God is at Work! What is He doing?
(Philippians 2:12-17)
Let’s redirect the discussion of our world to what God is doing…, rather than what the government is doing, what the virus is doing, or how life is changing!
I have often asked, “If all our church activities were removed from our schedules, what would be left that showed that Jesus is actually the Lord of our daily lives?” Well, we have had opportunity to express just that!
Philippians 2:12 (NASB)
“So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;”
How many people have told me, if it weren’t for my experience on Sunday with brothers and sisters in Christ, I don’t know where I would be spiritually, emotionally, etc. Whereas, this is understandable during strange times like this virus season, what a joy to remember, the the Spirit of our Lord has not gone anywhere!
Paul was absent from the Philippian church, but the Holy Spirit was there!
Philippians 2:13 (NASB)
“for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”
God is still at work! He always has been, still is, and will continue to be!
God has not missed a step in plowing forward in His kingdom. The government may shut down, the economy may fail, and life may forever change as we have known it. But brothers and sisters, Jesus is still leading an army of believers!
And in these moments in particular, God is thrusting us into a realm of new opportunities, possibly, that many Christians have never had before. And if we are not careful, these opportunities may pass us by, and we will wish we would have known this was the only chance we were going to get to touch certain people for Christ!
During all this chaos, what does God have in mind to do through you?
1. …bring the message of peace to those who are living in fear…
2. …bring the Person of Christ to those consumed with anxiety, anger, frustration, distraction, despair… and to those without faith in Jesus!
God is busy!
1. God is Purifying us!
2. God is Placing us as Light in this world!
3. God is Pouring Himself and His Word thru us!
1. God is Purifying us
Philippians 2:14-15a (NASB)
“Do all things without grumbling or disputing; that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent…”
So many people talk about the negative perspectives that indeed surround us in this physical realm. YOU take the detour in the conversation by sharing what you’ve been focusing upon in Christ, finding hope, peace, direction, help, grace, etc.
They will set up the conversation for you, all you have to do is share what you have been doing… of course, if you have not been doing this, it won’t work.
1. God is Purifying us!
2. God is Placing us as Light in this world!
Philippians 2:15 (NASB)
“that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,”
Our world was already spiritually dark, but the recent events that have sent everyone’s normal life into a chaotic spiral have people looking for answers.
And we know that there has always only been ONE ANSWER !!
These times give us the opportunity to voice that Jesus is the answer!
Our Children’s Music Ministry is named after this verse: “G215”
or “Generation 215” to direct our children to be lights for Jesus!
1. God is Purifying us!
2. God is Placing us as Light in this world!
3. God is Pouring Himself and His Word thru us!
Philippians 2:16 (NASB)
“holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may have cause to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.”
Sometimes while we are glued to the latest world & COVID-19 news, we drop God’s word. So, let’s be challenged to “hold fast the word of life!”
Philippians 2:17 (NASB)
“But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.”
Remember where Paul is while he is writing this letter: PRISON!
…using words like service, faith, rejoice, share, joy… while in prison!
Philippians 1:12 (NASB)
“Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel,”
What is God doing with COVID-19? He is giving an opportunity for the greater progress of the gospel!
Philippians 1:13 (NASB)
“so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else,”
If Paul had this spirit, this purpose, this pursuit (to death – 1:21), then surely, we can maintain that purpose and pursuit during this national / global crisis!
Unless of course, that has not already been our pursuit. These times will possibly weed out those who were never serious about their faith in Christ anyway. But for the rest of us, seeing one another’s diligence and devotion will give each other great courage to keep pressing on for Jesus!
Philippians 1:14 (NASB)
“and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.”
Be courageous in Christ!
God is alive and well! He’s still on His throne! And He is working!
God is busy!
1. God is Purifying us!
2. God is Placing us as Light in this world!
3. God is Pouring Himself and His Word thru us!
“Speak the word of God without fear!”
Philippians 2:18 (NASB)
“And you too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.”
Please share your joy with me, and with your staff. Let us know how you are doing, and if we can do anything for you. We need to be testifying about what God is doing in the midst of all the things going on around us in the world. We need the encouragement of God-sized activity, to touch the lives of our entire world.
Pray for the next person who is going to share their faith in our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, with someone who can find life, when life seems to be in irreparable conditions.
"Let Others See Jesus in You!”
