Pit to Pinnacle; Prisoner to Prime Minister (Gen 41:1-57)

Genesis 41:1-57; Key Verse: Gen 41:28

"God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do."

Do you sense that God is actively yet silently working in you when your life seems to be "getting worse"? Joseph's life clearly got worse and worse for 13 years from Genesis 37-40. Yet, our God--the God of mystery and sovereignty--displays his perfect providence in the evolving story of Joseph's life. The theme of "The Hidden God" seems quite appropriate, as God allowed Joseph's life to go from bad to worse, even though he is "innocent." So far we have considered:

What is God's Love Like? (John 13:1-38)

John 13:1-38; Key Verse: Jn 13:15

"I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."

How is God's love expressed? The theme of my sermon is: "God's love is to show you what you should do." God's love is not just a good romantic feeling in our heart. Rather, God's love through Christ has real practical expression in our life. The five parts of this sermon are:

1. The Manner of Love (Jn 13:1-5)...is foot washing. How Jesus showed us his love.
2. The Necessity of Love (Jn 13:6-11)...is cleansing. Why Jesus has to "wash" us.
3. The Imperative of Love (Jn 13:12-17)...is to do as Jesus did. What Jesus wants us to do.
4. The Pain of Love (Jn 13:18-30)...is to love a betrayer. When love cuts to the heart.
5. The Glory of Love (Jn 13:31-38)...is to love God. Who love is ultimately directed toward.

Prepared By Providence In Prison; The "Hidden" God, Part IV (Gen 40:1-23)

Genesis 40:1-23; Key Verse: 40:23

"The chief cupbearer...did not remember Joseph; he forgot him."

Prepared by Providence in Pharaoh's Prison. A nice title with alliteration is "(Joseph) Prepared by Providence in Pharaoh's Prison." Defining providence, the Westminster Larger Catechism says, “God's works of providence are his most holy, wise, and powerful, preserving and governing all his creatures and all their actions.” The important words are "'preserving' and 'governing' all his creatures and all their actions." The providence of God is something that governs all the actions of men, even their thoughts.  Acts 17:18 says, "In him we live and move and have our being." Dt 30:20 says, "For the Lord is your life." Job 12:10 says, "In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." Dan 5:23 says, "God...holds in his hand your life and all your ways." Do you learn to see the God of providence in the details of your daily lives, especially when you confront disappointments?

The "Hidden" God, Part III: Joseph's Temptation (Gen 39:1-23)

Genesis 39:1-23; Key Verse: Gen 39:2a, 21a

"The Lord was with Joseph..."

David Patraeus, an American hero. This past week, David Patraeus, the head of the CIA, a 4 star general, a Ph.D. in international relations, and an American hero, resigned because he had an affair with his biographer Paula Broadwell, a 40 y/o wife with 2 children. Patraeus, 60 y/o (1952), has been married for 38 years (1974) and has 2 children. To his credit, and for national security reasons, he publicly acknowledged his affair and released a statement to Central Intelligence Agency employees on Nov 9: "I showed extremely poor judgment by engaging in an extramarital affair. Such behavior is unacceptable, both as a husband and as the leader of an organization such as ours.” Nonetheless, he faced a sexual temptation common to many a man and woman through out history, and he succumbed to it. It was a temptation that Joseph encountered in today's text.

Man Schemes, God Reigns (Gen 38:1-30) (The "Hidden" God, Part II)

Genesis 38:1-30; Key Verse: Gen 38:26,27

"'She is more righteous than I...' When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb."

Where is God when evil prevails? Today's text graphically depicts the utter sinfulness of sinful man in Judah and his 2 sons (Gen 38:1-11). Yet God, who seems to be hidden, works things out behind the scenes according to his sovereign will and purpose (Gen 38:25-30). Thus, the title of my sermon is "Man Schemes, God Reigns" (The "Hidden" God, Part II). Last week, from Gen 37:2-36, we studied the "hidden" God in Joseph's suffereing. Today, from Gen 38:1-30, we study the "hidden" God in Judah's sin in 4 parts:

1. Man Schemes (Gen 38:1-11): The wages of sin.
2. God Reigns (Gen 38:12-24, 25-30): The faithfulness of God.
3. The Ultimate Tamar
4. (5 Practical Applications.)

