into a covenant with God is the presence of the Holy Spirit in that person’s life.  So, Paul tells us that circumcision is nothing more than a “cutting” or even a “mutilation.” 

Paul’s Jewish Credentials

More than likely, Paul’s Jewish opponents have not made it to Philippi at this point.  But, when they do come to Philippi, they are going to trot out their credentials.  So, Paul shares his credentials with us.

Circumcised on the eighth day…  Even though Paul says that circumcision no longer matters, he was circumcised on the eighth day.  According to the Old Testament Law, parents were to wait until their baby boy was eight days old to have him circumcised.  This actually says more about Paul’s parents than it says about Paul.  His parents were such good Jews that they followed the letter of the Law.  Paul was a Jew from birth and not a later convert.

Of the people of Israel…  Again, this doesn’t say much about Paul, but it does say something about his ancestors.  He could trace his family heritage all the way back to the nation of Israel.  Paul was not only a member of the Jewish religion.  He was also a member of the Jewish race.  If some people claimed to be a part of the People of God, Paul was much more.  He could trace his family heritage back to the Nation of Israel.

Of the tribe of Benjamin…  The Old Testament tells us there were twelve tribes of Israel.  Benjamin was one of the smallest tribes, but it was very prestigious.  Benjamin was the tribe which stayed loyal to God.  And, Benjamin was the only son of Jacob who was born in the Promised Land.  It is possible that Paul had been named after King Saul—the first King of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin.

A Hebrew of Hebrews…  The best way to understand this expression is to say that Paul claimed to be Jewish through and through.  It’s possible this refers to Paul as a Hebrew who can read the Hebrew language. 

Pharisee…  Everything before this tells us more about Paul’s heritage and the training his parents gave him.  Now he tells us that he excelled in the Jewish religion to the point that he became a religious leader—a Pharisee who committed his life to study and to defend the Hebrew Bible.

Persecuting the church…  We read about this side of Paul’s life in the Book of Acts.  Paul was so zealous for his Jewish faith that he protected the faith from the Christians.  He stood by as a witness when Stephen was killed for his faith.  He went on a nationwide manhunt to prevent Jewish men and women from worshipping in Christian churches.  (Paul was probably not proud of this, but it was still a part of his Jewish credentials.)

Faultless…  I think we need to read this in context of what Paul has said about sin in other places.  For example, Paul tells us in Romans 3: 23, “23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…”  This leads me to believe Paul is not claiming to be sinless.  Instead, he is telling us that he did not willfully disobey the Law.

Whatever Paul’s Jewish opponents might claim about their own credentials, Paul could claim more for himself.  If they want to compare their religious lives to Paul’s religious life, they will lose.  Paul has received a wonderful Jewish heritage and training from his parents / ancestors.  Paul has excelled in Judaism to the point that he was willing to compare himself to anyone who wanted to compare.

However, notice what Paul thinks about his Jewish credentials. 

“In Christ” Is what Matters

Philippians 3: 7 – 11…  “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 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. 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.”

There was a time when Paul considered all these Jewish credentials a “profit” (or gain).  This was his number one goal in life—to be more religious than anyone else and hopefully to impress God.  But, this is no longer Paul’s goal in life.  Now, Paul wants to know Christ and to be found in him.

Something happened in Paul’s life to change his mind about his religious advancement.  He had an encounter with the Risen Jesus.  And, now everything else pales in comparison to Jesus.

To give you an idea of how Paul’s religious goals changed…Notice how he now describes his religious accomplishments. 

Paul tells us that what he once considered a profit (or a gain), he now considers a loss.  He did not consider his religious accomplishments a gain or even a neutral achievement.  Religion was a setback.  It actually moved him farther away from God.  This is because it created in Paul a sense of self-sufficiency.  A self-sufficient person does not need Jesus.  They don’t need God.  They don’t even need salvation.  They believe they are sufficient to meet their own spiritual needs. 

Paul also tells us that what he once considered a valuable prize to be attained, he now considers nothing more than “rubbish.”  There are two ways we can interpret the Greek word for “rubbish.”  On one hand, this might be a PG-13 word which could be translated “dung.”  What Paul once thought was of great value now looks like “dung” when compared to Jesus.  Another translation might refer to the table scraps left over after a family finishes a meal.  The table scraps are worthless to the family, so they throw them out to the scavenger dogs in the streets.  Paul is saying that his religious achievements are worthless to him now that he is “in Christ.”  Let the dogs have it!

