Pain that Encourages

March 11, 2009
Text: Philippians 1:12-18
Title: Pain that Encourages

 

Thoughts:

And [also] most of the brethren have derived fresh confidence in the Lord because of my chains and are much more bold to speak and publish fearlessly the Word of God [acting with more freedom and indifference to the consequences]. (Phil. 1:14 AMP)

I suppose we all have certain inner-childhood aspirations despite our age. Mine is to be Jack Bauer. Jack, the present-day MacGyver, is the epitome of patriotism. Despite corruption, disaster, and the lack of devotion displayed by his comrades, Jack Bauer serves his country with absolute dedication. He’s lost his wife, family relationships, and the support of the faint-hearted Americans, yet he continually puts his life and limbs on the line for his country.

In one of my favorite seasons, Jack has been brutally tortured and held in China for sometime. When he could have just given up and died, he stayed alive. Referring to that time of torture, he says, 

“Do you know the difference between dying for nothing and dying for something. That’s why I’m still alive. That’s the only reason why I managed to stay alive in China, so I wouldn’t die for nothing. Today, I can die for something.”

I have to tell you, when Jack Bauer quoted those words, I felt invincible. I put on my camouflage pants, hunting boots, and other Rambo garb and was ready to take on something for somebody.  I was charged. (Then my wife reminded me it was just a TV show and that I wasn’t Jack Bauer…not even close?!)

The bottom-line: we are absolutely encouraged and empowered when we witness people stand for the good, righteous, and honorable things. Even more so, those surrounding Paul were ignited with more courage to share Jesus Christ because of the manner in which he handled his faith in difficult circumstances.

When I read these words last week in my study, I was confronted with this question, “Does my bold proclamation of Jesus Christ, despite my pain, encourage others to share Jesus Christ more passionately?” It’s a tough question, but one that impacts many. And, I determine how.

 

Application:

When have you been encouraged by the faith and perseverance of another believer in their time of suffering?

Take a moment to consider Jack’s quote above. If he had died for nothing, who would have been inspired? Why does “dying for something” make such a difference in the people we impact?

It was Paul’s faith in the difficult moments that propelled the message of Jesus forward. What do you propel forward in your times of difficulties? Faith? Doubt? Courage? Fear?

Prayer:

Father,

Thank You for recording the testimonies of men like Peter, Paul, and the prophets. Their example has served as an encouragement in my difficult circumstances. Reading of Paul’s experience, I must question whether my faith and response in difficult times encourages others to believe in You. Sadly, I’m afraid I have perpetuated doubt at times. In other seasons, my circumstances have helped others go through their own trials. May I perpetuate the latter response and not the former. Thank You for Your examples and strength!

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

A Victorious Faith, Even in the Bad Times

 

March 10, 2009
Text: Philippians 1:12-18
Title: A Victorious Faith Even in the Bad Times

 

Thoughts:

While flipping through the TV channels last Friday night I came across a documentary on the numerous vitamin drinks that are on the market. Pulling together researchers and doctors to test the products, ABC’s 20/20 defused the mighty claims that were boasted by the companies with little or no substantial evidence by the respected medical community.

In particular was a drink that was designed to increase memory and brain activity. Boldly pasted on the label were the words, “Created by physicians.” What they failed to clarify is that the founding ‘physician’ was a 32-yr. old orthopedic surgeon. With no product research of Brianiac, Function bolsters claims of studies of the individual products alone and not of the drink. When 20/20’s outside consultants tested 12 random people, those who unknowingly drank Hawaiian Punch scored better than those who drank Function’s Brainiac.

I suppose the religious community is a lot like the creators of Brainiac. We are guilty of taking good character traits, positive behaviors, and other ‘good’ and wholesome ideas and mixing them to create a religion that bolsters unmerited claims.

