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Friends of God:
Verse by Verse
Through Paul's Epistle To The Philippians |
Developed specifically
for Bible Class, Training Union, Handout
For Session 1 Teaching In Word Format |
Who were the Philippians?
Who were the Philippian believers? They were, quite simply, a breath of fresh air for the Apostle Paul. These were believers who understood the objective of the Christian life. These believers didn't just say they were Christian, they lived like CHRISTians. They knew that one day they would receive a glorified body like Christ's, so they concentrated on growing more like Christ through study of and submission to the Spirit and the Word of God daily. Unlike many of their contemporaries (and, sadly, like many who profess Christ today) they eschewed entertainment and shallow living, while paying attention to the needs of others in the Church. The Philippian approach to good, clean, honest Christianity shows in how the Apostle Paul expresses himself to them. Unlike other epistles, Paul did not open the letter by stressing his apostolic authority. These dear believers accepted Paul as Christ's representative - he had no need to beat them over the head to get their attention. Whereas other Pauline letters address problem areas in the local church, the epistle to the Philippians renders praise, encouragement, and teaches deep doctrines concerning Christ and His mission. I daresay that the Christology (the studies of Christ) found in Philippians are more concentrated and more in depth than is found in any other singular book of Scripture. This is because these believers had moved out of spiritual babyhood and into the deeper Christian walk. As the writer of Hebrews states: Hebrews 5:14 (KJV) "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." Those who dodder along in their Christian walk, constantly surrendering to sin, can not progress to the strong meat of doctrine. Just as the strong adult refuses pabulum for meat, the strong Christian is able to search out the deeper things of God. The Philippians were strong believers, dedicated to Christ.
Philippi was located in Macedonia (itself located north of Greece), about ten miles inland from the Aegean Sea. The city was named after Philip II, King of Macedonia (359-336 BC) who took an interest in enlarging this once small settlement into a large, thriving city. The city was a staunch supporter of Rome, and in return received prote (first, chief) recognition from Rome. This meant the city was considered autonomous in it's government, immune from paying tribute, and were voting citizens exactly as if they lived in Italy. Acts 16:12 (KJV) "And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief<protos {pronounced pro’-tos}, > city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days." The main highway from Asia to the west, Via Egnatia, passed through Philippi. This meant that the city was economically prosperous for its day, with merchants of all types visiting the city on a regular basis. The Church at Philippi was founded in 50 AD by the Apostle Paul during his second missionary journey (Acts 16). Paul was given a vision by God to establish the church in this area. God's calling and Paul's obedience shows how the minister of the Gospel must work in cooperation with the prime Minister of the Church, the Holy Spirit. The Spirit precedes the minister, preparing the area where the Gospel seed must be sown. The minister is responsible to sow the seed, but God the Spirit alone gives the increase. Acts 16:9-12 "And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. [10] And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. [11] Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; [12] And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days." Here we can see a perfect example of the sovereignty of God and the freewill of man working in harmony. Macedonia needed the administration of the Apostle Paul. Perhaps some believer, as he prayed that the church be established in his hometown - perhaps God redirected his prayers to Paul in this vision. I don't believe that such an operation would be beyond the boundaries of the power of our Lord. Whether the actual prayers of a Macedonian prompted the vision, or whether the vision came purely from God, no matter - the Apostle Paul immediately moved within his own will to work in that area that our Father directed. As the Scripture saith: Proverbs 8:17 (KJV) "I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me." When Paul went to Philippi there were few believers, even of the Jewish faith, for there was no synagogue in the city. This was truly virgin territory, untouched by God or God's servants up to this point. The first convert to Christ was the Gentile woman Lydia, who, as a "charter member" of the Church, may have allowed it to hold services in her home: Acts 16:13-15 "And on the Sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. [14] And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. [15] And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us." When Paul left Philippi, many theologians believe that he left the beloved physician Luke behind to guide the congregation as it grew. Though Paul made a second visit to Philippi during his third missionary journey (55-56 AD - Acts 20.1-6), he was imprisoned for treason shortly thereafter and could not get back to the people he loved. The Philippians, on the other hand, never forgot the man who introduced them to Christ. While Paul was imprisoned in Rome the Church sent Epaphroditus to Paul with a gift and orders to minister to his needs. Paul was moved by the love in action that the congregation showed, and under God's guidance wrote the Book of Philippians Epaphroditus carried the Epistle with him when he returned home to Philippi. Philippians 2:25 (KJV) "Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants." Philippians 4:18 (KJV) "But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God." Unlike many of the other Pauline Epistles, Philippians is more like a love letter to the Church rather than a rebuke or an Epistle of correction. Though the Philippian congregation was racially and economically mixed, the people kept their eyes on Christ and grew despite their differences. Some form of the name Jesus Christ occurs 51 times throughout the 104 verses in the Epistle. Any cautionary warnings that the Apostle gave were in the category of "Preventive Maintenance". These people loved Jesus, and it showed in their lives. Would that God raise up more Philippian churches today.