Of course, religion is not the only thing that is worthless when compared to being “in Christ.”  Paul pursued religion and accomplished everything there was to accomplish.  In the end, he discovered that all his efforts were worthless—they could not satisfy.  Other people have pursued money, fame, popularity, political power and sex.  At the end of life, they discover that it does not satisfy.  None of our efforts to achieve what the world deems valuable can compare to being “in Christ” and to experience the power of his Resurrection.

In C. S. Lewis’ sermon “The Weight of Glory,” he tells us that God wants to give us the very best life.  God wants to give us a relationship with himself, salvation, abundant life, joy in all circumstances and eternal life in Heaven.  God wants to give us what is beyond human description.  Yet, we exchange God’s best for what the world tells us is valuable—money, fame, popularity, political power and sex.  We exchange what is valuable for what is ultimately worthless.  Why?  Because we are “far too easily pleased.”[1]

Conclusion

Jim Marshall was a professional football player who played defensive end for the Minnesota Vikings from 1961 – 1979.  At the time of his retirement, he had played in four Super Bowls; two Pro Bowls; and held three NFL records (consecutive games played, consecutive games started, and recovered fumbles).  But, Jim Marshall is remembered for something completely different.

In a game against the San Francisco 49ers, Jim Marshall recovered a fumble and ran it 66 yards into the end zone THE WRONG WAY to score for the other team.  His teammates were trying to catch him and tell him to turn around.  He never knew he was going the wrong way until he got to the end zone and was congratulated by a member of the other team.

My favorite part of the story is what the radio broadcasters said at the end of the play.  One broadcaster commented that Marshall “threw the ball in the air in sheer joy.”  The other broadcaster said, “What a happy fellow he was.”^[2]

I think this is a very good illustration of what Paul discovered about religion.  As long as he was advancing as a Jew, “What a happy fellow Paul was.”  Then, Paul met Jesus and discovered that he had been running the wrong direction.

What are you pursuing today?

Paul had already achieved every religious goal possible and found it to be worthless garbage.

Others have gained everything the world deems valuable…  Perhaps they have already discovered or will discover at the end of life…  Compared to being “in Christ” and experiencing the power of his Resurrection, this too is worthless garbage.

---

[1] C. S. Lewis, “The Weight of Glory.”  http://www.verber.com/mark/xian/weight-of-glory.pdf , p. 1.

[2] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eBrb00pdGw ; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Marshall_(American_football)

Living Proof—A Sermon about Christian Influence

Living Proof
Philippians 2: 19 – 30

Introduction

Thursday, November 7 was Billy Graham’s 95^th birthday.  On Thursday night, several television stations broadcast Billy Graham’s a birthday party and a special message from Billy Graham himself.  Billy Graham’s son, Franklin Graham, is calling this message Billy Graham’s last sermon.  I didn’t get to watch this on Thursday night.  But, I got to watch it on YouTube last night.  (I posted a link to this “last sermon” on my Facebook page if you would like to watch it.)

Watching Billy Graham’s “last sermon” caused me to have a couple of thoughts. 

First, Billy Graham’s last sermon is not really much different from any sermon he has ever preached.  He said that America is in great need of a spiritual awakening.  Our people, our cities, our media and our culture in general have strayed far away from God.  The only answer for the American people is the Cross.  The Cross is God’s message of love and hope and salvation.  When Jesus died on the Cross and rose from the grave, God made it possible for our lives to be changed; for our sins to be forgiven; and for God’s people to experience eternal life in Heaven.  There is no other hope for us as individuals and no other hope for any nation.

Second, I began to wonder how many people have been influenced by Billy Graham.  I am confident this is no exaggeration.  He has preached the Gospel to millions of people around the world.  And, there is no way to estimate how many lives have been changed as a result.  (Of course, I am not trying to say that Billy Graham has changed anyone’s life.  God is the only one who can change lives, forgive sins and give eternal life.  But, God has used Billy Graham to preach the Gospel and to share God’s message of salvation.)

Most of us (perhaps even ALL of us) will never have the kind of influence that Billy Graham has had.  However, we can have the same KIND of influence on a smaller scale.  We may never stand up and preach the Gospel to sold-out football stadiums.  We may never travel around the world and reach thousands of people with the Gospel.  We may never have the kind of television presence Billy Graham has had for the past forty years.  BUT…God has placed people in our lives who need our influence.  God has given each of us a mission field and a circle of influence.

