MAGNIFYING CHRIST PHILIPPIANS 1:20-21

To make great, to make con- spicuous, to get glory and praise. Magnify- To make great, to make con- spicuous, to get glory and praise. The magnifying glass does not altar the nature of the object being magnified. It influences the view or appearance of the object. Magnifying Christ does not change Christ. It does, however change the view people have of Christ. Today we can magnify Christ by:

Living A Transformed Life When one stops being a slave to sin and becomes a servant of righteousness, he is transforming his life. He begins to live a new life. Romans 6:4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Jesus called this a New birth John 3:3-5 Conversion Matthew 18:3 Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

We are transformed into the likeness of Christ. II Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. Christ left us an example that we should “follow in His steps.” This example is found in the gospel. Christ gives us the power to transform our lives. The power of Christ is magnified when that power is demonstrated in a transformed life.

Living A Christ-Controlled Life Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Before Christ can control our lives He first must control our thoughts. Our lives are controlled by our thoughts. Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.

There is a battle for our minds. Matthew 12:34 Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. There is a battle for our minds. Christ wants to control our minds. II Corinthians 10:5 Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Satan also wants to control our minds. II Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. We choose which one will be in control.

The way we think is seen in the way we live. Mark 7:20-23 "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.'' Because we are what we think, we should think righteous thoughts. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things.

For Christ to control our thoughts we must have the mind of Christ. Philippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. As Christ humbled Himself we also must humble ourselves and let Him take control. When we let Christ control our thoughts and direct our lives we are magnifying Him.

Living A Christ-Revealing Life The body of the Christian belongs to the Lord. I Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. We are to become living sacrifices for the Lord. Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

The body is to become an instrument of righteousness. Romans 6:12-13, 19 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness. Everything we do should be to the glory of God and Christ.

Whatever we do, the world should see Christ in us. Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Whatever we do, the world should see Christ in us. Philippians 1:27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ. Christ is magnified when we use our lives to reveal Him.

I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day; I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way. The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear, Fine counsel is confusing, but example's always clear; And the best of all preachers are the men who live their creeds, For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.

I soon can learn to do it if you'll let me see it done; I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run. And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true, But I'd rather get my sermon by observing what you do; For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give, But there's no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

ARE YOU MAGNIFYING CHRIST IN YOUR LIFE?

Given by David Hamlin on 11-29-09 am Hollister, Missouri church of Christ www.hollisterchurchofchrist.org