Sermon on 14 March 2021 by Ps Paul
Introduction
If we let our Lord Jesus bring us through life, our lives will be transformed. We won’t be easily shaken even when we encounter storms. Trust Christ is in control for all things. Trust Him in the outcome.
Message
Who am I? What is our identity?
Common identities include a child of someone, a parent of someone, a citizen of a certain country, or an employee of a certain company. These common identities relate us to the world, but they mean nothing when we leave the world. The most important is our identity with Christ. We are both children of God and servants of God.
Our identity is a child of God. Jesus Christ reconciled us with the Father and we are able to call God our Abba Father as the Holy Spirit dwells in us. Our way of living is a servant of God. A servant listens to the master’s commands, obeys, and follows him. We must be like how Jesus lived His life on earth.
It is important to check ourselves whether we are living humbly as His servant. We should consider ourselves unworthy servants who have just simply done their duty.
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honour and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticise you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. – Philippians 2:1-16
1. Have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had
Let no one rob you of this joy. We are redeemed from death through Christ’s blood. Keep coming to God’s word. Do not cling unto only things are seem good to you and are convenient, but remember that God’s word is complete, even the parts where we are to be disciplined. Let us not think ourselves higher than anybody, or that we deserve better treatment than others. Let us serve Him not by our own terms, but humbly by His will. Our Lord Jesus Christ did not think of Himself as equal to God but lived His life humbly. Let us have the same attitude.
2. Serve Others – Love one another as how Christ loves us
A servant cares for people just as how Christ cares for us. Jesus told us we are also to love one another how Christ loved the church. Do not bear hatred in your heart. It will destroy the unity of God. Agree wholehearted with one another (v2). Love one another (v2). Work together with one mind and purpose (v2). Be humble (v3). Think of others as better than us (v3). Take an interest in others (v4), so that we can encourage one another during tough times.
Don’t be selfish (v3). Don’t try to impress others (v3). Don’t look out only for your own interests (v4). These acts will not serve anyone. They are only for self-glorification.
3. Serve God – Love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength
This is first great commandment. Do we work hard to show the results of our salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear (v12)? It is by grace that we are saved through faith, not by our works. We work hard not to earn salvation, but to show the results of our salvation. If we love God, work hard to obey His word and honour Him. Are we living a life of obedience to His word?
Do everything without complaining and arguing (v14). As true disciples of Jesus Christ, we are to do everything without complaint, because we are doing everything unto Him. Give thanks instead of complaining, because God loves a cheerful giver and a willing servant. What you do or say, do it as a representative of our Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father (Col 3:17).
Live clean, innocent lives as children of God (v15). Hold firmly to the word of life (v16). People who listen to God’s word are wise. Let us be obedient and submissive to His word.
Closing
Let us serve willingly and wholeheartedly. We do not serve Him based on our own terms. There should be no conditions attached to our work. It is not about our talents or qualifications. Many of Jesus’ disciples were not educated but they were willing and obedient.
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