Your first mission field is your family.  Parents influence their children.  Children influence their parents as well as their brothers and sisters.  Grandchildren, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins…

Your next mission field is the people you encounter on a daily basis.  You work with and go to school with the same people every day, and they are watching you.  You live in a neighborhood with people who notice how you live out the Christian life.

You may not be “the next Billy Graham”—and there may never be another Billy Graham—but there are people in your life who will never hear Billy Graham preach the Gospel.  You can make a difference in someone’s life.

In Philippians 2, Paul describes two Christian men who were influential in the city of Philippi.  Paul holds them up as examples for each of us to follow.

Philippians 2: 19 – 30

 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. 

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, 30because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.

We have already established that the Book of Philippians was written by the Apostle Paul from house arrest in Rome.  Paul had been arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Roman authorities to be punished for causing a riot.  However, Paul was a Roman citizen and could not be punished without due process.  So, Paul appealed to Caesar and was sent to Rome to await his trial.  More than likely, Paul was kept under house arrest in Rome, chained to Roman soldiers twenty-four hours a day.  He waited until Caesar could determine his fate.  Either Paul would be executed by the Romans, or he would be released.

In this passage, he tells the Philippians two very important things about his state of mind.  First, he tells them that he plans to keep Timothy with him until they hear from Caesar.  Then, Timothy will come to Philippi to report the news.  Second, he tells them he is “confident in the Lord” that he will be released.

Timothy

Why would Paul send Timothy to report the news?

It’s possible that this is simply a matter of convenience.  Timothy was in Rome during Paul’s house arrest.  If Timothy was nearby, he would be the logical and convenient choice to send with the report.

It’s possible that this is a common service Timothy provided to Paul.  Timothy shows up several times in Paul’s letters as his trusted emissary.  He delivered letters to churches and sometimes checked on the churches for Paul.

The most likely explanation is what Paul says in verse 20.  Paul says, “I have no one like Timothy.”

Paul and Timothy had a very special relationship.  They probably were not related to each other, but Paul thought of Timothy as a son.  This is not to say that Paul thought of Timothy as his inferior.  No.  Paul invested himself in Timothy like a father invests in his son.  He taught him how to preach the Gospel and how to serve as a missionary.  It was like passing down the family business from one generation to the next generation.

We first meet Timothy in Acts 16.  Paul and Barnabus were on their second missionary journey and met Timothy.  Timothy was already a Christian when we meet him in Acts 16.  Some people believe that Paul and Barnabus MIGHT have led Timothy to faith on their first missionary journey…but the Bible never tells us this.  All we know is that Timothy was a Christian who had a very good reputation among the churches.  So, Paul took Timothy with him as part of the missions team.

If you are familiar with Paul’s missionary journeys in the Book of Acts, you will notice something very interesting about what happened next.  Paul took Timothy to Philippi.  Therefore, Timothy was part of the missions team that first preached the Gospel in Philippi and planted the first Christian church in Philippi.

Therefore, Paul planned to send Timothy with the news about his trial, because the church already knew Timothy.  They knew Timothy.  They probably loved Timothy.  They definitely had observed his life and ministry.  Now, Paul is encouraging the church to follow Timothy’s example.

Epaphroditus

Timothy was not the only person Paul was sending to Philippi.  He was also sending a man named Epaphroditus.  Paul hoped to send Timothy (eventually) to Philippi.  But, Paul thought it necessary to send Epaphroditus immediately.  It is possible that this means Epaphroditus was the one who actually delivered this letter to the Philippians and may have read it to them as a part of their worship service.

Paul wrote some great words about Epaphroditus, and this raises a question for us.  Who was Epaphroditus?  The short answer is that we don’t really know.  This is the only place where Epaphroditus is mentioned in the Bible.  But, we can learn a lot about him in these short verses.

Epaphroditus was from Philippi.  He was the one the church sent to Rome to deliver a financial gift to help Paul.  More than likely, this was to support Paul while he was under house arrest.  The Romans did not provide for their prisoners.  Family and friends were responsible for any needs a prisoner might face while in custody.

Epaphroditus was sent by the church at Philippi to work alongside Paul.  Paul says as much when he describes him as (1) “my brother”; (2) “my fellow worker”; and (3) “my fellow soldier.”  Brother tells us that Epaphroditus was a Christian.  Fellow worker tells us that Epaphroditus was a missionary alongside Paul.  Fellow soldier tells us that Epaphroditus had faced opposition and suffering as a result of his ministry.

