Living Confidently in the Power of the Gospel
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church! It's a blessing to be in the house of the Lord today. As we gather, let's open our Bibles to Philippians 1:27. Before diving into our main text, let's reflect on Hosea 10:12, where God calls us to sow righteousness and reap steadfast love. This morning, we have the opportunity to break up the fallow ground of our hearts and seek the Lord so that He may rain righteousness upon us. Let it rain, Lord!
Paul's exhortation to the Philippians to live a life worthy of the gospel is our focus today. Growing up, many of us were taught good manners, like saying "please" and "thank you," and not pointing or staring. Similarly, Paul is urging us to mind our spiritual manners, to live in a way that reflects our heavenly citizenship. This means behaving in a manner that is appropriate and expected of those who have received the gospel.
Paul's life, even in prison, exemplifies this confidence. Despite his chains, he writes with a sense of assurance and joy, knowing that his imprisonment serves to advance the gospel. The whole Imperial Guard has come to know about Christ because of his situation. This confidence is not just for Paul but for all believers. We are called to live confidently, knowing that our circumstances, no matter how dire, can be used by God to further His kingdom.
Confidence in the gospel is crucial. Paul tells us that many brothers have become more bold to speak the word without fear because of his imprisonment. This boldness comes from a deep-seated confidence in the Lord. Our confidence must be built on Christ, the Messiah. When our confidence is properly placed, it can withstand any circumstance, even imprisonment.
However, I fear that many of us have become too apprehensive and apathetic. We look at the mission field and think that radical change is impossible. We lose sensitivity to the souls around us that are perishing without Christ. But Jesus taught us that success in the mission should not be a surprise. When He sent out the 72, they returned marveling at the power they had witnessed. We should marvel not at the success but at the privilege of being part of the mission.
Living a life worthy of the gospel means being confident in its power. This confidence should lead us to share the gospel boldly, even when it's outside our comfort zone. I confess that even I get sweaty palms thinking about canvassing the area with VBS cards. But we must submit to the command and commission of our Savior to go out and share the gospel, regardless of how it makes us feel.
Paul's confidence was unwavering, even in the face of death. He knew that to live is Christ and to die is gain. This kind of confidence should be our model. We should be certain of the message and unwavering in the mission. Even in times of transition, like our church is currently experiencing, we must remain steadfast. The mission doesn't pause; it progresses.
As we conclude, let's pray for increased confidence among us. Let's ask God to remove any seeds of doubt and to solidify our church during these days. May we link up with Paul in having a heart set on confidence, helping others around us to become confident as well. Amen.
### Key Takeaways
1. Confidence in the Gospel: Our lives should reflect a deep-seated confidence in the gospel of Jesus Christ. This confidence is not about being worthy of the gospel but about living in a manner that is appropriate for those who have received it. When we are confident in the gospel, we can boldly share it with others, knowing that it has the power to transform lives. [36:17]
2. Boldness in Witnessing: Even when we feel apprehensive or out of our comfort zone, we must remember that the power of the gospel compels us to share it. Paul himself felt uneasy about evangelizing, yet he submitted to the command of Christ. Our timidity should be replaced with certainty, knowing that the gospel is the power of God for salvation. [56:35]
3. Unwavering Mission: Paul's confidence in the mission of Christ was unwavering, even in the face of death. He knew that his life, whether in chains or free, was for the advancement of the gospel. This kind of unwavering confidence should inspire us to remain steadfast in our mission, regardless of our circumstances. [58:31]
4. Properly Placed Confidence: Many of us struggle with doubt because we place our confidence in shaky foundations like family, finances, or personal abilities. True confidence must be built on Christ, the Messiah. When our confidence is in Him, it can withstand any trial or tribulation. [47:00]
5. Community and Confidence: The confidence of one believer can inspire and embolden others. Paul's imprisonment led to greater boldness among the brothers to speak the word without fear. As a community, we should support and encourage each other to live confidently in Christ, knowing that our collective confidence can have a powerful impact. [49:19]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[31:49] - Opening Scripture: Hosea 10:12
[33:00] - Good Manners and Spiritual Manners
[34:09] - Living Worthy of the Gospel
[36:17] - Confidence in the Gospel
[37:41] - Paul's Confidence in Prison
[40:03] - Confidence in Christ
[42:14] - Confident Faith vs. Cautious Faith
[47:00] - Properly Placed Confidence
[49:19] - Community and Confidence
[56:35] - Boldness in Witnessing
[58:31] - Unwavering Mission
[01:03:05] - Caution Against Wavering
[01:04:45] - Closing Prayer and Worship
[01:07:39] - Special Prayer for Pastor Search Committee
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 1:27 - "Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel."
