Confidence in Christian preaching refers to a firm trust and assurance in God's promises and power, enabling boldness in faith and action (Hebrews 10:35-36). Illustrations often use images of bridges, sports figures, and overcoming fear to portray confidence as a bridge from doubt to faith and a steady reliance on God's strength rather than human ability.
We all expect to go to heaven, don't we? Well, listen to this interview with that great theologian Sophia Loren, from 1999. She writes, "I'm not a practicing Christian, but I pray. I read the Bible. It is the most beautiful book ever written. I should to go to heaven; otherwise, it is not nice. I have not done anything wrong. My conscious is very clear. My soul is as white as those orchids over there; and I should go straight, straight to heaven."
Sermon, #1 in "50 Day Adventure." 2 Kings 18:17-22
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BELIEVE THERE'S A WAY
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I. Trapped in the maze.
A. The frustration of our lives.
B. Sometimes it's really bad.
C. "On what are you basing this confidence of yours?" 18:19
II. More than one way to believe.
A. Belief as accepting spiritual facts.
B. Belief as daily trust in our Creator God. Eph 3:20
III. Believing against hope.
A. God can make a way, even in desperate situations. 19:7-33
B. Modern Christians have also seen God act in marvelous ways.
IV. Does believing really work?
A. A positive attitude is always good.
B. Trust in God is even better.
C. Ask God for help.
D. Believe he is working for you, even when you don't see it.
V. How do YOU believe?
A. Assess your relationship with God.
B. Remind yourself of what you believe.
C. Tell others.
D. Step out in faith.
A. Assurance with God « Leader information shown in this fashion » Psalm 17: 3, 15 (NAS)
Thou hast tried my heart; Thou hast visited me by night; Thou hast tested me and dost find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress. … As for me, I shall behold Thy face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Thy likeness when I awake.
B. What is the basis of David’s confidence?
1. at first sight is seems to be a bit of self-righteousness
a. sort of standing up to God and saying “Hey, God, you know how good I am!” like the Pharisee in Jesus’ story
b. but you have to take this in the context of David’s life
c. for example, what marks Psalm 23 from start to finish? « — faith in the Lord to meet his every need; trust in God »
d. what marked David when he went up against Goliath? « — his trust in the same God who had previously delivered him »
e. and in this psalm as he faces his enemies, we find that same trust in God in verse 7 (NAS): Wondrously show Thy lovingkindness, O Saviour of those who take refuge at Thy right hand From those who rise up against them.
2. and so we find it to be based on faith
C. What about the Christian?
1. it is therefore possible for the child of God
a. who is walking with God in trust on a daily basis
b. to know within his own heart that it is right with God
c. just as Peter could say to the Lord Jesus, “Thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee.” (John 21:17)
d. and the Christian has this same capability as we are assured in 1 John 3:21 “Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.”
2. and our confidence is very akin to that of David
a. through all of his difficulties and his hardships, David could look forward to awakening one morning and seeing God and being totally satisfied; why? « — on account of the righteousness that comes by faith. »
b. so the Christians, on account of the imputed righteousness that comes by faith can also say, “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is.” (1 John 3:2 NAS)
The Sunday School attendance was beginning to grow, much to the joy of the workers. With this new development, the workers decided to commence a weekly Kids Craft Club. However, in their enthusiasm, they had overlooked the fact that this added expense had not been budgeted. Having had some experience in preparing crafts on a “shoestring,” I volunteered to produce crafts and to package them into individual kits for each child.
The winter months and the Christmas season had provided many ideas, but I wanted to prepare for the coming spring, and to focus on the return of the robins. Making a sample for the teachers to follow, I used felt fabric of various colors and shapes to form the mother robin, with a tiny worm of felt dangling from her beak, and a nest holding two tiny chicks. I glued this to a square of felt decorated with cut-out shapes of greens, browns, and blues to form the landscape and trees, and then glued it onto a square of cardboard. A piece of yarn looped through two holes at the top completed the project to enable the child to hang it on a hook. I wanted the felt claws of the mother robin to be resting on a natural piece of twig. Although it was late winter, deep snow still covered the land, and the possibility of the snow melting was not part of the weatherman’s report. Twigs were an impossibility!