Paul also tells us that Epaphroditus became deathly ill while he was serving alongside Paul.  He was so sick that he almost died and Paul felt it was necessary to send him home to Philippi.  This does not mean Epaphroditus was a failure.  Just the opposite.  Paul praised Epaphroditus so that no one would think he had failed.

Then, Paul closed out his praise by saying the church ought to honor Epaphroditus and to hold men like him out as examples to follow.

The Mind of Christ

Paul held up Timothy and Epaphroditus as examples for the church to follow.

These two men showed genuine interest in the health and welfare of the church.  They were not causing divisions in the church.  They brought unity to the Body of Christ.

They did not seek their own best interests.  Instead, they looked out for Jesus’ interests and what would serve the church best.

They were actively engaged in the spread of the Gospel.  They served the Lord in good times and in bad times.  They spread the Gospel through preaching and by serving other people in the name of Jesus.

They were even willing to sacrifice their own lives.

In short…They lived Christ-like lives.

A couple of weeks ago, I preached on Philippians 2: 5 – 11.  Many scholars refer to this as the “Christ hymn.”  It was a familiar hymn in the Philippian church.  It describes the humility and the obedience of Jesus.  It sets Jesus up as an example for Christians to follow.  Timothy and Epaphroditus are two Christians who follow the example of Christ.

This week, I discovered a wonderful story about a missionary doctor named Fred Shepard.  Dr. Fred Shepard lived and worked in the modern day nation of Turkey during the time of the Ottoman Empire.  He gave his life treating people with disease.  Eventually he died among the people he had served.  His funeral was held in the largest room available, and people lined the streets to celebrate the life of Dr. Shepard.  At his funeral, one of his poorest patients said, “I have never seen Jesus, but I have seen Dr. Shepard.”[1]

I am sure there were people in Philippi who said, “I have never seen Jesus, but I have seen Paul…Timothy…Epaphroditus.”

What do people say about your life?  I believe Paul is encouraging us to live our lives so that at our funerals people will say: “I have never seen Jesus, but I have seen (insert your name).”

Conclusion

For some reason, we think only famous people can be influential.  Paul was a famous missionary in the ancient world.  Timothy was famous to many of the churches Paul started.  But, Epaphroditus was NOT famous.  He was just like you and me.  He was an ordinary Christian who had influence among a small group of people.

Let’s try a little mental exercise together.  Major League Baseball’s World Series just ended a couple of weeks ago. 

Can you name the team that won the World Series this year?  (Boston Red Sox)

Can you name the World Series Most Valuable Player?  (David Ortiz)

What about last year?  What team won the World Series in 2012?  (San Francisco Giants)

Who was the World Series Most Valuable Player in 2012?  (Pablo Sandoval)

Now, let’s think about the Academy Awards.  Can you name the woman who received the Academy Award for Best Actress this year?  (Jennifer Lawrence)

Can you name the Best Actress from last year?  (Meryl Streep)

These are some of the most famous people in our culture.  But, it’s funny how quickly we forget the most famous people in the world.

Now, let’s think of someone else…

Can you name a teacher from elementary school, middle school or high school who made a difference in your life?

Can you name a minister or a church member who helped you grow in your relationship with Jesus?

Who is the one person in your life (living or deceased) that most resembles Jesus Christ in the way he or she lives life?

These are the people we will never forget.  We forget the famous people but remember the people who influenced us the most.  Some of the most influential people in our lives are not famous and never will be famous.

Hopefully, your name is on someone’s list.  Hopefully, you are the non-famous person who most resembles Jesus Christ in another person’s life.  You may never have the far reaching influence of the Apostle Paul, Timothy or Billy Graham.  But, you can be a Christ-like example and influence on others.

I have never seen Jesus, but I have seen (insert your name).

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[1] Alice Shepard Riggs, Shepard of Aintab. (New York: Interchurch Press, 1920), p. 198.  http://ia600309.us.archive.org/5/items/shepardofaintab00riggrich/shepardofaintab00riggrich.pdf

Church and Culture

Church and Culture

Philippians 2: 12 – 18

Introduction

Back in August, my family spent two weeks at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado.  This was my third time to be invited to preach a Sunday morning chapel service at the YMCA.  The normal routine is for someone from the chaplain’s office to take us out to eat Sunday lunch after worship.  The couple who took us out to eat this year was a volunteer couple from Pennsylvania.