THE "HIDDEN" GOD (Where Is God When It Hurts?) (Gen 37:2-36)

Genesis 37:2-36; Key Verse: Gen 37:23,24

"...they stripped him of his robe...and threw him into the cistern."

Where is God when it hurts? 3 years ago, Arthur preached this Tim Keller sermon, The Hiddenness of God, on Nov 30, 2009. I am doing so again (with a shorter title "The 'Hidden' God"), because it deals with a problem very common to all men. The problem is best framed as a question: Where is God when it hurts so bad? The past 3 weeks (including today), we examined 3 key issues from Genesis that universally affects all people:

See God Face to Face (Gen 32:22-32)

Genesis 32:22-32; Key Verse: Gen 32:30

"I saw God face to face..."

Do you see God face to face? Is God real to you? After a mystery man struggled and wrestled with Jacob all night, Jacob said, "I saw God face to face..." In this text, we see how we may each have a real personal face to face encounter with God. Rhoel previously preached on this passage with the title, Meeting God Personally (12/27/2009). Yet, this perennial text is so good to study again and again from different angles. {Tim Keller gave 4 sermons with these titles: Jacob and the Wrestler (1996); A Con Artist's Struggle (1997); The Fight of Your Life (2001); Jacob's Prayer for Joy (2007).}

Christian, Listen Up! (Rev 2:1-3:22)

Revelation 2:1-3:22; Key Verse Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:6, 13, 22

"He who has an ear, let him (Whoever has ears, let them) hear what the Spirit says to the churches" (1984, 2011 NIV).

All human beings suffer from a selective hearing disorder. No one ever forgets a pretty girl saying to them, "You're cute." But when our boss calls us into his office to chew us out, we tune him out and don't hear well. We also have selective spiritual hearing disorder. No Christian ever dislikes hearing, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Num 6:24-26). But will we listen if God says, as he does to the church in Laodicea, "...because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth. ...you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked" (Rev 3:16,17)? To stress the utmost importance of listening to the Spirit, Jesus repeats 7 times to the 7 churches the exact same plea: "He who has an ear, let him (Whoever has ears, let them) hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

The Revelation of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:1-20)

Revelation 1:1-20; Key Verse: Rev 1:1a, 5b-6

"The revelation from (of) Jesus Christ...To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father--to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen."

Suffering in life is often unbearable. Suffering as a Christian is often not any easier. Where and how can we truly find comfort when we suffer? Rev 1:1-20 gives us the ultimate answer. (Since this is an extremely long post, just skip to the last paragraph before the references to get a short 1 sentence answer! Then when you have some time, study and meditate on what is in between.)

What Is Heaven Like? (Revelation 21-22)

Revelation 21:1-22:5; Key Verse: 21:5

"He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!' Then he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'”

Everything new. Every human being needs to experience newness of life. If not, we become like Cain, a restless wanderer (Gen 4:12-14). Mick Jagger sang, "I Can't Get No Satisfaction." No matter what we do or don't do, we feel restless without any lasting satisfaction. That's why God gives us promise after promise of:

• a new heart and a new spirit (Eze 36:26),
• being new (2 Cor 5:17),
• renewal (Mt 19:28),
• refreshment (Acts 3:19),
• transformation (2 Cor 3:18), etc.

Our renewal and complete transformation (glorification) will happen at the end of the ages when Jesus returns, and we see him face to face (Rev 22:4). We see this best in the last 2 chapters of the Bible in Revelation 21-22.

Heaven. Revelation is about the triumph of God over the forces of evil through Jesus' victory over Satan culminating in a new heaven and a new earth (Rev 21:1). The ultimate triumph and hope of God's people is heaven referred to > 500 times in Scripture; Revelation about 50 times. What is heaven like? The last 2 chapters of the Bible gives what may be the best description, though deeply symbol laden with imagery derived from the OT (though the OT is not directly quoted). Think of heaven in 3 ways:

1. What is New (Rev 21:1-8).
2. What is Missing (Rev 21:9-27; 22:1-5).
3. What is Ultimate (Rev 22:4-5).
   

I. What Is New (Rev 21:1-8)

• A new heaven and a new earth (Rev 21:1; Gen 1:1).
• Because of sin, our world is cursed (Gen 3:14-19). The 1st heaven and the 1st earth, the old order was "subjected to frustration" (Rom 8:20), "in bondage to decay" (Rom 8:21) and "groaning as in the pains of childbirth" (Rom 8:22).
  
