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Here is a summary of my sermon from Sept. 4 2011 at First Baptist Maryville

Audio is coming, subscribe to my Podcast for that when it’s avaiable

Philippians 1:12-30 “To Live is Christ…”

What do u live for? When I was a kid, for me it was snow skiing; I remember being at the top of the mountain and thinking “I live for this…”

As a Christian, Jesus needs to be the singular motivating factor for us and who we live for.

1:21 “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

This is a popular saying to console those who’ve lost loved ones or are facing death themselves. But the end of the statement “to die is gain” is dependent on “to live is Christ” so it’s not always true for everyone.

We will see Jesus “face to face” (1Cor 13)

The mortal will “put on immortality,” death will be “swallowed up in victory” (1Cor 15), but u can be saved & be of no value to the kingdom: not “gain” but “suffer loss” (1Cor 3:15)

So what kind of life receives the reward? Why can Paul say “For to ME…”

Paul writing from Rome; after The Book of Acts; after 30 years of being a χian (cf. Acts 11)

Phil 1:12-14 To live is Christ… when your life advances the gospel

“what has happened to me” paul is in prison (appeal to Caesar → Roman house arrest cf. Acts 24ff)

“really…to advance the gospel” people learn about χ and χians are more bold

Cf. Gen 50:20 with Joseph “you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good”

This is the story of the church throughout the centuries, persecution = growth

We are just like fruit, squeeze an orange and you get orange juice, squeeze an apple and you get apple juice, but when you squeeze a χian you should get the gospel. When pressure is applied, what’s inside comes out, what is it for you?

Phil 1:15-18 To live is Christ… when you keep your purpose in perspective

“Some… preach Christ from envy and rivalry… but others from good will… out of love” Paul was a strong leader; when he was removed, others came in to fill his shoes. Some did it out of love and others did it out of envy.

“Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice” He didn’t question his circumstances; and he didn’t judge their motives; only results. His purpose wasn’t personal comfort or his own legacy; his goal was to advance the gospel

Do you remember “group projects” in school? There’s always one guy who doesn’t pull his own weight… It’s not about getting credit; or how you are perceived in others eyes; or getting what you think you deserve out of life – it’s all about Jesus.

How disappointed are u when life doesn’t go ur way? Here is the question to ask when life throws you a curveball: “how can this be a win for Jesus”

Phil 1:19-26 To live is Christ… when you rejoice in the middle of life’s struggles

“I will rejoice… not at all be ashamed… with full courage…” Paul is in prison: no way to make a living, no freedom, no justice YET, he can rejoice!

Remember when the Apostle was in prison and singing praises? Then the angel came and freed him and the jailor ends up accepting Jesus? That was in Philippi, the same place Paul is writing to now. They knew the pattern of his life for 30+ years was to rejoice even when he was in prison!

“now as always Christ will be honored in my body… by life or by death” Paul’s confidence was not dictated by circumstances. He can boldly declare that his life will mean fruitful labor, so his death will be gain.

Paul was able to say this because he lived “all-out” for the gospel & he didn’t quit early. Like a distance runner, we need to cross the finish-line, collapse and throw-up, completely spent.

While I can, I sail east in the Dawn Treader. When she fails me, I paddle east in my coracle. When she sinks, I shall swim east with my four paws. And when I can swim no longer, if I have not reached Aslan’s country, or shot over the edge of the world in some vast cataract, I shall sink with my nose to the sunrise and Peepiceek will be head of the talking mice in Narnia.

-Reepicheep, Chapter 14 “Voyage of the Dawn Treader”

What bumps in the road will stop someone like that? NONE! We need to REJOICE in spite of our struggles

Are you living for your own comfort/circumstances, or for YOU can you say “to live is Christ?” When life does not go as planned, do you have Paul’s resolve? “Christ will be honored…”

Phil 1:27-30 To live is Christ… when you are willing to suffer for the cause of Christ

“let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ” we should live in proportion to the sacrifice of Jesus, and he gave everything!

“standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for …the gospel” Unity & community are extremely important for the sake of the gospel – can’t do it alone. We organize into small groups called Sunday School. Even if you can say “I’ve been in Sunday School all my life, I don’t need it…” GREAT, WE NEED YOU!

We all have good days and bad days, sometimes we wake-up ready to charge hell with a water-pistol, but most days we just want to “coast.” On the good days, you need to be around others whom you can encourage, and on the “coasting days” you need to be spurred-on. If you’re a part of our church, YOU NEED TO BE IN AN ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS.

