Standing Firm! (Acts 4:1-22)

How to Stand Firm

These principles are drawn from the example of Peter and John in Acts 4:1-22. For the full sermon, check out the Fellowship Website. 

1. Know that Persecution WILL come!

2 Timothy 3:12 – all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Romans 8:35 – …Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

James 1:2 – count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds…

2. Be Devoted to the right things: Acts 2:42 

The Word of God

hearing, reading, studying, memorizing, & meditating

Fellowship

The Gospel

Prayer - Join us each Sunday morning at 9:00 in Room 113 for prayer.

3. Keep your Eyes Open

Always be ready for opportunities that the Lord brings you.

1 Peter 3:15

The question: how can we be silent?

How can we not be passionate about sharing the gospel with others?

Why are we not constantly thinking and planning and rehearsing sharing with others?

We need to be constantly strategizing how to weave the gospel into the rhythm of our daily lives. 

Thinking about the relationships the Lord has placed us in and how those can be leveraged for His purposes. 

4. Be Filled with the Spirit

Are you constantly saturating yourself in God’s Word? 

Are you making effort in all five areas of Scripture input?

You’ll never be “filled with the Spirit” unless you’re spending time at the Feet of your Master.

Luke 10:39 – Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted with much serving.

5. Obey God first and foremost

We must obey God first. We are slaves, He is our Master.

Someone once said to DL Moody: “the world has yet to see what God will do with a man fully consecrated to Him.” His response was to strive with everything he had to be that man.

What is your level of commitment and loyalty to God?
Can you truly say “I must obey God rather than fear man?”

6. Confidence & Competence in the Gospel

We need to have full confidence that the gospels and Acts are accurate historical records of real events that really happened, written down by eye-witnesses. 

We also need to be competent in sharing the gospel. 

Remember: There’s a difference between your testimony and the gospel. Your personal story can be a powerful tool in evangelism.

A testimony is telling others what Jesus has done for you personally. 

Sharing the gospel is about telling others what Jesus has done for the world and how they can be saved from their sins

Acts 4:12 is the powerful message of the gospel

Acts 4:20 is the example that we must follow in the rhythm of our daily lives. 

We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard!

The Acts 2 Pattern for Evangelism

The First Sermon

Acts 2:14-41

Peter’s first sermon provides for us not only a pattern for what a Christian sermon should be, but also for our own evangelistic efforts. 

Note these

Five Elements for Evangelism:

1. Answer & Explanation

Peter answers their wrong thinking about what’s going on and briefly explains what’s really going on. 

1 Peter 3:15 – always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you

In quoting Joel 2:28-32, he points us to the clearest and probably the most important passage on the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament.

He’s here! This is Him!!!

We see in the Joel passage, the Holy Spirit, judgment, and salvation. 

We’re in a new age now:

• God has brought His plan of salvation to its completion

• Jesus has finished His work of redemption

• The Spirit now dwells in His people

• We are to take this message to the nations.

When Jesus returns, there will be judgment. 

Acts 17:31 – he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness

But those who have trusted in Him have no need to fear.

Acts 2:21 – And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ 

2. Bible Centered - When you share Christ with people, as much as you can, use Scripture. Quote Scripture. God’s Word has inherent authority. (see the Gospel Learning Kit for more on this)

3. Christ-Centered

It’s obvious, but make it all about Jesus.

A significant emphasis on the work of Christ

Jesus’ miracles (and you know about them) were manifestations of God’s power designed to get people’s attention and point them to the truth of who He was. 

The problem wasn’t that they didn’t know about Jesus - it was that they rejected Him.

We have the same problem today - it’s not that we don’t know who Jesus is - it’s that we reject Him.

The basic elements of a Gospel Presentation:

Jesus is the Son of God

Jesus lived a perfect life

Jesus did miracles, proving who He was

Jesus died on the cross

Jesus rose again - HE’S ALIVE!

The Resurrection is of central importance to the gospel.

1. Because He’s GOD!! (John 11:25, Hebrews 2:14)

2. Because of Prophecy (John 2:19-22)

3. Because of His divine purpose (Luke 24:46) 

That’s happening in real time in this passage.

The Psalms quoted are distinctly about Christ

Psalm 16 - confident trust in God

Psalm 110 - is a Judgment Psalm

4. The Conclusion: 

We’re all guilty of sin and stand in need of forgiveness We’re all in one of only two categories:

God’s children

God’s enemies

Had you been there, you would have done the same thing that the Jews did - you would have asked for Barabbas to be released.

THE Question: WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

5. The Appeal: Repent and Believe

Peter appeals to them, just as we should.

2 Corinthians 5:20 – we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

It’s very simple:

A - Admit, recognize, and own that you’re a sinner

B - Believe in, trust in, rely on, cling to Christ as your only hope.

C - Confess with your life that He is your Lord and Master.

So do I have to invite someone over?

