Chaotic Joy Surplus

Week 13 – Friday – You Have Correct Perspective

2008-06-27T14:21:00.000-04:00

Go read Philippians 3:20-21
<> What does it mean to you for your citizenship to be in heaven?
<> What does it look like in your life to eagerly wait for your Savior?

Perspective Driven Life
I have often heard the phrase, “ __________ is so heavenly-minded that they’re no earthly good.” That’s dumb. Having your mind set on heaven and Jesus puts things into a perspective that helps us live out a lot of practical earthly good.

Eternal mindset does the following (not an exhaustive list):
- gives you urgency to join Christ in the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)
- gives you patience when things hear aren’t going so well (Colossians 1:10-12)
- kills a complaining attitude by showing you the comparative goal (Philippians 2:14)
- creates trust that God is in control and we are not. (Romans 15:13)

<> Do you struggle with urgency in terms of being a missionary, patience in hard times, or complaining?
<> Is it because you don’t have a correct perspective on life?

Go read James 4:13-15
<> What changes if all the events of your life are just small droplets of a vapor in the scope of eternity?

Go read 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:9
<> If we are groaning here and hoping to be with him, what is the conclusion of Ch. 5:9?

Restrained Power
Reread Philippians 4:21.
<> How much power does Christ have?

I think it is very easy to forget about the depth of the power that Christ wields. The truth of the matter is that at any moment He has the power to bring all things under His control. And He will someday. I don’t know why He waits. Except that He desires for more to come into the family. When you understand that someday God will restore all things – He will bring everything under His control visibly and tangibly – doubt and fear start to erode as valid concerns. He is powerful enough to deal with our problems. He is mighty to save. His arms are long enough to hold us – and to reach the lost – no matter how far we go.

Week 13 – Wednesday – You Follow the Right People

2008-06-25T11:31:00.001-04:00

Go read Philippians 3:17.
<> Are you a natural follower or a leader?
<> Regardless of that answer, how good are you at following?

True Following
True following is a rarity in our culture. It is far overshadowed by 1.) Open rebellion – outright refusal to follow and submit or 2.) Insubordination – an outward show of following while inwardly rejecting the example set and spreading divisive philosophies that undermine the authority.

Both of these are caused by pride. As long as I think I’m smarter/better/more competent than the person I am supposed to be following, my brain will refuse to truly follow. Biblically, this is going to be a major issue.

Go read Matt. 4:19, 8:22, 9:9, Mark 1:17, 2:14, Luke 5:27, 6:46, John 14:15 and 23-24
<> How clear is Jesus about what we are expected to do?
<> Do you follow Jesus in the way His disciples did?
<> Do you obey His commands?

There is an instant theological rebellion that starts to well up in me as I look at these passages. My heart says, “yeah but wait! Jesus doesn’t really care about mindless obedience. He wants relationship!” That’s true. He wants relationship – and He wants your obedience. He wants you to know Him – and He wants you to obey Him. This is not some kind of balanced friendship relationship with a whole lot of give and take. He wants to be the Master of our lives. In fact, He is the Master of our lives whether we submit to Him or not. The real question is whether we will continue to live in denial of that fact or whether we will start to humbly align our lives with that truth.

The Right People
I start by talking about following Jesus, because until we submit to Him, we will never learn to walk in the balance of following the right people. Once you start to deal with your proud heart that refuses to follow Jesus or people, then you can start dealing with the logistics of following.

Go read Eph. 5:21.
<> Out of respect for Christ, do you submit to other believers?

Without a doubt there is an example worth following and there is one to be very cautious about. Paul makes this clear in Phil. 4:17-19. So here are the grid questions to ask yourself:

1.) Do they submit to Christ and His Word? Do they obey the Bible to the best of their ability and understanding?
2.) Is there any area of life where they are more mature or proficient than you? What is it about the person that you respect?
3.) How can you get what they have? How is the best way to go about getting assistance from them?

Too often we assume that in order for someone to disciple us, we need to set up a formalized weekly meeting for them to pour into our lives. That is not true. Sometimes you might just need to grab coffee one time with someone and ask them twenty questions before you lose them. Sometimes you might need to hang out once a month. Sometimes you just need to watch them from a distance and observe how they live.

At the end of the day it’s this simple: 1.) Repent from your pride. 2.) Follow Jesus. 3.) Follow other people who follow Jesus.

Week 13 – Tuesday – You Apply what you know

2008-06-24T08:48:00.000-04:00

Sorry about the lack of blog yesterday. Due to technical difficulties and a stereotypical Monday of hilarious mishaps, it just wasn’t a possibility. I missed you. Glad to be back with you on this beautiful Tuesday.

One of the most dangerous aspects of following Christ in the culture and spiritual climate we live in is that for the most part, in the Bible belt, people who claim to be Christians are intellectually overfed and spiritually malnourished. We are full of spiritual information and trivia about God the Bible while our lives are empty of true Godliness and repentance. We are spiritual gluttons; constantly wanting one more pre-processed nugget of spiritual truth from the Jesus buffet, and never putting His truth into practice. We don’t exercise enough. If this pattern of eating and eating and eating without ever exercising continues, we get to a point where we can’t lift our fat, lazy selves off the couch of apathetic comfort.

Go read Philippians 3:15-16

Maturity
Paul straight up calls us out when he says “All of us who are mature should take such a view of things.” What view of things? Look back in vs. 12-14. Paul says ALL mature believers should take a this view. 1.) I have not arrived at the goal yet. 2.) By forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I am pressing on toward the goal. What is the goal? Jesus -- knowing Him. Why does that fly in the face of our cultural spiritual gluttony? Because forgetting and straining so as to press on involves movement. It involves neglecting our past and letting Christ heal us. It involves seeking Christ actively as we strain toward what He has for us in the future. It has no room for complacency. It cuts to the heart of over-informed, lazy Christianity (if that is Christianity at all.)

<> Is your walk with Christ more marked by movement or stagnancy?
<> Is it possible to follow something or someone without moving?

The second one is kind of a trick question. It is possible to follow someone without moving if they stop moving. Go look through Jesus’ life and the times He stopped moving were for two main reasons: 1.) to teach people spiritual truth about Himself and 2.) to hang out with the Father. If you aren’t actively moving in terms of actions, then following Jesus’ example means you are actively helping push others toward following Christ or you are sitting at His feet getting to know Him – which means actively moving your heart towards Him.

<> Do you have long periods of spiritual downtime where you are neither moving in obedience to God or moving relationally closer to Him?

Read vs. 15 again.

Isn’t that beautiful? If you are mature then you will think like this: humbly accepting you are not there yet, you will patiently persevere as you press on toward Christ. BUT just in case that is not your attitude in some area of life, He will fix that too.

<> How can you see God changing your attitude toward a more mature pursuit of Him?

Living Up to What We Have Attained:

Go read vs. 16.
<> What have you attained?

When we put our whole hope and faith in Christ’s death on the cross to pay for our sins and His resurrection from the grave to give us new life in Him – we attain relationship with God the Father. We attain the Holy Spirit who comes to live in us. Over time we learn spiritual truth about what God says is the best way to live life.

<> Are you living up to what you have attained?
<> Are there major spiritual lessons you’ve learned that you are ignoring right now in your life?
<> Go back through any old journals and see if you have backslidden on areas God convicted you about.

If we are ever going to become and remain maturing believers, we can not constantly be working from ground zero. Imagine a baby that had to relearn how to walk through the entire process of crawling every day. That baby would never be able to run. We have to build on what we know. We have to grow. And in the process He’ll keep showing us that He is really the one growing us.

Week 12 – Friday – Straining Toward What is Ahead

2008-06-20T08:19:00.001-04:00

Go read Philippians 3:12-14.
<> How are you straining toward what is ahead in your walk with God??

Straining vs. Complacency
Straining is a funny word to describe how we are following Jesus, because it just sounds like it would take so much effort. We don’t like that kind of religion. We like lazy religion – religion where we can claim to believe a certain set of doctrines and then sit down and do nothing about or because of them – religion where God isn’t all that interested in the daily actions of our lives – religion where progress and spiritual growth are optional – religion where we twist our theology to agree with and support the apathetic nature of our faith.

To this lazy, evil and complacent heart, Jesus whispers, “Come follow me.” He bids that we draw near to Him, that we seek Him – that we leave our bondage to sin behind in the pursuit of Him. But honestly, we don’t really want to. Why? Because it’s hard. Forgetting the past, straining toward what is ahead, pressing on toward the goal, and ultimately following Jesus with our lives is HARD. He daily calls us to die to ourselves, and to lay down our selfish desires. He daily calls us to serve our friends and our enemies. He calls us to walk humbly in the honest acceptance that He is God and that we are not, and that we are in desperate need of Him. He regularly shows us that we are up a creek without Him.

So, if we are not careful we will make the worst possible trade – we forfeit straining after knowing Him for religion and morality that makes us feel just godly enough to appease Him.

<> Are you lazy and apathetic in your following after Christ?
<> Have you traded knowing the real living Jesus for empty religion?

The Hardness of Straining

Go read Hebrews 12:1-12
<> According to vs. 2, what is ahead that we are looking towards?
<> According to vs. 7-12, what does God do to the children He loves?

Way to often we are ok with everything being easy in our lives. A complacent heart wants everything to be easy. The heart that is straining toward Jesus is ok with a little bit of hardship. Why? Because there is no straining without hardship. Hardship is a sign that God is disciplining you. Discipline is proof of His love. When you understand His goals and His love and His kingdom and the fact that everything is ultimately about His glory, your start to see that your hardship is part of His design for your life. Hardship helps us learn that life is not all about us and it also teaches us to seek Him desperately for our daily help. He loves both of those things.

Simply put: truly following Jesus is a beast of an uphill battle (the Scriptures call it a narrow path), but for those who strain ahead, Jesus is the reward and He is the sustainer along the way. If intimacy with Christ is your goal, then life will be hard, but He will be with you and He is better than the hardness of life.

<> How and where do you need to start straining after Christ?

Week 12 – Thursday – Forgetting the Past (Part 2)

2008-06-19T10:52:00.000-04:00

Go read Philippians 3:12-14.

A Past that Haunts
Yesterday we talked specifically about dealing with sins from our past committed by us. Today I want to open up the conversation to other things from our past that have a tendency to haunt us. These things may include honest mistakes, shameful heritage, sins committed against us by other people, heart-wrenching tragedies or just the wasted years of ignorance to Jesus’ call for our lives.

<> What different kinds of things from your past have the tendency to haunt you?

To work through these things we need to understand the Greek word Paul uses that is translated “forgetting”. The word is epilanthanomai and means to neglect, or no longer care for. The problem is that a lot of us think that we are victimized weaklings compared to our big hairy monster pasts. Too much of the time we believe that we are hopeless to ever escape the lasting scars and effects of our past. While there is a truth to the fact that certain portions of our past will affect who we are forever, we must understand that Jesus is bigger than ANY aspect of our past.

<> Have you given up hope to be freed from bondage to the effects of your past?
<> How are you taking your past to Jesus and asking Him to help you heal?

An Active Fight
Go read 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

<> In what ways is your battle with your past a spiritual battle?
<> According to vs. 5 what is the goal of these arguments and pretensions?

It is vital to realize that we have spiritual enemies who will use any ounce of a foothold from our past to wage war against our soul. Their goal is always the same: to separate us from the real knowledge of God. The fight is an active and simple response to these attacks. We run to God. We take captive our thoughts and we run to Jesus. When you are struggling with your past it can help to visualize yourself walking up to the cross with your past in your hands and laying it down at the foot of the cross.

There are two huge parts of this fight that are important to understand:

1.) You are not a helpless victim. You are a saved and rescued daughter or son of God who has been reconciled through the death and resurrection of Jesus, the Messiah and Son of God. He sent His Holy Spirit. According to 1 John 2:27, the Spirit will always remind you to remain in Christ. So do that. Take your thoughts to Jesus. Ask Him what He thinks about them. FIGHT. Don’t give up.

2.) You are not the one who needs to win the fight. The outcome of the fight does not depend on you. He has already won the fight. In Col. 3:15, it says that Jesus “disarmed the rulers and authorities. He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through the cross.” Understanding that the battle is won has a certain manner of stripping the illusion of power from our enemies.

<> How have you given up the fight against your past?
<> Have you given into a selfish attitude of victimization?
<> In what ways do you think that you are ultimately responsible for the outcome of the fight against your past?

Week 12 – Wednesday – Forgetting the Past (Part 1)

2008-06-18T15:11:00.000-04:00

Go read Philippians 3:12-14.

One Thing
When a guy like Paul – a master, a role model, a legend type of guy – says “one thing I do . . .”, it is probably worth paying attention. When that kind of veteran boils down his life and says, “Hey I don’t think I’m there yet but I’ll tell you the one thing that is helping me get from here to there . . .”, we should probably open our ears and soak on what he has to say.

<> In Phil. 3:14, what does Paul say is his one thing?

Paul’s one thing is pressing on toward the goal. Right before he says that in vs. 13 he gives the two main ways that he goes about doing his one thing. 1.) Forgetting what is behind and 2.) Straining toward what is ahead. Over the next few days we’re going to break down both of those parts to help us understand how to press on toward the goal.

Forgetting What is Behind
The first aspect of how Paul goes about pressing on toward the goal we talked about yesterday is “forgetting what is behind.” This is an incredibly practical understanding of spiritual attack that we will all experience if we are truly following Christ. If you have not yet been attacked about your past, go ahead and strap on your seatbelt because it’s coming.

Go read Acts 7:54-8:1.
Go read 1 Timothy 1:12-15

<> What kind of a past did Paul come from?
<> What kind of a past do you come from?

I think our main pushback to this idea of forgetting the past is “Whoa! Wait a minute you don’t know what kind of past I come from. You don’t know how I’ve blown it. You don’t know my sin.” Paul would respond to you, “Oh, trust me – I know. The truth is you don’t know MY past.” When you consider where Paul comes from and how murderous and violent he was and what kind of an enemy toward God he was, you start to realize that there is nothing that exists in your past that is too much for Christ to handle. The grace of the gospel is that Christ in the cross has already paid for – he has already endured the pain that your past deserves. For you to continue living in shame and guilt because of your past denies the gift of what Christ did in the cross.

Three Options
At the end of the day you have three options: 1.) you can continue living in guilt and shame about the sin of your past and never move forward toward what God wants for your life (this is a bad option), 2.) you can live in denial of your past and act like it doesn’t effect you now even though you’ve never healed or accepted forgiveness or moved on (this is also a bad option), or 3.) you can do the hard work of looking at your past in terms of the gospel and letting Jesus forgive you for the wretched way that you used to live. If you have confessed and repented, then it is time to move on.

Week 12 – Tuesday – That for Which Christ took Hold of Me

2008-06-17T09:14:00.000-04:00

Go read Philippians 3:12-14
<> What is the “that” in vs. 12 in the phrase, “that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me”?

Understanding the Goal
Over the next few days we are going to talk very practically about forgetting the past and straining towards what is ahead. If we don’t know what the goal is that we are straining towards, we aren’t going to get anywhere. The phrase Paul uses in Phil. 3:12 is incredibly powerful: “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” I’m pushing forward to grab onto the very thing that for which Jesus took hold of me. Paul’s goal is Christ’s goal for Paul. The reason Christ took hold of Paul on the Damascus Road (Acts. 9:1-31) is what Paul is laboring towards with all his might. So why did Christ take hold of us?

Go read John 17:3.
<> What is eternal life?

Go read 2 Cor. 5:17-21
<> What was Jesus’ mission?
<> How did He accomplish it?

Phil. 3:7-11
<> What does Paul want more than anything else?

When you start to piece together the facts that Christ offers eternal life which is knowing Him and His Father – that His mission was to reconcile us to His Father by not holding our sins against us – that He is the surpassing value for which everything is worth losing – empty religion and moralism start to fade as goals and the only remaining goal is true intimate relationship with the one and only living God. Christ took hold of you so that you could be reconciled to the Father. Now go press on towards knowing the Father. It’s really pretty simple – until we complicate it.

Take some time to think about your relationship with God:
<> At it’s core, is your desire to know Him?
<> What kinds of things do you let distract you from the main goal? (i.e. religious checklist mentality, doubts, selfish desires, moral effort, laziness, etc.)

Humble Repentance
I think more than anything else Jesus might want us to repent of the ways that we replace following Him with any number of things that aren’t necessarily bad . . . but aren’t the main goal.

So go repent and seek Christ.

Go read James 4:7-10 and obey it.

Week 12 – Monday – Accurate Humility

2008-06-16T09:41:00.001-04:00

Go read Philippians 3:12-14
<> What two startling things does Paul say in vs. 12 and vs. 13? (Or maybe, what startling does Paul say in two different ways – once in vs. 12 and once in vs. 13?)
<> How does it make you feel that Paul considers himself and says, “not that I have already obtained all this?”

Humility and the Gospel
There are two main thoughts that I hear about humility. The first goes something like this: Jesus hates the proud and wants you to be humble. Here’s how you can be humble – think less of yourself and think more of other people. Treat other people like they are awesome. Be humble.

I don’t think this idea is very far off – but I also don’t think it’s completely accurate. There are two reasons why. 1.) This thought process makes humility out to be something you have to conjure up – you have to try really hard to force it whether it’s accurate or not. 2.) According to the gospel, people really aren’t that awesome – Jesus is.

The second thought on humility goes like this. God is awesome. You are not. God wants to know you and when you meet Him, He humbles you. You cannot actually be in the presence of the God of the universe without coming to understand how small you are. Your humility is the natural process of living in light of this truth.

<> Is humility a defining attribute of your life?
<> Is your humility a tried for and fought for effort of piety, or is it the natural reaction to a proper view of God and hanging out intimately with Jesus?

Accurate Humility
I think Paul’s humility matches the second option. Paul who knew met Christ supernaturally on the road to Damascus, converted from militant oppressor of the church to passionate missionary and wrote more than half of the new testament, learned one main thing from hanging out with Jesus: Paul hadn’t arrived yet.

I loved how Dustin talked about how blown away we would be if Tiger Woods said he hadn’t really made it yet in terms of golf. You can also take the analogy and swing it another direction. If Tiger invited you to come learn how to play golf with him as your one-on-one mentor – you could learn from him for years and still know that you were not as good as him. The greatness of the master determines the humility of his followers. If we are honestly spending quality time with the Creator, Sustainer, Savior and Hope of the Universe, then our humility has to be growing.

Let me make this plain: If humility is not growing in your life, then you are not spending adequate time with the one true living God.

<> Does the humility of your life indicate that you are growing steadily and relationally with God?

The amount that you live your life in humility will tell the world how majestic you believe God is. This is why it is extremely necessary that we preach the gospel to ourselves daily. Every time we reset the center of our lives on the hope of gospel – Jesus will chip away more of our foolish pride and replace with accurate humility – the accurate humility that says I had nothing to offer and He offered me everything.

Betting the Farm

2008-06-13T01:22:00.003-04:00

Paul says in Philippians 3.8 that he counts everything else as a loss compared to knowing Jesus. He says that for the sake of gaining Jesus he has lost all things that he once held dear, and that he now compares the things he left behind as trash. What a beautiful and provocative thought.

I think the real issue Paul is addressing here is an age-old question: Is Jesus worth it? Is knowing Him worth giving up everything—worth the cost that he demands of us?

Paul’s answer screams “Yes!” a thousand times over. There is no hesitation even while Paul sits chained up in prison—beaten, lonely and persecuted.

Think of the parable of the pearl of great price: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he had and bought it”(Matt. 13.44). Notice that it was in his joy that he sold everything in order to gain Jesus.

Let us follow Jesus’ commands to count the cost before following Him, but let us also never forget that He is well worth joyfully sacrificing all He asks.

<>Do you believe that Jesus is worth it?

The Great Trade

2008-06-12T10:38:00.001-04:00

Philippians 3:7 says, "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ."

John Calvin says that before we have Christ we esteem to things that we had gained, but "so soon as Christ shines forth all those things that formerly dazzled our eyes with a false splendor instantly vanish." The thing that we wanted, desired, and worked towards before seeing Christ are no longer what life is about. We see things in a different light now, the light of Christ

Another translation for the word "loss" here is "damage". When we hold on to things we damage the sake of Christ, in our own lives and in our impact on others. The thing we need to do is realize that the things we aspire to and hope for can get in the way of Christ. We should desire only Jesus. Not Jesus and...

It isn't bad to enjoy the gifts of God, but to pursue the gifts instead of the Giver is ridiculous. We need to pursue Christ and be satisfied. He is all we need.

Defining Christians

2008-06-11T02:36:00.006-04:00

Philippians 3.3 “For we are the real circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—“

In Romans 2.28-29, Paul talks about circumcision being a matter of the heart. Real circumcision is an outward expression that flows out of an inward change. An understandable parallel for us would be baptism. What do you call getting baptized without an inward change marked by repentance and belief in Jesus?

A bath. That is all it would be good for.

Paul is teaching here that the Gospel is always taking things deeper—to their roots. This is why Jesus says that lusting after a woman is the same as committing adultery. The root of the problem is not found in our wrong actions—it is found in our wicked hearts and minds. This is where our rebellion is birthed.

Logically, if the problem begins at the root, the solution must go as deep. The redemption of Jesus must go all the way to our impure thoughts and motives, changing us from the inside out. This is what defines a true Christian. Behavior modification without a change of heart is a lie.

This inward change may be a little intimidating at first, but luckily God has given us a helper called the Holy Spirit. He comes to live inside of us who trust in Christ, to change us and make us new. The Spirit teaches us to put our trust in Him and not in ourselves, to glory in Jesus and nothing else.

--Are you brave enough to allow the Spirit to teach you and change you?

May we all have the courage to listen carefully as Jesus points out the ugly places in our hearts where our sinful actions come from. These dark places run deep, but the good news is that the grace and power of Jesus reaches down and rescues from any depth.

Battling Self-Righteousness

2008-06-10T09:24:00.004-04:00

Read Philippians 3:2-6.

In Philippians 3:3, Paul talks about the real circumcision. Now read Romans 2:28-29. This is Paul's answer to the Judaizers, the "mutilators of the flesh" that Paul is referring to, who preach Jesus and adherence to the Jewish laws, something that Jesus redeemed.

Paul wants us, the real circumcision, to worship by the Spirit of God, to glory in Christ, and to put no confidence in the flesh.

- Read John 3:5-6. We can't put any confidence in the flesh because the flesh leads to death. We need to put confidence in the things of the Spirit.

Paul goes on to say that if were possible to have confidence in the flesh that he would be the one who could. The list that Paul rattles off is a list of "wow" factors in the Jewish culture. Paul is a stud. But the thing is in all of the things that Paul could have put confidence in he couldn't because he had encountered Jesus.

We have nothing to pump our own selves up about besides Christ. Our 4.0 GPA isn't something to put confidence in. In the eternal scope of things that doesn't matter. That doesn't mean do your best and go for the 4.0, it just means that our confidence can't be there. Another way to translate the word "confidence" here is trust. We can't trust our 4.0 to do anything for us. We can't trust our awesome car, our six pack, our money, our job to do anything. It is all Christ. We have no right to have pride in this because none of it can save us from our sin.

- What do you put your confidence or trust in apart from Christ?

- How does putting confidence in that take Christ out of the equation for getting the glory for your life?

- Pray that Christ would change your perspective about our "resumes" from something that we can put our confidence and identity in to something that we thank Christ for and glorify Christ with.