2. Outline
Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timotheus<1>, the servants<2> of Jesus Christ, to all the saints<3> in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops<4> and deacons: <4> EPISKOPOS, overseers. Also synonymous is PRESBUTEROS, the Elder. Refers to Pastors. Paul starts this letter in a way that will "set the mood" for the rest of the Epistle. Unlike the other Pauline epistles that begin with: Romans 1:1 KJVA Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle... 1 Corinthians 1:1 KJVA Paul, called [to be] an apostle of Jesus Christ ... 2 Corinthians 1:1 KJVA Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ ... Galatians 1:1 KJVA Paul, an apostle... Paul avoids using his proper title of office, apostolos, apostle, and instead refers to himself and Timothy<1> as merely "servants"<2> or doulos {pronounced doo’-los}, "slaves". There is no need to bash the Philippians over the head with his apostolic office. These people, though I am sure there were many young believers in their midst, were all focused on one thing: serving and honoring Jesus Christ our Lord. They were not, as many churches in both Paul's day and in our day, focused on entertainment and partying, nor were they concerned about conforming the message of the Gospel to make it more palatable in this evil world. No, these believers were about their Father's business, preaching the Gospel of Christ though it be an offense to the heathen. 1 Peter 2:7-8 ASV For you therefore that believe is the preciousness: but for such as disbelieve, The stone which the builders rejected, The same was made the head of the corner; (8) and, A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; for they stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. This is what every church is called to be .... light in this evil world. We are called to be, like John the Baptist, signposts for Christ. Though rejected of men we are to point to the only Savior, the only Eternal Celebrity, Jesus Christ our Lord. It is He who has saved us, He who is alone the Savior of all who will believe. How dare we be any less than the Philippians in promoting Christ? How dare we cover the Gospel with entertainment, dinners and singing and preaching that do not promote Christ but obscure the message of salvation? Timothy<1> (Timotheus) is mentioned in the letter's introduction because he was with Paul when the Philippian church was founded. See Acts 16.1-12; 19.22; 20.3-6. Note that Paul calls these believers saints<3>, hagios {pronounced hag’-ee-os}, meaning "Sacred or set apart ones". Though we are tempted to say that the Philippian believers are called saints, or set apart ones because of their superior behavior as Christians, any such temptation must be avoided at all costs. A believer in Christ, in fact, all believers in Christ are saints because of our special relationship and union with Jesus Christ. We are saints because of the finished work of Christ on the Cross of Calvary. We are saints, not because some church declared us to be saints, nor because a papal bull was issued that made us saints, but because we have claimed Christ as Savior. His blood is on the doorposts of our heart, and we are set aside for God's use because of Christ alone. Dare we claim we are better than others because of our sainthood? No, I say! All in this life are sinners, even those who piously claim righteousness for themselves. We are saints because of Jesus, and to Him alone is the reward for our changed estate. If you believe that the Philippians are "saints" because of their behavior, consider these texts: Romans 1:7 (KJV) "To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints<3>...." Romans 15:26 (KJV) "... for the poor saints<3> which are at Jerusalem." 1 Corinthians 1:2 (KJV) "Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints<3>... " Ephesians 1:1 (KJV) "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints<3> which are at Ephesus ..." Colossians 1:2 (KJV) "To the saints<3> and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse ...." In each of these cases the word hagios, "saints", was applied to the average (or, in the case of the Corinthians, the below average) Christian. In the case of the Corinthians, only a poor reader of that epistle would conclude that these believers set a good example for others. The Corinthians were involved in sexual indiscretion, drunkenness at church, riotous living, and a number of other activities that even caused the most hardened unbeliever to blush (see 1 Corinthians 5:1). We are "set apart" for God's purposes, "set apart" to serve Him. This is the reality that is brought about by our salvation, and should be our calling or goal while in this life. (Romans 8.1-2; Eph 2.6, 10, 13; 3.6) While we are on this subject, we need to review the Biblical Doctrine of Sanctification.
