Where the Rubber Meets the Road
Philippians 2:12-18
If you haven't had a chance to listen to Sunday's sermon, you can find it here: http://fellowshipjoplin.org/media/305766-1180564-1578850/where-the-rubber-meets-the-road
As you think about Paul’s description of Timothy and Epaphroditus, you should ask yourself: “do I possess characteristics like these men?” Would someone who knows you well describe you like Paul did these two Christ-like men?
Here are the main points from this Sunday’s sermon along with a question regarding each. Some are more about working out your salvation, and some might have a call to do something specific. Take a few minutes each day this week to think through one or two of these points:
1. The Long Game
Who has stood with you through the good times and in the midst of adversity?
Thank them personally. Tell them that you’re thankful for their friendship, companionship, and that they’ve always stood with you.
2. An Encourager
Who can you encourage this week?
How will you encourage them?
(a note, text, email, conversation, etc.)
(how can you use Facebook to encourage?)
With whom are you:
3. Like-Minded
Some of these overlap. This one overlaps with #1. Who is on the same wavelength that you are? The same mind, same heart, same attitude.
What can you do to foster & deepen that relationship?
If you don’t have this kind of relationsnhip, be intentional to begin praying for one.
Remember that your spouse plays this role too. Seek like-minded-ness with your spouse first and foremost.
4. A Genuine Heart for People
Are you deeply concerned for the spiritual lives of others? Do you want to see them growing spiritually?
Spend some time praying that the Lord would increase your desire for others to be edified and growing. Pray that your love for others would increase.
Pray for the grace to care more about others than your own comfort or reputation
5. Is it Obvious?
Do those you know and see on a regular basis know that you’re a believer and committed to glorifying Christ?
Are you viewing the trials and struggles o your life as God’s work in your life to bring sanctification in your life as well as prepare you for future ministry?
6. Doulos
Do you think of yourself as a slave of Christ?
How are you demonstrating the attitude, mindset, and role of a slave in the midst of the details of your life?
Do you have a “whatever is needed” mindset? Are you ready and willing to serve in whatever way is needed?
7. Loyalty
Paul gave Timothy counsel, advice, oversight, and direction. Timothy gave what a son gives: respect, honor, obedience, loyalty, allegiance, enthusiastically placing himself under Paul’s leadership.
Are you loyal to those that God has placed in your life? Do you follow the leadership that God has placed you under?
Epaphroditus
8. Brother and fellow worker -
Do you think of others in our church as your brothers & sisters and fellow workers for the Lord? How can you better work together with others for the furtherance of the Kingdom?
9. A Sacrificial Soldier
We were saved to serve.
When we’re truly serving the Lord there will be adversity. How are you serving in the midst of adversity?
10. A Messenger
We’ve been sent with a message. Are you taking the message of Christ with you wherever you go? Joplin, Judaea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth?
11. Others First
Do you put the needs, desires, and feelings of others first? In the midst of your own desires, do those of your brothers and sisters outweigh them?
One part suffers - all suffer
One part honored - all parts rejoice
12. Honor Such Men
What are you doing to honor others who possess these characteristics? Are you looking for them (the characteristics)? As you talk about others, are your conversations edifying and honoring and focused how God is using and working in others?
Remember
The question before us in eery decision, in every conversation, and in every thought is:
Will I serve Christ?
or
Will I serve self?
Soli Deo Gloria!
Rob
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