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Last Week's Sermon
Serving with Joy
November 30, 2008
Phil 4:10-20
Dr. Jeff H. McCrory Jr.
Synopsis:
From the last lines of Paul’s letter to the Philippians we learn that, God fulfills our needs and strengthens us in Jesus Christ for the gospel to live in all circumstances, both in plenty and in need. Sometimes there is plenty, sometimes there is need.
I.
The Gift of Plenty
Phil 4:12 I have learned the secret . . . of having plenty
GM in the news this week: Looking for a bailout
GM in the glory days:
Remember the glory days of GM?
1955 Chevrolet Wagon (Green, tan interior)
Big, bold, tail fins, gas guzzler (10 cents a gallon)
*GM in the glory days
“What’s good for GM is good for America”
Church in the glory days:
-1950’s churches were full
-Nothing to do on Sundays but here
-Culture supported the faith
-Money in the collection plate
*Church in the glory days
“What’s good for the church is good for America”
Wasn’t it great when cars were king?
Wasn’t it great when the church was full!
II.
The Gift of Need
Phil 4:12 I have learned the secret . . . of being in need
FORD = Fix or Repair Daily/Found on Road Dead
GM in the news this week: Looking for a bailout
-Mike Huckabee comment on radio
“Asking for a few bucks to fill the gas tank, but the engine is dead.” GM needs fundamental restructuring
-Glory days are over
*There is a time when need is a gift
The Church in the USA:
-Glory days are over
-PCUSA declines, Geneva declines
-We went through Refocus: Got our vision in line
Jesus in our Heart
Bible in our Hands
Feet out the Door
*Church is not for the glory days
*Church is:
Knowing Jesus
Biblical equipping
Sending into the community.
Came home this week:
94K behind this year
100K behind on pledges
*I was discouraged, felt like pleading with you (GM)
God has given us the gift of need
-We have changed our vision
-We have not changed our behavior
-I need to invest in elders as Jesus, Bible, Feet leaders
-They need to invest in you as Jesus, Bible, Feet servers
*God has given us the gift of need!
III.
The Gift of the Gospel
Phil 4:15 You Philippians know that in the early days of the gospel
Let’s learn from Paul
What is Paul’s history with the Philippians?
What is the gospel Paul mentions?
READ 4:15-16
-History:
Philippi, a military Roman Colony
Caesar is Savior and Lord
49-52 Paul there (Acts 16, 20)
Jews met at a river
Women important (Lydia, Euodia/Syntyche)
Knew them well (Epaphroditus, Clement)
Supported him many times with funds
Gospel:
Proclamation of Jesus (Phil 2:5-10 READ)
God sends himself into history
Serves, dies on a cross
Is raised in victory
To deliver us from sin and death
Present with us now by the Spirit
Sending us into our community
*The Gospel is a serving God sending us
Kenya: picture, God sending us to Kenya
Agape Fellowship in Narok
Sunday service, kids afterwards
2 Hours plus:
“Walking, jumping, clapping in the light of God”
Men’s groups singing, children singing
People coming to trust the gospel
Jeff Preached
You participated with your funds
*That is Kenya sending
What would God sending us look like here?
-Paint a picture:
Across the street, Girls and Boys Club, Hospitals, LWV, Local schools
-Elders/staff being trained to teach Jesus, Bible, Feet
IV.
The Gift of Funding
Phil 4:18 I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent
The Philippians were part of funding God going in Jesus Christ
READ 4:17-18
-Funding isn’t for the building, the programs, meeting the needs of those who were there
-Funding is for sending people/gospel ministry
-This is the pleasing odor (metaphor of OT)
Blunt with you:
-God is not happy with us funding our comfort
-I came to grips with this, this week (living in Orange Co)
-God is happy when we fund his concerns, for those who aren’t here, who need to hear the good news of Jesus
-Gift of Need is the Gift of Pain to make us do the gospel
*Don’t know how we will do financially
-My concern is not with $$
-My concern is with changing my our behavior to fit gospel
sV.
The Gift of Joy
Phil 4:10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly
End with joy today
-READ 4:10-13
-What makes Paul joyful?
-having a lot of money?
-having a little money?
*NO
It is knowing Jesus alive, strengthening him for gospel
Do you want joy?
-doesn’t come from money or the lack of money
-comes from knowing Jesus alive for the gospel
*This is the gift God is trying to give us:
-I have been praying for me
-I have been praying for you
-I have been praying for this Church
*God is giving us the gift of need
Let’s use it wisely