Week 11 - Monday - The Safeguard of Rejoicing in the Lord

2008-06-09T12:13:00.000-04:00

Go read Philippians 3:1-11. Reread Philippians 3:1
<> Write down every reason you have right now to rejoice in the Lord.
<> What big picture reasons do you have to rejoice (i.e. the gospel)?
<> What small practical reasons do you have to rejoice?

The Gospel Safeguard
Learning how central the gospel is to our lives is a huge safeguard to us if we understand the danger of Hebrews 3:12-13. Go read it.

<> What is sin’s greatest desire according to Hebrews 3:12?
<> How does sin try to deceive you personally?

Learning how sin attacks us is vital to following Jesus. Knowing the specific ways that we are attacked regularly is the only way that we will come to understand how the gospel is a safeguard for us. Paul writes to us and says, “It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again.” He knows that as we live we will continue to be attacked regularly and learn where we need safeguards and protecting. Therefore he knows that it will continue to be beneficial to remind us that the gospel is our safeguard. The cross of the Christ is the pivotal moment that reminds us of God’s love for us when we didn’t deserve it at all.

Go read Romans 5:8
<> How mind-blowing is God’s love?

Jesus for Jesus’ Sake
The heart of the safeguard is that Jesus is your hope. He is the way, the truth and the life. He is the way to know HIM. Jesus is the truth about knowing God the Father. He is the life of living in relationship with God! He’s the point. He’s what it’s about.

<> In what ways has the gospel been perverted in your brain to be “Jesus + _________” is what life is about?
<> How is Jesus invading every area of your life for His sake?

As Jesus permeates our lives we learn more and more that life is better when Jesus is the goal and purpose and joy of life. In my spiritual life – the more I interact with Jesus, the more joyful I am. In my finances – knowing and worshipping Jesus is what I want every dollar to be about. In my career and my academics – how can I know Jesus more as I work my tail off? In my dating life – Jesus is the goal and He is my joy. I rejoice in Him – I remind others to rejoice in Him – I remind myself to rejoice in Him.

Jesus is it.

The end.

Week 10 – Friday – Epaphroditus

2008-06-06T10:41:00.000-04:00

Although we focused mainly on Timothy on Sunday night and then pointed out Jesus’ and Paul’s indirect impact on this passage, there is one more man who is celebrated in Philippians 2:19-30.

Go read Philippians 2:25-30.

<> Based on the passage, how is Epaphroditus described?

Taking Risk for the Cause of Christ:
The trip from Philippi to Rome is about a twenty-four hour journey by land and boat with today’s modern technology and modes of transportation. Without a doubt, Epaphroditus risks much in order to bring word and financial support from the church of Philippi to their beloved mentor, spiritual father, and friend; Paul.

<> What happened to Epaphroditus in the process of the journey?

The simple fact of the matter is that God might call some of us – some of our family members at Midtown – into intensely risky situations for the furtherance of His kingdom. Epaphroditus almost lost his life. You may have to risk your life in order to obey Jesus. YOUNG MALES BEWARE: This doesn’t mean that as a Christian we assume by formula that we should run headlong into the riskiest dumbest situation we can find hoping that we might die and become an “obedient” martyr for Christ. That’d be honorable right? No. That’d be dumb.

So how do we know when to risk and when not to? We listen to God and obey His voice which still speaks because He is still alive.

The Idol and Lie of Safety
The problem with this whole idea is that we are Americans. Whether we realize it or not we are all in danger or worshipping and valuing our own safety and comfort more than anything else. When you value anything more than Jesus, that’s called idolatry. In other words, it breaks the commandment of Exodus 20:3 that says, “You shall have no other gods before me.”

<> What evidence do you see in your life of ways that you over-value your comfort and safety?
<> Are there anyways that you are disobeying what God has called you to because of the risk involved?

Idolatry of safety and comfort will always lead to the bad kind of fear – the paralyzing fear. God says go right and we go left because we see all the danger of going right. In our heads we justify, “how could God possibly want me to do something risky?! After all what He wants most for me is safety and comfort. I’m His child after all. He loves me. He wants what is good for me.” In this manner of half-truths to justify disobedience we become guilty of the same mental game that Satan played with Eve in the garden when he whispered to her, “Did God really say . . .” (Gen. 3:1). If you want to live like Satan, then continue to use logic to disobey and ignore what God is telling you.

Risk and Mercy:
Go read Philippians 2:27.

<> What does Paul give credit to as the reason Epaphroditus survived?

I think a fundamental flaw in our thinking that exposes our idolatry of safety and comfort is when we start thinking that we deserve life, good health, safety, etc. Since we deserve that stuff we’re ok if God causes us to risk it as long as he makes it work out for our benefit in the end. It’s more of a barter system than surrender or submission. That’s not the way Paul thinks. Epaphroditus risked his life for the sake of Christ. Good. God didn’t let Epaphroditus die. Mercy. Paul says that God gave an undeserved gift of mercy by allowing Epaphroditus to live.

We all may be called to risky obedience in our following after Christ. The important understanding is that the life we have is a gift, the call to follow Jesus is a gift and if He allows us to survive until tomorrow that will also be a gift.

<> The question is will you hesitate, disobey and shake your fist at the Giver of all life, or will you trust, obey and worship Him?

Extra Resources – Sermon – John Piper

2008-06-06T10:40:00.001-04:00

Although he can be a little dry and heady, this is a strong and balanced argument for what taking risk in the cause of Christ looks like.

The Power to Risk in the Cause of Christ
http://www.desiringgod.org/resourcelibrary/topicindex/20_Risk/1972_The_Power_to_Risk_in_the_Cause_of_Christ/

Week 10 – Thursday – Confident in the Lord

2008-06-05T00:53:00.000-04:00

Go read Philippians 2:24
<> Where is Paul while he’s writing this letter?
<> What does he say he’s confident will happen?
<> Does he have any control over this situation?

Go read Hebrews 11:1
<> Can Paul physically see a way for him to visit the Philippians?
<> Why is he confident anyway?
<> Are there any areas of your life where you can’t see a way out – hope for resolution?

Paul is stuck in a very physically daunting situation. He is in physical chains. He can’t physically go where he wants to go. And in the midst of that situation, he sits down and writes a letter to his friends in Philippi with a major emphasis on the idea of joy.

Despite his chains, despite his captivity he tells them he’s confident he’ll see them soon. That’s quite a claim for a man who has no control whatsoever of his physical freedom.

The Basis for Confidence:
Go read Acts 9:1-14, Acts 14:8-10, Acts 16:22-36.

<> What kinds of things had Paul seen God do in his life as a Believer?

Considering the fact that Paul had seen God work in miraculous ways, his current “impossible” situation was no reason to lose confidence. In fact, God had specifically released him from a more dire prison situation before. Faced with turmoil, Paul considered the Lord’s past performance record, and decided to continue trusting Him. Good call, Paul.

<> Considering your life, where has God shown up before?
<> How miraculous is it to consider the fact that God has freed you from sin issues that used to own you?

If you take stock of who you were before Christ got a hold of your heart and put His Holy Spirit inside of you to start to live out His purpose in your life, the miracle of salvation becomes crystal clear. Your past experiences and God’s faithfulness to continually grow you towards Him and advance His kingdom are worthy of your confident faith in whatever situation you are currently facing.

Week 10 – Wednesday – Models of Selflessness

2008-06-04T09:26:00.000-04:00

Go read Philippians 2:19-30.

<> Who are the men in the passage?
<> What is celebrated about these men?

Selflessness:
I think we could just take a week of these blog posts and simplify them a lot. At the top of the post I could put, “Jesus is calling us to be selfless. Meditate and obey.” Selflessness is huge and needs to soak deep into our souls and not just be a surface, cognitive, knowledge-based idea.

<> What is your immediate reaction to the word selflessness?
<> In your life is selflessness the opposite of what you’re all about, an unachievable goal, an impractical dream, or something you actually trust Jesus wants to work out in your life – today – right now, etc.?

Hidden Models:
If you answered the first question of today’s post “Timothy and Epaphroditus” you’re not wrong. Those are the two main men talked about in the passage but I think the other two men in the passage are even more impressive examples and models.
<> Second try: other than Timothy and Epaphroditus, who are the other two men in this passage?

We’ll look at Paul first. The Scripture is not perfectly clear whether Paul knew what he was doing or just accidentally and inspired by the Spirit did something beautiful. Remember what Paul celebrates so much in Timothy? “I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 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.” Paul celebrates how selfless Timothy is in looking to Jesus and serving others selflessly rather than looking out for his own interests. Here’s what is so beautiful about the passage. At the exact same time that Paul celebrates selflessness in Timothy, Paul also models selflessness as he sends Timothy to the Philippians. Paul is in prison/house arrest. He’s alone. He just finished saying “I’ve got nobody like Timothy who gets it!” And then he sends Timothy to the Philippians. Selfless.

<> Are you selfless with people in your life?
<> Do you love to see people you love and who have loved and served with you get the opportunity to love other people and serve with them, or does selfish jealousy steal your joy?

The entire picture of this passage is intricately awesome. Paul lists ONE reason that Timothy is not selfish and ONE way that offers freedom from selfishness: Jesus. Common men look to their own interests – not to Jesus’ interests. Timothy looks to Jesus’ interests – not his own interests. Trying to become selfless on your own is impossible. Defining what you don’t want to be with no positive goal to move towards will inevitably be a fruitless venture.

Jesus was a selfless man. No doubt. But how though? He submitted to the authority of His Father.

Go read Luke 22:42, John 4:31-34, John 14:23-24 and John 15:10.

Obedience to the Father is the heartbeat of selflessness. Learning to listen to Him and obey His commands is both how you fall in love with Him and fall in love with people He is putting in your life. In doing so you align yourself with Jesus, Paul and Timothy – you begin the process of becoming a rare man.

Week 10 – Tuesday – Becoming Rare Men

2008-06-03T09:13:00.001-04:00

Can we be honest that there is a man-epidemic in our nation? We have almost no one men who will follow Christ in obedience – in a dangerous way – in relationship with Him – with genuine interest in the lives of others – in a SELFLESS way.

Go read Philippians 2:20-22.
<> How many men do you know who take a genuine interest in the needs of others?
<> In vs. 21 what are the two possible interests we could be looking out for?

Direct Correlation:
There is a very specific and intentional relationship that Paul just established very quickly. Timothy was genuinely interested in others because he was not looking out for his own interests, BUT THOSE OF JESUS CHRIST. The amount to which you kill your selfishness in the pursuit of Jesus is directly related to the way and the amount that you will care for other people.

Go read Matthew 22:36-40.

<> Why is the second commandment like the first commandment?

Why as men specifically do we seem to struggle so much to simply care at all about people? Based on the passage in Matthew, the amount we care about other people a huge indicator as to whether or not we care about God. Your selfishness is not separated from your godliness. You CAN NOT be passionately in love with Jesus and just not care about His people that much. You CAN NOT be passionately in love with Jesus and just not care much about people that He wants to be His people. When our role model and Savior suffered in every way imaginable, was tortured, bled and died for the sake of others, how do we think it’s possible that we can follow Him without any selfless sacrifice for the sake of others?

Go read 1 John 4:20-21
<> Men: how are you doing at loving your brothers?
<> Do you only love people who give you a kick back – women who make you feel emotionally whole – men who make you feel awesome about yourself – people who have something to offer you in response for your love?

Becoming Rare Men:
The greatest danger in response to all these thoughts is that as prideful men we would run off and try to fix the problem: both in ourselves and in all the other men around us. The great danger is ourselves. The greatest hope that we have is that we would set our minds and hearts on the interest of Christ at the expense of our needs, desires and effort. Our great hope is Christ.

Go read Luke 9:23.
<> How in your life are you taking up your cross?

In vs. 22 Paul writes that Timothy has labored with him as a son in the work of the gospel. I think if we are ever going to become the type of rare men it is going to come as the result of ONE thing only – that we would come to value the gospel of Jesus Christ more than anything else in our life.

Go read 1 Timothy 6:3-12. Reread vs. 11-12 about one thousand times.

Men of Midtown, die to yourself, claim the eternal life that is Jesus, and let Him make you the rare kind of man who lives a selfless life of service.

Week 10 – Monday – News that Cheers the Soul

2008-06-02T10:33:00.001-04:00

We are going to get straight to the heart of true Godly manliness . . . TOMORROW . . . but today we’re going to set up the whole passage.

Go read Philippians 2:19-30
<> This passage is not intensely theological so much as it is narrative. Paul is writing honestly about the situation with some men in his life. What can we learn from the fact that God thought this was worthwhile to include in His Word?

Stories
If we are not careful in the Bible belt culture that we live in, we can get confused into thinking that God wants more than anything for us to be incredibly smart and knowledgeable about Him. The truth is that God is writing a story and that He has decided to make us a part of it. He wants us to KNOW Him, not just to know about Him. The fact that the Scriptures are not just a textbook or encyclopedia of facts about God is testimony that God wants us to study how men interacted (well or poorly) with Him and each other. This section of Philippians shows Paul writing very honestly about two other men of God in his life. He honors them as men of God. God thinks Paul’s comments were important enough for us to be reading them thousands of years later.

<> Do you struggle with thinking that your spiritual growth is dependent on gaining more facts about God?
<> Why is it important to see Paul in a personal way as a man who interacted with God and other men?

I think there is a danger in thinking that the authors of the Bible were some kind of superhuman spiritually-perfect robots who never made mistakes and who loved God in an impossible to imitate way. If that is your attitude towards Paul and other writers, then you give yourself an excuse to ignore what they are teaching. “Oh yeah, of course he lived like that – he was Paul! I can’t do what he did. I can’t live like he did . . . I don’t have to listen to what he wrote.”

The problem is Paul was a man. In fact he was a pretty horrible man before God changed His life. The same Holy Spirit that God send to inspire Paul to write the Scriptures is the same Holy Spirit that lives in you and will teach you to obey the Scriptures.

News that Cheers the Soul

Go read Philippians 2:19.

I love the honesty and the implications of what Paul writes in the end of this verse, “that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.” Can you hear the honest and realness of a parent who’s child is in college? How much anticipation is in the question, “How is life going?” Hey! I’m looking forward to hearing from you cause I as tough as I’m trying to act right now, the truth is I MISS YOU. I liked it when you were part of my life more regularly.

There’s also a beautiful implication of this passage. When Paul writes that he can’t wait for Timothy to get back with news from the Philippians, he is implying, “I am expecting some good news.” Paul is saying that he can’t wait to hear from them because he can’t wait to hear great stories of what God has been doing in his absence. He’s looking forward to news of maturity and miracles and life change and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in a community of people who are radically giving their lives away for the Kingdom.

I remember when I first moved to Columbia and I heard reports that there was almost NO community here in Columbia where spiritual growth was the expectation. I think we have seen God changing that (and not just in our family at Midtown). Our hope as the pastors of Midtown is that our family would be an environment where growing towards maturity in Christ is an expectation, not a surprise. “What you aren’t growing in Christ regularly? – weird.”

<> Is your expectation of your life that God is and will continue to work in you towards spiritual grown and maturity?
<> Do you have high expectations for people in your life who claim to be Christians?

Creative LifeGroup Idea - Quick Stories

2008-06-02T10:27:00.003-04:00

One thing we talk about a lot in terms of LifeGroups is telling life stories. Something we don't encourage enough is regular or frequent telling stories of what God's doing in your life. Even if it it's just a 2 minute story that BARELY seems significant at all, we SHOULD be in the practice of talking about what God is doing in our lives.

Talk about this idea with your LifeGroup. Give everyone the opportunity to share with the clear understanding that the ONLY acceptable story is --> "I see God doing ________ in my life" or "I was hanging out with God and He told me ________ . "

Talk about creative and good ways that you can start making these statements be a regular part of your discussion with each others.

Week 9 – Saturday – Drink Offering

2008-05-31T07:59:00.000-04:00

Go read Philippians 2:17 and 2 Timothy 4:6.

<> What is the context in which Paul refers to himself being poured out as a drink offering in 2 Timothy?

Drink Offerings
Drink offerings are a traditional Old Testament offering that would be made to God by taking some amount of fine wine or perfectly pure drink and pouring it on an altar. In much the same way that a burnt offering or a meal offering offered the first and the best food as a gift to God and communicated our love for God is bigger than our love for food – our need for You God is bigger than our need for our best food; the drink offering also communicated this same idea of preference – God, You are more satisfying than our favorite refreshing beverage.

Go read 2 Samuel 23:15-17.

<> What do the mighty men in order to get the drink for David?
<> What does David communicate by offering it as a drink offering instead of drinking it?
<> Does anything in your life communicate that you prefer God to your own pleasure?
I think in terms of pure modern practical application fasting is a relatively untaught but extremely beneficial spiritual discipline. In a fast, as God’s people we abstain from something good that God has blessed our lives with to proclaim that Jesus is more satisfying that His gifts. We protect our hearts from falling to the idolatry of worshipping creature over creator. There are many ways to fast but the goal is that by removing a normal, regular and appreciated part of our lives, our physical hunger/thirst/desire will help us understand our spiritual hunger, thirst and desire for God.

Check out Matthew 6:16-18 for more instruction on fasting.

Symbolic Significance
The significance of a drink offering can be thought of in terms of the way that the entire liquid is consumed. A drink offering is the same picture that is referenced in Phil. 2:7 when it says that Christ “emptied himself”. The picture is that we are pouring out the entirety of our love and our life at the throne of our King in humble servitude. In Philippians 2:17 and moreso in 2 Timothy 4:6, Paul references the end of his life and his ministry. He’s making the point that if his entire life is poured our for sake of Christ, then so be it – that is the goal of his life.

In the story with King David sending the mighty men for the water from the well in Bethlehem, there is a certain notion of waste. You have to imagine that the mighty men might have been a little bit curious to say the least when they risk their lives to get their king a drink of water and he pours it on the ground instead of drinking it.

<> What would you have thought if you risked your life for the water and David poured it out?
<> What other purposes could the water have been used for?

I think there is a major point here: No matter what seems pragmatically best, our lives being poured out in worshipful service and praise of Jesus is the BEST and ONLY GOOD use of our lives. Paul echoes that idea in Philippians 2:17, “If I am being poured out like a drink offering […] I am glad and rejoice.”

<> How is your life being poured out in worship of the one and only God?

Week 9 – Friday – Hold Forth the Word of Life

2008-05-30T08:50:00.000-04:00

Go read Philippians 2:14-16.

<> According to vs. 16 what is Paul’s goal?
<> How do the lives of the Philippians impact him?

If You Got It, Flaunt It:

Go read Romans 10:13-15.

<> How did you come to know Christ?
<> Who specifically held out the Word of Life to you?

Go read John 1:1-5.

<> Who is the Word of Life?

There is a huge distinction that needs to be made in regards to the last two days posts. Hopefully in the language that was used within them, this distinction is already being made clearly but the goal of today’s post is to clarify just in case there has been any confusion. Here are two possible reactions to the last two day’s posts:

Reaction #1: Ok, I’m supposed to be powerful because the light of Jesus is powerful and it’s supposed to be in me so I need to try to be very light-esque and very powerfully light-ish. I’m supposed to live in the midst of the crooked and depraved generation and so I’m going to try to do that without becoming sinful in the process. I’m going to try really hard to go be bright light in the darkness and my life will be this directional becon like a star is for a sailor, if I can JUST try hard enough to shine and not to sin and to be around people who need a spiritual-follower-of-Jesus-who-is-like-a-star-guidance-system. Wow, the world needs me. That must be why He leaves me here and doesn’t take me home yet. Well, now it’s off to work to go be light and direction and guidance and to walk perfectly in balanced in the world but not of the worldness.

OR

Reaction #2: I’m been entrusted with the Word of Life and called to shine like a star in the midst of darkness. I’m not good at that on my own. Jesus I’m going to need some help if I’m even going to think about walking through this generation without becoming completely addicted to sin again. Literally all I have is that which has been given to me. So I’m going to hold out the Word of Life in front of me so much so that no one will be confused into thinking this is some new thing I’m doing – that I’m trying to do. Why does my life look different now? Jesus – the Word of Life that was preached to me. How can your life look different now? Jesus – He is the Word of Life that I’m holding out to you.

<> In terms of you shining like a star in the midst of a crooked and depraved generation, how much of that depends on you?

Being a missionary in this city is not about how good you can be at life. It is about how hard you can hold onto Jesus and proclaim Him as your lifelong and daily hope for holiness and grace.

The Word of Life:
Too many of us don’t know, don’t respect and don’t digest the Word of Life on a regular basis. In terms of holding it forth to a crooked and depraved generation, we’re holding out two verses we memorized when we were six. The Word which is the Bible which is Jesus who is our life – is not an optional pursuit if we say that following Jesus is what we are all about.

<> How much time do you spend in the Word?
<> Do you pursue it – sit with it, meditate on it, revisit it and apply it to your life – or do you read it passively and act happy that you read it?
<> Is it possible to hold forth the Word of Life if you aren’t well-versed in it?

Week 9 – Thursday – Shine Like Stars

2008-05-29T00:08:00.001-04:00

Go read Philippians 2:15.

“. . . shine like stars in the universe. . .”

This is an absolutely beautiful picture. I want to talk about two aspects of stars that directly effect what it means for us when Paul uses this metaphor.

The Power of Light
If you think about Paul sitting in a jail cell as he writes to the Philippians, you have to imagine he had a good bit of time to sit and look out the bars of his cell at the stars in the sky. Sunday night Dustin referenced nights when you feel like the stars are only a few feet away and if you just reached up you could grab them. In passing he mentioned that the truth is stars are light years away. Let’s unpack that a little bit. One light year is almost SIX TRILLION MILES!!! I sound like a politician lying about deficits and tax cuts. SIX TRILLION miles of darkness can’t stop the light of a star from cutting through. This is the power of the light that lives inside of you if you.**

Go read 1 John 4:4.
Go read John 8:12.
Go read Matthew 5:14.
Go read Matthew 5:16.

<> How do you allow Jesus to shine through you?
<> Do walk in the understanding that light is more powerful than darkness?
<> If the Holy Spirit lives in you – the same Spirit that raised Christ from death – what are you afraid of?

A balanced understanding of the power of God in you is to humbly and equally accept that Jesus is incredibly powerful and you are incredibly not powerful. Out of that humility, if Jesus says He wants His Spirit to shine so brightly through you that His light cuts through and reveals darkness, then so be it. We don’t think we’re powerful on our own. We don’t think the light is ours. We don’t think the power is something we can wield or control. But we DO humbly accept that Christ might want to do things through our lives that will blow our minds because He is powerfully capable and He has this thing about hating darkness.

The Directional Use of Stars
When Paul wrote Philippians, GPS wasn’t invented yet. Google Maps was still a few thousand years off and boats were the fastest way to get around. Road maps on the open seas aren’t so useful. But stars are. Stars are a sailor’s best friend and with simple calculations and seasonal star charts, you can literally sail almost anywhere you want to. To the Philippians (who lived in Philippi just a few miles from the Aegean Sea) when Paul told them they shine like stars in the universe, they knew that stars helped people get where they needed to go.

<> Does the light of your life direct people towards where they need to go?

Tomorrow we’re going to talk more about how we are directional, but remember Matthew 5:16 that you read just a few minutes ago. The actions that flow out of a transformed heart with the power of the Holy Spirit alive and breathing inside of you SHOULD point people towards glorifying your Father in Heaven. That’s the goal.

**The light only lives inside of you if you honestly confess that Jesus is Lord and that you aren’t with your mouth, repent (change your mind and your actions) from thinking that sin is a good way to go through life, and believe in your heart that Jesus was raised from the dead so He has the power to birth life in you where there was spiritual death before.

