THE MAKING
OF A HAPPY CHURCH
(PHILIPPIANS 4:1-5) "Therefore,
my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in
the Lord, [my] dearly beloved. 2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that
they be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I intreat thee also, true
yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement
also, and [with] other my fellowlabourers, whose names [are] in the book of
life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your
moderation be known unto all men. The Lord [is] at hand."
Introduction:
a. The
church at Philippi was experiencing some inner tension.
Paul
gave some advice that, if followed, would make this church a happy place of
worship and service.
Our
churches would be happier if we followed the same advice.
b.
Paul encouraged them to rejoice in the Lord always.
PHILIPPIANS 4:4 "Rejoice
in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice."
I. THEY HAVE UNWAVERING CHRISTIAN LIFE STAND IN
a.
Unwavering - continuing in a strong and steady way; constant; steadfast in her
unwavering faith
b.
Unwavering stand in Christian life is the result of being strong in Christian
life.
EPHESIANS 6:10 "Finally,
my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might."
c.
Unwavering stand in Christian life is the clear fruits of the Holy Spirit in
their spiritual life.
GALATIANS 5:22-23 "But
the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
d.
Unwavering stand in Christian life is the benefits of continuing in the
teaching of God's word.
2TIMOTHY 3:14-17 "But
continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of...
All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good
works."
II. THEY
HAVE UNIFIED SUPPORTIVE FAMILY INSIDE THE LOCAL CHURCH
PHILIPPIANS 4:2-3 "I
beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the
Lord..."
a.
Unified to cause (people or things) to be joined or brought together.
b.
Every family in the local church are unified working together for the church to
move forward in the ministry of the Lord.
EPHESIANS 2:20-22 "...In
whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the
Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through
the Spirit."
c.
Every family in the local church are unified fulfilling the great commission of
the Lord Jesus Christ.
MATTHEW 28:19-20 "Go ye
therefore, and teach all nations... and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto
the end of the world. Amen."
d.
Every family in the local unified and knit together to shine the light of
Christ to the farthest.
COLOSSIANS 2:2 "That
their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love..."
MATTHEW 5:16 "Let
your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify
your Father which is in heaven."
III. THEY
HAVE UNIQUE SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE IN THE LOCAL CHURCH
PHILIPPIANS 4:5-7 "...6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God,
which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through
Christ Jesus."
a.
Unique experience because they became prayerful to the Lord because they have
joy in the Lord.
PHILIPPIANS 4:4 "Rejoice
in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice."
b.
Unique experience because they showed total humbleness before God in their
prayer and submission to God.
Moderation
means to decline or to humble yourselves to God.
PHILIPPIANS 4:5 "Let
your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord [is] at hand."
IV. THEY
HAVE UNENDING SUCCESS IN CHRISTIAN LIFE THAT MADE THE LOCAL CHURCH ALWAYS
REJOICING
PHILIPPIANS 4:4 "Rejoice
in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice."
a. The
church are constantly have an attitude of joy in the Lord because this is the
fruit of the Holy Spirit.
GALATIANS 5:22-23 "But
the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance..."
b. The
joy of the Lord is the strength of the church.
NEHEMIAH 8:10 "...for
the joy of the Lord is your strength."
c.
J.O.Y. Jesus Over You.
JOHN 15: 10-11 "...These
things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and [that] your
joy might be full."
V.
THEY HAVE AN UNTIRING LOVE TO GOD IN FULLING THE GREAT COMMISSION OF THE LORD
JESUS CHRIST.
( John 14:15 ) If ye love
me, keep my commandments.
( II Corinthians 5:14 ) For the
love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for
all, then were all dead:
( Matthew 28:19-20 ) [19]Go ye
therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
[20]Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever
I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the
world. Amen.
* God
bless you all always *
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