• Isa 65:17-19 - “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more."
• Isa 66:22 - “'As the new heavens and the new earth that I make will endure before me,' declares the Lord, 'so will your name and descendants endure'"
• 2 Pet 3:13 - "But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells."
• The Holy City, the new Jerusalem (Rev 21:2a, 10-11) is the church redeemed by Christ. She will no longer be trampled by the nations. She is a cube city, like the Most Holy Place in the OT sanctuary (1 Ki 6:20; Eze 41:4). 12,000 stadia, or 1,500 miles, or 2,200 km (Rev 21:15-17), a city of pure gold (Rev 21:18,21). The brilliance of the new Jerusalem is like the most precious costly stones (Rev 21:11, 19-21).
  
• Consummation: Union of Christ with his people
1. A beautiful bride (Rev 21:2b), the wife of the Lamb (Rev 21:9). Through Jesus' atoning death, God regards His redeemed people as his lovely and precious bride. Isa 62:5: "As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you."
2. God dwelling with men (Rev 21:3,7). The greatest blessing of heaven will be unhindered fellowship with God. The goal of God’s covenant, “God with us” (Isa 7:14; Mt 1:23), foreshadowed in the OT tabernacle and temple, will be achieved. Gen 17:7-8: "I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. The whole land of Canaan, where you now reside as a foreigner, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God.” Lev 26:11-12: "I will put my dwelling place among you, and I will not abhor you. I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people." Jer 31:33: "'This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,' declares the Lord. 'I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.'"
3. Thirst quenched (5-6) from the water of life (Rev 22:1-3, 17). The "spring of the water of life" is the throne of God and the Lamb (Rev 22:1), a throne of grace (Heb 4:16) because here the thirsty drink without payment, by God’s free gift (Isa 55:1). This recalls Eden before the fall (Gen 2:8-10), and Ezekiel’s vision of a future glorious temple (Ez 47:1-12; Zech 14:8). Isa 49:10, 55:1: "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost." Jn 6:35: "Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'"
   
4. The ungodly banished (Rev 21:8, 22:11,15). Those who renounce faith do so because of cowardice or compromise with idolatry or sensuality. "Believers" fall away when their faith is challenged by hardship or difficulty. 1 Cor 6:9-10: "Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God." There is no evidence in the Bible (or in life) that there is ever any change of heart of those in hell (Rev 22:11; Lk 16:19-31).
   

II. What Is Absent/Missing (Rev 21:9-27; 22:1-5)

• No sea (Rev 21:1c). This refers to the source of earthly rebellion, chaos, and danger—the sea from which the beast emerged (Rev 13:1; Dan 7:3). This symbolic (or literal) source of rebellion will no longer threaten creation’s perfection. Isa 57:20: "But the wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud. 'There is no peace,' says my God, 'for the wicked.'”

• No tears (Rev 7:17; Isa 65:19), no death (Isa 25:8), no mourning, no crying, no pain (Rev 21:4).
• No temple (Rev 21:22). Jesus himself is the tent and the temple in which God lives among his people (Jn 1:14; 2:19-21).
  
• No sun and moon (Rev 21:23).
• No impurity (Rev 21:27).
• No curse (Rev 22:3).
• No night (Rev 22:5).

III. What Is Ultimate (Rev 22:4-5): Seeing God’s face

• When Moses asked to see God's face, God said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live” (Exo 33:20).

We long to see loved ones whom we miss after they die. Or as we die we remember our most cherished and beloved ones. As with many men, I love the ultra violent movie 300 where 300 Spartans stood their ground against an unending multitude of Persian troops. As the King of Sparta died in a hail of arrows, he said, "My queen, my wife, my love." It is a moving and romantic scene. But it is bittersweet because of the final parting of lovers through death. So it is with Romeo and Juliet. We human beings all long for a satisfaction through a love that knows no end.