2. Hosea 10:12 - "Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you."
3. Ephesians 4:1 - "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says to "let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ" in Philippians 1:27? [34:09]
2. How did Paul's imprisonment serve to advance the gospel according to Philippians 1:12-14? [36:17]
3. What is the significance of Hosea 10:12 in the context of the sermon? [31:49]
4. How does Ephesians 4:1 relate to the idea of living a life worthy of the gospel? [35:17]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is confidence in the gospel crucial for living a life worthy of it, as discussed in the sermon? [37:41]
2. How can Paul's unwavering confidence in his mission, even in prison, serve as a model for us today? [39:09]
3. What are some of the "shaky foundations" that people often place their confidence in, and why do these lead to doubt? [44:40]
4. How does the community of believers support and inspire confidence in each other, according to the sermon? [40:32]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you feel apprehensive or timid about sharing the gospel? How can you build confidence in these areas? [56:35]
2. Think about a recent situation where you felt your confidence was shaken. Was your confidence placed in something other than Christ? How can you shift your confidence back to Him? [44:40]
3. How can you encourage and support others in your small group to live confidently in Christ? Share a specific example of how you might do this. [40:32]
4. Identify one person in your life who does not know Christ. What steps can you take this week to share the gospel with them, even if it feels outside your comfort zone? [56:57]
5. In what ways can you contribute to the mission of the church during this time of transition? How can you remain steadfast and confident in the mission? [58:31]
6. Reflect on the idea of "minding your spiritual manners." What specific behaviors or attitudes do you need to adjust to better reflect your heavenly citizenship? [34:09]
7. How can you sow righteousness in your daily life, as encouraged by Hosea 10:12? What practical steps can you take to seek the Lord and allow His righteousness to rain upon you? [31:49]
Devotional
Day 1: Confidence in the Gospel
Our lives should reflect a deep-seated confidence in the gospel of Jesus Christ. This confidence is not about being worthy of the gospel but about living in a manner that is appropriate for those who have received it. When we are confident in the gospel, we can boldly share it with others, knowing that it has the power to transform lives. Paul’s life, even in prison, exemplifies this confidence. Despite his chains, he writes with a sense of assurance and joy, knowing that his imprisonment serves to advance the gospel. The whole Imperial Guard has come to know about Christ because of his situation. This confidence is not just for Paul but for all believers. We are called to live confidently, knowing that our circumstances, no matter how dire, can be used by God to further His kingdom. [36:17]
Isaiah 55:10-11 (ESV): "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
Reflection: Think about a recent situation where you felt hesitant to share the gospel. How can you remind yourself of the power and purpose of God's word in such moments?
Day 2: Boldness in Witnessing
Even when we feel apprehensive or out of our comfort zone, we must remember that the power of the gospel compels us to share it. Paul himself felt uneasy about evangelizing, yet he submitted to the command of Christ. Our timidity should be replaced with certainty, knowing that the gospel is the power of God for salvation. This boldness comes from a deep-seated confidence in the Lord. Our confidence must be built on Christ, the Messiah. When our confidence is properly placed, it can withstand any circumstance, even imprisonment. [56:35]
2 Timothy 1:7-8 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God."
Reflection: Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel. What steps can you take today to share the message of Christ with them, despite any apprehensions you may have?
Day 3: Unwavering Mission
Paul's confidence in the mission of Christ was unwavering, even in the face of death. He knew that his life, whether in chains or free, was for the advancement of the gospel. This kind of unwavering confidence should inspire us to remain steadfast in our mission, regardless of our circumstances. Living a life worthy of the gospel means being confident in its power. This confidence should lead us to share the gospel boldly, even when it's outside our comfort zone. [58:31]
Acts 20:24 (ESV): "But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."
Reflection: Reflect on a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you see this situation as an opportunity to advance the gospel, rather than a hindrance?
Day 4: Properly Placed Confidence
Many of us struggle with doubt because we place our confidence in shaky foundations like family, finances, or personal abilities. True confidence must be built on Christ, the Messiah. When our confidence is in Him, it can withstand any trial or tribulation. Paul's life, even in prison, exemplifies this confidence. Despite his chains, he writes with a sense of assurance and joy, knowing that his imprisonment serves to advance the gospel. [47:00]
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."
Reflection: Examine your life and identify any areas where you have placed your confidence in something other than Christ. What steps can you take to shift your trust back to Him?