Week 9 – Wednesday – In the Midst

2008-05-28T12:16:00.000-04:00

Run a google search on bioethicist Peter Singer. As a professor at Princeton, Singer has recently made claims that children under the age of two years old have no self-awareness and therefore it is ethical to kill them and harvest them for organs. In an interview he stated that over the next few decades only the most backwards of religious fundamentalists would continue to believe that life is sacrosanct – sacred.

Go read Philippians 2:15.

Crooked and Depraved:
Paul is giving a very distinct contrast between the phrase he gave to describe Christians, “blameless and pure children of God without fault” and the environment that we live in, “a crooked and depraved generation.”

<> What marks our culture?
<> When you think about the actions and customs of our culture, what comes to mind?
<> What are the underlying values that define our culture’s actions and beliefs?

Go read Deuteronomy 32:5

<> Is this issue of being a crooked and depraved generation a new issue?

We need to go ahead and accept the fact that sinful people are addicted to this thing called sin. Outside of God changing our hearts and sending His Holy Spirit to live in us and give us a new mind and new desires, we are helpless against sin’s power over us. According to Romans 7:14 we are slaves to sin outside of Jesus’ work in our lives. When we expect culture to be holy and righteous, it exposes that we don’t understand what the gospel says in terms of how much sin we live in. Outside of Christ we are crooked. Outside of Jesus we are depraved.

Living In the Midst
Sunday night Dustin talked about the fact that we are supposed to live “IN A” crooked and depraved generation. Far too often, children of God believe that their roll in society is to flee from a crooked and depraved generation – to boycott and picket and protest. Once we remove ourselves from society, we are failing to obey Phil. 2:15. We are no longer IN the crooked and depraved generation.

<> In what ways have you removed yourself from the generation that you live in?
<> What benefit does seclusion give you in your walk with Christ?

The balance issue about living IN A crooked and depraved generation is that you are to do so while remaining absolutely pure and blameless and without fault. With absolute love and humility you are called to walk in the midst of a generation that is sinful to it’s core, and yet to remain absolutely holy as you do. This is a hard balance. BUT it is commanded. Jesus wants you to learn how to walk in communion with Him in the midst of a generation that knows nothing about Him.

<> In what ways have you fallen into the generation that you are supposed to be distinct from?
<> How are you allowing Jesus to teach you the balance of remaining holy and living in the context of a crooked and depraved generation?

Week 9 – Tuesday – Blameless and Pure Children of God Without Fault

2008-05-27T08:47:00.002-04:00

Read Philippians 2. Re read vs. 14-15
<> What is the goal of “do[ing] everything without complaining or arguing”?

Throughout the Scriptures there are a lot of descriptions of who we are as Christians and what our lives are supposed to look like. This one is one of the most concise and complete descriptions I have found.

Blameless and Pure:
This is the second time in Philippians that Paul has used this phrase. The first time was in Philippians 1:10 when he was talking about the goal of the love he wanted them to have for each other. Go check out the post from April tenth for a refresher on the idea. Essentially, these two words holistically sum up that your heart should be purely/solely devoted to one thing – Jesus – and that your actions should be so upright that no one would be able to accuse you of secret sin. As Christians when we sin, we are to walk in honesty both with God and others so that there is never any confusion. “Hey did you hear about Oscar??” “Yeah, I heard about Oscar from Oscar. He’s working out his issues and getting the help he needs. . .”
<> Is your heart purely devoted to Christ?
<> Are you walking in a way that no one could accuse you of hiding sin?

Children of God:
For some of you this is a very tough idea. Your concept of being someone’s child involves a lot of painful memories, abuse and brokenness. The only encouragement I can give you is to take all your frustration and imagine how you would have wanted it to be – moreover, how it was supposed to be – loving, compassionate discipline, wise guidance and the completely invested devotion of a strong and gentle Father.

On the other hand, some of you have the exact other problem. Your parents spoiled you until you were blue in the face and gave you the notion that life and the entire universe is all about you. Whether you’ve come to realize it or not yet, that can be as abusive as the more active vicious kind. In your relationship with God He is never going to allow you to think that this universe revolves around you. He is going to constantly rip that thought from your brain and do whatever it takes to teach you that it’s much better for you to understand this whole thing is about Him. He loves you – because He is amazing, not because you’re amazing.

<> When you approach God, how does your attitude reflect that you understand you are His child?
<> Find some parents and ask them what their favorite moments with their children are. How do you share these kinds of moments with your Father in Heaven?
<> Are you more of a spoiled brat or more of an abused/abandoned child? (I don’t want to ignore those of you out there that had great parents – Without idolizing them, take all of your relational beauty with them and apply it to how you interact with God. Unfortunately, you seem to be the rare case these days.)

Without Fault:
The gospel. Blameless and Pure have to do with your actions and your attitude. Without Fault has to do with the fact that Jesus has washed you of all your sin; past, present and future.

Go read Psalms 103:8-14

<> Take some time and just work through the passage.
<> What do our sins deserve?
<> How is God described in this passage?
<> What does He do with our sin?
<> If that’s true, how does that change your life and the way that you approach Him?

If you have put your whole hope faith and trust in Jesus, you are WITHOUT FAULT. You are not living under the burden of your sin any longer. You do not have to carry what He has already carried. You can not have to pay for what He has already paid for. You are clean. Live like it.

Week 9 – Monday – Complaining and Arguing

2008-05-26T13:28:00.001-04:00

Go read Philippians 2:14.

<> Is there any lack of clarity in this verse?
<> Are you more of a complainer or an arguer?
<> What areas of your life create complaining and arguing in you instantly?

Complaining
When you complain, the underlying heart of what you are saying is that you think you deserve something better than what you are getting. Thinking you deserve better than what you are getting is an attitude of pride and entitlement. It is the exact opposite of where Paul started the chapter.

Go reread Philippians 2:5-11.

<> What is the connection between Philippians 2:5-11 and vs. 14?

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the greatest news the world has ever seen. You are loved despite what you deserve. When you complain and act like your life is LESS than what you deserve – you reject the gospel. You actively, accidentally, and atrociously REJECT the gospel with your mouth. This is a huge problem. Romans 10:10 says that both the heart and the mouth are involved in salvation. Complaining is the opposite of confessing. Rather than use my mouth to speak the truth of the gospel, I’m going to waste my breath letting everyone around me know that I don’t really trust the gospel yet – by complaining.

With your mouth you need to start picking one or the other: gospel or complaint.

<> When you complain, how do you kill your own opportunity to preach the gospel?
<> When you complain, how are you failing to live the gospel?

Arguing
When you are an argumentative person, the underlying heart of what you are saying is that there are differences between me and other people that I REFUSE to reconcile. I’m going to argue at every chance I get because I think I’m better than other people. What I think is smarter than other people. The heart behind an argumentative person is divisive whether it realizes it or not. This is the exact opposite of what Paul started the chapter with.

Go read Philippians 2:1-4.

<> How does your argumentative personality submit to Phil. 2:1-4 at all?

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the most unifying good news the world has ever seen. It undercuts every social barrier by teaching us that ALL men are sinful traitors who have destroyed our relationship with God and have no hope other than that Jesus lived and died on our behalf. Regardless of your understanding, maturity, ethnicity, gender, etc. you like me NEED Jesus.

When you remain argumentative and refuse to be united under the banner of the cross of Christ – you REJECT the gospel.

<> When you are argumentative, are you accepting your and other’s identities in context of the gospel?

The Power of Our Mouths
The problem is that the Scriptures are going to speak very HIGHLY of the power that is in our mouths. Spiritually speaking you speak truth and life into people’s lives or you speak death and complaint and negativity and argumentative nature into other’s lives. When the Holy Spirit is moving in you towards obedience, your mouth will swing towards truth and life. If your mouth is constantly pointing towards complaint and argument, something is breaking down in your relational submission to the Holy Spirit and your grateful thankful understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Week 8 – Friday - Both to Will and to Act

2008-05-23T08:56:00.001-04:00

Go read Philippians 2:12-13.

So yesterday we spent all day just thinking on what God is doing in our lives. It’s an incredibly important discipline to sit and think about where you can see Him actively working in your life because it is both humbling to remember that you are not the one doing the work and encouraging to recognize that He is at work. Today is going to continue that trend of humility and confidence in the gospel.

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act . . . ”

When There’s No Will
We’ve often heard the phrase, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” The frustrating thing in trying to follow Jesus is if we would be completely honest, there are some days when we have NO WILL. If you aren’t playing some ridiculous religious game where you force a smile on your face regardless of the circumstances of your life and lie constantly so that people will think you’re a good Christian – then you can admit with me that there are days when you have no will to follow Jesus. No desire. No yearning. No goose-bump causing intimate feeling with the Holy Spirit. No ability to do anything about it.

<> So what do you do?
<> When was the last time you felt stuck with no will to follow God?
<> Are you there right now?

I have very encouraging news. He doesn’t run out of desire for you even when you run out of desire for Him. He doesn’t fail to want His holiness and His design for your life, even when you want to go run amuck in all of your old sin.

Go read 2 Timothy 2:13.

<> How good is it to know that He is faithful even when you are faithless?
<> How does that birth both humility and confidence in you?

Two Possible Reactions
When you really start to grasp the concept that God wills for your life even when you don’t will for His life through your life – there are a couple of reactions.

The WRONG reaction: “Well if God’s the one who is supposed to will and act in me, then I’m going to sit on my spiritually proud and lazy butt and do nothing until He changes me.”

The RIGHT reaction: “God I’m sorry that the truth is I don’t even want You right now. I don’t want to obey – I don’t want to surrender – I don’t want to submit to what You say is best, and the truth is I don’t even care that much. So I’m in desperate need of you to change my backwards heart of stone. Please give me the desire to want holiness. Please put a new heart in me. I can’t do this on my own.”

When actions are wrong in our life I think most of us are starting to figure out that we recognize it as sin and then we repent and then we get accountability and whatever kind of help we need to absolutely kill it in our lives. The truth is though that God wants more than just our actions. He wants our hearts. He wants our will. He wants complete control. So just as with our actions, when our will is wrong, we recognize is as sin and then we repent and then we get accountability and whatever kind of help we need to absolutely kill apathy in our lives.

<> Have you given up because you don’t have the will to seek Jesus?
<> Do you think God doesn’t want to talk to you because you don’t really want to talk to Him?
<> Have you tried to humbly ask God to give you the very desire to obey as well as the ability to obey?

Week 8 – Thursday – God Works in You

2008-05-21T17:22:00.001-04:00

Read Philippians Chapter 2.

“For it is God who works in you. . . ”

This one is going to be short. All I want you to do is get some paper and a pen and be honest with yourself.

<> How have you seen God at work in you? Consider the past week, where have you seen Him? Look back through the past month – pull out a calendar – what’s He been doing? Think back to Christmas – how can you see evidence of His work in your heart? Finally, plunge back a whole year and write down what God has done in a year’s time in your life? How has He changed you? How has He provided? Where is He at work in you right now?

<> If you’re frustrated or struggling to answer the above questions, there are two likely possibilities: 1.) You aren’t a Christian or 2.) you’re failing to recognize where God is present in your life even though He’s there. If that’s the case, think about how you’ve changed? Where are you more Godly? Where has He put you in relationships that have pushed you more in love with Him?

Rather than spend 20 minutes to read and learn, I think we all need to talk a few moments to read over the list and praise Jesus that He is at work in us. Thank Him for what He’s doing in your – for maturity He’s building in your life. Ask Him where you still need to change.

Week 8 – Wednesday – Good Fear and Trembling

2008-05-21T12:08:00.001-04:00

Go read Philippians 2 the whole chapter. Now reread Phil. 2:12

Different Types of Fear
There is an adrenaline-rush-funny-thrill-seeking type of fear. It is the motivation for why people love scary movies, why they ride down raging rivers in tiny little plastic boats, ride roller coasters, etc. It gets your blood rushing and your heart pounding.

There is a paralyzing-bad-will-destroy-your-life-if-you-are-not-careful type of fear. It’s best friends are mindless worry and fretting. It is the motivation for why your mom calls you twenty-three times a week to make sure everything is ok. Seriously though, this type of fear can be very dangerous when people get paralyzed by irrational fears and can’t make needed decisions or progress in their lives.

There is also a good fear. There is a type of fear that is accurately based and that motivates to healthy movement. It is the fear in a child’s eyes when his parent is freaking out because he is in danger. It is the kind of fear that will save your life.

<> What types of fear do you see in your life? What makes you afraid?
<> Can you see examples of each of these fears in your life?

The Good Fear
Go read Matthew 10:28-31
<> In what ways do you fear man and act based on what people think about you?
<> Who is worthy of fear?

The good fear is established and based on understanding who deserves fear. God is WORTHY of fear. If you take a few moments to meditate on who God is – on what God can do – on the shear power of His complete control of the universe, and the only reaction you have is, “Wow that’s neat”, then you should trade your brain in for a couple gumballs. Gumballs would be more beneficial to you right now than your brain is. SERIOUSLY, God’s nature, power, actions, abilities – His GOD-ness has to strike a little fear in your heart if you are alive. He can send you to hell after you die, AND be completely justified in doing so.

Wait, but doesn’t vs. 31 say “don’t be afraid”??? Yes, it absolutely does. This is the nature of the good fear. Based on accurate understanding of who God is, we fear Him in response. AND, He tells us that He loves us more than the sparrows and takes complete care of us, so we stop walking in fear of Him. The good fear is more about understanding who deserves fear and less about cowering in fear.

<> Do you have a healthy understanding of how worthy of fear God is?
<> How in your actions do you treat God like He is small and/or undeserving of fear?

The healthy balance is learning that God is in and of Himself completely worthy of IMMENSE fear, AND relationally He chooses to love us so we don’t have to walk forever in the what-would-be-well-deserved paralyzing fear of Him.

Why Does It Matter?
Obedience. Obedience hangs in the balance. If you never understand how worthy of fear God is, then you will ignore what He says. The Scriptures will come in one ear and fall out the other because you don’t think that is God is really worth listening to – or that He is trustworthy. On the other hand, if you don’t understand that He relationally loves you and doesn’t abuse His power like a bully to try to beat people into worshipping Him out of fear – then you’ll still end up disobedient. You will either live as a pious, penitent religious person who can’t imagine any goodness in life because you don’t get God’s goodness and so you’ll obey rules but never walk in relationship with Him. OR equally bad you will rebel against God and mock Him. You will live in the adrenaline-rush-exciting fear of challenging God to His face and seeing where it turns out. It won’t turn out good. He’s worthy of good fear. He loves you enough for you to walk in confident obedience.

Extra Resources – Matt Chandler Sermon – “The Good Fear”

2008-05-21T12:05:00.000-04:00

Extra Resources – Matt Chandler Sermon – “The Good Fear”

For a whole sermon specifically on the idea of fearing God, check this out:
http://thevillagechurch.net/resources/audio/20060312DA01S_MattChandler_HebrewsPt10-TheGoodFear.mp3

Week 8 – Tuesday – Work out Your Salvation

2008-05-20T09:45:00.002-04:00

Go read Philippians 2:12-13

I think for most of us, we are disobedient to Philippians 2:12. Blame the Bible belt culture, blame the weakness of our communal relationships, or just blame your own sin, BUT as a whole as a people group, we just need to accept that we do not work out our salvation regularly. So first we admit. And then we repent. And then we need to start striving towards salvation showing up in every area of our lives.

<> Where are you currently working out salvation in your life?
<> If you aren’t, what stands in the way of you repenting?

Limiting the Gospel
If we are not extremely careful in this Bible-belt culture that we live in, we will become just inoculated enough with the gospel that we STOP CARING about it. Apathy and spiritual stagnancy is death in your bones. I think there are two main ways that we can be guilty of limiting the gospel and both are equally deadly and both will kill our ability to work out our salvation.

LIMIT NUMBER ONE: Leaving the Gospel Behind.
Go read Revelations 2:1-5

<> Overall, how is the church at Ephesus doing?
<> What is wrong with the church at Ephesus?

It is amazing to think that someone could be persevering and suffering well for the name of Christ and at the same time – in the very midst of intense spiritual maturity – they are failing to remember their first love. JESUS. Please don’t be confused on this issue: You will NEVER stop needing the gospel. You will NEVER grow past needing to sit and meditate on and be re-blown away by the love of Christ poured out for you on the cross.

LIMIT NUMBER TWO: Gospel Restricted Areas.

Along with leaving the gospel behind as we strive to become some kind of religiously mature Christian who is impressive to everyone around us, another major danger is that we mark off certain areas of our lives and restrict Jesus’ access to those parts of our heart. Subconsciously we’re saying, “Jesus you can have my relationships and you can have my hobbies but NOT my finances . . . You can have my time and I’ll live crazy busy for you but I don’t want to talk about my addictions . . . I don’t want to talk about my patterns of sin that are comfortable like old friends . . . You CAN NOT talk to me about my relationship with her . . . with him . . .”

In no way do I mean to imply that Jesus is unable to wreck and rebuild our proud-dumb hearts if we won’t let Him in – but what I have seen Him do in my life and what is quite terrifying is that He seems to be very patiently willing to let me kill myself up to a certain point. What I mean is that He urges and pulls and pushes me the entire time and if I ignore and shut Him down, He often says, “ok. If that’s what you want, I’ll let you taste it and when it all falls apart, you’ll come running back to Daddy.”

<> What are areas of your heart/life that you have restricted Jesus’ access to and refused to do work?
<> Are there areas of unnecessary suffering where God is allowing you to taste the fruit of your disobedience?

Work it Out
Repent. Stop. Change. Beg. Plead. Run to His feet and humbly throw yourself to Him needing Him and offering all of you. He doesn’t fail. He is faithful. He forgives. And now, in reconciled relationship with Him, get to work. Sit down and write some of this stuff our. Call some friends and say, “hey I know this has been jacked up, I need some help. What do you see in my life? Where do I need to do work?” You working out your salvation will be the main way that you learn to rely on Jesus – your salvation.

Week 8 – Monday – Conscious of our Spiritual Mentors

2008-05-19T11:10:00.001-04:00

Go read Philippians 2:1-13. Focus on Philippians 2:12.

Anytime you read the word “therefore” in Scripture, what do you do? That’s right. You ask yourself why it’s there. Therefore is a connecting word throughout the scriptures that implies a causal relationship – because of this, therefore this – because of a, obey b, etc. You cannot understand Philippians 2:12 without understanding Phil. 2:5-11. Until you’ve been blown away by Christ’s willingness to humble Himself to the point of death on a cross because He loves you in such a personal way that you are willing to give up your whole life to worship, trust and obey Him from hear on out, Philippians 2:12-13 doesn’t matter to you yet.

<> Have you experienced salvation? Has God met you and whispered love in the exact moment that your eyes were opened to your deepest desperation?
<> If no, what do you think stands in the way of God providing for your deepest needs?
<> If yes, how often do you return to that moment (or month) and remember and relive what God did in your heart when He saved you?

In My Absence as in My Presence
There’s a really interesting concept that Paul seems to mention in passing in the beginning of vs. 12. He says the words, “not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence.” Paul is too honest for me to be able to hide from him. In twelve words Paul just summed up a problem known as a heart that has no integrity. Here’s the concept he’s getting at: Of course you obey when I’m around. I’m like your spiritual father or big brother. I’m your mentor. What I want to know is will you continue to obey when I’m not around looking over your shoulder?

<> Who are your spiritual mentors/accountability?
<> Is it easier to live correctly when you know they are around and you can’t hide from them?

Paul in passing notices a tendency in humanity that our willingness to obey is inverse proportional to our ability to hide. The more I can hide what I’m doing the more of an idiot I’m willing to be. The more I know I’m going to be exposed to people I love and trust, the less of a fool I’m willing to live like. What’s amazing about the quote from Paul in vs. 12 is that our attitude is completely wrong. “Now MUCH MORE in my absence,” keep on obeying BECAUSE I’m not around to look over your shoulder. Look, since I’m NOT there, is the EXACT reason that you need to be MORE careful, not more frivolous.

<> Are you building systems and people of accountability in your life so that you cannot hide?

The Ultimate Mentor
The connection between the “therefore” and the notion of integrity Paul is mentioning is that Jesus is our true mentor and He is NEVER not with us. We start to live in a completely backwards and worthless way when we think that Jesus is gone sometimes. He never leaves you. If He has birthed life in you and changed your heart and your mind and your soul and satisfied your deepest hunger, then He’s going to begin a really annoying habit of never leaving you alone. It’s incredibly comforting . . . WHEN you have a heart to surrender and obey. It’s incredibly obnoxious WHEN your heart is bent toward the old flesh nature of sin. In both situations Jesus is exactly what we need. In the same way that it’s easier to live right when you know that your mentors are around and you are not going to be able to hide anything from them, this is always the case because Jesus, your mentor never leaves you.

<> Do you live in the spiritual awareness of Jesus’ presence?
<> What does it change about your attitude toward sin to know that when you give in to temptation, Jesus is not far from you in that moment?

Week 7 – Saturday – Knees and Tongues

2008-05-16T23:53:00.001-04:00

Go read Philippians 2:1-11

<> Considering the humility of vs. 1-8, what is the tone of vs. 9-11?
<> What word does vs. 9 start with?
<> What is the connection between vs. 1-8 and vs. 9-11?

Important Body Parts
The two most important body parts you have are your tongue and your knees. No offense to the rest of you, but your knees and tongue are the most important because they are the quickest indicators of your heart. Knees that bow and tongues that confess reveal hearts that trust and hope in loving God. Stiff knees and silent tongues reveal hearts with no trust and no hope.

<> Based solely on your knees and your tongue as indicators, what is the condition of your heart?

Here’s why knees matter so much. If you are anything like me, you are tempted to overanalyze and turn spiritual truth into a mental issue. On the other hand, you can never logically reason your way out of whether or not your knees are willing to bow in surrender to God. At the end of the day knees that won’t bow reveal a heart that doesn’t trust, REGARDLESS of how smart you think you are. Who cares if you know the right answer, but you are unwilling to submit to God? All the answers in the world cannot make you live a life surrendered to Jesus.

<> Take a minute to analyze your knees.
<> How often do you hit them to pray?
<> Regardless of whether circumstances are good or not, how often do you humble yourself on your knees as a picture of surrender?
<> Have you become content with knowing the right answers while you refuse to submit to and obey your Savior and Lord?

Here’s why tongues matter so much. In the mental-cognitive spiritual game we like to play, I often let an issue float around in my brain with no answer acting like I am trying to seek God, but in reality I’m just lazily NOT DEALING with the issue. When I force ideas out of my brain and into real words through my tongue, they become real. I can’t hide in the mental maze when I put stuff into words. A confessing tongue is important in three contexts: 1.) Our personal relationship with God (Romans 10:9-13); 2.) Our relational interactions with other believers (James 5:16) and 3.) Our relationships with nonbelievers (Romans 10:13-15).

<> Take a minute to analyze your tongue.
<> What is the confession of your tongue to nonbelievers? Could friends of yours who don’t know Jesus answer clearly what you believe to be true based on your words?
<> Do you take time to encourage and build up believers?
<> Are you honest with God? Do you talk to Him about what’s really going on in your brain?

The Worship of Knees and Tongues
At the end of the day and as a result of His humility and death on the cross, God the Father will lift up Jesus as the rightful name above all names. We will watch and our knees and our tongues will know what to do. The important question is going to be whether our knees and tongues are well-practiced or not. At the moment when our knees have no other option other than to bow, will they be used to the idea and eager to continue – or will they be stiff and awkward and confused at the thought of humble submission? When our tongues have no other option other than to sing out in praise and confess that Jesus is Lord, will it be a continuation of what our tongues have been doing throughout our whole lives?

