As we embark on a sermon series on Paul's letter to the Philippians, we are drawn into a beautiful relationship between Christ, an Apostle, and a local church. The “origin story” of the church in Philippi, found in Acts 16, is a testament to the transformative power of faith. The narrative features a demon-possessed girl, a Roman jailer, and a wealthy businesswoman. Through Paul's dedicated work to share the good news of Jesus in the city of Philippi, we witness the joy of individuals and their families as they are united with Christ through faith. These new believers found profound joy in their salvation from sin, the assurance of Christ's presence in their lives, and the promise of eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Paul's three-month stay in Philippi was all it took to establish a church with strong roots and fruitful branches. Unlike other New Testament congregations, the church in Philippi was deeply in love with her Lord and his people. This letter has value for us - individually and as a church family. It gives us an aspirational picture of who we are in Christ, individually and as a church family.
When Paul wrote his letter to the church in Philippi, he was under house arrest in Rome. The letter focuses on rejoicing in the Philippian’s partnership with Paul in gospel ministry. It begins with a brief greeting where Paul addresses the Philippians as "saints." A saint is someone who, though a sinner, is declared to be righteous and is being transformed to be holy, just as God is holy.
Jonathan Edwards, the famous preacher and theologian, once said this about God's Holiness:
"As the beauty of the divine nature primarily consists in God's holiness, so does the beauty of all divine things. Herein consists the beauty of the saints, that they are saints, or holy ones: it is the moral image of God in them, which is their beauty; and that is their holiness."
Edwards observes the truth that what makes Christians attractive is the holiness of God. By God's design, we are given his holiness due to our union with Jesus Christ. When you encounter the love and care of other Christians, you see the holiness of God in them. Yes, you experience the holiness of God regularly! Like Paul, thank God for the saints whom God uses to bless and encourage you to hold fast to Christ!
If we are honest with ourselves, we often find it easier to recognize God's holiness in other believers than in our lives. We may doubt our union with Christ when we clearly see our sins. However, we should remember that when the Holy Spirit brought us to faith in Jesus as our Savior and Lord, we were shown that our sins were crucified with Jesus on the cross and given new life in the power of the resurrection. All our past, present, and future sins have been dealt with on the cross. So, we should hold on to what God has declared to us - we are holy in His sight. And when we sin, God calls us to confess our sins, and he tells us, "Jesus already paid for that sin. Turn away from it, turn to Jesus and follow him into the good work I have prepared for you to do" (Ephesians 2:10).
As we continue through Philippians, let us explore what it means to be saints, humbly reliant on Christ, to become joyful, united, persevering partners in the gospel. You are invited to listen to Sunday's sermon and discover more treasure in the first two verses of Philippians!
Receive this benediction:
Do not despair, be encouraged, you have been bought with a price for a purpose. Your sin, past present and future is laid on Christ, which frees you to grow and mature in your walk as you are no longer bound in sin's chains. This is the beauty of God in you. His holiness on display through you. Now go live in a manner worthy of this calling.
It's a great day to live the Gospel!
See you on Sundays!
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