About this worrying thing...

I heard a gentleman speak this morning about worry and how it is a sin because of how it takes the sovereignty of God out of the equation. He had some great illustrations, points, and stories but as I was reading along in my Bible something profound stood out to me. The way the bible is broken into chapter and verse must be realized as not the inspired Word of God. The Word is inspired and 100% accurate but sometimes the numbering seems a little off. Let me explain.

If you notice Philippians 4:5 it states, "Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand." By reading this alone, one can come to the conclusion that because the Lord is at hand, you need to make your gentleness be known but I believe the numbering system throws this scripture out of context. If verse 6 were to begin with the latter part of verse 5, see how things would make more sense, "The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything..." You see, this puts the issue of anxiety to rest because the Lord is at hand. Also, because He is at hand, you can make your requests known because He is so close.

We must remember that as children of God we have a relationship with God that is so close. We must remove anything that hinders the closeness of the relationship. When we pray and supplicate with thanksgiving, in the presence of God, how awesome is it to know that the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds.

His guarding is not from a distance or with corruptible things but with Jesus Christ the eternal, living Bread of Life. That peace of God that comes through praying and being near to God really cannot be fathomed. It's beyond explanation. The speaker from this morning did a great job expounding on this point. It's not that we haven't experienced it; it's that the experience is unexplainable.

Maybe this is the context to which Paul was writing in that through our prayers and being near to God reveals a gentleness do to peace. People who are anxious or worry tend to be very uptight creating tension, the opposite of gentleness.

By knowing the Lord is at hand, praying to Him with thanksgiving and knowing your hearts are guarded by Jesus Christ; your gentleness will be known to all men. Then may your works, done out of peace and love not guilt or worry, be seen by man and they glorify your Father in heaven.

The Lord is at Hand.

Sharing your faith or leading people to Jesus?

As of late I have come to realize that these two statements, "Sharing your faith" and "Leading people to Jesus" are similar but not the same.

Sharing your faith is sharing what Christ has done in you to create faith. What Christ has done in you should be what is commonly known as a "testimony." This is a giving of the experience in which Jesus Christ was brought into your life by preaching, teaching or testimony of another then God through the work of the Holy Spirit convicted you of sin and you confessed that sin, repented (turned away from) that sin, and surrendered your heart to Jesus for Him to be Lord. Your testimony is the account of where you were, how you were and where you were going - to - where you are, how you are and where you are going. Coupled that with scripture of who Christ is and what He has done and THAT is sharing your faith.

Leading people to Jesus may very well have the previous encapsulated within it but I would say leading people to Jesus, is primarily focusing on their opportunity to confess, repent and surrender. This takes place through clear and precise combing through the Bible to use its power to persuade men to come to Christ. Paul says, "knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences." Paul is to talking to the church at Corinth in the 2 letter chapter 5 verse 11. Paul is referring to the work we are called to do. We are called to persuade men because of their frail, fragile and hell bound lives. Throughout the first 4 verses of the chapter Paul is speaking of the body, "the tabernacle." In the next 4 verses Paul is speaking of the Spirit in spite of the body and in verses 9 and 10 Paul is speaking of the "labor" we must do for the Lord regardless of the physical or spiritual.

To me, this clearly points to Paul encouraging us to get off our pride, self-centered, lazy and depressed states and serve or labor for the Lord. The Terror of the Lord should cause us to persuade men.

There is a two-fold reason for leading people to Jesus: 1. The Terror of the Lord on the soul that rejects salvation and 2. The Terror of the Lord on the soul who, although saved, does not labor for the Lord. Our love for God should compel our love for people. Our love for God should compel our attitude toward telling. In no situation does the Christian have any excuse for not laboring to lead people to Jesus.

The rest of 2 Corinthians 5 speaks very clearly to this very thought. I encourage you to take up the sword of Truth and read for yourself the plans and purposes of God for this world, you and His kingdom.

