Live as Citizens of Heaven
Rich and Patti Vreeland joined us again this week. They always bring such an exciting, Spirit-filled energy! Rich and Patti are about to begin an exciting new season of their ministry, working with ACMNP (A Christian Ministry in the National Parks). Rich is preparing for their work there, so we were happy for him to practice some of his homework on us…
He kicked off this week’s message with a question: Are we living examples of Jesus?
Above all, you must live as citizens of Heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. ~ Philippians 1:27
We should always conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of praise.
Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God Himself. ~ Philippians 1:28
As believers, we look different. We shouldn't have to wear our faith on our shirts. Our lives should be flowing with Jesus.
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ~ Romans 8:31
Next, Rich dove us deep into Philippians 2:1-18…
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from His love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. ~ Philippians 2:1-2
We need to have compassion and tender hearts. We, the church as a whole, should not to be divided over something stupid like which translation of the Bible is best.
Our job is to teach the world about Jesus and the way to find His Salvation. If we are all working towards this goal, there should be nothing ripping us apart.
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. ~ Philippians 2:3-4
We need to work on meeting in harmony and humility and helpfulness.
The more we focus on us, the less room we have to care for others.
Harmony - work together
Humility - have modest view of ourselves so we can lift each other up
Helpfulness - the quality of being ready to help
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. ~ Philippians 2:5
Simple enough, right? Be like Jesus. WWJD (What would Jesus Do)?
But, what are the attributes of Christ?
Though he was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. ~ Philippians 2:6-8
He didn't think of Himself as equal. He was so humble, He gave up Heaven for us!
Therefore, God elevated Him to the place of highest honor and gave Him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ~ Philippians 2:9-11
We need to be humble too. Don't we all want to hear, one day, "Well done, good and faithful servant"?
Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. ~ Philippians 2:12-13
Wisdom we have now is the Holy Spirit.
Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. ~ Philippians 2:14-16
Do what you have to, and don't complain about it.
The only perfect person who walked this earth was Jesus Christ. We need to lower our expectations of the world. We need to look in the mirror and raise the expectations of ourselves.
You may be the only Jesus someone meets. The people that are most reluctant to come to Christ are folks who were hurt by the church.
Hold firmly to the Word of Life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy. ~ Philippians 2:16-18
The more you do for the kingdom, the more resistance you will get.
Rich’s closing notes of wisdom were:
We need to get along - as the church
Stand firm
Don't be afraid
GOD'S got us
You gotta try
Don't judge a book by it's cover
The more you do the work of God, the easier it becomes and the more joyful it becomes.
