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Show WE CANNOT LOSE Philippians 1: 18-26 Perhaps the greatest trap Christians face is -. : :: ... our that we as circumstances. We get sidetracked by focusing of the things below and around . us so much so that we higher calling. We end us stressed and depressed and defeated by our own points of view. This sermon is designed to call us to rise above our miss the mark of :Ji>_b cl_rcu msta nces . ""'oV was alright walking on the .:t1Ut,leter /(J; k;f/vJ trJtwater with Jesus until he lost his focus. ,., He took his eyes off the master and looked at the wind, the waves, and the storm. The Bible says that's when he began to sink and needed Jesus to come to his rescue. Goliath knew he could defeat David if he could just keep him focused on size and armor. David looked to God and with five smooth stones killed the giant and cut off his head. So I want to urge you to do as Paul following the example of Jesus and Stephen, stare death in the face and know that whether you live physically, God or die has fixed that you cannot lose. How is that possible, Thanks for asking. First, We you ask? cannot lose because no matter what DELIVERANCE IS COMING. "What the? Notwithstanding, every life. Or by death. Christ, and had come to die is to live is gain." (20-21) Paul only obstacle between the him and Christ was death. In another clearly: liThe last be destroyed is death. states it enemy that shall Third, me to know Christ so well that he recognized place, he For to DELIGHT IS THE END. "But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better. Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; that your rejoicing may be more patience or in truth, Christ is preached: and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. For I know way, whether in that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1: 18-19) WE can expect to face adversity but in the face of that adversity, God is able. He has given us what we need, the resources to hold on. We have two things to depend on that have never failed---prayer and the Holy Spirit. Second, DEFEAT IS NOT AN OPTION. "According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again." (22-26) While trying to make up his mind, Paul finds himself halted between what to do-- stay or go? Ultimately, he trusted that he would be delivered for at least three purposes. He wanted to bear fruit for Gospel sake. Second, he wanted to help other believers to make progress toward joy and in faith. Finally, he expected a joyful reunion of those whom the he loved. |