“not only believe but suffer for his sake” in life, we need to be willing to suffer for the cause of Christ.

χianity is not “add some Jesus to make your life better” Jesus’ job isn’t to make your career better, you spouse better, your family better, etc. The goal of life is not to be happy, but to serve the king & see the gospel go forth. You don’t just add Jesus to your life, Jesus becomes your life, every day, in every way, with your last breath and with every ounce of your being, TO LIVE IS CHRIST!

I realize that most people don’t have a wife.

What I mean by that, is only 50% of people are men, so 50% of people for sure don’t have wives. Add to that, the single population, and “most people don’t have a wife.”

However, a good number of us do, and those of us who have a wife should be grateful.

In my experience, men tend to “marry up” almost all the time and women never do. What I mean by this, is that when it comes to who a person really is (personality, character, potential, even looks) I find myself saying “how did he get her” far more often than “wow, she really out-punted her coverage.”

Think about all the people who don’t have a wife, but who want one. Think hard about this men, do not mess this up… no matter who she is, you’ve got a great thing going.

It’s like the current state of the economy, only about a million times more important. How many people are grateful for there current job as opposed to those who like to complain about their job or think they “desirve” more. Actually, you desirve what you get… it’s the literal definition of the word, perhaps you should look it up some time.

On the other hand, everyone misses their job, even one in which they felt “underemployed” (a nonsensical word), when they get fired.

In the same way, marriage is a gift. It’s a beautiful thing that desirves to be cultivated and cared for. Appreciate your wife and love her. Put her agenda ahead of your agenda. Set out to make her your biggest fan…

Here’s a great first step, pray for her, every day.

Some suggested prayers:

• Lord, may she know your will for her life, pleasing you in all respects and bearing fruit in every good work (Col 1:9-10)
• Lord, may her physical health sustain her in everything that meets her today (Isa 40:28-31)
• Lord, may she be released from worry or guilt over things that she is not responsible for (Matt 6:25-34; Luke 12:22-32)
• Lord, may she accomplish all the things that she needs to today (2 Thess 2:16-17; 3:1-4;, 13)
• Lord, may a godly mentor come into her life who can help her see the way (Tit 2:3-5)
• Lord, may she not gossip or keep company with those who do (Prov 20:19; 1 tim 3:1)
• Lord, may you give her discernment and wisdom to protect herself from those who would deceive her (1 Tim 2:14; James 1:5-8)

LOVE: it’s a big word, but one that is appropriate. It defines the Christian faith in a unique and more powerful way than any other religion. God loves you. How can this be? How much does he love you? This is how, he sent his son to die to make things right between you (cf. John 3:16). It’s astounding, that much love, to give up a child, a perfect child, your only child, just like you, for someone else’s benefit… That’s love.

EVIL: it’s real. We see it every day and we may even blame it on God. In fact, the existence of it is used in some twisted logic to show that God doesn’t exist, but does that work? How can you have the heights of God’s love demonstrated without the deepest darkest evil? Evil is most certainly real, and it is in each one of us. We all have been gripped by it, even seduced to some degree… Yes evil is real, and it keeps us from God.

RESCUE: this is the good part. This is how God demonstrates his amazing love for us, he saves us! It’s out of the depths of our evil and wickedness that we are lifted and saved. Totally and utterly, from outside of ourselves, rescued. Christianity is not a self-help guide to making your life a little bit better by adding a helping of Jesus. Our faith is about someone outside of ourselves saving us.

CHOICE: each one of us has to choose, do we stay with our evil inclinations and a life opposed to God and all that he did for us, or do we choose to accept his gift, his salvation, his son. You know this is the answer, you have either dealt with him or you keep putting him off, why not today? Why not now? You know the arguments, you’ve heard it all before… Just stop. Choose Jesus. Place your trust totally in him. Admit that Jesus is the Lord of everything and turn the keys of your past, present, and future over to him. It’s the evidence of things that we look forward to… faith.

RESTORATION: he not only saves us from our own evil, he steps into our lives to change us and make us new, from the inside out. He washes you clean, restore the past, and gives you power for the future. He takes us and gives us the ultimate do-over. You want to change, but you can’t… alone. You know this, give your life to him, he can do it… he will do it!

Not advice about what you can do in the future, but GOOD NEWS of what’s already been done for you in the past. God loves you, so much, take him up on his generous offer today… Hasn’t it been long enough?

In October, I will be teaching a 4-week class at church on “How To Study The Bible” – but I thought it would be helpful to give some tips and ideas for folks who want a little more direction.