Additional material on Sanctification can be found in Pastor David's Systematic Theology, found on this site: POSITIONAL SANCTIFICATION After the believer enters the Plan of God by faith in Jesus Christ, he enters a state called Positional Sanctification. 1 Corinthians 1:2 "Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:" ..to them that are sanctified is better rendered from the Greek, "To them who have been sanctified", as this is the Perfect Passive Participle of the Greek hagiazo {pronounced hag-ee-ad’-zo}. The Corinthians have been sanctified according to the Pauline introduction. Does this mean that these believers are perfect and sinless at this point in their walk with Christ? Absolutely not! If you read the rest of the epistle to the Corinthians you will find that these people are backslidden, carnal Christians. So what did Paul mean by calling the Corinthians them who have been sanctified? He was referring to the first work of sanctification done on the believer, a work we call Positional Sanctification: Hebrews 2:10-11 "For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren," Positional Sanctification is a finished work of separation done to the believer because he has been justified through the sacrifice of Christ. Once a believer accepts Christ as Savior our Lord's blood atonement is applied to us in the eyes of God. We who believe are now separated from the unbeliever in the eyes of God because we accepted what Jesus did for us. Positional Sanctification is the state of being separated from the heathen, unbelieving world because the finished work of Christ is applied to our lives. Because we are regenerated, born again by the blood of Christ, we are now a people set apart in the eyes of God. Hebrews 10:10, 14 "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. ... For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified." Again we see the use of the Perfect Passive Participle of the Greek hagiazo {pronounced hag-ee-ad’-zo}, we have been sanctified. Positional Sanctification goes hand in hand with Justification: because we are justified by the blood of Christ, we are sanctified in the eyes of God. Positional Sanctification is entirely Spiritual: Spiritually we are set apart because of the Blood of Christ; though physically and in this life we are yet imperfect, still sinful, because of the flesh that we reside in. Positional Sanctification is, in reality, above the level of human consciousness, and is non experiential. We are set apart in God's eyes because of Christ, not because we are good or moral creatures. PROGRESSIVE SANCTIFICATION 2 Corinthians 7:1 "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." The words perfecting holiness are literally, from the Greek, "taking upon oneself to accomplish holiness or moral purity" (epiteleo {pronounced ep-ee-tel-eh’-o}, Present Active Participle + hagiosune {pronounced hag-ee-o-soo’-nay}). The command shows our interaction with God in growth as believers. Progressive Sanctification is that partnership work that we have with God in, through the power of the Holy Spirit and the application of the doctrines of the Word of God, the Holy Bible, grow in Christian maturity. We become "more set apart" from the world in our behavior day by day if we are obedient in submitting ourselves to God's will and God's Word. Romans 8:13 "For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it." 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor;" Through Progressive Sanctification the believer is gradually "pruned" by the Spirit to become a fit vessel to serve the Living Savior. Progressive Sanctification is a steady process of renewal by the Spirit of God in the life of the believer, a process that only ceases at death. The work is experiential. Progressive Sanctification may be described by relating it to the hour hand of the clock. You may not see the hand move by watching it, yet if you come back later you definitely know that it has moved. We may only notice the effects of Progressive Sanctification on the day we reflect back on the way we used to be - and are amazed at the change that God and His Word has brought in our lives. Progressive Sanctification is a good indicator as to whether a professing believer is actually saved or lost. When you accepted Christ as Savior you became a "new creature": 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." As a new creature you want to grow as a believer, want to work with your Savior in your life. If this is not true - that is to say, if you accepted Christ two, five, ten years ago and have not changed at all in that amount of time - then perhaps you are not saved after all. The new creature in Christ, the believer who has accepted Jesus Christ as Savior, begins to grow in Grace and in the knowledge of the Lord as he or she studies the Word of God. Progressive Sanctification means that the Christian should be changing, little by little, as he follows the Master. If you profess Christ and cannot see any change whatsoever in your lifestyle, then you need to examine yourself carefully - you may yet be lost! PROSPECTIVE SANCTIFICATION Though Prospective Sanctification goes by several theological terms depending on which denomination is teaching it (some call it Ultimate Sanctification, some Glorification), this state is one in which both the spirit and body of the believer is totally separated unto God. Romans 8:17-18 "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Without Prospective Sanctification man is never fully cleansed in both body and spirit. Without Prospective Sanctification we can not enter into Heaven. It is written: Revelation 21:8, 27 "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life." Prospective Sanctification is that stage of the believer where both Positional and Progressive sanctification meet. This will occur only when we are given glorified bodies by our Savior Jesus Christ. This is a state of perfection that we ourselves cannot reach - God must reach it for us. Do not be misled into believing that you can reach sinless perfection or Prospective Sanctification in this life. Though we are to be actively involved in Christian growth: 1 Peter 1:16 "Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." And though we are to stay set apart from the ungodly world around us, we will never reach sinless perfection in this life. God calls all His children to separate themselves from the world, to avoid the lusts of the flesh. He does not call us to perfectionism in this life, for He knows that this is an office we cannot occupy while in the flesh. All that we are, we owe to our Heavenly Father. We are fallible, He is faithful. If we remember these absolutes, recognize our weaknesses, we will better able to walk at peace with our God and our world.