I have a habit of looking through a glass-paneled door each morning to see what the weather has given us during the night. Changing my usual routine, I looked out of the bedroom window, and, to my utter amazement, I saw two twigs standing up through a deep snowdrift in the garden. These twigs should have been lying flat under the weight of the snow, but here they were, like two sentinels, waiting to be used to complete the crafts. The twigs proved to be just enough to include a small piece in each kit.
The Bible verse that I had chosen for the project was today’s Scripture. As I thought of the millions of birds that are sustained by the hand of God, it was a very small matter for God to supply some twigs. However, it was the timing, which was perfect, and, from those twigs, I learned a great lesson in faith: from our very smallest need, to the most challenging event of our lives, God is interested and is there for us.
Prayer: Our gracious heavenly Father, may we remember that You know and record even our thoughts. You provided twigs, though no request in prayer was made. You were aware of the need and supplied it. May our faith increase, and our confidence grow, as we place every anxious thought into Your hands. We make this petition in and through the name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.
VERSE: In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. — 1 John 4:17
THOUGHT: When we live lovingly like Jesus did, we can have the same confidence in the face of death and before God in judgment. Our confidence is not in our efforts, but in our Savior. His love has not only redeemed us, it has changed us. His love is not only a gift to us, but it is a gift through us. We can be confident because we know that Jesus’ life is present in us until we can stand with him in the presence of our Father.
PRAYER: Holy Father, thank you for the power to love others. Thank you for the confidence your love gives me. You have done so much to save me. Thank you for your loving grace. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Key Bible Verse: Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence ... (Proverbs 3:25-26a). Bonus Reading: Psalm 91
For several summers during the mid-1990s, Dave Wolter, head women's basketball coach for Concordia University in Irvine, California, flew to Asia and put on basketball clinics for both players and coaches.
On one flight, his plane experienced mechanical trouble at 30,000 feet. Panic broke out. People were screaming, crying and standing up in the aisles. Wolter, on the other hand, sat calmly and prayed. When a woman sitting next to him saw how different his demeanor was to the rest of the passengers, she shouted in Wolter's face, "Why aren't you hysterical?" Fortunately, the crew was able to correct the problem, and nervous tranquillity was restored in the cabin. For the rest of the flight, Dave answered the woman's question as she and several others listened intently to how his faith in Christ Jesus enables him to face death with confidence.
Witnessing takes place not only through our words, but also through our actions. Stated another way, the fish symbol on the rear bumper of your car definitely makes a statement, but people will probably pay more attention to how you drive.
- Steven B. Borst in Men in the Church
Thought to Apply: Where one man reads the Bible, a hundred read you and me.
- DWIGHT L. MOODY (EVANGELIST, 19TH CENTURY)
Adapted from- Tuesday: Men in the Church (Concordia, 1998)
Copyright © 2000 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity.
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A young seminary graduate came up to the lectern, very self-confident and immaculately dressed. He began to deliver his first sermon in his first church and the words simply would not come out. Finally he burst into tears and ended up leaving the platform obviously humbled.
There were two older ladies sitting in the front row and one remarked to the other, "If he'd come in like he went out, he would have gone out like he came in."
Job was on the ash heap of demolished dreams yet patient because he had the promise of a better tomorrow. He makes me think of the little boy who was on a train running the long trip between two Western cities. It was a hot, dusty day, very uncomfortable for traveling, and that particular ride was perhaps the mot uninteresting day’s journey in the whole land. But the little fellow sat patiently watching the fields and the fences hurrying by, until a motherly old lady, leaned forward to ask with some sympathy in her voice, “Aren’t you tired of the long ride, dear, and the dust and the heat?”
The little boy looked up brightly, and smiled, “Yes, ma’am, a little. But I don’t mind it much, because my father is going to meet me when I get to the end of it.”
What a beautiful thought it is that when life seems wearisome, monotonous, and sometimes filled with trouble that we can look forward hopefully and trustingly and not mind much because our Father, too, will be waiting to meet us at our journey’s end!
