Radical Joy - Philippians 3:12-21

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

 

• • 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

 

• • 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?