On that day those who have persevered in faith will be fulfilled. It is our dearest and deepest longing to see God face to face, and to see Him look upon us with eyes of deep love and affection. It will be the greatest blessing of the age to come, as God looks upon his people with favor and delight. This is free and without cost to us. But it was not without cost to God. To look upon us God would have to look away from His Son on the cross though he cried out in agony of soul (Mt 27:46; Mk 15:34; Ps 22:1). God had to forsake his Son, so that he will not forsake us. God would "hate" his Son on the cross, so that He could love us. God forsook his Son so that He could usher in for us a new heaven and a new earth, which will be forever.

References:

1. Carson, D.A. The God Who Is There: Finding Your Place in God's Story. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker, 2010, 213-224. (Video, 2009. Home At Last: The Spectacular God at Center, 2012)
   
2. Morris, Leon, The Book of Revelation: An Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries). Downers Grove: Inter-Varsity Press, 1987, 235-250.
3. MacArthur, John. Revelation: Because The Time Is Near (MacArthur Bible Studies). Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2007, 313-328.
4. ESV Study Bible (http://esvstudybible.org/).
   

Salvation: Past, Present, Future

How glorious it is that though totally undeserving, God saves us by his grace (Eph 2:8-9) and mercy (Tit 3:5) alone.

Because of God's saving grace to us we can reflect with joy and thanksgiving all our days upon our salvation in manifold ways--in past, present and future tenses:

1. Past (Tit 3:4-5; Rom 1:16, 8:24, 10:10; Eph 2:8; 2 Tim 1:9; Acts 16:31).
2. Present (Phil 2:12; 1 Cor 1:18, 15:2; Rom 5:9).
3. Future (2 Tim 4:18; Phil 3:20; Rom 5:9; 1 Th 5:8; Heb 9:28).

The Tenses Of Salvation
Salvation 3-fold: Past, Present, Future
Salvation A Past, Present and Future Reality

Do You See God? (Isaiah 6:1-7)

Isaiah 6:1-7; Key Verse: Isa 6:1,5

"I have seen the Lord...my eyes have seen the King, the Lord God Almighty."

When Isaiah saw God, his life would never be the same again. Let us examine who this God is whom Isaiah saw and what the result is of seeing God. Briefly, our God is holy, and when we see him, we will experience a revival in our soul that will last for an eternity.

Grace Before Obedience (Exodus 19:1-6)

Exodus 19:1-6; Key Verse: Ex 19:4b-5a

"I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me..."

Mt 28:19, 1 Pet 2:9, and Ex 19:4-6 are significant signature verses that have driven UBF over the past half century, especially the phrase "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Ex 19:6). Ex 19:1-6 shows that--in the history of God's people and God's work in the Bible--grace always precedes and comes before obedience (to the Law) and mission. Today's sermon has 3 parts, which necessarily stresses the importance of the order. In his BST Commentary on The Message of Exodus: The Days of Our Pilgrimage, Alec Motyer, OT scholar, says that this order is crucial to our understanding of the Bible:

1. The saving acts of the Lord.
2. Our responsive obedience.
3. The blessing that comes from obedience.
   

Nothing must upset this sequence. Stated differently, this biblical "spiritual order" is:

1. Grace (Ex 19:1-4): How God saves us.
2. Obedience (Ex 19:5): Our response to grace is obedience to the Law.
3. Mission (Ex 19:6): The blessing and reward of obedience (and punishment for disobedience).

He Saved Us Because of His Mercy (Titus 3:1-15)

Titus 3:1-15; Key Verse: Tit 3:5,8

"...he saved us ... because of his mercy ... stress these things, so that (we) may be careful to ... (do) what is good."

Because of his mercy, God saves us to do what is good. Do you comprehend the depth of God's mercy, so that your life overflows with doing what is good? A classical hymn (1958) says, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days, all the days of my life." This is the happy testimony of every Christian who has ever tasted the mercy and grace of God.

Good works is a major theme or topic of the Pastoral Epistles, in particular Titus. Gordon Fee says (1, 2 Timothy, Titus, The New International Biblical Commentary, 1984), "The dominant theme in Titus ... is good works ... that is, exemplary Christian behavior, and that for the sake of outsiders" and "in contrast to the false teachers." It is "the recurring theme of the entire letter."