Grace and Peace,
Blake Prater

A Guide to Correct Citizenship: Philippians 3:20-4:1

20 For our citizenship is in heaven (Break 1), from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, (Break 2) 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, (Break 3) according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. (Break 4) 4:1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. (Break 5)

Students give one thing they are proud of as a US citizen.

Show video clip.

Oath of Citizenship in America - I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.^[1]

References:
Ephesians 2:19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Hebrews 11:8-10; 13-16 - 8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God… 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

Define Citizenship – the act of becoming a member of a nation by birth or naturalization.

Break 1

What is your response to your citizenship being in heaven?

How do you become a citizen of Heaven? John 1:12-13 – but as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in his name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Listen to Hebrews 11:8-10; 13-16

How would you describe the United States?

How would you describe Heaven?

Revelation 3:3-6 – The throne room - 3 And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. 6 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back.

Break 2

Paul speaks of where Savior comes from and that is heaven.

It is much like how when a president goes and visits the American embassy in another country. The Ambassadors are there awaiting the visit and accomplishing the tasks to which they were commissioned to do by the president and the country. Paul says in Ephesians 6:20 that he is an ambassador in chains. We are commissioned by God, you know, Matthew 28 the great commission, to accomplish the task in another country much like in 1 Peter 2:11-12 - 11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

Our citizenship is given by no other than Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12 – there is no salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

Break 3

With his coming everything will change.

Break 4

How will that change take place, by his workings. Do you know what those workings were, his life, death and resurrection? Are you living like citizens of Heaven? Are you a citizen of Heaven

A Guide to Correct Gain: Philippians 3:12-19

Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. (Break 1)

13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Break 2)

15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. (Break 3)

17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame— who set their mind on earthly things. (Break 4)

Break 1

Have a race outside. The runners are racing toward one person holding prizes. Along the race path are words that are sins everyone struggles with.

Q. Before the race did you: check out the path before you? Check out what was in your way while in the race? Check out what was in your way after the race?

Q. When do we truly want to see what is in our path? – After the race, especially if we lose. If we win, it doesn’t matter what was in the way because we have won and the prize has been attained and our eyes are focused on the end prize.

Listen to this quote: “You and I live in an age when only a rare minority of individuals desire to spend their lives in pursuit of objectives which are bigger than they are. In our age, for most people, when they die, it will be as though they never lived.” – Rusty Rustenbach

“Press on” carries both a hunting and athletic sense. Like, stalking prey with an unrelentlessness or to run as to gain a victory; out to win.

Break 2

Paul refers back to the elders, deacons and Saints at Philippi as brethren. This is a loving endearment.

Paul recognizes his shortcomings at this point.

Paul recognizes his past but refuses to live in it.

Paul recognizes his future and reaches for it.

Because of Paul’s recognition, he presses toward the goal…

The goal of the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Break 3

Therefore is a conjunction. Because of what was just said, this is the outcome.

Therefore…let us have this mind…nevertheless…let us walk by the same rule and let us be of the same mind.

So, what’s in the middle?

As many as are mature…and if in anything think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.

Andrew Harris: What does a mature runner look like?

Andrew Harris: What is the contrast of an immature and a mature runner?

When Paul wrote to the Brethren he wanted them to recognize the true runners and the walkers.

Paul said that God would reveal it to them about who were walkers among them.

Paul’s statement of “nevertheless” reveals a desire that even if you do know who may or may not be running a true race, you are to run yours by walking in the same rule and thinking by the same mind.

Break 4

Again, Paul refers to them as brethren but calls for people to join him.

Paul knew he was not perfect, that he had not attained yet called people to follow him; will you do the same? Do you have a group of fellow believers who you could tell people, “join in following us for a pattern” of how to run for Christ?

Paul refers to those who walk and in this sense means, “having no eye or vision for the future or God’s will.”

Earlier Paul referred to “walking by the same rule.” That did not mean a slow pace, it meant there a pattern or following.