A hard thought is the fact that this day will not be joyful for everyone. EVERY knee will bow. EVERY tongue will confess. But for some, it will be a horrifically unexpected confession. So, that begs the question – “and how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” – Rom. 10:14.

<> Are your knees and tongue surrendered to as many possible being ready for the day when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess?

Week 7 – Friday – Obedience to a Point

2008-05-16T09:02:00.000-04:00

Go Read Philippians 2:8 and skim back through Wednesday’s post from this week.
I know we already studied Phil. 2:8. Go read it again.

Commitment Phobia
<> What is the divorce rate in America?
<> Is the divorce rate any better amongst Evangelical Christians than society at large?
<> What are the implications of these statistics?

When a nation gets to a point that more than half the time, the second biggest commitment we ever make in our lives ends up completely failing, I think it’s time to do some soul searching. I don’t just mean on an individual level – I think our entire country and generation is suffering from a commitment-phobia epidemic. When church-subculture is indistinguishable from the society at large, we have some HUGE issues. Before you go arguing -- “Well hey, a lot of people who claim to be Christians aren’t and haven’t you heard about the sheep and the goats and the wheat and the. . .” -- calm down. Let’s all take a deep breath and just admit the truth: We don’t commit to anything.

Or worse. We commit to everything and we commit to everything in a half-committed way. Environment? Sounds good – I’ll recycle and use my 12 miles to the gallon SUV to bring my trash to the landfill. Education? SURE! I’ll try out 5 or 6 degree programs, especially while mom and dad are paying for it. Church? Love it. I love it so much I go to 4 and I get something different from each one of them. Marriage? That looks like fun. We’ll give it a go for 7 years or so, and since I hear that that’s when things get rough, no one will question me if things don’t work out – I can get over the fact that breaking my vows means I have next to no integrity at all.

<> Are you a commitment phobic?
<> Are you overcommitted to the point that everything in your life is getting half-commitment? (Here’s a good way to know: If you are constantly breaking your commitments but always have the PERFECT excuse to justify it because everything in your life is completely and validly important. . . )

The Commitment-Obedience Connection
The amount you are committed to something is directly related to the amount you will sacrifice for it. A father who is completely committed to the well being of his wife and children will lay down his life to protect them. A member of a church who is connected intimately and completely bought into the mission God has given to the church will do incredibly sacrificial things with their time, money and lives for their church family.

This is what Jesus modeled for us. His commitment was complete. He was bought into the mission and call of His life to the point that even death didn’t stand in the way.

<> Is there anything in your life you would die for?

Obedience to a Point
I think a lot of us are suffering in our relationship with God and in the practical working of our lives because we are obedient to a point. We are willing to change and repent and to sacrifice up to a certain level and then something clicks inside of us and says, “Ok, that’s enough God.” We give up a certain amount of our materialism and a certain amount of our selfishness and we serve in some volunteer position so people can see the fruit of Jesus at work in our lives – but when it comes to that ONE thing – NO. I’m not giving it up. It’s mine.

The problem is that half commitment isn’t commitment. Half surrender is no surrender at all. Half obedience is disobedience. And Jesus modeled a better way for us. Jesus obeyed to a certain point – the point of death.

Go read Hebrews 12:1-4

<> Where have you broken your commitment to Jesus and to hating sin because it was costing you to much?
<> What is the point at which your obedience fails?

Week 7 – Thursday – What Humility Does

2008-05-15T00:23:00.000-04:00

Go read Philippians 2:1-11. Now reread 2:6-8

<> What are things in your life that you grasp onto and are unwilling to let go?
<> When is the last time you were frustrated at someone? What did they do to annoy you?

A Stark Contrast
Philippians 2:6-8 is one of the most startling contrasts ever. It goes something like this. Jesus was in very nature God. As such, Jesus deserves glory, worship and that the whole world bows at the very thought of His name. BUT, He did not choose to hold onto His rights as if they were something to be grasped onto. Instead He emptied Himself and took the form of a servant – obeying His Father’s perfect plan even to the point of dieing the most horrible death ever imagined.

On the other hand you are NOT God. You are a very small human. You can’t even run your own life very well. As such you are worthy of no glory or worship. You turned your back on God and proudly acted like you could live life on your own. You deserve hell. When you both claim Christ and His example and still take time to demand your rights, you end up looking like a fool.

Pride
Go Read Proverbs 16:18 and 1 Peter 5:5

Pride is one of the sneakiest forms of sin in the world. When you have it, you can barely see it because you’re often too proud to admit your own sin. It sneaks in under the guise of “self-esteem” and rears its ugly head anytime we fail to acknowledge the gospel in our lives. Jesus both points out our own sin and humbles us in comparison to His complete majesty. Pride teaches us to resist drawing near to God. It makes us think that we can handle life on our own. It destroys our relationships by making us feel entitled to certain kinds of treatment from people. Rather than humbly repair relationships, we proudly wait for apologies. The Scriptures

<> Where has pride snuck into your life?
<> Are you proudly ignoring your need for God or neglecting time with Him?

What Humility Does
Jesus stands as the most beautiful contrast to the deathtrap that is pride. Despite His rightfully deserved rights, He emptied Himself. He literally took His own life and laid it down so that others would have a chance. This is the attitude that Phil. 2:5 commands us to have. Jesus demands, models and offers to us an entirely new way of looking at life. Our gain is no longer tied based on getting what we want, but rather we gain when Christ is glorified and others are served.

<> What actions and attitudes would change if your ultimate goals were that God would be glorified and others would be served?
<> What steps can you take toward practicing humility?
<> If your pride makes it difficult to see evidence of pride’s presence in your own life, how could you go about diagnosing areas where its taking root?

Week 7 – Wednesday – Impossible Commands

2008-05-14T11:15:00.001-04:00

Go read Philippians 2:5.

Did that give you a good laugh? Take a big breath.
<> Is the Bible joking?

Let’s be honest with ourselves. The scriptures are hilarious at times. “Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ.” That’s a laughable idea. It’s laughable because I know me. I know my lazy, proud, disrespectful, uncaring, apathetic attitude. I know that I generally sacrifice for one reason alone: me. Even deeper than the initial laugh, Philippians 2:5 causes a certain pang of doubt and frustration deep in my soul. It sounds something like this: “Why tell me I should do something that I know I CAN NOT do?!?” I know without a shadow of a doubt that if and when I have set out and tried to have the same attitude of Jesus Christ, I fail within the first few moments of trying. I am not capable of having Christ’s attitude.

<> Why would the Scriptures command something impossible?

Impossible Commands
I don’t think this is the only time the scriptures command impossible things for our lives.

Go read 1 Thess. 5:16-17; 1 Peter 1:14-15; Philippians 2:14; Matthew 22:37 and 39.

Those are just a few of many examples where if we honestly read the scripture and take it for face value – our only correct reaction is “Wait, that’s impossible.” So why would God command things that we cannot do? Why would God set the moral behavioral standard for our actions, our attitudes our thoughts and words so high that we can barely even imagine what it would be like to live the way we are commanded to live?

Relational Obedience
Go read Romans 1:5

Paul uses the phrase “obedience that comes through faith” or the “obedience of faith” depending on what translation you’re reading. As I was recently reading through Romans, this phrase threw me off. Why would Paul’s goal for the gentiles be obedience? That sounds very religious. It doesn’t sound like grace and the cross and the gospel. So I looked up the word in Greek. It’s not a rules or law-based obedience. The most accurate definition of the word would be “to listen attentively”. Paul’s goal for the Gentiles is that they would start listening attentively.

<> Is your obedience rule-based or is it listening attentively?

The phrase gets even better. The faith referenced in Romans 1:5 is specifically the saving faith from a relationship with Jesus based on His gift offered to us in the cross. So, the obedience of faith is listening attentively because the cross convinces us that God is for our good. At every level our obedience is relational in nature. We aren’t glad Christ died on a cross and now trying to follow a list of rules on our own. We are blown away by what Jesus has done for us, and the fact that He keeps working in us to live the way He wants us to live.

<> How does relationship with Jesus actively change your life?
<> How does faith based on the cross change your heart in obedience?

The Connection
Impossible commands force you to obey by faith. When scripture commands that we do things outside our ability, our only reaction is to hit our knees. God wants us to want Him. He wants us to seek Him relationally. He’s not afraid to command us to live impossibly, if that makes us come running back to Him.

Week 7 – Tuesday – Humility’s Enemies (vs. 3)

2008-05-13T09:35:00.000-04:00

Go read Philippians 2:1-4. Reread and focus on vs. 3

Having just set up the passage with a dramatic emphasis on the importance of unity, Paul is ready to launch into one of the most beautiful, deep, and challenging passages ever written. He is about to describe how unity can be accomplished through humility. He is about to command and describe in detail what it looks like to humble ourselves in the same way Jesus did.

And right before he launches into his treatise on humility, he calls out humility’s enemies.
<> According to vs. 3 what are the two enemies of humility?
<> Do you know the difference in the two? Do you struggle with one more than the other?

Selfish Ambition
I wish these two enemies were a little more complicated – a little bit harder to understand so I could feel like I had an excuse. They are not complicated at all. Selfish ambition is desiring and wanting gain, success, or advancement for the benefit of you alone. Whether it is in the area of your career, your position in some organization or just in daily motivations for your everyday activities, selfish ambition is when you want to “get yours” at the expense of anyone else.

<> Are there areas of your life where you selfishly want advancement no matter what it might cost someone else?
<> Does ambition get in the way and cloud your ability to obey God when He directs you somewhere other than where you want to go?

I think there are two main problems with selfish ambition. 1.) It kills our ability to humbly promote other’s interests ahead of our own. When our thoughts, motives and actions are obsessed with achieving our own glory, popularity or success, we become unable to see and serve others around us. 2.) It is like an addiction. Selfish ambition is almost like the ring in the Lord of the Rings. You think you have it and can hide it in your pocket, but truthfully, it takes over you and turns you into a person you never wanted to be.

Vain Conceit
The term vain conceit comes from the Greek word “kenodoxia”. It means empty, groundless, self-esteem or pride. This isn’t just being proud of some valid accomplishments or talents you have to offer. This is pride based on absolutely nothing -- puffed up estimation of yourself in complete denial of how empty the claim is. It is useless. It is ungrounded. It is me way too often.

<> If you analyzed your life, in what ways would you see this idea of vain conceit showing up?
<> What are indicators that you are allowing vain conceit to creep in and reign in your life?

These two ideas of selfish ambition and vain conceit are very overarching ideas. They are umbrellas with a lot of examples underneath. For instance if you find yourself looking in the mirror dozens of times a day or for very extended periods of time – at a surface level you are dealing with vain conceit. On a deeper level, if you are struggling to trust God in what He says is best, or find yourself feeling entitled, complaining to God for what He’s not doing well in your life – you are still dealing with vain conceit. Selfish ambition could show up when you want a promotion at work and are willing to step on people to get it. It could show up in a room full of people when you are trying to one up everyone to get all the attention in the room. On a deeper level, selfish ambition shows up when you try to barter with God for what you want or get mad at Him when He doesn’t bring the gain that you want to see in your life.

Hope
We’re going to talk about it in much more detail throughout the week, but for both of these issues the only way to fight them is going to be to wrestle with Jesus. Taking your selfish ambition and your vain conceit to the foot of the cross is the only way to really start to kill them. It’s going to take humility to do that, so you’re going to want to ask Him for help even in the initial stages. These are two very sneaky enemies to your joy and you probably won’t be able to see them on your own. You will probably need to ask a friend to help point out areas of your life where you struggle with either or both.

Extra Resources - Website - One Prayer

2008-05-13T09:34:00.004-04:00

Check out this website for some really cool upcoming ideas on what it could look like for hundreds of churches to unite around the cross.

www.oneprayer.com

Week 7 – Monday – Reclaiming Unity

2008-05-12T10:19:00.002-04:00

Good-bye Chapter one. Chapter two here we come. Go read Philippians Chapter 2.

Now re-read Phil. 2:1-2
<> In the if-then statement Paul writes, what is the conditional part (the “if ____” part)?
<> What is the resulting command part (the “then ______” part)?
<> How do we accomplish the command?

Making His Point
Philippians 2:1 almost makes me laugh. Paul is being pretty overdramatic. I’m going to script it out as a dialogue so you’ll see what I mean:

Paul: If being united with Jesus gives you ANY encouragement AT ALL . . .
Philippians (or us): Well of course being united with Jesus is encouraging Paul.
Paul: Yeah yeah, I know . . . and if understanding the love of Christ is even the TINIEST bit comforting . . .
Philippians (or us): What do you mean IF the love of Christ is comforting? It’s the only comforting thing I’ve ever known Paul!

Paul: Yeah I know -- I know it is. . . but think about it, if you have hung out with or heard from the Holy Spirit even for a MILLISECOND in your entire life. . .
Philippians (or us): DUDE. Yes, Jesus is encouraging. His love IS comforting. There IS fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Why are you making me want to punch something or curse?!
Paul: Oh, ok . . . well in that case, then you should go ahead and be unified.

Oh snap. To me it almost has the sound of a wife looking at her husband and saying, “If you have any shred of love whatsoever in the entirety of your heart, then fulfill my every desire and make me complete by getting me a yogurt.” Wait, what?!? The condition seems to outweigh the resulting command. But, Paul did not make a mistake here. (Especially seeing as He was inspired by the Holy Spirit of God according to 2 Timothy 3:16) Paul is using dramatic language to make his point:

WE DON’T VALUE UNITY ENOUGH.

<> Is there ANYONE in the body of Christ that you are separated from – any relationship where friction reigns instead of unity in Christ?
<> What is the reason for the friction?
<> When you hold up that reason and compare it to the encouragement of being united with Christ, the comfort of walking in His love and the fellowship of His Spirit, does it hold any water? Does it really matter at all?

Underrated Unity
I think Paul’s dramatic language is aimed directly at our American misunderstanding of the importance of unity. Being like-minded sounds like one of those secondary commands – right down there with not complaining or gossiping. You know, things that are commanded by Scripture but since our society doesn’t really care about them, we shouldn’t and Jesus probably doesn’t either. Right? Wrong.

I think we need to let Paul’s dramatic language rattle our cage. I think we need to repent of our American misunderstanding of unity’s value. I think Paul’s language here demands that we ask the questions, “Why is unity so important Paul? Why do being like minded, having the same love, and being one in spirit and purpose matter so much?”

<> Why does unity matter?

These are just a few thoughts to get you started., and you should feel free to search the Scriptures and let the Holy Spirit impress more on you.

1.) Unity destroys personal pride. To walk in unity with others means you have to get over the fact that you are wrong sometimes.

2.) Unity protects our joy. When you are walking in broken relationship with people who you are supposed to be united with in the love, spirit and purpose of Jesus, your joy starts to erode. As your joy erodes, your worship erodes. As your worship erodes, your missional heart to love others erodes. Fighting for and protecting unity with believers in your life just could be VITAL to you obeying God in your life.

3.) Unity promotes dreaming. When we really start to combine our resources and our brains and our lives in spiritual and emotional and physical unity, God’s dreams start to take shape. Think about how many people have been given a vision of what God wanted for their life and failed to obey because they had no support from other believers. When God gives us dreams and visions for His kingdom, He wants other citizens of the kingdom to be involved in revising and encouraging and helping accomplish those dreams.

4.) Unity is Jesus’ hope for the church. He prayed for it in John 17:11, 21 and 22. He wants His church to unite across and around WHATEVER issues used to divide us, and loudly proclaim “JESUS IS BETTER THAN ANY REASON I USED TO HAVE TO NOT LOVE THESE PEOPLE.” He wants it because that is a radical statement that the world does not know what to do with. We are not uniting for unity’s sake. We unite for the sake of Christ being worshipped in the world.

<> Do we have any excuse to continue thinking that unity doesn’t matter?

Week 6 – Saturday – Mutual Experience

2008-05-10T07:58:00.000-04:00

Go read Philippians 1:30.

<> How important is it to have someone walk alongside you during pain?
<> What effect does it have when someone who has been through a similar situation opens up and encourages you in the midst of tough times?

I love Paul’s comment Philippians 1:30: “since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.” Can you hear the loving paternal tone? It’s like Paul is saying, “hey you’re not alone in this. I’m here with you. Actually, I’m glad that you’re here with me now.”

What Suffering Does
Matt did a great job on Sunday night of talking about what suffering does. I think one of the strongest and most unique aspects of suffering to apply to our lives is that “suffering gives us credibility with Christians and non-Christians alike.” Here’s the thing though, suffering can only give you this credibility if a few things happen:

1.) You have to learn and heal and grow as a result of the suffering you’re going through.
If you are becoming more faithless as a result of your suffering, then you’re not going to be able to use it to encourage anyone. Until you submit yourself to trusting a loving God, it’s pretty much impossible for Him to use hard times in your life the way He wants to. This DOES NOT mean you are supposed to act like everything’s ok when things are very much not ok. It means you are supposed to honestly face your issues and deal with them and deal with Jesus so that He can bring healing in your life. If you need accountability and encouragement of Christian peers – FIND IT. If you need wise older counsel and assistance – FIND IT. If you need professional counseling – FIND IT (and Midtown is willing to help you with that.) But more than anything for most of you, you probably just need to have a good open honest conversation or thirty with Jesus and see what He’s got to say in the Scriptures.

<> Do you need peers, mentors, or professional help in areas that you have been unwilling to look for?
<> What conversations do you need to have with Jesus for healing to start?

2.) You have to be willing to be honest about the suffering you’ve been through.
The pain you’ve experienced will never help anyone as long as you are stuffing it deep down into your soul and acting like it doesn’t exist. Being honest about what you’ve been through involves a willingness to let others learn in an easier way, what you learned in a hard way. It also involves being vulnerable about the struggle and pain along the way. While you have to have learned and grown before you will be helpful to others, you don’t have to be done learning and growing. Being honest about the process that God is taking you through can be one of the most powerful encouragements in someone else’s pain.

<> Are there areas of your life that have taught you huge lessons that you are unwilling to talk to other people about?
<> When you share about hard times in your life, do you sugarcoat the situation or act like it’s all over when really you’re still working through it?

Sharing in Suffering
Go read Romans 12:15.

The whole idea of mourning with those who mourn is that we as Christians should be the most sympathetic people in the world. Following Christ’s example, we are practicing what it looks like to die to ourselves daily (Luke 9:23) and love each other more than ourselves (Rom. 12:10). When we see our family in pain our natural instinct should be to walk through it with them – to share our experiences so they can avoid some of the pain we’ve already been through AND so that we can see how God is able to use our suffering for good and for His glory.

You are not alone in this thing.

<> Are you living your life in a way that helps others know that they are not alone?

Week 6 – Friday - Suffering for Christ’s Sake

2008-05-09T09:13:00.002-04:00

Go Read Philippians 1:29 and 1 Peter 4:1-2, 12-19.

Megaphone
Suffering is a megaphone for what matters most in our lives. If the most important thing in your life is you and your safety and your comfort and the safety and comfort of those around you, then when you suffer, “WHERE’S MY COMFORT?” will come blaring through the loud speaker. If you are most concerned with your own well-being, then you will complain and shake your fist at God for taking away what is most important to you. Everyone who knows you will hear it. They will hear it in your attitude and they will hear it in your words. They will not say anything because you are suffering. They will not say anything because as good polite Christians we don’t know what to do when someone’s suffering reveals their own selfishness. But despite their silence, you will be tangibly discouraging their faith and revealing that your life is more about your own glory than anything else. Suffering doesn’t leave room for whispers or implications – It magnifies the theme of your life.

On the other hand, if the most important thing in your life is Christ’s glory, His kingdom – just Jesus himself -- then His name is what will be magnified through your suffering.

<> Think about the last time you suffered in any way. What came out of the megaphone?

Practical Suffering
I think we need to get a better grasp on what suffering is. It’s easy to think of suffering in terms of cancer, terminal diseases or major tragedies in our lives. It’s easy to think of it because it’s the most extreme example. But it doesn’t necessarily change all that much about our daily lives. The truth is there are many different scales of suffering – from tiniest inconveniences to life altering tragedies. The amplification on the megaphone is directly tied to the gravity of the suffering experienced. Here’s the problem: if we think that someday when we get the diagnosis that we have a horrible terminal disease, THEN we’ll all of a sudden start praising Jesus’ name for suffering when we aren’t practicing at all now, we’re full of it. Everyday we experience thousands of minor inconveniences that give us a chance to practice for when real suffering strikes. We are daily confronted with opportunities to scream out “MY LIFE IS ABOUT ME” or “MY LIFE IS ABOUT JESUS – HIS FAME.”

<> What are your regular everyday annoyances in life?
<> How do you respond?
<> If we polled your co-workers, (your classmates) what would they say your life is about based on how you handle practical everyday junk?

The Grace of Suffering
Pure and simple, it has been granted for us to suffer because suffering is good for us. It teaches and reminds us that life is not all about us which makes us glorify Jesus. It puts us on our knees crying out for help, which drives our intimacy with Jesus. It puts us in places where Jesus alone can relate to our suffering and be there to comfort us. Are you noticing a theme? Suffering helps you know Jesus more, and if that’s the goal of your life, then suffering is a gift.

<> Have you ever seen suffering grow your intimacy with Christ?
<> What does your response to suffering reveal about your desire to know Jesus?
<> What would have to chance for you to accept suffering as grace in your life?

Extra Resources - Video - John Piper on the prosperity gospel

2008-05-09T09:11:00.002-04:00

This thing is ridiculously intense and encouraging. Watching it alongside the post on Suffering for Christ's sake would be a good combination.

John Piper's thoughts on the prosperity gospel

Week 6 – Thursday – Believing for Christ’s sake

2008-05-07T22:26:00.000-04:00

Read Philippians 1:29. Now go read Psalm 23:3, 106:8, Romans 1:5, and Ephesians 1:11-14.

We’re going to do that NASB thing again for Philippians 1:29 -
“For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.”

Did you notice a theme in those verses? We need to clear up a misconception. Jesus didn’t die because of you. His sacrifice is offered to you. But it wasn’t because of you that Christ died on the cross. He didn’t need to reconcile Himself to you. He wasn’t lonely. He isn’t needy.

Jesus died on the cross because of Himself.

Why Does it Matter?
Without understanding that Christ’s death on the cross and our belief in Him is for His glory – we are in incredible danger. We are in danger of thinking that life is all about ourselves. The only problem with that is that it’s what we already thought.

Jesus is not in the business of letting us think that life is about us. When we take the cross and make it about us, the very thing that should kill our pride convinces us to have more.

<> In what areas of your life do you struggle with pride?
<> What are ways that we make the cross out to be about us instead of Jesus?
<> How does the cross destroy your pride?

Believing for Christ’s Sake
It’s not too hard to think of the ways we think that Christ died for our sake. He is our way into heaven. He promises us life abundant. He gives us comfort. He is satisfying. He is our portion. He is our hope. Some false teachers would even argue that He desires for us to be wealthy and healthy for all our days.

<> But what would it look like for our belief to be for Christ’s sake?

The idea of His sake or His name’s sake is the idea of Christ’s fame. According to Philippians our belief in Christ is for the sake of Christ. Here’s how it works: When our lives become radically transformed by the gospel, two things happen. 1.) We worship and 2.) other people notice and over time they come to worship.