However, our good works or goodness always follows our realization of God's goodness, mercy and grace; our goodness is never the basis of God's goodness to us. (The BCD of teaching the Bible.)

Grace: The Key That Unlocks the Bible (Titus 2:11-15)

Titus 2:11-15; Key Verse: 2:11

"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people."

Just how important is grace? Grace (charis) occurs 156 times in the N.T. J.I. Packer, the well respected British theologian and author, says, "In the New Testament, ‘grace' is a word of central importance - the keyword, in fact, of Christianity. The thought of grace is the key that unlocks the New Testament; and it is the only key that does so. However well we may know the New Testament, we cannot get inside its meaning till we know something of what grace is."

Whether we realize it or not, the entire Bible centers on grace and reveals grace, for grace is the way our God operates. But grace is counter-intuitive to all human beings including Christians, who function on the basis of the law, which is blessing and reward based on merit, not grace.

Make The Teaching About God Our Savior Attractive (Titus 2:1-10)

Titus 2:1-10; Key Verse: 2:10b

"...in every way...make the teaching about God our Savior attractive."

Does the way you live your Christian life make the teaching about God our Savior attractive? That's a tough question! What's the deal about beauty and attractiveness anyway?

All human beings without exception are wired to be attracted to something that is beautiful (and repulsed by something that is ugly). That is why if anyone finds pornography attractive, they are often unable, by an act of the will, to simply resist looking at it. If someone feels attracted to someone else, they can't stop thinking about that person. Or if we see an attractive person, it may be hard not to do a double take, and to think of delightful ways of engaging that person. God has wired us to be attracted to beauty. On the other hand, if we see an unattractive person, we might do our best not to end up in a conversation or interaction with them. That, sadly and truly, is how we (fallen) humans are.

The Role of Preaching (Bible Teaching) in the Church (Tit 1:3,9-16)

Titus 1:3,9-16; Key Verse: Tit 1:9

"He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it."

Two words/phrases are repeated in this short letter of Titus:

• "sound doctrine" (Tit 1:9; 2:1), "sound in (the) faith" (Tit 1:13, 2:2) (4 times), and
• "loves/do(ing)/teach what(ever) is good" (Tit 1:8, 16; 2:3,7,14; 3:1,8,14) (8 times).

"Sound" means to be in good health. "Good" has the meaning of excellence and beauty (genuine, noble, praiseworthy, etc). Surely there is only One who is sound, and excellent, and with exquisite beauty. It is the Lord (Ps 27:4; Isa 33:17). How do we come to know what is sound and good? It is through the preaching and teaching of the Word, which is the theme today.

An Elder/Leader Must Be Blameless (Titus 1:5-9)

Titus 1:5-9; Key Verse: Tit 1:6 (Watch Video of Sermon) (25 min)

"An elder must be blameless..." ("above reproach")

This text is about the prime attribute of an elder/leader/overseer/pastor of the church, which is "blameless," (NIV) or "above reproach" (ESV). But "blameless" should surely also be the chief characteristic of any and every genuine sincere Christian.

God Makes Known His Word Through Preaching (Titus 1:1-4)

Titus 1:1-4; Key Verse: 1:3

"...and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior" (NIV, 2011).

Paul wrote Titus during a 4th missionary journey (A.D. 62-64) not recorded in Acts. He instructed Titus in how to lead the churches in Crete. Tit 3:8, a key verse of Titus, says, "...those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone." The theme of Titus is the inseparable link between faith and life, principle and practice.

Sermon on the Mount (Martyn Lloyd-Jones): General Introduction

Why study the Sermon on the Mount? The church is superficial. An outstanding characteristic of the Church is superficiality. Evangelistic efforts tends toward boisterousness, which is shocking. Her conception of holiness and approach to sanctification is shallow.

Why is the church shallow? Poor/wrong way of studying the Bible. A main cause is our attitude toward the Bible. We fail to take it seriously as our sole authority. We fail to study the Bible in the right manner.

What is a Christian? (Phil 3:8-11)

Phil 3:8-11; Key Verse: 3:8

"I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord..."