So the question of whether or not you HAVE to open your home to a random neighbor looms over us at times, right?

Last Sunday night, we began this study about “GO-ing” by looking at “Who Is My Neighbor.”

And when we talk about reaching out to others with the Gospel, it’s mostly about understanding the complexity of what it looks like to do that in each of our unique situations. There are dangers built-in, and we must avoid the extremes of either looking at others simply as an “evangelistic project” or never getting around to sharing the gospel in the guise of “building a relationship.” This led to talking about ‘ulterior motives’ vs. an ‘ultimate motivation.”

Finally - we identified several relationships and where we are in each of them. 

This coming Sunday (you can definitely join this study at any time), we’re looking at the contrast between the things that have lasting value and those that don’t. We’ll look the contrast the Bible presents between the here and now vs. the world to come.

We’ll also consider how we glorify God through “Neighboring.”

Join us this Sunday night as we continue to keep the GO-ing thought process front and center.

Pastor Rob

Philippians: The Final Questions

When you read through Philippians, and come to the conclusion in verses 19-23, there are five final ideas that Paul lays out, and along with them, five questions we need to ask ourselves as we strive to live in response to God's Word.

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 
To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. 
Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you.
All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. 
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 

Five Conclusions & Questions

1. We are to be Different

Each one of us has been saved so that we can be set apart from sin to serve God in and through our good works.

Question: Do others notice a difference in you?

2. Saints Worship God

We have to know who He is (which is found in the Bible) in order to rightly worship Him.
Worshiping in Ignorance is idolatry.
Question: Are you making effort to grow in your knowledge of the Lord?

3. Fellowship and Community

We must remember that each and every member of this church is of equal importance. Our close friendship circles can never be "us four and no more."

Question: Are you being intentional to foster greater unity in our Body?

4. GO-ing with the Gospel

Paul's life demonstrated an ongoing consistent pattern of evangelism.

Members of Caesar's household getting saved should remind us that we are to be out in the world sharing Christ.

Question: Are you strategizing how you can share the gospel in your daily life?

5. Our Need for Grace

We are in desperate need for God's grace. It's found in Christ alone.

Question: Are you looking to Christ constantly and exclusively?

As you consider what the Lord is saying to us through His Word in the Letter to the Philippians, ask yourself these five questions and plan NOW how you can put these things into practice in your life TODAY!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Pastor Rob

Preparing for Sunday, January 20

Here's a guide to preparing your heart for our time together this coming Sunday.

We're finishing Philippians 4:1-9 where Paul not only tells us to STAND FIRM, but gives us extremely practical instruction on how we are to stand firm:

Standing Firm

As you read through the passage (verses 1-9):

Ask yourself: does this describe me?

If you’re really serious about it: ask someone who knows you well: would you say that this describes me?

We are to Stand Firm by:

1. Cultivating Unity

Division & disunity can render us ineffective and unproductive for the cause of Christ in the world. 

Are YOU doing all YOU can to cultivate unity?

2. Maintaining Joy

This is a call to an ongoing habitual pattern of joy

Are you known as a person of joy?

3. Being Content/Reasonable

Graciousness is the best single English word translation

Are you known as a reasonable person? 

Are you making sure you’re not easily offended? (Not an “eggshell” person?)

Are you letting offenses go when you can?

Not a complainer

Looking for and pointing out the positive, rather than the negative?

Read through verses 6-9 again and think through and answer the following questions:

• What are we told not to do (verse 6a)?

• What do we do instead (verse 6b)?

• What will happen as a result (verse 7)?

• What things are we to turn our thoughts toward (verse 8)

• What is the final command (verse 9)?

• What is the promise when we stand firm (verse 9b)?

Standing Firm

Philippians 4:1-9 commands us to stand firm, then goes on to tell us what that looks like.
Here are the application questions from the sermon this past Sunday:

We are to STAND FIRM by:
1. Cultivating Unity
2. Maintaining Joy
3. Being Content

As you seek to cultivate Unity:
...agree in the Lord
• Are you cultivating unity?
• Are you helping others to work through differences? Whether in leadership or not.
• Are you forgiving?

• Are YOU doing all YOU can to cultivate unity?

• What are you doing to foster unity in the Body?

As you seek to Maintain Joy:

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Php 4:4). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

• Do you know the Lord? Are you a Christian?

• Are you joyful?

• Joyful in spite of circumstances?

• Are you known as a person of joy?

As you seek to Be Reasonable & Content:

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.

(AMP)  - Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people.

(Phillips) - Have a reputation for gentleness,

• Are you known as a reasonable person? 

• Are you making sure you’re not easily offended? 

This is sort of the other side of the first one.

• Not an “eggshell” person?

• Are you letting offenses go when you can?

• Not a complainer

Looking for and pointing out the positive, rather than the negative?

Where issue is going to get you riled up?

Is it a biblical/theological issue

Or personal preference?

Living in light of Philippians 2:19-30

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