________
Knight’s Master Book of Illustrations, p. 278
We all expect to go to heaven, don't we? Well, listen to this interview with that great theologian Sophia Loren, from 1999. She writes, "I'm not a practicing Christian, but I pray. I read the Bible. It is the most beautiful book ever written. I should to go to heaven; otherwise, it is not nice. I have not done anything wrong. My conscious is very clear. My soul is as white as those orchids over there; and I should go straight, straight to heaven."
I was blessed with three beautiful, intelligent and terrific children, who are now thirty, twenty-nine and twenty-eight. But at one point in their lives, they were seven, six and five.
My youngest daughter, the five-year-old who was always asking questions, came home from kindergarten one day and asked, "Mommy, how many children did you want?"
Thinking for a minute, I looked at her and said, "Two."
She thought about it for a moment and then asked, "Me, and who else?"
____________
Kathrine A. Barhydt (c) 1999, from Chicken Soup for the Parent's Soul by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Kimberly Kirberger and Raymond Aaron.
*
A young seminary graduate came up to the lectern, very self-confident and immaculately dressed. He began to deliver his first sermon in his first church and the words simply would not come out. Finally he burst into tears and ended up leaving the platform obviously humbled.
There were two older ladies sitting in the front row and one remarked to the other, "If he'd come in like he went out, he would have gone out like he came in."
I was blessed with three beautiful, intelligent and terrific children, who are now thirty, twenty-nine and twenty-eight. But at one point in their lives, they were seven, six and five.
My youngest daughter, the five-year-old who was always asking questions, came home from kindergarten one day and asked, "Mommy, how many children did you want?"
Thinking for a minute, I looked at her and said, "Two."
She thought about it for a moment and then asked, "Me, and who else?"
____________
Kathrine A. Barhydt (c) 1999, from Chicken Soup for the Parent's Soul by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Kimberly Kirberger and Raymond Aaron.
*
Several years ago there was a well-known television circus show that developed a Bengal tiger act. Like the rest of the show, it was done “live” before a large audience. One evening, the tiger trainer went into the cage with several tigers to do a routine performance.
The door was locked behind him. The spotlights highlighted the cage, the television cameras moved in close, and the audience watched in suspense as the trainer skillfully put the tigers through their paces. In the middle of the performance, the worst possible fate befell the act: the lights went out! For twenty or thirty long, dark seconds the trainer was locked in with the tigers. In the darkness they could see him, but he could not see them. A whip and a small kitchen chair seemed meager protection under the circumstances, but he survived, and when the lights came on, he calmly finished the performance. In an interview afterward, he was asked how he felt knowing that the tigers could see him but that he could not see them. He first admitted the chilling fear of the situation, but pointed out that the tigers did not know that he could not see them. He said, “I just kept cracking my whip and talking to them until the lights came on. And they never knew I could not see them as well as they could see me.”
This experience gives us a vivid parable of human life. At some point in our lives, all of us face the terrifying task of fighting tigers in the dark. Some face it constantly. Many people cope daily with internal problems that are capable of destroying them. They cannot visualize their problems or understand them, but their problems seem to have them zeroed in.
A Christian can put his trust and confidence in the Lord, knowing that He always sees what we cannot.
________
James S. Hewett, Illustrations Unlimited (Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc, 1988) p. 205.
Source: A Dose of Inspiration, http://www.quietstones.com/mydailydose
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Another version from Gerald Rodgers:
As a child it was fun to watch the movies about the swamp monster that ate an entire city, or the space alien that tried to conquer New York or Tokyo. These movies were fun because you could be afraid for an hour or so, and then it was all over. The monster was killed; the aliens were fought off.
It is not fun to be afraid in the "real" sense. Fear is that emotion that is so well known. It is produced by a sense of danger, impending calamity or some dire emergency, or even by walking into a dentist's office. It is a powerful emotion that can damage both the physical body and the personality. Fear can even block the thought processes.
John Madden, of CBS Sports crisscrosses the country many times each fall in a customized bus because he is afraid of flying. A few years ago, one first-round draft choice in the NBA quickly ended his career with an unconditional release by his team because of his paralyzing fear of flying.
Several years ago, a televised circus act with Bengal tigers was broadcast live. The tiger trainer went into the cage with several tigers to do a routine performance. The door was locked behind him.