Based on Paul's testimony in Phil 3:8-11, I pondered the question, "What is a Christian?" But this past week was a very tough week. A former Bible student was arrested and charged with criminal sexual assault. Ever since I heard the news last Sun evening, I have been distressed and distraught all week, conflicted with many thoughts and emotions. I tried to work on my sermon, but was simply distracted and depressed. The text in Philippians is bright and glorious. Paul was declaring joyfully, "Jesus is worth more to me than anything else in the world." The reality I was experiencing is dark and gloomy. A friend I have known for 5 years is charged with rape and robbery. How do I resolve such conflicts within my own heart? I am not able to. But I do know as a Christian that God is good, and that all things work out for good to those who love God and who have been called by God (Rom 8:28). I pray for him that through this sad, painful and unfortunate event, he may come to find his Joy, his Treasure and his Pleasure in Jesus. I pray that he may come to confess from his heart as Paul did in the text today. Briefly, Paul shows us his core and his center in Phil 3:7-11. He teaches us what it means to be a Christian.

Of Joy and Dogs (Phil 3:1-7)

Philippians 3:1-7; Key Verse: 3:1

"...rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again..."

This January I had intended to only preach 1 sermon on Philippians to pray for 2012 to be a year of sanctification. (This is my 13th sermon on Philippians.) That sermon on sanctification (Phil 2:12-13) was change is possible. I stressed that the primacy of sanctification is God working in us (Php 2:13). Yet no Christian will ever grow, mature and be joyful and fruitful without "working" "with fear and trembling" (Phip 2:12). Paul said "I worked harder than all of them" (1 Cor 15:10), not to make lazy people feel guilty but to show the beauty of the grace of Jesus working in him. If a Christian is not growing or is unhappy, it is because they are not "working" but "chilling." I am not legalistic about chilling, because there is the biblical teaching of "rest." But Jesus said, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working” (Jn 5:17). If the Father and the Son are always working, what should we Christians be doing?

Practical Gospel Living (Phil 2:19-30)

Philippians 2:19-30; Key Verse: 2:30

"...he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life..."

What is beyond the gospel? There is an impression among Christians that the gospel is impractical. We think of Christianity as though the gospel is needed for our salvation. But after being saved, we need to start doing "Christian stuff" in order to grow as Christians. Matt Chandler wrote in his new book "The Explicit Gospel" that "For some reason--namely our depravity--we have a tendency to think that the cross saves us from past sin, but after we are saved, we have to take over and clean ourselves up. This sort of thinking is devastating to the soul. We call this the 'assumed gospel,' and it flourishes when well-meaning teachers, leaders and preachers set out to see lives first and foremost conformed to a pattern of behavior (religion) and not transformed by the Holy Spirit's power (gospel)."

Sanctification by the Gospel, not Discipleship (Phil 2:5-11)

Philippians 2:5-11; Key Verse: 2:8

"...even death on a cross."

Gospel-Driven Sanctification: The title of my sermon is "Sanctification by the Gospel, not Discipleship." This might be misunderstood as saying that discipleship is not important for Christians. That is not what I am saying. What I am saying is that discipleship does not necessarily result in sanctification. Rather, sanctification results in true discipleship.

Tullian Tchividjian wrote, "Many Christians have come to believe that the key to deeper spiritual renewal and revival is 'working harder.' (or discipleship) The truth, however, is that real spiritual growth (sanctification) happens only when we rediscover the gospel." (Surprised by Grace, 17)

Humility, Humiliation and the Humanity of Christ

Philippians 2:5-11; Key Verse: 2:5
"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus."

Recap on joy: Joy is critical to life. Without joy, life would be torture. Paul was very serious about joy. He chose to life rather than die so that he could work for their "joy in the faith" (Phil 1:25). To have joy, a Christian needs to live a life of unity, humility and mutuality (Phil 2:2-4). A key to joy is to realize our perpetual sinful default to incurvatus in se (curved inward on oneself). An inward focus/orientation drives joy from our hearts. Yet, we cannot will ourselves to have an outward orientation and genuinely care for others. Rather, Christian joy comes from the gospel when we are encouraged, comforted, in fellowship with, and have tenderness and compassion in union with Christ (Phil 2:1). Christian joy is never an act of the will, but a gift of the Spirit (Gal 5:22; Phil 2:1). Christian joy is always gospel-based, Christ-focused and grace-enabled. Apart from the gospel we have a weird forced kind of Pharisee joy, or a victim's mentality of constantly blaming others.