Understanding the relevance and significance of Paul’s circumstance is paramount to grasping the truth of the gospel. Placed in prison for preaching the Gospel, Paul was then able to truly proclaim the Gospel. It was the victory he experienced in prison that gave his message of eternal victory credence. The best of products, ideas, and religions are only as good as their performance in testing.

Likewise, our faith is only as strong as its performance during the difficult moments. We can make any claim we desire but if it is not as powerful in testing as it is in proclamation, it is an empty claim. One step further, if the Christ you preach is not as victorious in your trials as He is in the times of plenty, perhaps you’re preaching the wrong Christ. His good works and miracles were great, but it was His resurrection that proved Him absolutely victorious.

Paul’s proclamation of Christ placed him in a place where he could proclaim Christ.

 

Application:

Have you ever made statements that seemed to be good and true, but you later found out they really weren’t as true as you declared them to be? (e.g., marriage advice BEFORE experiencing marriage, parenting advice BEFORE you were a parent, etc.)

Has there been an aspect of your faith in Jesus Christ that you claimed was biblical but have sense had to re-evaluate?

When has the victory you have experienced in Christ been as real in your life as it was to the men and women of the Bible?

 

Prayer:

Father,

I must admit that I have taken certain ‘good’ ideas and made unscriptural claims of them. Thankfully, it has been the trial of testing and light of Scripture that has helped me  to embrace a faith that is victorious in all situations. In my difficult moments, like the apostle Paul experienced here, may You stir in me the truth of Your Word and power of Your Spirit. May my loudest sermon come from the way in which I live in the difficult moments, not in proclaiming You only in the ‘good’ times.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Greater Progress of the Gospel

March 9, 2009
Text: Philippians 1:12-18
Title: In the Darkest Hours the Gospel is Proclaimed

 

Thoughts:

My circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the Gospel: It’s hard to imagine the manner in which God could use some of our darkest and most difficult hours for the greater progress of the gospel. But He does!

As I was adding the final touches to a sermon on the way in which God uses our pain for His glory, the newsrooms and scrolling screen updates were piping in the information of the horrendous shooting in Maryville, IL. A pastor gun-downed in the pulpit of the First Baptist Church in the early morning service. Immediately, the social network (Twitter, Facebook) I’m connected with began posting sentiments. One a former professor of the student. Another, a popular Christian artist who is scheduled to be at FBC in just a few weeks. The Christian community was riveted by the attack.

What gives us consolation through such devastation? From his imprisonment the apostle Paul pens these words to his beloved family in Philippi, “Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel” (Phil. 1:12). When he could have fed the ego monster with chunks of “why me?” cookies, Paul couldn’t help but look around him and see how God was using his difficult circumstances to change lives for eternity.

While we would never desire it to come through such horrific measures, we cannot deny that God has used such experiences to propel the message of Jesus Christ forward. Columbine has been an ultimate example. To this day, the family of Cassie Bernall travel the globe sharing their faith and the faith of their daughter. Many have come to Jesus and been encouraged by Cassie’s amazing faith in the face of death.

Though we may not always agree with it, understand it, or know how He can, God uses our circumstances for the greater progress of the Gospel. May we especially hold the family of Pastor Dan Winters and the First Baptist Church before our Lord in prayer. May we also look beyond our pains to see what it is that God is seeking to accomplish in our situation.

 

Application:

When have you witnessed God using your difficult situation for the greater progress of the Gospel?

What is your response to painful situations? (e.g., “Why me?”, “How could God allow this to happen?”, “This just isn’t’ fair!”, etc.)

What situation are you in at this moment that God may be using for His glory?

 

Prayer:

Father,

As I come before You this morning, I first must lift up the family and congregation of Pastor Dan Winters. No one can comfort them in this moment like You. Nor can we see the manner in which You will turn this circumstance into the greater progress of the Gospel. But we are confident You will. In this hour and the hours in which we face personally, may we come to see that You are working ALL things out for Your glory. May we embrace it with Paul’s courage and faith.

In Jesus’ name. Amen