The spotlights highlighted the cage, the television cameras moved in close, and the audience watched in suspense as the trainer put the tigers through their act. However, in the middle of the performance, the lights went out! For 20 or 30 seconds the trainer was locked in a dark cage with Bengal tigers, a whip and a chair. The tigers could see the trainer, but he could not see them!
After the event was over, in an interview, the trainer was asked how he felt about his situation in the cage. He first admitted to the chilling fear of the situation, but he pointed out that the tigers did not know that he could not see them. He said, "I just kept cracking my whip and talking to them until the lights came on. They never knew I could not see them as well as they could see me."
This story says something about many fears. Face them and go on doing the best you can. As a child you may have had a fear of the dark. As an adult you may fear failure or rejection, the future, some potential health crisis, or of your death or the death of a loved one. The Bible has the answer for our fears.
John wrote: "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear...." (1 John 4:18). Christ's love is the perfect defense against the physical and mental effects of fear. Paul said it this way; "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). The phrase "fear not" is found at least 365 times in various forms throughout the Bible. The Hebrews writer says, "that we may confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid....'"
One writer said it this way: "The greatness of our fears shows us the littleness of our faith." We need to pray about our fears and our faith, and turn to the Lord for help to face our fear.
Key Bible Verse: Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence ... (Proverbs 3:25-26a). Bonus Reading: Psalm 91
For several summers during the mid-1990s, Dave Wolter, head women's basketball coach for Concordia University in Irvine, California, flew to Asia and put on basketball clinics for both players and coaches.
On one flight, his plane experienced mechanical trouble at 30,000 feet. Panic broke out. People were screaming, crying and standing up in the aisles. Wolter, on the other hand, sat calmly and prayed. When a woman sitting next to him saw how different his demeanor was to the rest of the passengers, she shouted in Wolter's face, "Why aren't you hysterical?" Fortunately, the crew was able to correct the problem, and nervous tranquillity was restored in the cabin. For the rest of the flight, Dave answered the woman's question as she and several others listened intently to how his faith in Christ Jesus enables him to face death with confidence.
Witnessing takes place not only through our words, but also through our actions. Stated another way, the fish symbol on the rear bumper of your car definitely makes a statement, but people will probably pay more attention to how you drive.
- Steven B. Borst in Men in the Church
Thought to Apply: Where one man reads the Bible, a hundred read you and me.
- DWIGHT L. MOODY (EVANGELIST, 19TH CENTURY)
Adapted from- Tuesday: Men in the Church (Concordia, 1998)
Copyright © 2000 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity.
*
Thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee thence. — Deut. 24:18.
Because we are apt to forget, we need to have our minds stirred up by way of remembrance.
1. For the purpose of humility. We are prone to think more highly of ourselves than we ought. If we are now wise, we were once foolish. If we are now justified, we were once condemned. If we are now sons of God, we were once servants of sin.
2. For the purpose of gratitude. Forgetfulness leads to ingratitude. If we would bless God we must remember (not forget) all the benefits He has bestowed upon us.
3. For the purpose of confidence. He pardoned us when we were rebels. He will not cast us off now that we are His children.
4. For the ,purpose of piety and zeal. How many are all around us bound by Satan and ready to perish. We can tell them what God is able and willing to do. We can speak from experience. — Wm. Jay.
‘Tis we, 0 Lord, whom Thou hast shown
The deadly bitterness of sin,
We who delivering grace have known
May fitly bring thank offerings in.
Philippians 4:1–9 — Joy in the Peace of God « Leader information »
A. The Servant’s Joy and Crown Philippians 4:1–3 (NAS)
1 Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. 2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. 3 Indeed, true comrade, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
« 1. excerpt from Biblical Museum (Holwick 25485) — The Preacher’s Crown
a. joy…crown — 2 Cor 1:14, 1 Th 2:19-20, 3:8-9 — his converts will be his wreath of victory, and show, that as a runner he had not run in vain
b. Euodias — (prosperous), more properly Euodia, a Christian woman, of whom no more is known
c. Syntyche — (affable or fortunate), another Christian woman
d. that…mind — Phil 2:9 — perhaps they had disagreed
e. Lord — 1 Pet 2:13 — the peacemaker
f. yokefellow {comrade, companion} — a common work the ground of brotherly claim
g. Clement — generally supposed to be the Bishop of Rome, and author of a letter to the Corinthians (see Ellicott)
h. in…life — Rev 13:8, 20:12, cf Dan 12:1, Luke 10:20, Rev 3:5, Exod 32:32, Ps 69:28 — the register of the covenant people.