Complete My Joy (Philippians 2:1-4)

Philippians 2:1-4; Key Verse: 2:2 "...make my joy complete..."

Recap on suffering: It is a very painful truth that God ordains and allows the sufferings we experience, past and present! The primacy of God operates in all of life, including our faith and the inevitable sufferings that accompany life (Phil 1:29). We suffer from of our own sins and from the sins of others. As Christians, we need to study, understand and ground all our suffering in the suffering of Christ. Then our suffering does not crush us, but draws us closer to Jesus. Also, our suffering and brokenness becomes an instrument which God uses to minister to others, as we become a "wounded healer," healed by the grace of God.

The PRIMACY of God in Faith and Suffering (Philippians 1:29-30)

We have taken 5 weeks to complete Philippians chapter 1. Thank God. We will go on to the meat or center of Philippians in chapter 2 when Paul focuses on the utmost importance of unity and humility in the church. Stay tuned.

The title of my sermon this morning, "The Primacy of God in Faith and Suffering," might seem odd and unusual. But I like the phrase "The Primacy of God," because it emphasizes that God is ALWAYS primary in everything, never man. "Primacy" means "the fact of being primary, preeminent, or more important." When we see God as the primary mover, God enables us to be theocentric (God-centered) and Christocentric (Christ-centered). Otherwise, we become anthropocentric (man-centered).

The Delightful Dilemma of Death (Philippians 1:21-30)

Is death really a delightful dilemma? It was for the Apostle Paul. He expressed clearly and in detail why his dilemma as to whether he lives or dies is such a happy process (Phil 1:20-24). Whenever we have 2 choices, one often seems better than the other. Should I marry a pretty girl? Or a homely girl? But Paul's dilemma is that one choice is the best in the world, and the other choice is even better than that! Won't we all like to have 2 such choices in life where you can NEVER EVER make a bad choice and lose? It is not just a WIN-WIN situation, but a WIN-BETTER THAN WIN situation.

God Finishes What He Starts (Philippians 1:1-20)

Philippians 1:1-20; Key Verse: Phil 1:6

"...he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

How reassuring it is to know and to hear that it is God (not me) who began His work of salvation in me, and that it is also God (NOT ME) who will complete His work of salvation in me!

We (correctly) teach the Bible saying that it is God who saved us by His grace. But after that we inadvertently (incorrectly) teach that it is up to us to make sure we don't lose our salvation and blow it! With such thoughts and teachings, we are guilt ridden when we sin, and we guilt trip other Christians and "squeeze" them when we communicate that they are not living "up to par" or living as they should. In Php 1:6, Paul is crystal clear that the work of salvation begins with God, and that is is completed by God (not by me, or by Paul). The NT emphasizes this over and over again, repeatedly (Php 1:29, 2:13; Eph 2:1,5; Col 2:13; Jn 1:12; Acts 11:18; 2 Th 2:13-14; Heb 11:29, 40).

Sanctification Part III: Joy, Peace and Contentment (Philippians 4:2-23)

Philippians 4:2-23; Key Verse: 4:7a,9b

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding ... And the God of peace will be with you."

Don't we all want to know a peace that is beyond knowing? Comprehend a peace that is beyond comprehension?  Experience a peace that passes all understanding?

What compelled me to Christ before I became a Christian was that I had no peace, serenity, or tranquility. This really bothered me. I could study well, become a doctor, have loving parents who never hurt me, have an inner spirit of resolve to never be defeated by life or by anyone, and yet I had no peace!

Sanctification, Part III: Not There Yet (Philippians 3:12-4:1)

Philippians 3:12 - 4:1; Key Verse: Phil 3:13

"I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do..."

Paul is a man of "one thing" (Php 3:13), "one goal" (Php 3:12), "one prize" (Php 3:14), and "one desire" (Php 3:10), for which he gives all of himself. He does not do so out of any righteousness, nobility or goodness in himself, but attributes all of his zeal and passion to the grace of Jesus (Php 3:9; Gal 2:20b). In this way, Paul shows us the one single driving force behind his sanctification and his Christian life.