Philippians 1:2 Grace<4> be unto you, and peace,<3> from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul begins this letter with charis<4> {pronounced khar’-ece}, meaning "unmerited favor". He follows this word with eirene<3> {pronounced i-ray’-nay}, which means "peace, tranquility, security, harmony". Believers in Jesus Christ are saved by Grace, by the unmerited favor of God through the shed blood of Christ. The result of the charis<4> is eirene<3>, peace with God in the life of the believer. Doctrine of Grace
(Romans 3:23-24 KJV) "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; {24} Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:" 2. Grace is what the believer in Christ relies on for salvation (Hebrews 12:14-15; Galatians 5:4) (Hebrews 12:14-15 KJV) "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: {15} Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;" (Galatians 5:4-6 KJV) "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. {5} For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. {6} For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love." 3. God waits to pour out Grace in life on the believer (Isaiah 30:18-19) (Isaiah 30:18-19 KJV) "And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him. {19} For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee." 4. We as believers receive Grace in life (Hebrews 4:16; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; 2 Peter 3:18; 1 Peter 5:12; 1 Corinthians 15:10; 2 Corinthians 6:1-2) (2 Corinthians 12:8-10 KJV) "For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. {9} And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. {10} Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." (1 Corinthians 15:9-10 KJV) "For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. {10} But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." 5. As Christians, we can find Grace in our times of need (Hebrews 4:16) (Hebrews 4:16 KJV) "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." 6. The Christian is commanded to grow in Grace (2 Peter 3:17-18) (2 Peter 3:18 KJV) "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." 7. The Christian is to stand in Grace (1 Peter 5:12) (1 Peter 5:12 KJV) "By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand." 8. The Christian must serve God in Grace (Hebrews 12:28-29; 1 Corinthians 15:10) (Hebrews 12:28-29 KJV) "Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: {29} For our God is a consuming fire." (1 Corinthians 15:10 KJV) "But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." Philippians 1:3 I thank my God upon every<6> remembrance<5> of you, Philippians 1:4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, Paul thanks God for every <5>mneia {pronounced mni’-ah}, or memory or thought of the Philippians. This is an amazing statement, especially since the blessed and beleaguered Apostle says that he praises God for <6>pas, everyone or absolutely all of the thoughts that he has had on these believers. What implication does this have for our study? It emphasizes that an individual believer or a flock of believers can either be a joy or a nightmare to the Pastor. In my contact with pastors around the world I have heard good reports of steady, dedicated Christians ... but I have also heard horror stories about carnal, lazy, and immature believers. When the church is filled with believers who refuse to study the good Word of God, filled with professing believers that are always looking for trouble, the pastor's life can be most miserable. How wonderful that the Philippians were a joy to Paul - for they took notice of the Word of God preached by Paul and applied it in their everyday lives. What a wonderful marriage there is when the pastor and the flock work in harmony to fulfill the Great Commission! What a terrible tragedy when the flock runs roughshod over God's watchman! As believers we are called to help our pastors as these blessed men strive diligently to nourish the Church of Christ. Open
Office Handout For Session Two
Philippians 1:5 For your fellowship<7> in the gospel from the first day until now; The Greek <7>koinonia {pronounced koy-nohn-ee’-ah}, literally means "to be in partnership with", and emphasizes a two sided relationship. Each Church rises or falls on <7>koinonia. Doctrine of Fellowship 1. “Fellowship” or koinonia implies a two sided relationship. In other words, it takes at least two people to have fellowship. 2. The Christian is commanded to “walk in the light”, that is, to have fellowship with Jesus first. Our fellowship with each other is only strengthened as each believer focuses on Jesus Christ. (1 John 1:4-7 KJV) "And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. {5} This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. {6} If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: {7} But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." 3. When believers walk in the light of Christ and fellowship with one another, they minister to one another's needs. (2 Corinthians 8:1-7 KJV) "Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; {2} How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. {3} For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; {4} Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. {5} And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. {6} Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. {7} Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also." 4. As the believer increases in fellowship with God in Christ, the Body will begin to give to the needs of it's members in all things. (Acts 2:44-47 KJV) "And all that believed were together, and had all things common; {45} And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. {46} And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, {47} Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." 