»
2. A few weeks ago we touched on the “prize of the upward call of God” and thought briefly about the “crown of life” or living crown (James 1:12, Revelation 2:10) and about the “crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:8). These are primarily realized in the future. But, in these verses we find a crown for the servant Christian to be worn right now … of what does it consist?
a. « the Christians whom we serve and with whom we serve »
b. comment on the character of this “crown”
(A) needing « reminders to stand firm »
(B) needing « reminders to be united, live in harmony; these two ladies names mean “pleasant way” and “affable” but they appear to have become “you odious” and “soon touchy” »
(C) needing « guidance and help from other Christians — you are not alone responsible for another’s discipling »
c. comment on the servant’s attitude toward this “crown”
(A) « love and brotherly relationship »
(B) « desiring companionship »
(C) « joyous »
B. Signs of the Servant’s Joy
1. constant rejoicing Philippians 4:4 (NAS)
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!
« a. excerpt from Biblical Museum (Holwick 25486) — “Rejoice in the Lord”
(A) rejoice…Lord — the usual Gk. salutation — “rejoice;” with a Christian limitation, “in the Lord.”
(B) alway — there being at all times, and in all circumstances, a ground for rejoicing in the Lord
(C) again…rejoice — 1 Th 5:16, Rom 12:12, Ps 32:11, 1 Pet 4:13 — a command repeated with emphasis. (Paul a prisoner when he thus wrote!).
»
b. what do you learn from this verse?
(A) the D___________ « (domain) » of this rejoicing
(1) « is in the Lord »
(2) and so is « unaffected by earthly circumstances »
(B) the E__________ « (extent) » of this rejoicing
(1) « is continuous »
(2) « “In everything give thanks … “ – » 1 Thessalonians 5:18
(C) the S_____________ « (stimulus) » of this rejoicing
(1) « is a doubly given command »
(2) because « we need to be reminded that … we are but pilgrims on this earth; we are in the world but not of the world; we look for a city, an heavenly one; … »
2. gentleness to men Philippians 4:5 (NAS)
Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
« a. excerpt from Biblical Museum (Holwick 25487) — “Moderation”
(A) moderation {forbearing spirit, gentleness} — 1 Cor 9:25, Eph 4:2 — your gentle and forbearing spirit
(B) known — manifested
(C) the…hand {near} — 1 Cor 7:29-31, Jam 5:8, 1 Pet 4:7, Rev 22:7, 2 Pet 3, 2 Th 2:2 — let the nearness of the judgment admonish you to be gentle and merciful in your judgments.
»
b. “Let your … “ « the word in the original is epieikev, participle of verb, “to yield” (Gal 2:5) plus “unto” and so is one who yields unto others » — let’s see how this word is translated
(A) KJV « – moderation »
(B) NKJV, NIV, NRSV « – gentleness »
(C) NAS, Weymouth « – forbearing spirit »
(D) Philips « – (have a reputation) for being reasonable »
c. what is the stimulus? … what does it mean?
(A) « the Lord is near »
(B) « Hagar’s name of the Lord, “Thou God seest me” »
3. confidence in God Philippians 4:6 (NAS)
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
« a. excerpt from Biblical Museum (Holwick 25488) — “Carefulness”
(A) be…nothing — Matt 6:25, 10:19, Luke 12:22, 1 Cor 7:32 — have no anxieties
(B) but…{every} thing — in every difficulty, or need
(C) thanksgiving — for past mercies, the memory of which should give present confidence
(D) let…God — Ps 54:22, 1 Pet 5:7, 1 Th 5:17-18 — who, though He knows what things you have need of, will yet be inquired of.
»
b. What reasons have we for not worrying?
(A) Matthew 6:25ff
(B) Matthew 10:18–20
(C) Luke 12:6–7
c. what is the antidote to worry … the more we worry, the more we should … ?
d. Describe how this is to be done?