We have been praying that 2012 may be the year of Sanctification. What is sanctification? Louis Berkhof (1873 – 1957), a renowned 20th century theologian, explains Sanctification: "Sanctification is a work of the triune God, but is ascribed more particularly to the Holy Spirit in Scripture, Rom 8:11; 15:16; 1 Pet 1:2. It is particularly important in our day, with its emphasis on the necessity of approaching the study of theology anthropologically and its one-sided call to service in the kingdom of God, to stress the fact that God, and not man, is the author of sanctification. Especially in view of the Activism that is such a characteristic feature of American religious life, and which glorifies the work of man rather than the grace of God, it is necessary to stress the fact over and over again that sanctification is the fruit of justification, that the former is simply impossible without the latter, and that both are the fruits of the grace of God in the redemption of sinners. Though man is privileged to cooperate with the Spirit of God, he can do this only in virtue of the strength which the Spirit imparts to him from day to day. The spiritual development of man is not a human achievement, but a work of divine grace. Man deserves no credit whatsoever for that which he contributes to it instrumentally."

2012: The Year of Sanctification

2012 Key Verse: Philippians 2:12b-13
“…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you both to will and to act according to his good purpose/pleasure.”


West Loop UBF does not need me. I said: “West Loop UBF does not need me, but I need West Loop UBF.” Why? We have 9 families who are faithful stewards, friends and elders for our local church community. For all practical purposes, these 9 families run West Loop UBF with little to no input or contribution from me. I only thank God for the initiative and love of Jesus of my friends. I also said, “Please make mistakes boldly. If you want to do anything, you do not have to ask for my permission or blessing. I trust you. If it works, praise God! If it flops, learn from your mistake.” From the outset of West Loop in Jan 2008, my principle is for West Loop to run without me. By God’s grace, I believe it has.

Sanctification, Part II: One Thing I Do (Philippians 3:12-4:1)

Philippians 3:12-4:1; Key Verse: Phil 3:13 "But one thing I do..."

1. What is Paul's confession of his own progress in Christ (Php 3:12a, 13a; 1 Ti 1:15)? What does "perfect" (Php 3:12) and "mature" (Php 3:15) mean? (They are translated from the same Greek word "teleios.")
2. What is "one thing" (Php 3:13), "the prize" (Php 3:14) and the "goal" (Php 3:12,15)? Why did Christ take hold of him (Php 3:12c; Rom 8:29)? What does "press on" (Php 3:12b, 14a), "forgetting" and "straining" (Php 3:13b) teach about sanctification (1 Cor 9:24-27; 1 Ti 6:12; Heb 12:1)? How should mature Christians hold true to what they have attained (Php 3:16; 2:12-13)?
   
3. What is a healthy principle for a Christian (Php 3:17; 4:9; 1 Cor 4:16; 11:1; 1 Th 1:6; 2 Th 3:7-9; 1 Ti 4:12,15-16; 2 Ti 3:10-11; 1 Pe 5:3)? Why (Heb 3:13)?
   
4. What is Paul's tearful warning (Php 3:18)? Who are these "enemies of the cross" (Php 3:2)? Are they non-Christians and pagans? What is their destiny, their god, their glory, and their mind set on (19)? What is the problem with worldliness (1 Jn 2:15-17)?
   
5. What is the goal of sanctification (Php 3:20)? How is this accomplished (Php 3:21)? Are you homesick? Do you have a resolve (Php 4:1)?
   

Sanctification Part I: Change Is Possible (Philippians 2:12-18)

Philippians 2:12-18; Key Verse: 2:12b-13

"...continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."

The 1 point of my 2012 New Year sermon is: "Because God works in you (accepts you/saves you), you can change and you will change." Are you changing? Stated differently, the 1 point is: "Because God accepts you, change is now possible." Thus, there will always be change in a Christian's life, and it will always work itself out in our lives daily. This is salvation. Salvation never means, "I save myself by my repentance, my faith, my decision and my will." Rather, salvation always means, "God saved me, even though I am (completely) helpless to save myself."

HOW SALVATION WORKS (Philippians 2:12-18)

Philippians 2:12-18; Key Verse: 2:12b-13

"...continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."

The One Thing Necessary: Sermon by Thomas Watson on Phil 1:12: "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."