By both of those processes, Christ is glorified and made famous. Louie Giglio once told a story of two teenage guys who camped out for multiple nights in order to buy the brand new Xbox 360. The newspaper covered the story and had Bill Gates face on the front page as the creator of the system. Their lives were changed in a peculiar way and the creator of that change received the glory.

Week 6 – Wednesday – Alarmed Mentality

2008-05-07T11:05:00.002-04:00

Go read Philippians 1:27-30. Now reread vs. 28.

Normally we quote from the NIV on this blog, but sometimes other translations simply put things better. Philippians 1:28 (NASB) – “in no way alarmed by your opponents.”

Anticipating Opposition
Yesterday we talked about accepting, contending for and standing firmly united in the mission of Jesus on this earth. As you do so, you WILL experience opponents. It’s not a question of “if?” – it’s a question of “when?”

<> What opponents have you met because you were living in a manner worthy of the gospel?
<> What is your reaction when you meet opposition?

The surprising thing is the massive variety of forms that opponents can come in. Matt talked about traditions, ideas, ourselves and satan. Let me translate what that means – the entire rhythm in which you were raised and trained can be against you. External mentally stimulating, new ideas can be against you. Internal desires, thoughts, weaknesses, pride, laziness and temptations can be against you. AND there is a personal external opponent masterminding all of it named satan. Anybody excited yet?

Traditions can be incredibly hard to see because we are so used to them that we don’t even notice them. Traditions can be like a bad boyfriend who even though he beats us, we don’t remember what life is like without him so we just stick out with him. Comfort can kill us.

<> What are traditions that you obey and adhere to without having studied the Scripture to check for their validity?
<> Have you ever taken time to go through Scripture and analyze what you believe like Matt encouraged us to?

External ideas are generally easier to see because they are things that we disagree with. The danger here is that some proponents are incredible thinkers and orators and can trick and confuse you EASILY if you are not well-grounded in the Word (Eph. 4:14). Something to be wary of in America right now is the idea of “intellectual tyranny.” Essentially it is the idea that academically, all spiritual notions are foolish and should be mocked. Purely scientific explanations are the only reasonable explanations. That’s not true, and someday God will show people who believe that how foolish they are.

<> What external ideas are attacking your faith in Jesus?
<> Are you building a foundation in the Word that the best orators in the world can’t shake?

Internal ideas are hard because “if I feel it, it must be true.” No, my friend, that is not the case. There are thoughts, ideas and desires that come out of you AND that are bad for you. Go read James 4:1-4 and Romans 7:15-20.

<> What internal desires and ideas are hindering you from knowing Jesus intimately?

Alarmed Mentality
What I love about the NASB translation of this verse is the word alarmed. This may just be a personal pet peeve, but I get really aggravated by Christians who are extremely alarmed by the world. I think it reminds me of my own sheltered upbringing. Let's just all agree on something: the world is a dark place. The darkness goes further and deeper and is more pervasive than we can probably imagine. My heart is that you would stay pure and unblemished by this darkness as you learn to walk in holiness following Jesus.

AND.

If you are constantly being alarmed by your opponents, you are probably walking around with your eyes completely closed to the hurting, broken, dieing world all around you. The truth of the matter is that we need to be learning to walk in an intricate balance: 1.) We understand the weight of sin in our own lives and in the lives of others. The weight of sin is that it put Jesus on the cross and is disgusting, destructive and ultimately separates us from Him! AND 2.) We need to be completely unsurprised by the fact that people sin. It's our expectation of fallen broken humanity. The life of Jesus and His cross teach us that He isn't afraid or alarmed or surprised by sin. He faces it head on.

<> Are you constantly alarmed, offended and closing yourself off to the darkness of the world?
<> How can you keep yourself pure from sin while being able to keep your eyes open to the darkness of our opponents?

Week 6 – Tuesday - Standing firm and Contending

2008-05-06T09:15:00.001-04:00

Go read Philippians 1:27.
<> What does Paul command?
<> What does Paul expect?

The Result of Proper Conduct
Paul describes a beautiful if-then relationship between conduct and unity. “Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel. . . THEN . . . I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel.”

If you conduct yourselves in light of the gospel . . . then you will stand firm in one spirit.
If you remember who you are . . . then contend as one man for the faith of the gospel.
If you are in love with Jesus . . . then you will be unified.

That’s an awesome causal relationship. You want to be unified? Easy. Just live as if the gospel has changed your life. On the other hand, if you’re alive and have eyes or ears, unity within the Christian church doesn’t seem to be that easy. Easier said than done.

<> How does the gospel unify us?

That is not a question with only one quick easy answer. In fact, when you really break it down it’s a very complete answer.

Stand Firm in One Spirit
<> What is the attitude of our spirit in light of the gospel?
(Go check out Week 4 – Friday from April for a refresher)

When you really consider the gospel – the good news of Jesus – that you were separated from God, a run-away traitor with no hope of restoring the relationship – that you were covered and bound by your own sin, by your selfishness – AND that Jesus chose to love you anyway (Romans 5:8) and came to earth to die for you – offering His righteousness in place of your own that all you can do is trust in Him by faith – the attitude of our spirit has to be humility, gratefulness and immense joy.

Proper reaction . . . really just honest reaction to the gospel is a very unifying force. Humility destroys pride that separates and divides based on “I’m smarter than you”. Gratefulness destroys a sense of entitlement that separates and divides based on “I deserve something better than this. I shouldn’t have to put up with other people.” Joy destroys despair that divides and separates based on “This will never change.” Joy unifies us in celebrating what Jesus has done in us individually, and brings us together dreaming about what He will do in our city.

<> Where has the attitude of your spirit caused disunity with other believers?
<> How are you allowing the gospel to humble you?
<> Are you learning to walk in daily gratefulness for what Christ has done?
(1 Thess. 5:18)

Contending for the Faith
Last night in my LifeGroup we were talking about Matt’s sermon from Sunday night and we talked about the idea of “remembering who you are.” We asked the question, “who are you in light of the gospel?” There were a lot of good answers but one of my favorites by far was “we are carriers of the message.”

Along with uniting us in Spirit, the gospel unites us in purpose. We are a group of people bound together by one single mission: to contend for the faith of the gospel.

<> How are you contending for the faith of the gospel?
<> Do you have healthy relationships with non-believers where you are pushing, prodding and pleading with them toward Jesus?
<> Does the way you live your life around people who don’t know Jesus cause them to ask you questions about Him? (Matt. 5:16)

Having a single mission is an incredibly unifying idea. When we are on mission together, we lock arms and encourage each other. We share battle stories and we pray passionately for each other because we know personally the struggle others are facing. One of the most amazingly encouraging things in the world is to have someone else who is on mission in this city tell me that they are praying for the people I’m trying to love toward Jesus. I don’t even have to tell them what to pray. They already know.

On the other hand missional laziness is divisive. When we fail to accept Christ’s mission for our lives and devote our lives to the personal way he wants that to play out in our lives, we frustrate and discourage those who are on mission. We don’t know how to pray well for each other because we haven’t experienced what they’re experiencing. We start to think that all manner of things (carpet color, musical style, etc.) are primary matters of utmost importance and we forget that there are thousands and thousands of people in our city who would go to hell if they died right now.

The great questions that will mark Midtown’s success and health as a family will be:
1.) Can we humbly unite in one overjoyed spirit that has been radically changed internally by the gospel?

- and –

2.) Will we accept Christ’s mission for our lives and lock arms together to contend for the faith of the gospel in our city?

Week 6 – Monday - Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel

2008-05-05T08:28:00.000-04:00

The end of chapter one is in sight people! In the same way that I devoured the last piece of key lime pie for breakfast this morning, we are going to demolish the last few verses of Philippians Chapter 1.

Go read Chapter 1 for review.
<> What are the main points of Philippians Chapter 1 if you had to summarize it?
<> Now reread Philippians 1:27-30: at first glance what does it say?

Trust Fund Kids
Some of the most frustrating people in the world are people who don’t appreciate what they’ve been given. I’m not saying this is always the case, but surprisingly, a child who could live off of the interest of his trust fund for the rest of his life without ever having to work a day – sometimes that kid turns our lazy. To people who work hard to try to earn enough money to eat and pay the bills – that kid gets under the skin. If you check your heart well enough, there could be some jealousy in there somewhere but on a bigger level there is a notion that “of him who has been given much, much is expected.” The child’s frustrated parents wouldn’t be off in looking at him and saying, “Billy! Conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the trust fund that allows you to own a small petting zoo in our backyard!”

<> Does a child have to do anything to earn the trust fund?
<> Have you ever known anyone who lived lazily as a result of being given a lot of money?
<> Have you ever known someone who conducted himself well in light of what he had been given?

Jesus is not like any other anything in the world. Every religion in the world teaches you how to earn your daily spiritual allotment. Jesus is offers freely a spiritual trust fund. He offers forgiveness, holiness, hope, life and a His indwelling Spirit for new life FREE OF CHARGE.

AND . . . the trustfund comes with some expectations. (Read Philippians 1:27) If there is nothing more obnoxious than a kid who doesn’t understand what he’s been financially given; there is nothing more annoying spiritually than someone who claims Christ but lives in a manner that says they don’t really care about what they’ve been given.

<> What have you been given according to the gospel of Christ?
<> Do you live in a manner worthy of the gift you have received in Christ?
<> If you analyzed the behavior of your life, what parts scream out “DO YOU KNOW WHAT JESUS HAS DONE FOR ME?!” ?
<> If you analyzed the behavior of your life, what parts scream out “I AM A SELFISH KID WHO ABUSES WHAT I’VE BEEN GIVEN!!!” ?

Inside Out Transformation
As long as Midtown exists, part of our mission will be to fight religion. Religion teaches that if you change the external behavior consistently enough for long enough, eventually you can change who you are internally in your soul. The Bible does not teach this. Scripture teaches us that we are desperately in need of internal life change -- that we need new hearts. After Christ changes our hearts, the only proper response is to behave in a way that screams out what he has done.

<> In a daily way are you allowing Christ to change your heart?
<> Are you growing internally in your spiritual maturity or only externally?
<> Is your external behavior a reflection of what Jesus is doing internally?

Week 5 – Friday – Symbols and Shadow

2008-05-02T08:49:00.001-04:00

The Beauty of Symbols
Baptism is one of the most beautiful symbols found in Christian history. It’s right up there in my book with the Lord’s supper – which is surprising considering the fact that baptism doesn’t naturally have any food involved. The thing about symbols is they’re just like rocks – remember our old friend Ebenezer (from Tuesday). Symbols last through the ages and communicate something deeper than themselves.
Think through the symbol of baptism. Feel free to reread Romans 6:1-4

<> What are the different parts of the symbol (people and inanimate objects)?
<> What does each part symbolize?
<> Think deeper than just the surface level parts of the symbol. What are the implications of the symbol of baptism?
<> Why is the person dunked backwards?

When you really start to study symbols you will find that they are beautiful, multi-leveled pictures of incredible truths. A very unique guy getting married once decided that he didn’t want any of the traditional wedding symbols in his wedding (you know, unity candle, wedding rings, veils, etc.). He didn’t feel like they meant anything and he wanted his ceremony to have substance. So he started researching and creatively trying to plan some new cooler deeply meaningful aspects to his wedding ceremony. As he studied, he came to the conclusion that the traditional wedding symbols were the most beautiful meaningful symbols he could find.

The Problem with Symbols
The problem with symbols is that sometimes we get confused and forget what the symbol represents and we start to think that the symbol is the point. Entire church denominations split because we cannot agree on how to carry out traditions. When this is going on, the symbol has become an idol that we pridefully worship more than the God who instituted the idea. This is not a new problem:

Go read Colossians 2:16-19
<> What is the point of religious symbol, tradition, festival, etc.?
<> According to vs. 19 what is ultimately the problem with someone who proudly cares too much about symbol?

We should be celebrators of symbols. They are amazing gifts designed to remind us and help us grasp complex ideas with concrete pictures. But when we fail to understand that they are merely shadows of the real substance – we become religiously disconnected from JESUS. That’s unacceptable.

On the other hand when you start to understand that Jesus is the substance behind all the shadows, symbols on a bigger level can become a source of worship and a missional tool. The truth is that every day is filled with thousands of pictures that can point us toward to Jesus. Romantic comedies, regular interactions between people and infinite examples from nature can proclaim little truths about who God is (Romans 1:20). When you open your eyes to these symbols and shadows, they can push you toward Jesus and help give you common ground to help people see Him who don’t know Him.

<> Do you need to repent for caring too much about symbols and not enough about Jesus who is the point of the symbols?
<> Do you look for symbols that are pointing you toward Jesus throughout your day?

Week 5 – Thursday – Celebration

2008-05-01T02:16:00.002-04:00

Of the two major graduations thus far in my life (high school and college), I had major doubts about walking at either of them. It’s not that I don’t like celebrations; I just hate weak-sauce, pathetic excuses for celebrations. I told my mom that she better cheer her head off and I didn’t care if the police had to escort her from the ceremony. Way too often, Christians are known for everything that we are against, and not what we are for. We are known for our boycotts, not what we support. That’s not very Jesus-like.

Lest we forget, the theme phrase of Genesis 1 is “It was good.” Skip to Leviticus 23 and there’s an entire chapter about nationwide parties that God commanded (You should go read the entire chapter). Lev. 23:23-24 talks about the Feast of Trumpets -- a massive party highlighted by trumpet blasts and a bonfire. Lev. 23:33-44 describes the Feast of Tabernacles where the entire nation camped out for an entire week together just to celebrate God’s goodness for busting them out of Egypt back in the day. I love vs. 44 “So Moses announced to the Israelites the appointed feasts of the Lord.”

Ummm, hey guys. . . I’ve been talking to God and He told me that we’re supposed to kill some animals every year to replace the death we deserve . . . He said we have to stone blasphemers and we’re not supposed to get spiritual tattoos to help our friends in the afterlife. . . and oh yeah, He gave me a list of parties we’re going to throw. . .

<> Do people know you are a Christian because of what you are for or because of what you are against?
<> Are you a good celebrator?
<> Do you regularly take time to celebrate how good God is and what He’s done in your life?

Just in case you’re thinking that this is only an Old Testament issue – I’d remind you that Jesus’ first miracle was performed at a wedding; a wedding party full of drunk people. And He made more wine for them. Now no doubt, Jesus wasn’t condoning drunkenness – I think He was revealing to them that He is the actual reason to party – the sweetest wine – abundant life. Ringing any bells? I think as a Christian, if we fail to party; to revel in the awesome nature of God, we are in danger of not having grasped at all what Jesus has done for us.

<> What are some parties that you need to throw?

My friend Matt says that when his kids grow up, he has no control over whether or not they will be I love with Jesus. But if you were to ask his kids about their dad, his one hope is that they would respond, “He just wouldn’t ever shut up about how good God is.” So even while his kids are very small he constantly stops to say, “wow, do you see that color pink? That’s your favorite color isn’t it? How good is God that He created pink?"

<> If you died, based on what you talk about most regularly, what would people say your life is about?

Week 5 – Wednesday – Confession

2008-04-30T10:15:00.002-04:00

From tracking stats on this site, I know that some of you readers were not there on Sunday night – specifically because you follow from other states or countries. I just wanted to fill you in real quickly on what went down at our Baptism Gathering. We planned to do the baptism outside at an amphitheater on the Riverwalk in West Columbia, but God had better plans and rained us out. We quickly packed up shop and moved over to our secondary location – inside a parking garage at the state museum. We set up a baptismal and as many chairs as we could find and watched over forty people publicly proclaim “JESUS IS MY LORD.” Now here’s the thing about Midtown, we like to celebrate, and I don’t mean with a golf-clap. The crowd of five hundred people sitting and standing shook the garage each time one of the forty-three were raised out of the water.

Without a doubt, baptism gathering has to be one of, if not my absolutely favorite night of the year. Watching family and friends gather around the baptismal while their loved one was being baptized -- seeing brother baptize sister – husband baptize wife – teammates baptize each other – fraternity brothers – the whole night was beautiful. And for refreshments we all kicked back on glass bottled cokes and moon-pies.

“God is God”
Based on all that recap, this is a pretty hard claim to make, but I think my absolutely favorite moment during the whole baptism gathering was when a member of the USC track team who told his own story from the pool, said this simple statement: “Last October I finally admitted that God is God.”

Go Read Romans 10:8-13
<> What does the word confess mean?
<> Where else do we use the term regularly?

The funny thing about confession is that somehow we’ve relegated it to the thought of admitting when we’ve done bad stuff. The word is a much bigger idea. Confession is admitting that something is true when you’ve been denying it. Whether it’s confession to a friend or to God of a behavior past that we wish wasn’t true, or whether it’s confessing your love for someone – confession carries the notion of no other options. There’s a certain desperation to confession. “I’m tired of acting like this isn’t true when I know that it is . . . I’m a liar if I keep living like this is not true . . . hey wait a minute, I need to say something.”

Can you imagine a more simple confession than “God is God”? And yet, at the same time it changes everything! There are so many implications and truths wrapped up in that simple admission. God is not me. God is an external reality. God reveals Himself to me. I am not God. I'm desperate to confess it's true.

<> What life changing confessions have you made in your life?
<> How much of your life is a living confession of the fact that “Jesus is Lord”?
<> Does the confession of your life carry an appropriate nature of desperation?

Week 5 – Tuesday – Reminders

2008-04-29T10:27:00.002-04:00

Ebenezers
Yesterday we talked about baptism being a symbolic reminder. We’re going to talk about symbols later in the week, but I wanted to talk just for a moment about reminders. If you have spent much time around church in your life, you have probably heard this verse from the Hymn “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”:

“Here I raise mine Ebenezer,
Hither by Thy help I’m come,
And I hope by Thy good pleasure
Safely to arrive at home.”

Ebenezer is a weird word. It sounds like a grandmother’s name or something. It actually comes from the Scripture and is a pretty beautiful picture:

Go read 1 Samuel 7:10-14.
<> Why would Samuel set up a rock?
<> Have you ever set up something in your life to remind you, “Thus far has the Lord helped us”?

Relying on Rocks
Throughout my life I have learned two things about the way people learn: 1.) We are very slow to learn. 2.) We are very quick to forget. Here’s the beautiful thing about Samuel’s Ebenezer. There’s a certain notion that rocks change much more slowly than we do. In some ways, rocks are smarter than us. It’s like Samuel assumes, “there is going to come a day when we all start to forget what God has done for us, and we are going to need this the testimony of a rock – this rock that doesn’t fluctuate with every selfish notion, theological trend or unexplainable hardship.”

<> What are areas of your life that you need to set up an Ebenezer – an unchanging reminder of what God has done in your life?
<> What are some lessons God has taught you that you have been struggling to live out recently?
<> How did he originally teach you? What’s getting in the way of your obedience now?

LifeGroup Creative Idea - Stories

2008-04-29T09:48:00.002-04:00

Please don't be confused - these LifeGroup creative ideas are never going to be exactly groundbreaking earth shattering ideas. They're simple ideas. But they're good.

If you haven't yet, in some way at some point the people in your LifeGroup need to tell personal stories of how God has worked in their lives. Stories do a number of things for your group:

1.) Breed unity and intimacy. Telling your story is a relatively easy way to open up honestly and help other people understand where you're coming from.
2.) Encouragement against sin. According to Heb. 3:12-13, sin's number one goal is that we would be discouraged -- that we would grow an evil, unbelieving heart and that we would fall away from the living God. As I listen to my friends praise Jesus for what He's done in their lives, I'm reminded of what He's done in my life and sin loses it's ability to convince me that He's not at work.
3.) Help us love each other better. When you know where someone's coming from, it can help you know when to be gentle, when to push hard, and what kind of language to use and to avoid as we help each other grow toward Jesus. "Hey remember when God did _________ in your life, He's not going to fail you now as you're dealing with ________ ."
4.) Learn spiritual maturity of the group and recognize areas of needed growth. Sometimes listening to someone tell their story in their own language can help a group recognize theological misunderstanding. You're not all looking to jump down each other's throats, but with gentleness, "No, God doesn't think of you like that. . . " can be one of the most needed encouraging moments in anyone's life. Even, "you know as I was listening to your story I got a little concerned that you might be dealing with _________" can be a necessary step towards growing towards Jesus.

Week 5 - Monday - Baptism

2008-04-28T08:14:00.004-04:00

Ok guys we're popping out of Philippians for today to recap last night. (We will either continue with external topics -- there were enough nuggets last night for a month's worth -- for the rest of the week or keep plugging along through Philippians)

Baptism
We do not believe that baptism saves you. We believe that Jesus saves you. Baptism is a physical symbol of what Jesus does to us spiritually. It is very similar to communion or a wedding ring. They are all beautiful symbols of something much bigger.

Check out Romans 6:1-14 (the scripture Dustin read last night plus a little more.)
<> What issue is Paul addressing before he starts talking about baptism?
<> How does the symbol of baptism speak to the issue he's addressing?
<> How are you doing with obeying vs. 11-14?

The symbol of baptism is a reminder to ourselves of what has happened spiritually inside of us. In moments of deepest darkest temptation we can look back to our baptism as a moment that reminds us that we have proclaimed to the world - Jesus is Lord; He has cleaned me of my sin; I am dead to my old way of life and alive in Christ alone.

Along with being a personal reminder, baptism is a communal reminder. Any person in the crowd watching is reminded of their own baptism. We cheer for salvation in the life of the person being baptized. We cheer for our own salvation. We cheer that God is good at what He does and He keeps advancing His gospel -- even through jacked up punks like us.

Why Don't Midtown's Pastors Baptize?
Well, our pastors do baptize people -- we just don't reserve the right for our pastors. We don't see that as a Biblical mandate. Read John 4:1-2.

<> Why would Jesus have his disciple's baptize people?

Read Ephesians 4:11-13.
<> What is the job of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers?
<> Who is performing "works of service"?

We honestly believe that ministry is supposed to be done by all believers, not just by a few guys with titles. The dudes with titles' job is to equip the body for works of service. When members of the body play a spiritually significant role in someone coming to know Christ, we think it is less awesome for a random pastor with almost no relationship with the person to baptize them.

Week 4 - Saturday - Overflowing Joy

2008-04-26T01:49:00.000-04:00

Read Philippians 1:21-26
“. . . so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me”

<> When is the last time that your joy in Christ Jesus overflowed?

We’re going to keep it real quick this Saturday morning. God wants us to be overjoyed. He wants our joy in His Son to overflow. If you aren’t relishing moments in life that are full of the richness and goodness of God, you aren’t matching His hope for you. He wants you to labor and seek and strive and push and prod and He wants to work in you and change you and encourage you and grow you.

But, at the end of the day sometimes He just wants you to sit and bask in the glow of His love.

<> How often do you pause to consider the depth of your sin and the startling fact of God’s love despite your failing performance?
<> In the midst of circumstantial pain, discomfort or confusion, do you ever pause to meditate on the truth of the gospel?

Here’s the deal. Jesus died on a cross for you because He loves you. You don’t deserve that love. You can’t earn His love. But He gives it anyway. He gives His pain for yours. He gives His life for yours. SIT IN IT. Deal with His love. Right now.

Developing a deeply gospel centered identity is essential to you developing a chaotic joy; a deep seeded joy that weathers any circumstance, BUT it comes with diligence. It takes regular pausing to sit in the truth of the gospel in order to walk out its implications for your life.

<> Spend the day thinking on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Get with some friends and just talk about it. Let your joy overflow. Take communion. Don’t miss the life-giving opportunity to bask in the glow of His love.