(A) « accompanied by thankfulness for … »
(B) « supplication (petition) — J. B. Philips, in every detail; Weymouth, earnest pleading »
(C) « in confidence … Psalm 55:22 »
4. peace of God Philippians 4:7 (NAS)
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
« a. excerpt from Biblical Museum (Holwick 25488) — “Carefulness”
(A) which…understanding — Isa 26:3, John 14:27, Gal 5:22 — surpassing in its power to calm, the power of human devices to harass
(B) shall…minds — “God’s peace shall stand sentry, shall keep guard over your hearts.”.
»
b. this is peace which surpasses our comprehension, but not our R___________ « (realization … ie., we can know without understanding) » and it is to be found in
(A) Isaiah 26:3 « – a dependent trust in God »
(B) John 14:27 « – the free gift from our Lord, Jesus Christ »
c. the role of this peace is …
C. Thinking and Acting for Peace Philippians 4:8–9 (NAS)
8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you.
« 1. excerpt from Biblical Museum (Holwick 25489) — “Good Things”
a. true — Eph 4:25 — in the widest sense
b. honest {noble} — Rom 12:17, 13:13 — honourable
c. just — Mic 6:8 — in accord with law
d. lovely — estimable
e. good report {repute} — 1 Tim 4:12, 1 Pet 4:8, Tit 2:10, 1 TH 5:22, Phil 1:27 — deserving of praise
f. virtue — moral rightness
g. praise {praiseworthy} — good opinion
h. think {meditate, dwell} — approvingly, constantly, practically
i. learned — in Christian instruction
j. received — as the effect of that teaching
k. heard — from report
l. seen — Phil 3:17 — personal observation
m. and…you — Rom 16:19-20, 1 Th 5:23, 1 Cor 14:33 — to guide, protect, bless.
»
2. the Roman church has an “index” of materials that may be read and here we have an “index” of the materials we should allow to enter our mind if peace is to perform its role in guarding us. Each of us will have differing need of correction in this respect. At this time, I need to have my mind dwell more on …
3. What outcome should I expect from such mind-dwelling?
Philippians 4:1–9 — Joy in the Peace of God « Leader information »
A. The Servant’s Joy and Crown Philippians 4:1–3 (NAS)
1 Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. 2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. 3 Indeed, true comrade, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
« 1. excerpt from Biblical Museum (Holwick 25485) — The Preacher’s Crown
a. joy…crown — 2 Cor 1:14, 1 Th 2:19-20, 3:8-9 — his converts will be his wreath of victory, and show, that as a runner he had not run in vain
b. Euodias — (prosperous), more properly Euodia, a Christian woman, of whom no more is known
c. Syntyche — (affable or fortunate), another Christian woman
d. that…mind — Phil 2:9 — perhaps they had disagreed
e. Lord — 1 Pet 2:13 — the peacemaker
f. yokefellow {comrade, companion} — a common work the ground of brotherly claim
g. Clement — generally supposed to be the Bishop of Rome, and author of a letter to the Corinthians (see Ellicott)
h. in…life — Rev 13:8, 20:12, cf Dan 12:1, Luke 10:20, Rev 3:5, Exod 32:32, Ps 69:28 — the register of the covenant people.
»
2. A few weeks ago we touched on the “prize of the upward call of God” and thought briefly about the “crown of life” or living crown (James 1:12, Revelation 2:10) and about the “crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:8). These are primarily realized in the future. But, in these verses we find a crown for the servant Christian to be worn right now … of what does it consist?
a. « the Christians whom we serve and with whom we serve »
b. comment on the character of this “crown”
(A) needing « reminders to stand firm »
(B) needing « reminders to be united, live in harmony; these two ladies names mean “pleasant way” and “affable” but they appear to have become “you odious” and “soon touchy” »
(C) needing « guidance and help from other Christians — you are not alone responsible for another’s discipling »
c. comment on the servant’s attitude toward this “crown”
(A) « love and brotherly relationship »
(B) « desiring companionship »
(C) « joyous »
B. Signs of the Servant’s Joy
1. constant rejoicing Philippians 4:4 (NAS)
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!