I noticed on the schedule of events that this couple from Pennsylvania was teaching a class about the TV show, “Amish Mafia.”  They live in Amish country, love the Amish people and are trying to spread the word that “Amish Mafia” is totally fiction.  The premise of the show is that Amish people are pacifists and will not take revenge when someone wrongs them, so there is an informal “mafia” who can be called on to do what a person cannot do for themselves.

(It’s interesting that a television network would pick on the Amish.  But, they are actually the perfect people to pick on.  The Amish do not watch television, so they probably don’t even know that such a program exists.  AND, if they do know it exists, it is against their religious convictions to try to defend themselves against negative attacks.  The Discovery Channel can say whatever they want about the Amish and know they will never face a lawsuit or any opposition.)

I do not know much about the Amish people, so I asked a lot of questions about what it was like living in Amish country.  They told us that it was very common to see horse-drawn buggies on the main roads.  Most of the businesses in town have hitching posts in the parking lots for Amish customers.  But, the funniest story they told is that the newspaper will occasionally publish a story about an Amish DUI.  (It’s funny, because the horses are so well trained that they know where they are going and can find their way home even if the driver cannot.)

Amish people do not drive automobiles; they don’t use electricity in their homes; they don’t use telephones; and they dress in simple / plain clothes.  What is their reason for doing this?  This is their way of being different from the non-Christian world around them.  I would say that they do everything in their power to withdraw from the world…to be separate from modern, American culture.

Some people believe Christians are supposed to withdraw from the culture and remain separate / unpolluted from any worldly influence.  The Amish are an extreme example.  But, they aren’t the only Christians to separate from the world.

Other Christians take a completely opposite point of view.  Instead of withdrawing from the world, these groups take an adversarial approach.  They get angry and attack the culture.  The only two examples I can think of are probably not good examples.  I think of the group known as “Westboro Baptist Church” and the groups who plant bombs in abortion clinics.  “Westboro Baptist Church” claims to be a church, but every member of the “church” is related to the pastor.  They are famous for their signs and for protesting at military funerals.  They claim that every bad thing that ever happens is a direct result of God’s judgment on America for immorality.  September 11, hurricanes, military deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan…all of these are signs of God’s judgment on America.  (I thought about showing a picture of some of their signs, but all the pictures I found were offensive and not appropriate for a church service.)

Some Christians believe they are supposed to withdraw from culture and remain separate.  Some Christians believe they are supposed to be enemies of the culture and attack the world in the name of God.  But, what does the Bible say?  Does the Bible tell us how we are supposed to relate to the culture / the world around us?

In Philippians 2, Paul addresses this very concern with the church of Philippi.  They were living in an anti-Christian culture.  The world around them either worshipped false gods or elevated the government to divine status.  Should they withdraw?  Should they attack?  Actually, Paul suggests something completely different.

Philippians 2: 12 – 18.

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, 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.

Paul uses a common illustration to describe the proper relationship between church and culture.  The church in the world is like the stars shining in the dark night sky.  The world is crooked and depraved…Therefore, the world is dark as night.  The church is blameless and pure…Therefore, the church is like a bright and shining light.

Notice that Paul is very encouraging to the church at Philippi.  He never outright criticizes them or their behavior.  In fact, he makes a point to tell them that he is aware of their faithfulness and takes the opportunity to encourage them to continue their obedience.  The only way they are able to obey God’s will and purpose is the fact that God is at work in them.  God is at work in individual Christians.  God is at work in the church.

Since Paul encourages the church to continue obeying God and to continue allowing God to work in and among them, this tells me it is always possible for Christians and churches to resist what God is doing.  If you are a Christian, God is present in your life, leading you away from temptation and providing you with a way to avoid sin.  However, it is possible for you to ignore God’s leadership.  We can say the same thing about churches.  God is present in his church.  But, sometimes the leaders of the church and the members of the church ignore God’s will and purpose.

Complaining and Arguing

One way we ignore God is through complaining and arguing.  I believe we can read this as a warning to BOTH individual Christians and to churches.

There are some church members who believe that complaining is their spiritual gift.  But, complaining is NOT a spiritual gift.  Imagine meeting someone and talking to them about church church.  In the course of conversation they tell you they go to XYZ Baptist Church.  Now imagine that you ask them what they do at the church.  “I’m the chairman of the complainers.  I lead a group of people to complain about everything new the church does.  We make sure there is someone to complain about everything the church does.”  (Actually, I don’t think anyone truly believes complaining is a spiritual gift.  But there are people who act like it’s their spiritual gift / their calling / their purpose for being in the church.)