Our church believes strongly in the fact that every Believer has direct access to God and the Bible is God’s word, so every Christian should spend time in the word every day listening to His voice.

But how? Where do you start? How do you understand what you’re reading?

In the first case this is a great Bible reading plan…

But what does it all mean?

There are (basically) two kinds of Bible Studies – Inductive & Deductive.

Deductive Bible Study – this is moving from the “big picture” to the details. This would be when you know you believe something, or some concept, and then you look for scripture passages to back-up what you believe.

This is (in my opinion) a bad way to go about things. Believe what you believe because it comes out of YOUR study of the Bible, not because someone else tells you it’s right. I have found, deductive Bible study tends to “skip” the verses that don’t fit with existing beliefs.

Inductive Bible Study – this is basically the opposite of deductive Bible study. It moves from the particulars to the general. This collects what is there and builds a “big picture” from the individual pieces.

This is the kind of study that I think is best.

So here are some tips to find the little “bits” in every Bible passage so you can build a “big picture” from the individual parts.

Inductive Bible Study helps you find the central truth and builds that truth into your life. To get the most from this study you need:

• The Bible: use a Bible version you like (see my post on Bible versions), but one that is formatted with paragraphs is best (this is almost all Bibles).
• A notebook for writing your findings

When you open God’s word, expect that you will hear His truth through the power of the Holy Spirit; ask Him to give you understanding and to help change your life accordingly. Move at your own pace, just always keep moving.

1. Overview: Read it, the whole book if it’s brief. If it’s long, skim it. If it’s a narrative, jot down a fact about one or two of the main characters; list a few major events. If it’s a letter, note a few facts about the writer and those being addressed. If it’s another kind of literature, list some facts that impress you. Write down a few of your major impressions of the book. What helps do you think you’ll get for your life from this book? Write down one or two and ask the Lord to move in your life in these ways.
2. Outline: As you look through the book, try to find which chapters can be most naturally grouped together, either by main characters, events, themes, or by geography. On a simple chart, write the 2 or 3 or 4 major divisions of the book, the natural groups of chapters. Give each division a short title. What seems to be the main theme of the book? Write it in a short sentence over your outline. How does that theme apply to you personally? In what part of your life do you need to act on that truth? Write down a specific way you can begin to do that and ask the Lord to strengthen you in it.
3. Divide and conquer: mark off  the text into pericopes. These are short passages made up of a sets of verses that form a coherent unit of thought. If your version of the Bible has many short paragraphs, you can group them into thought-units and treat each unit as you would a paragraph. Make a list of facts that you observe in each pericope. Note who, when, what, where, and how. Note also any interesting things about people, places, situations, atmosphere. Include things that are emphasized, like words that are repeated or contrasted. To cover a passage, make just one or two observations on each pericope. Write down your major impressions of the passage. What “hits” you from this passage? What does this passage teach about the Lord? What difference does it make to you that He is like this? Take sometime to praise Him.
4. Name it: Choose a short title for each pericope. What connections can you find between sections? Look for a few, such as repeated words, similarities, contrasts, cause and effect. What significance or meaning do you find in each of these connections? Jot down the meanings. Then, look at the meanings, connections and facts and ask yourself: What is the main thing going on this passage? In other words, what is the central truth this passage is teaching? Write that truth in a sentence. What is the main thing the Lord is saying to me through this passage? Here are some possibilities. Select just one. Something to obey or an example to follow or avoid? What is it exactly? How can I soon practice it? A truth about the Lord I can rejoice in? In what part of my life is this truth especially encouraging? A promise I can take for a situation I’m in? Are there conditions in the promise which I need to fulfill? What are they? What does the Lord say He’ll do? (Memorizing the promise will help in the days ahead.)
5. Keep going: Look at the passage as a whole, and as you continue on (and start again each day) always be trying to relate the main parts to each other. When you finish studying the pericopes, notice how their main truths connect with each other. As you connect these main truths, you are beginning to put together the teaching of the Bible. See if from these you can write the theme of the book in a sentence. How does it fit with the theme you saw at first? Share these with a friends or a group studying the same book. See how your theme compares.

NOTE: you can always go look things up in a commentary, but do this after you’ve gone through this process. Think about what you are reading, think about why the specific words that were written were chosen. Could it have been written differently? Spend time in the Bible thinking about what it is saying, never look at it as just something to check off your daily “to-do” list. You’ve got the rest of your life to read the Bible, proceed accordingly 😉