Week 4 – Friday – Progress and Joy

2008-04-25T02:03:00.002-04:00

Read Phil 1:21-26
<> What two aspects of faith does Paul mention in vs. 26?
<> Do you have faith that is making progress?
<> Do you have increasingly joyful faith?

While we have been down here in Orlando, we had the opportunity to hear from a pastor named Darrin Patrick who planted a church called the Journey out in St. Louis, MO. He made this quote and I think it’s very applicable for what we’re studying in Philippians today:

“You need to have a deeply gospel centered identity. Your daily job is to cultivate a very deep gospel identity that you are jacked up beyond belief and that you can bask in the glow of Jesus’ love. In this manner you can walk in both the humility and the confidence of the gospel.”

In vs. 26 Paul states that he’s going to sacrificially stick around to help the church of Philippians working for their “progress and joy in the faith.” These are two aspects of faith that need to be held in balance with each other. Progress implies a need for change. Deep faith in Jesus and learning to walk with Him teaches us constantly how much we are in need of progress. Meanwhile, joy implies contentment and complete satisfaction right now. These two aspects of faith are not opposed to each other, but rather recognize that Jesus freely gives His righteousness causing joy, and that out of His love we seek to be transformed by His Spirit until we look like Him (progress).

Progress
Recognizing our need for progress means we know we’re not complete yet. Seeking progress combines humility in accepting that we need to change matched with a hope that change is possible. We aren’t content with our current growth, our current love for Christ, our current maturity, but we are confident that He is growing us, teaching us to love Him more and maturing us until the day of completion (remember Philippians 1:6). If you don’t think you need progress – you have a problem with pride. If you don’t think you can progress – you have a problem with doubt.

<> What are areas of your spiritual walk that you need progress in?
<> What steps do you need to take to see progress? (Beyond prayer, it may be as simple as asking someone smarter than you how you should get started.)
<> Do you generally struggle more with a lack of humility to see where you need progress or a lack of hope that Jesus can work in you toward your completion?

Progress always comes with a cost. If you’d like a lengthy discussion of this truth check out Mark Driscoll’s sermon entitled “Pain and Progress”. If you just want a quick example of this truth consider the cross of Jesus Christ. In order for your spirit to move from death to life it cost Jesus intense pain. The great lie of our culture is that you can progress with minimal effort and cost to yourself. The truth is that progress is always the result of painful pushing, labor and growing pains.

Joy
Joy and Progress are a powerful combination. Without joy, progress is tiresome. It becomes emotionally depressing and physically exhausting to continuously face our sin and pray, move and hope for Jesus’ righteousness to show up and transform our everyday lives. Joy is the foundational support that makes progress possible. It is the result of knowing that Jesus loves you right now! He’s not waiting for you to get better before He’ll start loving you. He wants you to walk with Him as He changes you. When you daily live out of the joy that is birthed from Christ’s love for you and your soul’s complete satisfaction in Him, progress becomes a much less strenuous task.

Go Read Romans 2:4.
<> How does God’s kindness lead us to repentance?
<> Reveling in God’s kindness is (joy / progress).
<> Repentance is (joy / progress).

If you are struggling to progress in your spiritual walk, it’s probably because you aren’t taking enough time to be overjoyed by God’s love. Seriously take a few minutes to remember what God has done in you.

<> What are areas of your life where you have seen God give you freedom?
<> What are areas of your life where God is giving you His heart?
<> How do you experience God’s love?

Whatever that is, go do it. Carve time out of your schedule to sit at Jesus’ feet and revel in the fact that He loves you exactly like you are, and too much to let you stay that way. As He washes you with His kindness and leads you to repentance, humbly accept the repentance that He leads you to. You need it more than you know.

Week 4 – Thursday – Sacrifice to Avoid Depression

2008-04-24T02:00:00.000-04:00

Read all of Philippians 1.
Reread Philippians 1:22-25.

A Funny Dilemma
Understanding and embracing that being with Jesus is better by far than anything this world has to offer is a good movement in your life. Over-embracing this idea leads to depression. Honestly, if you never open your eyes to see Jesus here at work in you and in the world, and think of Him as ONLY being far away, waiting for you in heaven, you’re setting yourself up for a miserable life. That’s different than what He promises in John 10:10. Go read it.

<> Are you experiencing what you would call abundant life?
<> What does Paul say in Philippians 1:24-25 as to staying on earth?

Remember the two options that Paul is debating between here. Option 1: he DIES and goes to be with Jesus intimately (the better option according to him) or option 2: he continues on earth because it is necessary for the Philippians that he remain with them in the body.

<> Out of the two options which one is more selfishly satisfying?
<> Which option is easier?
<> Which option does Paul expect will happen?
<> Why doesn’t Paul seem angry about that fact?

Sacrifice
Paul literally says that considering the fact that he’s more needed here on earth, he’s convinced God will leave him here for the moment despite his desire to be with Jesus. I don’t think he’s sad about the fact. I don’t think he’s mad at God or bitter that God would do this to him. I think Paul understood deeply and personally one of the craziest paradoxes of following Jesus.

Go read Matthew 10:39

<> What does our culture teach is the best approach to finding life?
<> How does the paradox of finding life by losing your life play out practically?

I don’t think this verse is referencing the ecstatic goose-bump-causing feeling you get from helping someone. I think the paradox is much more Christian and meaningful than surprisingly finding selfish sensuality where you didn’t expect it. I think it works like this: As you give your life away, you become more like Jesus. Jesus is life. Giving away your life helps you find Jesus so losing your life is finding your life . . . in Jesus.

Where humanism teaches us to look deep inside of ourselves to find our deepest truest desires and purposes, Jesus teaches us to pick up a cross and die to ourselves (Matt. 10:38, Luke 9:23). Jesus literally teaches us to look outside ourselves in order to find life and that it’s going to take intense sacrifice in order to get to it.

<> If knowing Jesus is the goal, how does this change your motive to serve?
<> What changes about your attitude in life understanding this paradox?
<> Is this the kind of idea that you can just know in your brain and never think about it or is it going to take some time to work out fully in your life?

A Funny Solution to a Funny Dilemma
Paul is faced with a dilemma: live or die. Die and get Jesus, live and help other people get Jesus while getting Jesus though not as fully as if I died. His response to this dilemma is to consider which option he wants less and assume that God will push him toward that solution because in his less preferred choice, Paul knows he will become more like Jesus.

The funny thing is that if you focus too much on dying and being intimately connected to Jesus someday, you risk becoming depressed with the constant struggle of separation while here on earth. The solution is that your life is not about you. AND as you learn to selflessly give your life away, Jesus is most glorified and you are most satisfied.

<> How are you giving your life away?
<> Are you growing in intimacy with Jesus through daily decision to sacrifice?
<> Where are accidentally missing out on the joy of Jesus by wasting yourself in pursuit of selfish desires?
<> How often do you run major decision through the filter of “Does this get me more Jesus?”

Week 4 - Wednesday - Better by Far

2008-04-23T01:43:00.001-04:00

Go Read Philippians 1:21-26
<> Read it out loud and imagine that you are Paul writing this passage. Imagine that you are writing to a young church plant. What’s going through your brain? What effect do you want this passage to have on your audience?
<> Are you gaining depth of understanding as you read this passage over and over?

Better
In vs. 23 Paul writes that he “desire[s] to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far”. This is not just some religious cliché Paul is throwing around. He claims that it would be better to leave this planet, his friends, his life, his churches and his work to be with Jesus. Not just better. Better by far.

The funny thing about this is that it is contrary to the very core of the deep-seeded human desire to survive at all costs. Ask an evolutionary biologist what the one single law of living organisms is and he’ll tell you, survival of the fittest. Ask a sociologist why impoverished and homeless people often act in socially deviant manners, and he’ll tell you he’s acting out of survival mode. We are wired to survive. Suicide is a psychologically impossible pill to swallow because it contradicts what may be the deepest of all goals: survival.

Paul seems to be defying the laws of nature. Facing his immediate possible death, he writes that he would rather die and be with Jesus. There are two options: 1.) Paul’s life isn’t all that good or 2.) Being with Jesus must be amazing. The problem with number one is that Paul’s all the time talking about how joyful he is.

<> Do you honestly believe that being with Jesus is better than all else?
<> What would change about your life if you began to make every decision through the grid of “will this choice get me more of Jesus?”

The Tension Caused by Our Deepest Desire
The truth is that Paul makes two interesting claims in this verse. The obvious one is that to him dying to be with Jesus is better by far than living. The second one is “Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two”. Despite the fact that intimately being in the presence of Jesus would be better by far according to Paul, he is still torn. The way he addresses it is odd because he’s not really in control of whether he dies or not but he treats it as if he has a tough choice to make. It’s tearing him up.

<> When is the last time you got torn up thinking about your desire to be with Jesus that is in conflict with your very life?
<> What does this passage reveal about Paul as a person?

In this very honest and vulnerable passage, Paul reveals his deepest desire. Despite any personal desires he has, Paul’s deepest desire is to be with Jesus. Just to be with Him. It’s causing him tension as he considers other desires.
Can you imagine living in the freedom of being torn up about how equally good the options of dying and living are? If I die, I get intimacy with Jesus right now, and if I keep living I get to labor towards other people knowing Jesus right now. If you are a Christian then you have new deepest desires. There shouldn’t be any hesitation in you when considering the ultimate joy of being with Jesus in physical death. That is so much better that I’m almost walking in tension of whether or not I even want to keep living anymore.

<> How much do you desire to be with Jesus?
<> When you boil everything in your life down, what is your deepest desire?
<> What would have to change for Jesus to be your deepest desire? What’s getting in the way?

Week 4 - Fruitful Labor (Part 2)

2008-04-22T09:48:00.003-04:00

Philippians 1:22 "If I am going to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me."

Midtown's staff is in Orlando this week at a church planting conference called Exponential: National New Church Conference. We are not just big conference people, but we do want to be continually learning and growing in our spiritual maturity and leadership abilities as we seek Jesus in leading our church family. This is the second year we've come down here and and last year we heard some amazing solid Biblical teaching along with some very interesting ideas (and by interesting I mean wrong). For instance, one man said, "It's not your job to develop your people. Let someone else do that if you want to, but as a pastor, that's not your job." Essentially his point was that a pastor's job was to be a flashy, attractive salesman and convince people to say yes to Jesus, end of story. The only problem with this idea is the Bible.

Jump ahead to Philippians 2:12-13.

Yesterday we talked about Paul's labor in Jesus' mission of spreading the gospel; the good news of salvation by faith in Christ's death and resurrection. That labor is not finished at the point that someone puts his hope and trust in Jesus. The labor is finished as we learn to walk daily by the Holy Spirit in hope and trust of Jesus, working out our salvation with fear and trembling.

The Fruit of Discipleship
Go read Galatians 5:16-25
<> What promise is in vs. 16?
<> List out the contrast between the deeds of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit.

The goal of the mission is not to create a bunch of converts who trust Jesus but have no idea what changes that brings about in life. The goal of the mission is that we would become people who walk by the Spirit. This happens as we send more time with Jesus growing in intimate knowledge of Him, and as older, mature Christians pour their wisdom into our lives.

When we understand the fruit of the Spirit, it changes both the way we minister to other people and our hope for our own walk with Christ.

Your Walk
<> Are you dealing with the tension that Paul talks about in Galatians 5:17?
<> Are you more controlled by the deeds of the flesh or the fruit of the Spirit?
<> Where do you see God growing the fruit of the Spirit in your life?
<> Who do yo know whose life is marked by the fruit of the Spirit?
<> What do vs. 24 and 25 mean for your life?
<> What would your life look like if you walked by the Spirit?

Too many of us settle for far too little in our spiritual lives. We are harassed by sin, temptation and old habits with no real hope for freedom or any ability to live the new life that Christ offers (2 Cor. 5:17). In a blissfully ideal world someone older than you should be pursuing you and pouring their wisdom into you and training you to walk by the Spirit. In our somewhat demographically lopsided church family you may need to just ask someone to hang out with you for lunch or coffee. Here's the good news! Regardless of whether you can find the perfect mentor or not, the Holy Spirit wants to mentor you daily through the Scriptures (1 John 2:27-29). That's a good option.

Your Ministry
<> Who are you pouring your life into?
<> Considering the fruit of the Spirit, are you hoping too little for them?
<> What do you pray for people you love and minister to?
<> Do you see God working out the fruit of the Spirit in their lives?

As we fall in love with Jesus and with our city, God will continually break our hearts for those who are far from Him. He will also break our hearts for those who know the way and have tasted salvation but are struggling to walk in intimacy (including ourselves). I was thinking about a coworker of mine who is far from God and as I started to pray for Him, I felt Jesus asking me, "what do you really want for him?" I realized that I don't just want him to come to know Jesus, but my real prayer for him is that someday he will know Jesus so intimately that he would be qualified to be an elder of a church family.

<> Do you hope for people's spiritual growth in such a way that only Jesus could possibly accomplish your prayers?
<> Do you hope for people's spiritual growth in such a way that you will never run out of possible labor in their lives?

Week 4 – Monday – Fruitful Labor (Part 1)

2008-04-21T08:29:00.002-04:00

Read Philippians 1:19-26
(We all need to read this passage about one hundred times so it will sink in deeply to our souls and through it Jesus will change us.)

Now check out Philippians 1:22 -- “if I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me.”
<> What labor in your life is bearing fruit?
<> Are there areas of your life where you are putting in effort but seeing no fruit?
<> How do you respond when your labor doesn’t produce the expected result?

Paul makes a bold claim here as he wrestles between the thoughts of dying and being with Christ or continuing to live on earth. The claim is definitional, challenging and confident. If I am going to keep living in this body, this will mean fruitful labor. You can strip his statement down to this core idea:

Living in the body = fruitful labor.

There are no other options for Paul; no fallback plans. It’s as if he says, “Look I’d much rather die and get to hanging out with Jesus face to face, but if I’m going to stay here, you better believe I’m going to be busting my butt and my labor is going to pay off.” In the words of Dustin Willis, “This ain’t no game.”

Fruit of Salvation
Go read Colossians 1:3-14
<> Are you aware of the ways the gospel is bearing fruit and growing all over the world?
(Check out http://www.commissionstories.com/ for a little glimpse.)
<> In verse ten what does Paul say about fruit?

Paul’s desire for the church at Colossae is that their good works would bear fruit for the gospel. He doesn’t say I hope you have a neat social-service-Kumbayah club where you do nice people and no one ever comes to know Jesus. Since Christ’s death on the cross the good news of His salvation has been spreading like wild fire and we have been invited into His story. The problem is that far too many of us will never labor for it, and far too many of us will labor in such a way that we never see any fruit. (Matthew 9:35-38)

Choosing to Labor
Neither of those were options for Paul. If I’m alive, it means labor and it means labor that bears fruit. The difference in whether you choose to labor or not is generally an indicator of your knowledge of Jesus. The more intimate we become with Him the less able we are to ignore His missional call on our lives. You cannot know intimately a Savior who loves the lost so much that He died for us, and claim to be aligning yourself with His values while simultaneously ignoring all the lost people He puts in your life. More bluntly: If you are not growing to care about the lost in a way that transforms the way you live, it is an indicator that you might not know Jesus.

Wisdom and Sacrifice
The difference between fruitful labor and fruitless labor is generally an issue of sacrifice and wisdom. Some of us just aren’t willing to do whatever it takes to advance the gospel. We want to care about people who don’t know Jesus and we definitely talk about the idea a lot and feel convicted whenever we read the overwhelming amount of scripture that pushes us toward Jesus’ mission, but at the end of the day we settle for doing just enough Christiany service that no one will call me out and I won’t feel guilty.

Some of us are completely surrendered and submitted to Jesus’ mission and willing to sacrifice all but doing so in such a hideously foolish manner that most of our labor builds more obstacles to the gospel in people’s lives than bears fruit. Some of us in an attempt to build relationships with the lost end up being tempted and disqualified. Zeal and excitement for the gospel without any amount of wisdom can be damaging to ourselves and to the people we are trying to love. Wisdom and caution are not the enemy of passionate sacrifice. They are the guardrails that allow your passionate labor to last for a long time.

Questions That Beg for Honest Answers
<> Are you laboring for the gospel that is bearing fruit all over the world?
<> Are you seeking relationships with people who don’t know Jesus?
<> Do you love your lost friends enough to pray desperately for their salvation? (spiritual labor)
<> Do you love the lost enough to have open honest conversations about the gospel?
(Romans 10:12-15)
<> Are you seeing God bear fruit through your labor?
(1 Corinthians 3:5-7)
<> Are you fully committed to fruitful labor or are you half-committed to social goodness?
<> Do you seek wise counsel about the way you try to love people who don’t know Jesus or do you carelessly put yourself in damaging situations?

Go reread 1 Corinthians 3:5-7. The honest truth is that God doesn’t need you to advance His gospel and His kingdom. He’s more than adequate on His own. AND, He has invited you into His story where you get to be a part of what He’s doing. So pray that He will send out laborers into His field, and pray that He will show you how He wants you to be one of them.

Week 3 – Saturday – Three Week Review

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For the most part we’ve used this blog as a personal tool for you to study through Philippians in depth verse by verse or even phrase by phrase sometimes. After three weeks, we still haven’t gotten out of chapter 1. From time to time it’s good to go back through and look at what God’s been teaching you. Reread any journaling you’ve done.

One of the aspects we haven’t really explored very much is the community aspect of a blog. Below this post there is a small link that says how many comments have been left on this post. By clicking that link you have the opportunity to leave a comment. We think some healthy discussion could be useful and this post is specifically geared towards feedback.
(All comments will be moderated and if you think this would be a good place to start intellectual fights or verbally abuse someone else, you’re wrong.)

Logistical:
<> How are you using the blog? (Daily hang out time with Jesus, quick encouragement/boost, semi regularly, etc.)
<> When you work through a post, reading it, reading the Scriptures and writing down answers to the questions, how long does it take you?
<> What has been your favorite aspect of the blog?
<> What would you change?

Spiritual:
<> What has been the most challenging part of Philippians chapter 1?
<> What has God been teaching you specifically?
<> Can you think of a time when God used what you were studying in Philippians to prepare you for something coming up later that day or that week?
<> Go back through the posts and list out the topics we’ve covered. Don’t just write down the post titles, put it in your own words. Can you see where God has been working on those things in your life?

To Do List:

→ Don’t feel pressured to comment the answers to all those questions. Some feedback on the logistical questions would be really helpful. Anything you want to share and think is appropriate from the spiritual questions would be sweet too.
→ Go back through Philippians and memorize the verses that God has really been using to shape your heart.

Week 3 - Friday - Die is Gain

2008-04-18T07:40:00.002-04:00

Embracing Death
I’m fairly certain than in the past 5 years no less than six hundred and four thousand movies have been made about someone who gets a shortened expectancy for life and starts to live all crazy and fun and meaningful all of a sudden. (My personal favorite of course, being “Last Holiday” starring Queen Latifah.)

The reason this story line will continue to be told over and over again is because it contains a two pretty basic truths about life: 1.) You are going to die someday and 2.) Most people live in a passionless, meaningless way and it takes their own sure and certain death to wake them up to that fact.

Go read Ecclesiastes 7:1-4
<> What seemingly insane claims does Solomon make in the first two verses?
<> Can you think of a time in your life when a sad face was good for your heart?
<> Why are the wise found in the house of mourning?

While these statements sound a little crazy, think back to our movie phenomena. How many people will never really start living until faced with their own death. I think we are too afraid to think on death. Jonathan Edwards, one of the greatest American theologians to ever live would regularly spend time in cemeteries where he would consider his death and the end of men’s lives that had gone before him. He wasn’t a morbid gothic, emo kid. But regularly considering the end of his life fueled the way he spent his moments here on this earth.

Fatal Gain
Go read Philippians 1:21-26.

Paul was not afraid to think about his own death. In fact, it seems like he was looking forward to it! That really doesn’t fit very well into our American thinking that goes something like this: I want maximum pleasure for minimum pain and I want it now! Also, I want God to fit into those goals in some way that guarantees me a godly spouse someday. Also I want both of my twix bars and you can’t have one.

<> According to vs. 23 what is Paul’s hope in death?
<> When someone is not afraid of death, how hard is it to steal his joy?
<> How often do you think about your own death? What are your thoughts?

The key to understanding “to die is gain” is walking out “to live is Christ”. Too many of us have a theological belief that when we die we go to heaven but our fear of death reveals 1.) that we don’t really believe that too strongly and 2.) that we think the stuff we’re experiencing here on earth is BETTER than being with Christ intimately. The problem is even with all the intimate pursuit of Jesus that can be found here on this earth, it is always incomplete. Our sinful flesh still shows up and destroys our communion with our Savior. That’s going to end someday and it’s going to be a GOOD thing.

The Movie Fallacy
But, the light bulb does not just switch on when you are about to die. What you value now is what you will value as you approach your death. If the most important thing to you is knowing Jesus, then death becomes a looked-forward-to removal of obstacles. If physical pleasure and the pursuit of money and selfish desires are your passions now, that’s not going to change when you find out that you have stage-two stomach cancer someday.

<> What do your thoughts on death reveal about your desire to know Jesus?
<> Are you living now in a way to prepare for your sure and certain death?

As Christians, there is no fear in death. It’s an upgrade. When we start to embrace that, we’re going to become dangerously joyful. It could radically impact the way we live, and the way we love and how we spend our everyday. The joy in death is not that we get heaven, but that then as now, we get Jesus. Bring it on reaper.

Week 3 – Thursday – To live is Christ

2008-04-17T10:17:00.001-04:00

Go Read Philippians 1:20. Go ahead and memorize it.
<> What does “to live is Christ” mean?
<> What did Christ’s life look like? As much as you possibly can, outline His life and public ministry on earth.
<> What should our response to His life be?

Reductionism
There is a major danger in Christian culture and the self-seeking culture at large that we live in: the theological sin of reductionism. Ok, calm down I know that’s a big word but it’s a simple idea. Reductionism is when we emphasize and claim certain aspects of truth while ignoring others. For example reductionism happens if you only define sin as actions and ignore attitudes or thoughts that can be sinful.

The good news is that the Scriptures are going to constantly work against reductionism in our lives and I think they will help us have a full understanding of the question: “What does it mean to be able to say “to live is Christ”?

Go read John 14:1-6.

John 14:6 is one of those “popular verses” that we like to slap on coffee mugs and under inspirational pictures of sunsets and geese flying over a moose. Whether you grew up in the church or not, you’ve probably heard it some number of times. But what does it mean?

The Way
This is probably the easiest aspect of the answer to understand, while NONE of the aspects are easy to live out. The difference in a student and a follower (or disciple) is that a student learns what the teacher knows, but a follower learns to do what the master does. In other words, if you are ever going to claim like Paul does that “to live is Christ”, it’s going to take more than just believing Jesus died on a cross and rose from the grave and gives you a free, all expense paid vacation to Heaven when you die. It requires that you model His actions and live in the way that He lived.

If you read the gospels and watch Jesus interact with society and His followers and respond mentally “wow that Jesus sure is neat” while running back to your life with no question as to how you should change, you’re in danger. You’re in danger of being a very religious Christian person, and not being a Christ follower. This is an unfortunately huge danger in our Bible-belt culture.
<> When you look at Jesus life, do you ask yourself what needs to change in your actions in order to be a reflection of Jesus?
<> Is your pursuit of Jesus purely academic/ritual, or are you allowing Him to transform your daily actions?
<> How much do you really know about what Jesus did?
(One of the best things for any follower of Jesus to do is to take a step back and look at the gospels. List out actions that we see Jesus doing (loving the poor, preaching the Word of God, confronting religious people, sacrificing to serve, breaking social norms, healing the sick, etc.) and then list out the actions you see yourself doing and compare the two lists.)

