Radical Joy - Philippians 3:12-21
This is a sermon by Peter Birnie from the evening service on 24th November 2024.
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Philippians 3 v 12-21 “Radical Joy”
Intro: Paul, the model of rejoicing, is weeping – take notice!
“For as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.”
- I don’t want that to be me!
- How can we become a dream church family?
1) Radical joy is on offer to a church family full of sprinters (v12-16)
Climbing a mountain – the race to the summit
How do we get in the race?
- Grace alone
- “Christ has taken hold of you.”
Salvation rest leads to obedient zest!
- Paul understands what the prize is
- Obedience and service – know Christ better
- Willing sacrifices – grow in love and devotion to Christ
- Dependence in prayer – understand more of Jesus’ work
Don’t stop half-way, there is more to come
- Are you making sacrifices for the sake of Jesus’ glory?
- Urgent obedience?
- Willing service?
- Generous giving?
- Committed prayer?
The radical joy of Philippians is on offer to a church full of sprinters!
2) Radical joy is on offer to a church family full of supermodels (v17-21)
A church full of sprinters will be a church full of supermodels
- The most unhelpful people in the world
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- They live as enemies of the cross of Christ
- Their destiny is destruction
- Their god is their stomach
- Their glory is their shame
- “Their mind is set on earthly things”
- The most helpful people in the world
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- Their citizenship is in heaven
- They eagerly await their saviour
- They trust in Jesus’ Kingship
- They anticipate becoming like Jesus in our glorious future
Radical Christian living leads to radical joy.
Questions for discussion
- Why should Paul’s tears cause us to listen carefully and seriously?
- What can a person do to gain salvation? Why must salvation rest lead to obedient zest?
- Why is Jesus the prize? Is knowing him better your passion?
- What sacrifices are you deliberately making for the sake of Jesus’ glory?
- What does it look like for a person to have their stomach as their god?
- What does it look like for a person to know that their citizenship is in heaven?
- Are you helpful or unhelpful in your church family? What next steps should you take tonight?
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