SERMON TEXT
“Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.” (Philippians 3:1–7 ESV)
MAIN POINTS
The accurate repetition of the true gospel safely informs the joy we are meant to experience as Christians.
1. There is Safety in Gospel Repetition
“Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.” (Philippians 3:1 ESV)
2. There is Danger in Gospel Disinformation
“Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—” (Philippians 3:2–3 ESV)
3. There is Wonder in Gospel Joy
“though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.” (Philippians 3:4–7 ESV)
Jesus is our perfect righteousness. When we come to him we need no other. The struggle for righteousness is over and he becomes our reputation and glory. We need not fear to come to the sinners place, for when we do, it is to cease from our own works, to stop trying to be what we are not and admit instead what we are. At that point we accept Christ own righteousness, we are justified before God and enter into peace. This is God basic blessing for us, and the only true way of peace and joy (Jack Miller).
If we forget that we are justified by faith through grace, every trial becomes a double trial; we increase our sufferings as we wonder if God hates us. We take on burdens that we were never meant to carry. The doctrine of justification lifts our burdens when we come to Jesus for salvation; it also alleviates the weight of false guilt or false responsibility that can overcome us during seasons of difficulty (Michael Reeves).
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
- What are ways that you tend to believe that you need to do something (or keep from doing something) in addition to trusting in Christ's righteousness to gain God's love and acceptance? How does vying for other people's approval (or your own) inform your answer to the previous question?
- How might you grow to remind yourself, and others, of the gospel of Jesus Christ this week?
- How might the call to fasting and prayer on April 8-10 serve to strengthen and encourage your soul? How will you participate in this event? Click HERE to send in a prayer request.
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Music - Psallos Recording - Philippians
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