« a. excerpt from Biblical Museum (Holwick 25486) — “Rejoice in the Lord”
(A) rejoice…Lord — the usual Gk. salutation — “rejoice;” with a Christian limitation, “in the Lord.”
(B) alway — there being at all times, and in all circumstances, a ground for rejoicing in the Lord
(C) again…rejoice — 1 Th 5:16, Rom 12:12, Ps 32:11, 1 Pet 4:13 — a command repeated with emphasis. (Paul a prisoner when he thus wrote!).
»
b. what do you learn from this verse?
(A) the D___________ « (domain) » of this rejoicing
(1) « is in the Lord »
(2) and so is « unaffected by earthly circumstances »
(B) the E__________ « (extent) » of this rejoicing
(1) « is continuous »
(2) « “In everything give thanks … “ – » 1 Thessalonians 5:18
(C) the S_____________ « (stimulus) » of this rejoicing
(1) « is a doubly given command »
(2) because « we need to be reminded that … we are but pilgrims on this earth; we are in the world but not of the world; we look for a city, an heavenly one; … »
2. gentleness to men Philippians 4:5 (NAS)
Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
« a. excerpt from Biblical Museum (Holwick 25487) — “Moderation”
(A) moderation {forbearing spirit, gentleness} — 1 Cor 9:25, Eph 4:2 — your gentle and forbearing spirit
(B) known — manifested
(C) the…hand {near} — 1 Cor 7:29-31, Jam 5:8, 1 Pet 4:7, Rev 22:7, 2 Pet 3, 2 Th 2:2 — let the nearness of the judgment admonish you to be gentle and merciful in your judgments.
»
b. “Let your … “ « the word in the original is epieikev, participle of verb, “to yield” (Gal 2:5) plus “unto” and so is one who yields unto others » — let’s see how this word is translated
(A) KJV « – moderation »
(B) NKJV, NIV, NRSV « – gentleness »
(C) NAS, Weymouth « – forbearing spirit »
(D) Philips « – (have a reputation) for being reasonable »
c. what is the stimulus? … what does it mean?
(A) « the Lord is near »
(B) « Hagar’s name of the Lord, “Thou God seest me” »
3. confidence in God Philippians 4:6 (NAS)
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
« a. excerpt from Biblical Museum (Holwick 25488) — “Carefulness”
(A) be…nothing — Matt 6:25, 10:19, Luke 12:22, 1 Cor 7:32 — have no anxieties
(B) but…{every} thing — in every difficulty, or need
(C) thanksgiving — for past mercies, the memory of which should give present confidence
(D) let…God — Ps 54:22, 1 Pet 5:7, 1 Th 5:17-18 — who, though He knows what things you have need of, will yet be inquired of.
»
b. What reasons have we for not worrying?
(A) Matthew 6:25ff
(B) Matthew 10:18–20
(C) Luke 12:6–7
c. what is the antidote to worry … the more we worry, the more we should … ?
d. Describe how this is to be done?
(A) « accompanied by thankfulness for … »
(B) « supplication (petition) — J. B. Philips, in every detail; Weymouth, earnest pleading »
(C) « in confidence … Psalm 55:22 »
4. peace of God Philippians 4:7 (NAS)
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
« a. excerpt from Biblical Museum (Holwick 25488) — “Carefulness”
(A) which…understanding — Isa 26:3, John 14:27, Gal 5:22 — surpassing in its power to calm, the power of human devices to harass
(B) shall…minds — “God’s peace shall stand sentry, shall keep guard over your hearts.”.
»
b. this is peace which surpasses our comprehension, but not our R___________ « (realization … ie., we can know without understanding) » and it is to be found in
(A) Isaiah 26:3 « – a dependent trust in God »
(B) John 14:27 « – the free gift from our Lord, Jesus Christ »
c. the role of this peace is …
C. Thinking and Acting for Peace Philippians 4:8–9 (NAS)
8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you.