The Truth
This is not a popular aspect of following Jesus. The reason is that in a response to enlightenment culture, the church tried to figure God out into a whole bunch of formulas. To anyone with a brain, that doesn’t work well. God is bigger than our neat little formulas. BUT, that doesn’t mean that He isn’t true, and that He doesn’t make Himself knowable through His revelation and that He doesn’t contradict every world religion that teaches anything other than the fact that we need Jesus.

In order to follow Jesus you have to follow His model AND you have to trust that what He says is true. Sometimes they are hard things to accept are true because of what they mean for other people (i.e. the end of vs. 6 “no one comes to the Father, but through me.”) Sometimes they are hard things to accept are true because they contradict our feelings (i.e. Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God . . . “).

<> How much do you know about what Jesus says is true?
(Just like following in His Way, a simple study through the gospels looking for what He said was true would be awesomely good for you.)
<> Are there things Jesus said that you disagree with? When that is the case what should you do?
<> Are you willing to speak the truth to people (who agree and need a reminder or who disagree with Jesus)?

Here’s why this is such a HUGE issue. Hebrews 3:11 says “See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.” Ultimately our enemies goal is not that we would fail morally and cheat on our wives or fail to raise our kids well (although he wants that very much). Ultimately our enemy wants to have a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from Jesus. That process begins with doubt that Jesus is truth.

The Life
If you followed obediently in the way and truth of Jesus you would be a pretty dang good Christian huh? You act like Jesus, you talk like Jesus, AND you think like Jesus!? Dang son. But Jesus doesn’t stop there. He continues to say that He is the life. What is something without life? Dead. Please take careful note: You can waste your entire life trying to be exactly like Jesus, and you could memorize every doctrinal truth ever written in the scriptures and contend publicly for the truth of Jesus, and you could still be dead inside.

Go read John 10:1-18.
<> What does Jesus claim about Himself in vs. 7 and 10?
<> Have you entered by the gate that is Jesus? Have you come to a point in your life where you’ve put your whole hope and trust in Jesus as your only shot at life?
<> What does Jesus claim about His sheep in vs. 4?
<> Do you know His voice? Are you learning to hear Him in a daily way?

Jesus being our life has two main implications: 1.) At some point either He birthed new life in us or we are still dead and 2.) Either He is daily giving us life as we listen to His voice or we are continuing to walk walking in our old death (SIN).

Balance
If you just follow in the way of Jesus and agree with His truth, inevitably you’ll end up prideful because you think it’s based on what you do and think and not based on the life that He has given you and is giving you.

If you just follow in the way of Jesus and trust Him to provide your life, but don’t agree with what He says is true, you are confusing to everyone around you and eventually your own duplicity will cause you to have an unbelieving heart as you fall away from the true living God.

If you just think that Jesus is true and are assured of the life He is giving you, you become a lazy, religious person who has none of the impact that Jesus wants you to have in this world and you never look like Him.

So, go seek Him. Seek to follow His Way, to agree with His truth, and to live out of His life. “To live is Christ.” Get to it.

Week 3 – Wednesday – the Source of Hope

2008-04-16T09:52:00.002-04:00

Hopeful Rejoicing
We need to back up a verse and check out Paul’s motivation for his hope that he will never be ashamed but he will continue to exalt Christ.

Go read Philippians 1:18-30. Focus on vs. 18 through 20.
<> What does Paul say he is busy doing at the very end of vs. 18?
<> What causes you to rejoice? When was the last time that something happened in your life that caused you to well up with joy and praise Jesus with thanksgiving?
<> What does Paul say is the reason he is rejoicing and will continue to rejoice?

I love Paul’s HOPE. Read the last five words from vs. 18. Paul says, “I’m already rejoicing because Christ is going to preach, and I’m not going to quit rejoicing.” And as much as I love the hope evident in Paul, I love even more the reasons he lists for his hopeful rejoicing.

Faithful Prayer
We haven’t even gotten out of chapter one yet and we’ve had four entire posts about the nature of the relationships we have and need to have with other followers of Jesus. Let’s add a new characteristic. Paul says that his rejoicing stems from two places: the prayer of other believers and the help of the Holy Spirit. For far too many of us, we value both of those too little. If I was honest, they seem imbalanced. “Holy Spirit helps me out; AWESOME! My friends are praying for me . . . who cares?”
<> Why does Paul care so much that his friends in Philippi are praying for Him?
<> Who cares that people pray? Why does it matter?
<> Write a brief description of how you pray. How often? What are the circumstances? What does it reveal about your trust in God?

Go read Matthew 7:7-11.
(A quick disclaimer: If your response to this passage is “Nuh-uh, I prayed for something and it didn’t happen.” Then there are a few things to consider. First, Hebrews 3:12 says “take care brothers, lest there should be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, in falling away from the living God.” Second, Matthew 7:11 says “. . . how much more will your Father who is in heaven give WHAT IS GOOD to those who ask Him!” The implication is that He knows better than you do and sometimes you pray for DUMB stuff that would destroy you, even if you think it is good.)

There are so many texts on prayer that we are not going to go into. It’d be a good study to do on your own. (James 1:5-8, 4:1-3, Matthew 6:1-34 are good places to start and you can just biblegateway.com search for pray or prayer to keep going for about the next two years.)

Here’s the deal; being surrounded by people who are willing to pray for you faithfully is a huge encouragement for a few reasons: 1.) God listens to the requests of His children. 2.) If Satan’s goal is to create in us a faithless unbelieving heart, then knowing that someone else has enough faith to pray for us can be the most encouraging thing possible.
<> Do you have people in your life who you now would stop everything and pray for you if you asked them to?
<> What kind of encouragement is it when you are going through something hard and someone tells you they’ve been praying for you?

The Help of the Holy Spirit
We don’t talk about the Holy Spirit enough. Too much of the time we get weirded out by people who claim the Holy Spirit makes them fall backwards or yell out impossible to understand noises. The truth is the Holy Spirit is awesome. Seriously.

Read John 14:25-26
<> What does the Holy Spirit do in our lives?
(The word Counselor also means Helper. It’s the same title God gave Eve in the garden when He said, “I will make a helper suitable for him.” [Gen. 2:18] Dudes, if you want a wife, you want the Holy Spirit.)

Read Romans 8:26-28
<> What does the Holy Spirit do for us?
<> How humbling and encouraging is it to realize that even when we don’t know how to say what we want the Holy Spirit is interceding for us?

Paul writes to the church in Philippi and tells them there are too reasons why I hope and rejoice and I’m not going to stop. First off, you guys are praying for me and secondly, the Holy Spirit is helping me. In other words, even isolated in this prison cell, I’m not alone. I’m never alone. I’m not fighting this battle on my own strength. Your prayers are advocating for me and so is the Holy Spirit of God. I’m doing alright.

Self-Analysis
<> How much and in what ways do you actively rely on the Holy Spirit in your life?
<> What gets in the way of trusting the Holy Spirit and asking for prayer?
<> How can you combat these distractions/hesitations?
<> Are you starting to see how Paul’s joy is founded, structured and defended?
<> What is the foundation of joy in your life?
<> Do you have good structures and defenses for your joy?

Week 3 – Tuesday – Avoiding Shame

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Read Philippians 1:19-26

We're going to break this part down and unpack it a good bit. Reread vs. 20.

<> What does Paul hope will not happen?

<> According to the verse what would count as shame in Paul’s book?

<> What causes you to feel ashamed?

One Shame from One Goal:

Paul says I eagerly hope and expect that I will not be ashamed but instead that Christ will be exalted in my entire life. In other words, Paul says that the only thing that can put him to shame is if his life does not exalt Christ. Paul has one goal: that the daily decisions, thoughts and actions of his life would all lift Christ’s name higher no matter what the cost.

<> Considering what makes you feel ashamed, what does that reveal about your main goal in life?

<> What would you have to change in your heart for your only shame to be if the sum total of your life didn’t exalt Jesus?

Following Jesus is not about a one-time decision, or semi-regular experiences or a head-knowledge belief system that has no daily expression. Following Jesus is about daily surrender and submission to Christ’s will being better than your will. It is daily dying to your selfish desires, sinful attitudes and ignorance in order to follow Christ (Luke 9:23, 1 Peter 1:14-15). When you narrow the focus of your life to one goal, even menial tasks can be thought of and conducted in ways that glorify God (1 Cor. 10:31-32).

The Cost of Avoiding Shame:

<> In Philippians 1:20, what does Paul say it will require for him to not be ashamed?

<> Why does it require courage to exalt Jesus no matter what?

<> What does the end of vs. 20 reveal as a very real threat to Paul?

The truth of the matter is that following Christ costs. Obedience costs us our desires. Accepting grace costs us our pride. Love costs us everything. This is one of the simplest truths that Jesus teaches on the cross. Love costs. Grace costs. Obedience costs. Paul writes that his one hope is that in his body, Christ would be exalted whether by life or by death. That is an amazingly huge and beautiful goal for life. Whether I die in this prison, or whether I continue to life, I pray that I would not be ashamed, but that in everything I will exalt Jesus. There is a way to live that exalts Jesus and a way to die that exalts Jesus and there are thousands of ways to live and die that do not.

<> How does your life exalt Jesus?

<> Where does that rank on the meta-priority list of your life?

<> In what ways do you need to repent and follow Paul’s example?

Week 3 – Monday – Responding to Teachers

2008-04-11T12:51:00.003-04:00

Read Philippians 1:12-18

(Six verses in one day. That almost doesn’t seem possible.)

<> What is Paul’s tone throughout this passage?

<> Who are the characters in the passage? How is each group responding to Paul? What is each group of people doing?

The Palace Guard:

<> What is Paul’s environment as he’s writing this letter?

Paul never stopped looking for opportunities. To the guards who took care of him, it didn’t take long to realize that his imprisonment had nothing to do with any crime and everything to do with his connection to Jesus Christ. This passage reminds me of the moment when Jesus went before Pontius Pilate.

Read Mark 15:1-15. Now reread vs. 3-5

Pilate is facing two very distinct uses of power. The Jewish leaders are playing the inside outside game, both hurling accusations at Jesus (vs. 3) and stirring up the crowd (vs. 11). They are using every bit of their power to crush their opponent. Then there’s Jesus: quietly surrendering His power in order to serve His opponents. “. . . and Pilate was amazed.” In the face of imprisonment, Paul is not sorrowful. He’s not angry or frustrated. He’s not trying to start a revolt. He’s joyful. And He won’t stop talking about this Jesus guy. “As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.”
<> This might sound weird, but what power do you have in this world? What influence do you have?
<> Do you willingly lay down this power to serve or do you abuse it for your own benefit?

Roman Brothers: (vs. 14-18)

<> How are Paul’s brothers in Rome responding to His imprisonment?

<> Why does Paul’s imprisonment encourage boldness in His brothers?

<> What could possibly cause these two groups?

(It’s kind of a confusing question/situation. Feel free to check out some commentaries. Borrow one from a friendly local pastor or check some out on the internet.)

<> What is the bottom line for Paul?

At first glance this is a very confusing passage to me. Philosophically speaking, utilitarian, bottom-line, end justifies the means doesn’t seem to line up with Scripture as a whole. Hebrews 4:12 says Scripture “judges the hearts and attitudes of the heart.” That doesn’t sound like the end justifies the means. Here are my questions:

<> Why is Paul so pumped despite the fact that some people are preaching the gospel with horrible motives?

<> Why doesn’t Paul rebuke them like he does to me all the time?

<> Does this passage really mean that televangelists and criminals who abuse the gospel of Jesus in order to make money are cool by Paul’s account?

Here’s my take on it: I don’t think Paul is saying as long as the gospel goes forward by any means necessary it’s cool with Him. I think He’s saying that as long as the gospel is preached, our reaction can be joyous. In other words, I don’t think he’s giving anyone a license to sin, but I think he’s challenging the way we respond to people who teach the gospel. Regardless of any personal questions we have about their lives or motivations, we should rejoice in the fact that the true gospel is being preached. If you have personal problems with someone you have two joyful options: confront them in love if you know them personally or pray for them.

In Summary:

1.) When a follower of Jesus suffers willingly and joyously for the sake of the gospel, rejoice because God uses that to spread the gospel.

2.) When someone preaches the true gospel with bad motives, praise Jesus that the gospel goes forward and pray that He would change their heart.

3.) When someone preaches the true gospel with good motives, praise Jesus.

4.) When someone preaches false gospel, oppose it, ask Jesus to shut their mouth and pray against deception for people who are listening.

Week 2 – Saturday – Pure and Blameless

2008-04-10T19:16:00.002-04:00

Reread Philippians 1:1-11
<> Roughly how many times have you read this passage at this point?
<> Have you started to naturally memorize any of it?
<> Are you seeing life-change as a result of these devotionals or are you just feeling smart and self-righteous because you’re so good at being religious?

Goal #2: Pure and Blameless
Stop for just a second and consider Paul’s second goal of real love. It’s NOT SMALL. Notice that he doesn’t say, “I hope you’re getting MORE pure and some what LESS blameful than you used to be.” He doesn’t use relative terms. He uses absolutes. I hope that pure and blameless would be two concrete descriptions of your life. This goal’s magnitude and gravity grow when you consider who you are and what the two words pure and blameless actually mean.

Pure:
The original Greek use of this word described a process employed to test clay pots. Clay pots often contained small cracks and merchants would use wax to fill the cracks. The problem is wax is a poor replacement for clay. It hides the hole well but it creates a weakness in the pot’s integrity. To ensure the solidarity, pots would be held up to a source of light that revealed wax filled cracks.
<> Are there any areas of your life that God has been holding up to the light to reveal to you wax-filled cracks?
<> Are there areas of your life that you are refusing to talk to God about because you know He would reveal wax-filled cracks?

Read John 1:1-18
<> Who is the Word?
<> According to vs. 4 what two things were in the Word?

Jesus has an amazingly exposing effect on our lives. He continually pushes and digs deeper into our hearts than we want Him to and reveals our weaknesses. The problem is too many of us have tried to fix our own cracks and have created weaknesses that will be exposed when put to the test. Jesus doesn’t want to put a band-aid on your deep issues. He wants to heal them. He’s a master potter so to speak. He wants you to be a new pot without cracks, not a duct-tape held together ready to bust pot.
<> Have you been trying to fix broken areas of your life instead of allowing Jesus to heal you and provide the help you need?
<> Why do we try to fix ourselves?
<> What are weak spots in your life that Jesus wants to heal completely.
<> How does this require discernment?

Blameless: Go read 1 Timothy 3:1-7.
The word blameless is the same idea as being above reproach from 1 Timothy 3. The idea is that you would live your life in a way that if someone accused you of sin, everybody around would laugh at the notion. This is not an easy task nor is it one that happens overnight. Being blameless has everything to do with consistency.
<> Are there areas of your life that could be easily accused because of a careless lifestyle?

Like being pure, being blameless requires intense amounts of discerning what is best. Just because an action, environment or situation is permissible does not mean that it is beneficial. Too often, this idea has been taken to mean in traditional churches, that you are not allowed to go anywhere questionable (You know, places where sinners go). This is preposterous. 1 Timothy 3:7 says you “should have a good reputation with those outside the church” and you can’t grow your reputation with un-churched people if you never hang out with them.

Being above reproach or blameless is all about living an OPEN BOOK life. I’m not hiding anything and I’m not trying to hide anything. This is what I stand for. People who know me and love me dearly know when I’m in a dangerous environment. People who don’t know Jesus know that I don’t love sin the same way that they do and they know the reason is because I love Jesus.
<> Are there areas of your life that you aren’t exposing to the light?
<> Do you live an open book life?

Week 2 – Friday – Discerning What is best

2008-04-10T18:25:00.005-04:00

Read Philippians 1:9-11
In these few verses Paul lists out 4 distinct goals for his prayer that the church of Philippi would be full of real love that abounds more and more in knowledge and depth of insight. Three of the goals are personal tangible changes in their lives and one is more of an indirect result of the other three. We’re going to spend the few days talking about these goals. < > What are the three personal tangible change type goals of love?
(Hint: two are in vs. 10 and one is in vs. 11.)
<> Do you see these goals taking shape in your life?

Before we talk about them anymore, take some time to pray that God would continue working these goals out in your life.

Goal #1: Discerning what is Best
Discernment is the ability to differentiate between the truth and a lie. It is made up of open eyes and ears to hear and see reality and a well-trained mind that recognizes deception. It is an incredibly important gift for a number of reasons. If you haven’t been paying attention, the culture we live in is somewhat addicted to lies. Our enemy has a certain gift for fooling humans into believing things that are completely opposed to the truth of God. Without discernment, we will fall for crafty false teachings and interpretations of Scripture that ultimately glorify us instead of God. (2 Peter 2:1-3)

Along with false teachers, discernment helps you avoid the danger of wasting your life. I love the phrase Paul uses in Phil. 1:10; “able to discern what is best.” Discerning what is best goes beyond avoiding false teaching and sin, diving straight into the core of our heart’s motivations. When you understand that God has bought you at the price of Christ’s blood on the cross and has called you personally (and us communally) into His mission, many things that are morally-neutral just aren’t worth our time anymore. There can even be GOOD things in our lives that aren’t BEST. They aren’t what God has specifically called us to.
Read 1 Corinthians 6:12-13 and 10:23-24
<> Are there things in your life that you are allowing to master you?
<> Why does Paul reference sexual immorality specifically in chapter 6?
<> What are some permissible things that you are allowing to consume large amounts of your life that really aren’t beneficial?
<> How is discernment a result of real love?

Love that Grows Discernment
At the end of the day, we are NOT able to discern what is best for our lives without help. This help is completely the result of Jesus being at work in our lives and He gave a regular tool that He plans to use: other Christians who are willing to speak the truth into your life. As they do, we grow in our ability to recognize our own sin faster, to repent faster and to ask for help faster. When you really love people towards Jesus you should not only help them see what is true for their life RIGHT NOW, but also how to see it coming in the future.
<> Do you have people in your life who are willing to speak the truth in love?
<> If so, have you willingly invited them to do so? If not, when are you planning on willingly inviting some godly people to do so?
<> Have you taken time to thank people who regularly speak the truth in love to you?
<> How do you see God growing your discernment as a result of their correction?

LifeGroup Creative Idea – Relational Apathy Repentance

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Question:
Has the Holy Spirit convicted you of anything you need to confront someone about in love?

Action:
Have everyone write down anything they need to say and who they need to say to it. Individually: pray for repentance for your inaction and lack of love. Group: without talking about anyone’s situation and risking gossip, commit to praying for each other and approaching the situation before the next time your LifeGroup hangs out. Follow up with each other and celebrate where God brings repentance and reconciliation. Continue to pray if any of the confrontation does not go well.

Week 2 – Thursday – A Loving Family

2008-04-08T19:19:00.003-04:00

Go read Philippians 1:7-11
Now go read Ephesians 4:11-16
<> Who are given the responsibility to perform works of service?
<> What is the end goal of these works of service?
<> Go back to last Saturday’s personal study – what are areas in your life that are not yet matured to the “whole measure of the fullness of Christ”?
<> What are the two possibilities for our church family according to Eph. 4:14-15?

A Difficult Task: Speaking the truth in love is never an easy task. There are huge self-heart-analysis issues that need to be addressed. There is pride and incorrect assumptions that need to be accounted for and prayed against. The entire notion of speaking with grace when someone is walking in sin is not an easy or natural concept. Our natural emotions are sadness or anger; hurt, surprise and frustration. I haven’t even mentioned the actual part about looking someone in the face and telling them that part of their life is against what God’s Word says is His will for their life. Speaking the truth in love takes nerve; Nerves that are lined with love and grace and courage – nerves that are sensitive to the Spirit and the ability of someone to receive correction and the form that rebuke needs to come in. I’m not trying to scare you off. I’m trying to help you understand some things:
1.) You’re probably going to blow it the first time you try it.
2.) You will get better with practice and consistent obedience.
3.) You will learn over time when you are being legalistic and when the Holy Spirit is prodding you to say something.
4.) YOU MUST BE CAREFUL AND PRAYERFUL. PLEASE DO THIS.

Go reread Eph. 4:13 and 15
<> What is the result of speaking the truth in love?

Growing Towards Jesus:
The most beautiful thing about learning speaking the truth in love is that we all grow towards Jesus as a result. Vs. 13 says that the goal is that we would be built up in our faith and knowledge in Jesus and vs. 15 says this happens WHEN we speak then truth in love to each other. Reconciliation between people is a secondary goal and benefit of rebuke and correction. Growing towards Jesus is the ultimate goal. The reason this is beautiful is that according to vs. 16, when we are all connected to Him we learn how to build ourselves up in love. We will never properly operate as a family until individually we are connected to Jesus, the head and until all of us little body parts learn to do our part and to tell each other the truth.
<> When has someone confronted you in a way that helped you grow towards Jesus?
<> What was your initial reaction to their confrontation?
<> Has anyone confronted you about an area of your life that you are refusing to deal with Jesus about?

Balance: One of the reasons that speaking the truth in love is such a difficult task is because it requires GREAT amounts of balance. There are seemingly thousands of factors to call into play and it’s situations like these that help us understand why Suggestion #4 isn’t a suggestion. IT’S A DESPERATE PLEA. If you don’t pray through the task of correcting someone in love, you will almost surely ruin the situation, say the wrong thing, and do it all with a prideful ignorant attitude. This attitude is almost never responded to in a beneficial way. Another issue of balance is that speaking the truth in love does not ONLY speak to issues of confrontation, correction and rebuke. It also speaks to regularly encouraging and praising and recognizing Jesus at work in people. In other words, speaking the truth in love can’t ONLY happen when someone is screwing up. If this is the case they will assume that you hate them, and are watching them waiting for them to make a mistake. You earn a stage with someone by loving them and walking through life with them. The more regularly you speak truth of all kinds (good, mundane, bad) and the more often you demonstrate love (sacrifice, hanging out with them, random acts of kindness, random gifts, etc.), the easier it will be to confront that person with VERY difficult truth. Real Love is awesome.
<> How can you develop balance in the way you communicate in your relationships? Are you capable of pulling this off on your own?
<> Do you generally struggle more with speaking the truth or being loving? Are you more of an angry person or a pansy?
<> How often do you take the time to tell and show people how much you love them?

Week 2 – Wednesday – Partakers of Grace

2008-04-05T13:12:00.003-04:00

Go read Philippians 1:7-11

I love the phrase Paul uses in Philippians 1:7. Paul references the two main environments he has been finding himself in recently: 1.) prison and 2.) defending and confirming the gospel. And then he says that in both environments the church of Philippi has shared in God’s grace with Paul.
<> What are the main environments you find yourself in?

Remember the way we talked about grace one week ago on Wednesday. We briefly touched on the fact that grace is a much bigger, much more inclusive concept than just accepting the fact that God has erase your sin from His memory and covered it with the blood of Jesus Christ (sidenote: WHICH IS FLIPPIN’ HUGE IN ITS OWN RIGHT.) Paul just expanded the realm of grace to two specific areas:

Suffering and Ministry
Here’s what Paul’s saying, “This time while I’ve been stuck in prison – GRACE. Oh yeah, and when I’m out there on the streets preaching the gospel of Jesus – Yeah, that’s grace too.”
<> Have you ever suffered for the gospel in any way?
<> Have you ever felt persecution or pressure to stop believing and ministering the gospel of Jesus?