Day 5: Community and Confidence
The confidence of one believer can inspire and embolden others. Paul's imprisonment led to greater boldness among the brothers to speak the word without fear. As a community, we should support and encourage each other to live confidently in Christ, knowing that our collective confidence can have a powerful impact. This kind of unwavering confidence should inspire us to remain steadfast in our mission, regardless of our circumstances. [49:19]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Think of a fellow believer who might be struggling with confidence in their faith. How can you encourage and support them today to live boldly for Christ?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Our manner of life should hold confidence in the ultimate success of the mission that our Savior set us on. Jesus actually taught us that when it comes to this, success shouldn't be a surprise. When he sent out the 72, what did they do? They came back marveling. Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name. We're seeing souls set free. We're seeing people healed. We're seeing captives relieved. And Jesus says, don't be surprised at the success. He's not going to marvel at something different. He says, marvel that you get to be a part of the mission." [01:02:00]
2. "Do you know the easiest products to sell are the ones that you actually use? My wife's about the essential oils stuff. Anybody else into the oil stuff? I guess I have some biblical founding. You know, they used oils back then. She got off on the essential oil stuff and I never was a big believer. Still not a real big believer of it. But she's seen the benefits. She's seen the effects and she believes that there are those out there that do legitimately work. And I will say that I'm coming around slowly but surely. You know, I've seen the effects. I've seen them work in some regards." [53:47]
3. "Maybe there's somebody sitting here this morning and you're looking for a change in the direction of your life. Listen to me. Apart from the gospel, you'll never find it. Only the gospel of Jesus has the power to turn your life in a 180 from the direction that it's going in. No amount of self-will, no amount of self-determination, no amount of good morals, no amount of religious hoop-jumpings ever gonna get you to a place where you look at your life and say, you know what? Things are looking up. You'll continue to slip back every single time. Only the power that comes through the gospel of Christ crucified in you, in Him, will change your life." [50:54]
4. "Paul says, if you want to know a wrong, a place to put your confidence is in yourself. Don't put it in your flesh. Don't put it in any flesh around you. Don't put no confidence in the flesh whatsoever. And even at the beginning of this chapter in Philippians 1.6, he says that I am sure. He says, you want to find a sure confidence? He says, I'm sure. He says, I am confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion. See, it doesn't hinge on you. This was never about you having confidence in yourself. Paul says, this is about you understanding that our confidence, this is found in the one who began the work and will complete it. It's on him. Everything hinges upon him." [47:00]
### Quotes for Members
1. "A manner of life worthy of the gospel is one that is confident in the gospel. And I'm just going to ask you something. Let me challenge you. When's the last time you shared it? When's the last time you took an opportunity God gave you to boldly step in and witness for what he has done in your life? In this particular area, I really have to challenge myself. This is not my comfort zone. Listen, don't think, don't think we're just preachers. I know there's some weird ones out there. Don't think that it's just easy for us to go knock on somebody's door and share the gospel with them. Like that's our giftedness or something. That's not my comfort zone. I clam up even today thinking about doing it." [56:04]
2. "Paul was so confident in the message and the power, the gospel, that even when he found out people were preaching it with the wrong motives, he rejoiced. Why? Because he knew man's motives can't stop God's message. It will accomplish its purpose. It doesn't matter. And I think word had gotten back to Paul and some of these brothers trying to, Paul, man, while you're in here, listen, we got these clowns out here and they're preaching the gospel and they're doing it in a way to try to accuse you to inflict injury upon you to try and elevate themselves over the work that God's been doing in and through your lives thinking that they're going to get some kind of rise out of Paul that he's going to write in his letter. Okay, let me tell you what you need to do with these clowns. Here's how they need to be handled. Paul says, What then? They're preaching the gospel? Yeah? Well, is it the true gospel of Jesus Christ? Christ crucified, dead, buried, raised, salvation by grace through faith only in Him. That's the gospel? That's the one that they're giving. Yes? What then? I rejoice because no matter who the vessel is, it doesn't change the power of the message. He says, I rejoice. God will still use it. Man's motives can't stop His message from accomplishing its purpose." [51:51]
3. "Paul's saying, in light of everything that's happened, I know this is not ideal. I know this isn't necessarily the ministry plans that we had drawn up. This wasn't our five or ten year outlook for what we were going to try to work towards as a new founded church. But this is what has happened, and this is how God is still using it to advance the gospel. In an even greater way, he says, because now the gospel's found itself into a place that it never would have, maybe if God hadn't sent me here. The whole Imperial Guard knows about it. Why? Because Paul's in there in his chains, and he's telling everybody that's stuck to him, hey, you know about Jesus? Captive audience. They thought Paul was captive. Paul was holding them captive to hear the gospel of Jesus. And so confidence is just brimming amongst them, even in the midst of unsure circumstances." [41:18]
4. "This confidence we build upon Christ that makes us certain of the message within leads us to becoming unwavering in the mission. We're fixing to go hyperspeed because I'm taking too long. Verse 20. Paul says, It is my eager expectation and hope that it will not at all be a shame, but that with full courage and as always, Christ will be honored to my body, whether by life or by death, for to me to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. And I skip down to verse 25 where he says, Convinced of this, confident of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith. Even after all that he had recently been through and while he's sitting in prison, Paul held a confidence that kept him unwavering in the mission of making disciples. He was confident in the ultimate success of that mission that Jesus would bring it about because he says, If I live, listen to what he says, If I live, he says there's a cost to this, if I live, that means fruitful labor for me." [58:10]
5. "Paul says, if you want to know a wrong, a place to put your confidence is in yourself. Don't put it in your flesh. Don't put it in any flesh around you. Don't put no confidence in the flesh whatsoever. And even at the beginning of this chapter in Philippians 1.6, he says that I am sure. He says, you want to find a sure confidence? He says, I'm sure. He says, I am confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion. See, it doesn't hinge on you. This was never about you having confidence in yourself. Paul says, this is about you understanding that our confidence, this is found in the one who began the work and will complete it. It's on him. Everything hinges upon him." [47:00]
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