« 1. excerpt from Biblical Museum (Holwick 25489) — “Good Things”
a. true — Eph 4:25 — in the widest sense
b. honest {noble} — Rom 12:17, 13:13 — honourable
c. just — Mic 6:8 — in accord with law
d. lovely — estimable
e. good report {repute} — 1 Tim 4:12, 1 Pet 4:8, Tit 2:10, 1 TH 5:22, Phil 1:27 — deserving of praise
f. virtue — moral rightness
g. praise {praiseworthy} — good opinion
h. think {meditate, dwell} — approvingly, constantly, practically
i. learned — in Christian instruction
j. received — as the effect of that teaching
k. heard — from report
l. seen — Phil 3:17 — personal observation
m. and…you — Rom 16:19-20, 1 Th 5:23, 1 Cor 14:33 — to guide, protect, bless.
»
2. the Roman church has an “index” of materials that may be read and here we have an “index” of the materials we should allow to enter our mind if peace is to perform its role in guarding us. Each of us will have differing need of correction in this respect. At this time, I need to have my mind dwell more on …
3. What outcome should I expect from such mind-dwelling?
Olympic champion Charlie Paddock loved to speak to young people in high schools. At East Tech High School in Cleveland, Ohio, he challenged those young people: “If you think you can, you can! If you believe something strongly enough, it will come to pass in your life.” Afterward he lifted his hand and said, “Who knows? Maybe there's an Olympic champion in this auditorium this afternoon.”
Later a scrawny little black boy approached him and said, “Gee, Mr. Paddock, I'd give anything if I could be an Olympic champion just like you.”
It was that young boy's moment of inspiration. From that moment on his life was changed! In 1936 he went to Berlin, Germany, and won four gold medals. His name is Jesse Owens. When he returned home he was driven through the streets of Cleveland and greeted by a cheering crowd. The car stopped for him to sign autographs. That day a skinny little boy pressed himself against the car and said, “Gee, Mr. Owens, I'd give anything to be an Olympic champion just like you.”
Jesse reached out to this little fellow (who was nicknamed “Bones”) and said, “You know that's what I wanted when I was about your age. If you will work hard and train hard, and if you will believe, then you can become an Olympic champion.”
The little boy was so inspired that he ran all the way home where he told his grandmother, “I'm going to become an Olympic champion.” In Wembley Stadium in London, England, in 1948, six young men waited to hear the starting gun. The man in the outside lane burst out ahead; drove down to hit the tape, and won the race. His name was Harrison “Bones” Dillard. He tied Jesse Owens's Olympic record that day and went on to break many more records.
________
From Robert Schuller's “Move Ahead With Possibility Thinking,” (New York: Jove Books, 1967); secondary source: Weekend Encounter, by Dick Innes, Copyright (c) ACTS International, 2004, http://www.actsweb.org/subscribe.htm
A. Assurance with God « Leader information shown in this fashion » Psalm 17: 3, 15 (NAS)
Thou hast tried my heart; Thou hast visited me by night; Thou hast tested me and dost find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress. … As for me, I shall behold Thy face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Thy likeness when I awake.
B. What is the basis of David’s confidence?
1. at first sight is seems to be a bit of self-righteousness
a. sort of standing up to God and saying “Hey, God, you know how good I am!” like the Pharisee in Jesus’ story
b. but you have to take this in the context of David’s life
c. for example, what marks Psalm 23 from start to finish? « — faith in the Lord to meet his every need; trust in God »
d. what marked David when he went up against Goliath? « — his trust in the same God who had previously delivered him »
e. and in this psalm as he faces his enemies, we find that same trust in God in verse 7 (NAS): Wondrously show Thy lovingkindness, O Saviour of those who take refuge at Thy right hand From those who rise up against them.
2. and so we find it to be based on faith
C. What about the Christian?
1. it is therefore possible for the child of God
a. who is walking with God in trust on a daily basis
b. to know within his own heart that it is right with God
c. just as Peter could say to the Lord Jesus, “Thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee.” (John 21:17)
d. and the Christian has this same capability as we are assured in 1 John 3:21 “Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.”
2. and our confidence is very akin to that of David
a. through all of his difficulties and his hardships, David could look forward to awakening one morning and seeing God and being totally satisfied; why? « — on account of the righteousness that comes by faith. »
b. so the Christians, on account of the imputed righteousness that comes by faith can also say, “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is.” (1 John 3:2 NAS)
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