Those who walk are labeled by Paul as enemies of the cross of Christ. Think on your life today, at school, with your parents; in the car or on the van ride here, is your “walk” giving “friendly fire” to Christ?

Paul says those that are enemies of the cross of Christ set their mind on earthly things. Colossians 3:1-17

Are you running the race for the prize of the upward call of Christ or are you walking the road to destruction keeping your eyes on earthly things?

A Guide to Correct Loss: Philippians 3:1-11

Pass out note cards. Students are to write one known thing about the person on the right of them and give to the person on the left of them to read.

Philippians 1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.

2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. (Break 1)
3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more:5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. (Break 2)
7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
(Break 3)

Break 1

When you think of dogs, what comes to mind? Well, Jews used to refer to Gentiles as dogs. Dogs were scavengers much like with think of raccoons, coyotes and other non-domesticated animals that run in packs and eat whatever they may find and make messes. These “dogs” were filthy and unclean unlike our dogs of today that are dressed even some with accessories. Paul is referring to Jews as dogs, not the gentiles. This is a complete switch.

When you think of evildoers, what comes to mind? I think of Megamind or the Green Goblin.

What do you think “mutilate the flesh” means? This actually refers to circumcision. To give a little context, Circumcision by definition is the act of removing foreskin. Most male children have this done today.

Benefits of physical circumcision:
1 Some older men can develop cancer - about 1 in 1000 - fairly rare, but tragic if you or your son are in that small statistic. Infant circumcision gives almost 100% protection, and young adult circumcision also gives a large degree of protection.

2 Cancer of the cervix in women is due to the Human Papilloma Virus. It thrives under and on the foreskin from where it can be transmitted during intercourse. An article in the British Medical Journal in April 2002 suggested that at least 20% of cancer of the cervix would be avoided if all men were circumcised. Surely that alone makes it worth doing?

3 Protection against HIV and AIDS. Another British Medical Journal article in May 2000 suggested that circumcised men are 8 times less likely to contract the HIV virus. (It is very important here to say that the risk is still far too high - this applies also to preventing cancer of the cervix in women who have several partners.)

A BBC television program in November 2000 showed two Ugandan tribes across the valley from one another. One practiced circumcision and had very little AIDS, whereas, it was common in the other tribe, who then also started circumcising. This program showed how the infection thrived in the lining of the foreskin, making it much easier to pass on.

4 As with HIV, so some protection exists against other sexually transmitted infections. Accordingly, if a condom splits or comes off, there is some protection for the couple. However, the only safe sex is to stick to one partner or abstain.

So, why tell you these things when you are students? Let me give you a biblical understanding. In our lives we have pride in which we hide other sins. These sins may not be visible immediately, they may not even be recognized as sin or we have not thoroughly cleansed ourselves. The truth is; we cannot purify ourselves. God is the one who purifies and removes the sin from our lives. God spiritually circumcises our old nature from our new self. 2 Corinthians 5:16-17

So let’s get to the understanding of correct loss. Why would Paul be so adamant against physical circumcision that the Judaizers were pushing for? Anything added to Sola Gracia, Sola Fida, Sola Christus (Grace alone, Faith Alone, Christ alone) is incorrect. These Jews were saying and making people physically identify as Jews before claiming Christ.

How does this apply to students in 2011?

There is nothing, NOTHING needed prior to Christ’s calling of you. There is no other means needed for salvation other than faith in and repentance to Christ Jesus and the grace he bestows. Anyone who says different is a type of Judaizer.

Break 2

Now, we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit… John 4:23-24
Why say this, and use this reference. The conversation between Christ and the woman at the well was heavily saturated in the traditions and the physical.

Instead of concentrating on the physical, “rejoice in the Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh.”
What are you rejoicing in? What accomplishments do you have that “define” you? Are you defined only by your athletic, musical or drama accomplishments? Who are you known as?