Don’t be so quick to point fingers at other people at this point.  Ultimately, we are all complainers.  This is a universal struggle that all people face.  We complain about the weather, politics, work, husbands / wives…  It is very possible that Paul is talking about the church here.  It is also possible that he uses the word “everything” literally… “Do EVERYTHING without complaining…”

Perhaps this is one of the ways that the church and individual Christians are supposed to be different from the world.  The world is full of complainers.  It does not need any more complainers!  Instead, the world needs an example from Christian people like you and me.  We can show them that there are circumstances beyond our control…But God is in control.  Even when circumstances are difficult…God is still at work to bring about his good purposes for those who love him and are called according to God’s purposes.

If these words are addressed to individual Christians, then Paul is calling us to be pure and different from the rest of the world.

If these words are addressed to a church / a community of Christians, then Paul is calling us to be united.  We do not all look alike or think alike, but we are united in our purpose to follow God’s leadership and accomplish God’s mission.

Hold Out (On To) the Word of Life

Do everything without complaining or arguing is a negative commandment.  If you are complaining and arguing, stop it.  If you don’t complain or argue, don’t start.  Another way to state this…Don’t look like the rest of the world.

In verse 16, Paul gives us a positive commandment: hold out the word of life.

If you are reading the New International Version, you will notice a footnote in verse 16.  The Greek word translated “hold out” could also be translated “hold on to.”  And Paul does not give us any interpretive clues to help us understand which one he means.  Paul can be very clear about what he writes.  But, for some reason, he left some ambiguity in this expression.  Perhaps we should leave the ambiguity and keep the full meaning of both “hold out” and “hold on to.”

If the church is to be like shining stars in a dark sky, then the church is supposed to be a light in and for a dark world.  We can be a light FOR the world by “holding out” the word of life.  We can be a light IN the world by “holding on to” the word of life.

I think we can safely say that “the word of life” is the Gospel.  Human beings are sinful and separated from God.  We could not overcome our sinful condition.  So, God took the initiative by sending his Son, Jesus.  Jesus died on the cross as the final sacrifice for sin and rose from the dead as the first to experience eternal life.  Through faith in Jesus, our sins are forgiven, and we can have eternal life.

The church is a light FOR the dark world by sharing the Gospel with the world.  Preaching the message of salvation.  Inviting others to place their faith in Jesus and to experience eternal life.

The church is a light IN the dark world by remaining faithful to the Gospel.  There is no other way to have relationship with God.  There is no way for the world to save itself.  There is no way to escape death and the grave.  The Gospel is the only answer.  Religion is not the answer.  Government is not the answer.  Clean living is not the answer.

Conclusion

I want to brag on you for a minute.  I am really proud of the way our church participated in Trunk or Treat Thursday night.  We were shining like stars in the dark sky.  We were holding out the word of life.  We were holding on to the word of life.  We were light IN Lufkin and light FOR Lufkin.

For the past several years, we have decorated cars, dressed up in costumes and handed out candy on our church parking lot.  We provide food and a safe environment for children to do their trick or treating.  We have noticed over the past few years that Trunk or Treat is fun and safe…But, I don’t think we have ever had people come to our church as a result of Trunk or Treat.  So, this year, we did something different.  We invited elementary school students in Lufkin and combined with five other churches to have a really big Trunk or Treat.  We gave away candy and free food.  But, we also provided people with information about the participating churches and the plan of salvation in a child friendly format.

A lot of the people who attended Trunk or Treat did not look like us.  (Some of them were wearing costumes, so we couldn’t really tell what they looked like.)

We made a choice Thursday night not to withdraw from the world.  We could have been like the Amish and chosen not to engage the culture around us.

We made a choice Thursday night not to attack the world.  We could have been like “Westboro Baptist Church” and walked around town with protest signs.

But, that’s not who we are as a church.  We want to be a light IN the world and a light FOR the world.  We want to use an event like Trunk or Treat to tell other people about Jesus and to demonstrate the love of Jesus by loving people who aren’t like us and may never come to our church.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said:

Matthew 5: 14 – 16…14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

We are the light FOR the world and the light IN the world.  But, we are not to draw attention to ourselves.  We draw attention to our Father in Heaven by sharing the Gospel and remaining faithful to the Gospel.