Rosemount Bible Church A Shining Star or a Dense Black Home Philippians 2:12-30 Message 4 in our 7-part series on Philippians. Sunday, April 15, 2012 Speaker: Paul Margerrison

Rosemount Bible Church Philippians Chapter 2 verses 12 to 30 Paul's reason for writing to the Philippians Thank them for the gift (1:5; 4:10-19)Thank them for the gift (1:5; 4:10-19) Send a missionary report on his own circumstances (1:12-26; 4:10-19)Send a missionary report on his own circumstances (1:12-26; 4:10-19) Encourage the Philippians to stand firm in their faith in the face of persecution & rejoice regardless of their circumstances (1:27-30)Encourage the Philippians to stand firm in their faith in the face of persecution & rejoice regardless of their circumstances (1:27-30) Deal with a problem they have in the church (2:14&15; 4:2&3)Deal with a problem they have in the church (2:14&15; 4:2&3) Show them humility and unity through his life and the supreme example of Jesus Christ (2:1-11; 4:2-5)Show them humility and unity through his life and the supreme example of Jesus Christ (2:1-11; 4:2-5) Commend Timothy and Epaphroditus to them (2:19-30)Commend Timothy and Epaphroditus to them (2:19-30) Warn them against those who show aggressive opposition to the Gospel (Chapter 3)Warn them against those who show aggressive opposition to the Gospel (Chapter 3) Remind them that true joy comes from Jesus Christ alone (4:4; 4:11-13)Remind them that true joy comes from Jesus Christ alone (4:4; 4:11-13)

Rosemount Bible Church Philippians Chapter 2 verses 12 to 30 Paul the Apostle Paul was converted in about 35AD when he met the risen Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus.Paul was converted in about 35AD when he met the risen Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus. He was eventually tried and executed in around 68AD.He was eventually tried and executed in around 68AD. In the 33 years between his conversion and death, he spent 17 years on missionary journeys and 8 years in prison.In the 33 years between his conversion and death, he spent 17 years on missionary journeys and 8 years in prison. Much of the book of Acts is devoted to this part of Paul’s lifeMuch of the book of Acts is devoted to this part of Paul’s life Of the 27 books in the New Testament, 13 are identified as having been written by Paul.Of the 27 books in the New Testament, 13 are identified as having been written by Paul. This letter to the Philippians was written around 61AD during one of his periods in prison, most likely under house arrest in Rome as these dates would agree with the account in Acts 28 verses 14 – 31This letter to the Philippians was written around 61AD during one of his periods in prison, most likely under house arrest in Rome as these dates would agree with the account in Acts 28 verses 14 – 31

Rosemount Bible Church Philippians Chapter 2 verses 12 to 30 Philippi

Rosemount Bible Church Philippians Chapter 2 verses 12 to 30 Continue to work out your salvation A shining star or a dense black hole An apprenticeship that stands the test of time

Rosemount Bible Church Philippians Chapter 2 verses 12 to 30 Continue to work out your salvation 39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him. “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us” 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 Jesus answered him. “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke chapter 23 verses 39 to 43)

Rosemount Bible Church Philippians Chapter 2 verses 12 to 30 Continue to work out your salvation He now has something to work with Change is now possible in your life

Rosemount Bible Church Philippians Chapter 2 verses 12 to 30 Continue to work out your salvation Obedience when he was with them Obedience when he was absent from them

Rosemount Bible Church Philippians Chapter 2 verses 12 to 30 Continue to work out your salvation The Holy Spirit reminds us of Christ’s words, activates our consciences, influences our motives & desires and makes us want to obey.The Holy Spirit reminds us of Christ’s words, activates our consciences, influences our motives & desires and makes us want to obey. Now, doing God’s will is something we desire with all our heart and mind so that serving God is our greatest joyNow, doing God’s will is something we desire with all our heart and mind so that serving God is our greatest joy

Rosemount Bible Church Philippians Chapter 2 verses 12 to 30 A shining star or a dense black hole 15 “All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel” (Acts chapter 6 verse 15)

Rosemount Bible Church Philippians Chapter 2 verses 12 to 30 A shining star or a dense black hole How do we think others see us?

Rosemount Bible Church Philippians Chapter 2 verses 12 to 30 A shining star or a dense black hole Jesus calls us to be the light of the world Paul calls the Philippians to shine like stars in the universe

Rosemount Bible Church Philippians Chapter 2 verses 12 to 30 A shining star or a dense black hole 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (Ephesians chapter 5 verse 8)

Rosemount Bible Church Philippians Chapter 2 verses 12 to 30 A shining star or a dense black hole We hide our light: by acting like the world. The world won’t want what we have if we appear to be just like themby acting like the world. The world won’t want what we have if we appear to be just like them with bad attitudes. A bad attitude does not cause our light to shine for Christ. It causes contempt and bitterness instead.with bad attitudes. A bad attitude does not cause our light to shine for Christ. It causes contempt and bitterness instead. by concealing our Christianity. Christians who don’t talk about their faith are hiding their light.by concealing our Christianity. Christians who don’t talk about their faith are hiding their light. by failing to do good works.by failing to do good works.

Rosemount Bible Church Philippians Chapter 2 verses 12 to 30 A shining star or a dense black hole 8 Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them (Ephesians chapter 5 verses 8 to 11)

Rosemount Bible Church Philippians Chapter 2 verses 12 to 30 A shining star or a dense black hole 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me (Philippians chapter 2 verses 17 & 18)

Rosemount Bible Church Philippians Chapter 2 verses 12 to 30 An apprenticeship that stands the test of time 1.Success is having a genuine interest in others rather than yourself 2.Success is having a character which remains consistent under pressure 3.Success means being brothers and sisters in Christ The Christian life is a family, we are related.The Christian life is a family, we are related. The Christian life is a fellowshipThe Christian life is a fellowship The Christian life is a fight.The Christian life is a fight. 4.Success means commitment to Christ regardless of the circumstances 5.Success means service for Christ is more important than your security