While we’ll get into more details later in the book, Paul just called his imprisonment for the gospel the grace of God. That doesn’t connect with our brains at all. Our American brains are so centered around the idea that we are central to the universe; God’s grace is only that which makes our lives easy, comfortable and pleasant. THIS IS NOT A BIBLICAL IDEA.
(sidenote: If you like this idea, you can tune into any number of televangelists regularly and listen to them confirm this lie in you over and over. God wants you to be wealthy and healthy. Blah, blah, blah; lie, lie, lie.)
<> In what regards have you experienced ministry in your life?
<> Have you vocationally or personally taken intentional effort to pour into people you love and see them grow closer to Jesus?
<> Was there any hardship or frustration in that process or was it a cakewalk?
<> How often do you check out and remember the fact that it’s God’s grace to be involved in His ministry?
<> Do you regularly take time to re-center on the initial grace God showed you as your motivation to continue in ministry?

Week 2 – Tuesday – Affection that Hurts

2008-04-05T13:11:00.002-04:00

Let’s revisit Paul’s emotional connection to the church of Philippi that we talked about yesterday. The term affection refers to internal organs. Paul is communicating to this church plant, “I love you so much it hurts. I get a little queezy inside when I think about how much I care for you.”

<> Have you ever loved someone so much that it hurt?

Honestly I can only think of two types of relationships that involve this kind of emotional intensity: A spouse’s love and a parent’s love for a child.
(If you are coming from a broken marriage or family, please work with me here: Do everything you can to turn off your own experience regarding the pain of divorce and think on how you wish your spouse or parents had loved you.)

There’s a reason why these are the two types of relationships that come to mind: They are the two main relational pictures God uses for His love for us. This is not the only time Paul references affection that hurts.

Go read Romans 12:9-15.
<> Is vs. 15 a prescription or a description? Does Paul command them to act in a certain way or talk about the way they are all acting?
<> Why does Paul say to mourn with those who mourn?

When following Jesus there is a certain assumption that trial and suffering are on the way. Jesus promised it in John 15:18-20. So as we follow Jesus in a community of believers, there is an assumption that those close to us are going to hurt at regular intervals. In those moments, the questions is will you walk through the pain with them and “mourn with those who mourn” or will you walk away because it hurts too much?

Before you get all defensive or cowardly, remember that Jesus is our model for this kind of affection that risks pain. Aren’t you glad that Jesus was willing to love you no matter what pain it cost Him?
<> Who are people in your life that you have chosen to love no matter what it costs?
<> Are there any areas of your life where you have failed to walk through someone else’s pain with them and you need to repent?
(** BE CAREFUL: The overreaction to apathy is a messiah complex where you think your ability to love is the answer to everyone’s problems. You will burn out. Your pride will fail. You are not the answer. Jesus is. So, learn how to rely on Him and follow His leading as He walks helps you love people through pain.)

Extra Resources – Audio Sermon - Matt Chandler

2008-04-05T13:10:00.003-04:00

For an incredibly interesting perspective on love
go check out Matt Chandler’s Sermon “Sex – Week 2 – Rhythm”

http://www.thevillagechurch.net/resources/audio/20050522AA01S_MattChandler_SexPt2-Rhythm.mp3

Matt is the pastor of the Village Church in Highlands Village, Texas and is one of the most solid Bible teachers in the country.

Week 2 - Monday - Feeling this Way

2008-04-05T13:09:00.003-04:00

Read Philippians 1

After his magnum thesis, Paul continues the letter with an interesting defense of his affection for the church of Philippi: Read Philippians 1:7.

<> What are the two reasons Paul gives for why he feels the way he does about their church?

Emotional Connection:
If you had to categorize the two reasons, “because I have you in my heart” ranks up their with some of the most emotional things my mom has ever said to me (We’ll talk about reason #2 in two days). It’s not exactly a logical statement. It sounds like a Hallmark greeting. It reminds me of trips to my mom’s house where she starts crying on day one because she’s going to miss me when I leave. I’m only teasing Paul because of my insecurity and jealousy of course. Check out Philippians 1:8 for his full explanation.
<> When’s the last time you told any of your friends that you “long for them”?
<> What amazingly powerful claim does Paul make in vs. 8 about his affection for the church at Philippi?

At the point when you claim God as your witness and then tell someone that you long for them with the affection of Jesus Christ, you’re ready to get married. That’s an INTENSE emotional affection Paul is referencing.
<> What is the affection of Jesus Christ?
<> How much does Jesus care about those He loves?
(Think about how He evidenced His love: Matthew 27:33-54, etc. Romans 5:8)
<> Have you cared about anyone in a way that rivals this kind of affection?

Choosing to Care:
Most of the time we think that we just “fall” for people. Our natural chemistry with certain personalities is the only thing that dictates who we will care about. This is an exceedingly shallow view of love.

Read Matthew 5:43-48.
> What does Jesus have to say about only loving people who are like us?
<> What is evidenced when you start to love people who aren’t like you?

I’m not talking about the pathetic, weak tolerance of humanism that says “EVERYBODY is awesome so you should like everybody and believe what they believe and fail them utterly at a soul level by refusing to speak the truth to them.” That’s not what I’m talking about. What I’m talking about is choosing to care about people because God chose to care about us: Despite our ridiculous failures. Despite the way we had cheated on Him. He loved us anyway.

<> When we consider the cross and the affection of Christ Jesus, what excuses do we have to withhold love from anyone?

Personal Study - Saturday - Confidence in Jesus

2008-04-05T03:43:00.003-04:00

Read Philippians 1.

Throughout Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi he covers such topics as suffering, perseverance, contentment, our mission, identity and loving Jesus no matter what your circumstances. In the meantime he writes one of the most quotable passages of Scripture ever. The introduction is not an accident. It sets the stage for the entire book and Chapter 1:6 is the thesis statement.

“being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Let’s review what we’ve studied so far: 1.) Paul defines his identity in terms of Christ. 2.) As Christians our righteousness is granted to us as a gift because of Jesus. 3.) God has given us grace and peace through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus. 4.) Paul prays with a humble grateful attitude because of Jesus. 5.) Paul is partnered with the church of Philippi because at the core they are centered on Jesus.

Are you seeing the pattern emerging here? And this is how he concludes his introduction: I am confident of ONE THING: Jesus.

Confidence:
Paul’s confidence for the Philippians is that the God who initially worked salvation in them is good and faithful and that He will continue to completion the work that He started. There is almost a backhanded compliment in his comment as he implies “You guys still need some work. But I don’t worry because I trust Jesus will keep fixing you.”

<> In moments when you realize you are like the Philippians in that you “still need some work”, how do you generally respond?
<> When I’m facing my own failures I generally respond one of three ways: 1.) denial, 2.) justification or 3.) depression. I either act like I’m not messed up, try to convince myself I’m not that bad off or beat myself up. What is wrong with all of these reactions?
<> What changes in your reaction when you realize that God who started the work in you is going to continue working in you until He thinks you’re complete?
<> What are some changes that He is trying to work in you that you’re resisting?

Scales of Truth:
Phil. 1:6 can be understood on a personal level, but it also speaks on larger scales. Remember that Paul is writing to an entire church. This is a church that he planted, mentored, pastored and prayed for countless hours of the night.

<> What does it mean for God to have started a good work in a whole church and not just in one person?
<> How have you seen God start a good work in your church family?
<> Are you trusting Him to be faithful to complete the work He started?
<> What are some ways your church family needs to mature towards completion? Are you helping and praying toward that end?

At an even bigger level, God is at work in the whole scope of history to redeem a fallen and broken world. Go read Romans 8:22-28 and Revelation 21:1-5.

<> What is the final completion God has planned?
<> When God promises to continue working out the salvation He started in you, the good work He began in His church and ultimately to restore the world at large, what kind of confidence does that give you?

No matter how dark your life might get or feel, He is faithful. He has not given up on you. He has not given up on the world. He will continue to work faithfully until the day of completion.

Personal Study - Friday - Partnership

2008-04-04T08:50:00.003-04:00

Go read Philippians 1:1-6 and focus on vs. 5

<> What does Paul say is his reason for praying with joy when he thinks of the church at Philippi?

Partnership:
If you are new at all to walking with Jesus, and following in His footsteps by being a missionary, let me go ahead and tell you that it is not an easy task. There are hard days of doubt, temptation, suffering, persecution and apathy. In the midst of the hardest days, if you do not have other people in your life who are madly in love with Jesus and partnered with you, then you’re in trouble.

The issue isn’t that God is insufficient; the issue is that He designed us to walk in intimate community with other believers. For Paul as a traveler, the church at Philippi was a haven of secure partners who had walked through parts of his life with him and were loyal trusted friends.

<> Do you have regular contact with other people who love Jesus and push you to love Jesus?
<> How and what do you pray for these people?
(Sometimes just letting them know that you are praying for them and what you are praying for them can be one of the most encouraging things in the world.)

Centered on the Gospel:
Paul is clear that the reason he prays with joy is because of the Philippian church’s partnership with him “in the gospel”. These are not just Paul’s old church friends. These are not just social nominal Christians. They are partnered with Paul AND they are partnered in the mission of Jesus Christ.

If you have ever been on a mission trip with someone or been in a position of ministry with someone, there is a certain unexplainable bond that grows. In these contexts you get to see the heart of service that God is building in the other person and they become intense reminders of the heart that He is building in you.

Paul writes to the church of Philippi and says it gives me great joy because you are partnered with me in understanding what the most important thing in life is! You aren’t confused drama-seeking, selfish, foolish, misguided Christians. You are on mission! You are loving people in the name of Jesus! I LOVE IT!

The Church of Philippi consistently became Paul’s most loyal support in some of his toughest moments of being a missionary, because they were absolutely dedicated to his and their own advancement of the gospel. Whether it cost money, time, people, the church sacrificed to show their concern for Paul and ultimately their heart for the gospel.

<> If Paul was writing a letter to you, would he write “I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel” or would he write “I always pray with frustration because you don’t really care that much about the gospel”?
<> Are you willing to sacrifice your resources to make sure the gospel advances here in our city of Columbia?

Perseverance:
Read Philippians 1:5 one last time.
<> What is implied by the last phrase in the verse?

Along with Paul’s joy that the Philippians are partnered with him and that they are partnered with him in sharing the gospel, Paul is overjoyed at the their consistency. You don’t just have a sporadic flair up of passion for the gospel, but literally from the first day until this day, you have set Jesus as your number one priority and the spreading of His truth and love.

Way too much of the time here in the South, followers of Jesus appear to be riding a spiritual roller coaster: Jesus did something cool in my life . . . I LOVE HIM MORE THAN ANYTHING . . . dangit, Jesus let something dumb happen in my life . . . I LOVE ME . . . Whoa I went on a mission trip . . . GOSPEL GOSPEL GOSPEL!!!! . . . my boyfriend broke up with me . . . JESUS WHO?!? Yay! The sermon was awesome last night . . . JESUS PAID IT ALL . . . Yay! That sin looks like fun today! . . . I AM HORRIBLE . . .

Go read Matthew 6:23
You were not designed to live in constant turmoil between your old masters and Jesus. You are not supposed to be constantly running from righteousness to failure and back. The Scriptures are clear that no one can serve two masters. It’s impossible.

Paul writes to the church of Philippi and says, “I pray with so much joy in my life because ya’ll are relentlessly devoted to ONE thing: Jesus.”

<> Do you feel like you are riding a constant spiritual roller coaster?
<> Is it because you are trying to serve multiple masters?
<> What things other than Jesus do you let distract you?
<> Have you fallen away recently from the passion you once had for the Gospel?
<> What helps you be more in love with Jesus than anything else?

Personal Study - Thursday - Our Attitude in Prayer

2008-04-02T17:53:00.004-04:00

** While the main point of this study is to help you dig deeper into Philippians and pick up on certain parts of the book that we aren’t going to cover at the Gathering, another major point of this study is to teach you how to study Scripture on your own regardless of what’s going on at the Gathering. Our goal for you is that you are becoming a spiritual self-starter who longs for and can appropriately seek Jesus and study the Word of God on your own. Anytime you see these stars, it’s me pointing out to you why I’m asking you to do certain things. **

Go read Philippians 1:1-6.
** I know this is like the tenth time you’ve read this passage. Here’s why: Repetition is good for learning. Some people smarter than me say that you won’t really even start to glimpse what a passage is communicating until you’ve read it twenty-five times. Don’t get impatient. Let the Spirit teach you new layers of understanding as you meditate daily on His Word. You’ll also notice that memorization and meditation become natural processes of reading instead of forced habits. **

Now go reread vs. 3 and 4.
<> What are the two main words in this passage that reveal Paul’s attitude?
<> What is the spiritual discipline that Paul is talking about in this passage?
<> What is your predominant attitude when you pray?

Too often we get stuck thinking that sin is action-based solely. This is not the case. Sin is any attitude, thought, word or action that is dishonoring to God. In other words you can sin in and with your heart, your mind, your mouth and/or your hands. Essentially the attitude of our heart determines the thoughts of our minds. Both of these are revealed by our untamed-mouths and eventually birth either selfish action by our hands or God-honoring service and love with our hands.

<> Do you regularly talk to Jesus about your attitude, thoughts and words?
<> How are you careful about what you say, and what do your words reveal about you?
(For clarity, go read James 1:26 and James 3:2-12)
<> Is your thought life Godly?
(That means more than sexually pure. Do you think about Jesus and His grace and presence and desires for your life regularly? Do you have a “quiet time” and then ignore Jesus for the whole day and not think about Him at all?)

Our Attitude in Prayer
<> Think about your prayer life for a couple of minutes: What do you pray about? What areas of your life do you pray about most often? What do you ask God for? When do you pray? How often do you pray?
<> Now try to think about the tone with which you pray: Do you complain most of the time when you talk to God? Do you beg Him for things that He doesn’t want for you? Do you question God in a disrespectful way?

Go read Philippians 1:3-4 again.
** Yes I’m still reinforcing the repetition idea. **
<> How does Paul’s attitude in prayer differ from your own?
<> What does Paul’s attitude in prayer reveal about his attitude toward God?
<> What does Paul’s attitude in prayer reveal about his attitude toward prayer?

Ultimately Paul is thankful and joyful when he prays because he knows that he doesn’t deserve the right to pray. Paul doesn’t think that he’s entitled to come into Holy God’s presence and talk to Him. Paul cherishes the opportunity. He’s thankful. He prays with joy because he trusts that almighty God listens and acts on His children’s behalf. It’s a pretty amazing opportunity to get to talk to the God of the universe about your problems. It’s amazing enough that we should check our attitude as we approach.

And then, when we’ve repented from our prideful complaining attitudes, we run with humble urgency to the throne of our Father who loves us.

Personal Study - Wednesday - Grace and peace

2008-04-02T11:04:00.003-04:00

We aren’t exactly booking it in these personal studies but here on the third day we’ve finally graduated to the SECOND verse of Chapter ONE! Smells like progress.

Philippians 1:2 - “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Just like Paul addresses himself as an “apostle” and addresses the churches as “saints” in many of his epistles, “Grace and peace” is a very common phrase in Paul’s letters. It’s the greeting proper of the letter, and that specific phrase shows up in Romans 1:7, 1 Corinthians 1:3, 2 Corinthians 1:2, Galatians 1:3, Ephesians 1:2, Colossians 1:2, 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 2 Thessalonians 1:2, 1 Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:2, Titus 1:4, Philemon 1:3 . . . yeah, that’s all of them.

Here’s what’s beautiful about the phrase: It is absolutely normal for Paul’s day and age and at the same time it’s absolutely bizarre. The phrase “grace and peace” is the exact same phrase that was commonly used in this time of day to start letters. It’s the equivalent of saying:

“Hey! It’s good to see you.” Or “Hope all is well.”

It’s normal. It’s bland. It doesn’t stand out at all. It wouldn’t have made anyone thing twice. EXCEPT for the way that he completes the phrase: “Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” That’s not normal. That’s not bland at all. Paul takes a common, standard, plain greeting and transforms it to talk about a whole new kind of grace and peace. “I hope you’re doing well but I’m not just saying that because I needed some nice thing to say to start this letter. I hope SPECIFICALLY in our loving Father God and in the grace evidenced through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus who is now our Lord, that you are walking with Him in such a way that GRACE and PEACE COVER EVERY FACET OF YOUR LIVES!!!

Grace:
Simply put, grace is receiving what you don’t deserve. In terms of God, grace is receiving His love and favor despite the way you lived your life for everything but Him. Grace is the death of His Son Jesus on the cross that paid the debt for your sin.

Read Romans 12:3
<> What connection does Paul make between grace and pride?
<> Why is grace humbling?

Read Titus 2:11-12
<> What does God’s grace bring?
<> How does it teach us to say no to ungodliness? What is our motive for living upright, self-controlled, godly lives?

Too often, we think that accepting God’s grace is this big emotional moment accompanied with goose bumps and chills where God breaks through and we cry and finally come around to believing that He loves us. In truth, you’re breathing in God’s grace right now. It’s grace that God would tell you what sin is and that it’s bad for you. It’s grace when God gives you a heart that doesn’t want to keep sinning. It’s grace when God gives you active obedience. It’s grace every time God reminds you that you aren’t Him. It’s grace when God opens your eyes to the people around you. It’s grace when He gives you a heart to love them. You didn’t earn any of that. It’s all the undeserved gift of God. It’s humbling. It’s grace.

Peace:
Peace is the absence of war. At a deeper level it’s an absence of any tension whatsoever. Too much of our lives are given to useless tension, worry and fighting. Jesus wants you to walk so intimately with Him that there is an undercurrent of peace in knowing that He is God and that regardless of circumstances He is good. Remember that Paul is writing this letter from the confines of prison. Can you imagine the tension he should be walking in? But he’s not. Paul finds and writes to encourage that we would find peace in the saving work of Jesus’ cross and resurrection that says we are free from our failures, our sin and all of our tension.

Go check out the song the angels sang the night Jesus was born on earth: Luke 2:14.

Walking in Grace and Peace:
<> How much tension is in your life right now?
<> What are your main sources of tension? What areas of your life steal your peace?
<> What does Jesus have to say to those areas of your life? Have you even talked to Him about them?
<> How often do you think about the different ways God is giving you grace right now?
<> What would change in your life if you regularly thought about the grace and peace that comes from God?
<> How often do you encourage people (Christians or non-Christians) around you with the message of grace and peace that only God can give?

LifeGroup Creative Idea - Philippians 1:2

2008-04-02T10:59:00.003-04:00

*** These creative ideas are PURELY supplemental. Implement them if they are useful to where your group is. They are not mandatory and are not designed to replace your normal

Take 5-10 minutes to individually list out every way you can think of that God has and is currently giving you grace.

Get together as a group and go through your lists and read through the part of the personal study of Wednesday about grace. Praise God for the enormity of ways that He gives us grace. Take some time to pray and just thank Him for everything on the list.

Personal Study - Tuesday - An Audience of Saints

2008-04-01T09:07:00.003-04:00

Go back and re-read Philippians 1:1.

Just like Paul begins each of the epistles by introducing himself, he also addresses to whom he is talking. Surprisingly, Paul addresses the church at Philippi with a very interesting word:

Saints.

He begins his letter to the church of Phillipi with these words, “to all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi”. The reason that is so interesting is because he calls the church of Phillipi saints. The reason why that is such an interesting word is because it means HOLY ones. The reason that is so interesting is because the word HOLY means WITHOUT SIN. The reason that is so interesting is because Paul is writing to PEOPLE. Sinful people. People who sin. People with sin. This is the same word that Paul calls the members of churches in Romans 1:7, 1 Cor. 1:2, 2 Cor. 1:1, Eph. 1:1, and Col. 1:1. It seems like Paul had one word he liked to call a follower of Jesus: A SAINT.

<> If you had to pick one, would you call yourself a sinner or a saint?

The Problem: If we ARE sinners, then the book of Philippians isn’t written to us. We might as well quit reading and put it away, and while we’re at it we might as well cut Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Ephesians and Colossians out of our Bibles because all of them are written to saints. If we’re not a saint, then we’re reading somebody else’s mail.

The Solution: Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 and Romans 3:19-26

<> Where does the Scripture say our righteousness comes from?

This is called subtitutionary atonement. Don’t let the big words scare you. It’s a reasonably simple concept: We couldn’t do what was required of us by the law so God provided a substitute in Jesus Christ who could both live up to the requirement and who also took on the punishment that we deserved. Atonement means washed. Essentially by Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection from the grave, He washed us from our sin so that we are made clean by His action and not by our own.

Read Luke 18:9-14 and Luke 7:36-50.

<> At the deepest levels of your heart, are you trusting/begging Jesus for your righteousness?
<> How does your attitude change if you understand your righteousness is a gift?
<> Does your attitude reveal that you are trusting yourself for your righteousness instead of receiving it as grace from Jesus?
<> What changes about how you approach life if you really believe that God sees you as a saint and not a sinner?

Conclusion: You were a sinner. You are now a saint. PRAISE JESUS. (1 Cor. 6:9-11)

Extra Resources - Sermon - "Faith and Works" by Mark Driscoll

2008-03-28T19:21:00.002-04:00

This sermon talks about substitutionary atonement and the results of saving faith by the grace of Jesus.

http://www.marshillchurch.org/sermonseries/religionsaves/week_06.aspx

Mark is a little bit dry but teaches the Bible very accurately and in a challenging way. He is not afraid to say hard things.

Personal Study - Monday - Paul's Identity

2008-03-28T19:20:00.002-04:00

Introductions:
An epistle is a specific type of letter, a literary form that was written to be read publicly and published. Philippians is one of thirteen epistles in the New Testament that were written by Paul. In each one, Paul begins by introducing himself and addressing his audience. The first verses of the epistles are like the address line of a memo: "Here's who I am, here's who I'm writing to, good now let's get started."

Read the first verse of Philippians, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus.

<> What does Paul call himself in each epistle?
<> Who else's name appears in every one of these verses?

Slave/Servant/Bond-Servant:
We're not exactly big fans of slavery here in America. Think about it for a minute though: What are the elements of slavery?

<> What is Paul implying by calling himself a slave of Jesus?
<> How did Jesus buy Paul as a slave? What did Jesus pay for him?

The term bond-servant can refer to a slave or indentured servant who has worked long enough to earn their freedom; however, rather than leave they choose to stay under the rule of their master because they accept that life under their master is better than life on their own.

Apostle:
Like the title slave, apostle isn't really a common popular self-label these days. The word generally makes us think of the original twelve disciples of Jesus, or some kind of weird TV preacher who gets real excited and sweats a lot. This wasn't the case when the Bible was written. The word apostle comes from the word "apostolos" which meant: "a delegate, messenger, he that is sent." Essentially it means being a missionary.

<> Paul starts 9 of his epistles by calling himself an apostle. How central was the mission and message of Jesus to Paul's life?

Learning from a Missionary:
<> How confident was Paul about his identity? Was he confused at all?
<> How confident are you in your identity? How do you define yourself? What labels would you give to tell someone who you are in one short sentence?
<> Paul constantly defines his identity in terms of Jesus Christ. Do you? What has Jesus done for you? What has He called you to?
(The label Christian has lost a lot of weight in our society where everyone claims to be a Christian whether they know or submit to Him whatsoever; however, it's not very confusing when you define yourself in terms of Jesus himself.)
<> Do you understand your relationship with Jesus in terms of Him being your Master and you being His slave/servant?
<> How central is the mission and message of Jesus in your life?