Student on the left then reads the card aloud. 2^nd step of the beginning activity.

Let’s read verses 4-6. Do you think Paul had a right to boast?

Do you think you have a right to boast about what was on that paper?

Break 3

Now, all these things we have spoken from the note cards, I want you to wad them up and throw them at me (from your seats). 3^rd step of the beginning activity.

Why wad them up and throw them away?

Let’s read verses 7-11

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.

Can you say that about what was on these papers?

Can you release and let go; can you lose your old self?

Can you say, “Indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord…”

Paul even went one step forward to say he counts all his gains as rubbish. That means they like feces, excrement and bodily waste. His gains, his education, his prior life before Christ!

Why do we look back as though our past life is a long lost friend whom we desire to meet again someday? Why!?

“and be found in him.” Here we reference 2 Cor. 5:17.

Verse nine confirms “Sola Fida and Sola Christus.”

Verse 10 points to three things Paul desires and we should as well:

1. Know Christ

2. Know his Power

3. Know his sufferings

The good news is that those who suffer with and for Christ will attain the resurrection from the dead.

We must lose all to gain all. We must die to become alive. We must accept to be accepted.

A Guide to Correct Service: Philippians 2:12-18

Philippians 2: 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, (Break 1) work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
(Break 2)

14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, (Break 3) among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life,
(Break 4) so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. (Break 5)

17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me. (Break 6)

Break 1

Therefore…this is a conjunction that means in consequence of that; as a result.

My Beloved, who is this? Deacons and elders and saints in Philippi.

Does this next line seem familiar? Not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence. This thought is copied from Philippians 1:27.

Break 2

Let’s note the therefore again but this time with the comma’s. (Write out ch.2:9-11,12 and accentuate the punctuation.) Our understanding of “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” is because you must do it understanding that one day, whether saved or not, you will bow before Jesus as Lord and you will confess that Jesus is Lord, maybe not as Lord of your life but that Jesus is Lord of All.

Paul then writes that “it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” So our work, if directed to please Christ, is the work of Christ because we without Christ cannot work out our salvation alone.

God’s good pleasure is not something that naturally we desire. We desire self. We desire our good pleasure but through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit the work of God wills and does the will of God.

Break 3

How should we do all things? Without complaining and disputing.

Why should we not complain and dispute? So that you and I may become blameless and harmless, children of God.

What is the benefit of becoming blameless and harmless? We have no fault before a crooked and perverse generation.

Break 4

What will come from this lifestyle? You and I will shine like lights in the world. (Shine like the Stars)

What will be in the faces of other students as your shining like stars? It will be the fact that you hold to the word of Life, the Gospel.

Break 5

What are the benefits to leaders/people who have poured into you and I?
1. They can rejoice;
Why can those people/leaders rejoice?
2. Because mine and your lives shine like stars and it reveals those people/leaders have not run or labored in vain.

Break 6

“Yes,…,I am glad and rejoice with you all.” Now, this is regardless of situation or circumstance that Paul reveals his admiration of those at Philippi.

Now, let’s look inside the commas, “If I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith.” Paul gives a powerful illustration. Have you ever had someone just use you? Have you ever had someone show no appreciation of what you have done?

Have you ever used Jesus? Have you used Farmstead Baptist? Have you used your Sunday School teachers, pastor or even me? Let me say this…you live the life of a follower of Christ, I will be glad and rejoice with you all because we are all called to serve. I know ministers use the phrase, “I was called to the ministry” but that is incorrect; ministers are set apart for bi-vocational or vocational ministry. Everyone is called to serve.

I am pouring my life into this ministry, this church and you guys. I rejoice if you are walking with Christ and I should do so no matter how you treat me, although if you treat me bad then you might want to check your service.

You, just as me, should be pouring out your life in service to God and rejoice and be glad alongside me. Let’s rejoice together, let’s serve together and let’s expand the Kingdom of God together!