5. The Church is the body of Christ, and must strive toward unity with one another. This fellowship is necessary for the proper operation of the Body. (1 Corinthians 12:14-27 KJV) "For the body is not one member, but many. {15} If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? {16} And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? {17} If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? {18} But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. {19} And if they were all one member, where were the body? {20} But now are they many members, yet but one body. {21} And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. {22} Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: {23} And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. {24} For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: {25} That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. {26} And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. {27} Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular." If a brother or a sister had a need, that need was met by the general members of the early church. Money was collected for the poor. Widows and children were kept in housing, clothing, and were fed. There is no indication that the pastor had to beg anyone to do anything. Needs were presented to the church, and needs were then met by the church. Do you want to have a "mega" church? Stop extending the various fads, tricks, and skullduggery that so many "church growth experts" promote, and learn how to love one another. Be concerned about one another's needs, and help a believer meet his needs if you can. This will draw the unbeliever to the church, lie a moth to a light. The unbeliever doesn't need to come to church to be fleeced, nor to watch a church fight, nor to participate in whisper campaigns designed to destroy the reputation of the one you are whispering about. The unbeliever can stay at work in the secular world and watch people backstab one another to get ahead. Why go to church to see more of the same? What the unbeliever needs and wants is a place where he or she can go and be loved. A place where they can be safe, out of the storms of life. A place where they can be offered eternal life. A place that truly makes a difference in their lives. Church should be that kind of place, a place filled with love and with God the Holy Spirit. Philippians 1:6 Being confident<1> of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work<2> in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: The Perfect Active Participle of {pronounced peitho}, pi’-tho <1>, emphasizes that we have been persuaded that God will finish that work<2> ergon {pronounced er’-gon} in us that He started at our salvation. The Bible makes it plain that each and every believer in Jesus Christ is, from the moment of their new birth, a continuing work in Christ. I am not the same person I was twenty-seven years ago when I met Christ at the front of an old time evangelistic meeting. I am not even the same person I was twenty four hours ago because of the work of God the Holy Spirit and the good Word of God in my life. Every believer is like a piece of clay on the Potter's wheel, a work of God molded by our Master so that we can participate in His greater plan. The believer was saved by the Grace of God under the atoning Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ at the moment that person accepted Christ as Savior. But we do not stop there. The believer, the workmanship of God, is ordained {<3>proetoimazo {pronounced pro-et-oy-mad’-zo}, Aorist Active Indicative} or purposed by God to do good works. We are not saved so that we can sit around like furniture and look good. We are not saved so that we can quit striving and relax, knowing that we're going to get into Heaven. We are saved to do good works in this life for the One who saved us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Ephesians 2:8-10 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained<3> that we should walk in them." We as believers are God's workmanship. I become so frustrated with believers who confuse the free gift of salvation with the purpose of the Christian life. We are saved by Grace, by the atoning Blood of Christ. We can never earn nor deserve our salvation. But this does NOT mean that we are not under obligation to God our Savior. Salvation is free, unmerited, but the believer now saved is obligated to walk in and be identified with good works, Godly works. There are some who foolishly believe that, once I am saved, my journey has ended. If that were true, Beloved of God, then why wouldn't God immediately transport you to Heaven to be with Him? If the salvation of our souls is the end of the pathway of purpose, then why do we not immediately move to Heaven? No, dear friends, salvation brings us into a relationship with God, our magnificent Trinity of God, but salvation is only the start of our walk. Once saved we read and study God's Word, we heed the indwelling Spirit of God, we begin a regime of prayer and, yes, even fasting. As we submit ourselves to the will of God we begin to grow in our faith. We begin to become the disciples that Christ wants us to be. We progress in the faith, knowing that we will one day stand before Jesus Christ and see our works judged for reward. 1 Corinthians 3:9-15 (KJV) "For we are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. {10} According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. {11} For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. {12} Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; {13} Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. {14} If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. {15} If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." The Apostle Paul made it clear that we are "laborers together with God", and that we will all be held accountable for the works that we do for Jesus in this life. Certain followers of what I shall call the cheap Grace movement have contacted me and told me that they believe that salvation is the end of the path for the Christian. Once saved by faith, we are free to forget about any other obligation to God. The work is done - let's move on. Yet the Apostle makes it plain that we will have our works judged before Christ one day, judged to determine if they are worthy of reward or worthy of destruction. The fire of Christ will reveal the heart of the work, reveal its essence. "If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." The day of Jesus Christ refers to the day when Jesus will return for His Church in Rapture and judge our works for reward, or for loss. The "day of the Lord" occurs elsewhere in Scripture. See 1 Cor 1.8; 5.5; 2 Cor 1.14; Phil 1.6, 10; 2.16. Doctrine of Rewards and Crowns
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