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--- According To Philippians Four --- I hope that as each person begins to read the title of this lesson, you will began to be consciously aware of all the great and wonderful blessings our heavenly Father has seen fit to bestow upon each and every one of us. Count your many blessings, name then one by one!! I often look out into this sin infested world and wonder, WHY? --- Why, O why Lord, don't you just go ahead and destroy this wicked world?? --- How long will you allow all the filth, dis-belief and moral depravity to continue before you will send forth your mighty wrath, destruction and righteous Judgment?? --- Then even before these thoughts take root in my impatient mind, I can see the wonderful wisdom of the God of heaven. --- I realize from the Scriptures of His long suffering, and I began to feel in a very real way the true and lasting love of God. --- What a blessing indeed, --- the patience and mercy of God!! When I think back when God's love and mercy snatched my own soul from the fiery pits of hell through the power of his gospel and my obedience to it, I am made very humble by the horrible thought; --- What if He had chosen to come in Judgment and to destroy this old wicked world just the day BEFORE?? --- I would have stood unprepared, condemned, eternally lost and eternally without hope!! What a blessing, what a joy, --- the patience of our loving God!! --- We all need to fall on our faces and cry out; --- "Thanks be to God, for YOU Lord, are so much wiser than I! --- You dear Father have blessed me with one more day!! --- One more day in which I may take advantage of your loving kindness!! --- And this day, dear Lord, I will hear and obey your blessed will!!" But what we, as Christians sometimes seem to lose sight of, and the sinful world will not accept is the fact; --- One of these days (perhaps today or tomorrow), it will all come to a terrible halt!! (2 Pet. 3:9-10), --- "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. --- But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up." And my dear sinner friend, if you are reading this and have for whatever reason put off obeying the gospel; --- If you're not a Christian, a true child of God, then you need to be ready!! And later we'll talk more as to HOW; --- But for the moment I would like for us to turn our minds to the great and rich blessings the Christian has in Christ Jesus. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ (Phil. 3:17-21) --- As a brief outline: 1. Paul said to follow his godly example, and the example of those who walk according to the SAME pattern. (WHY?) 2. Paul weeps over those who reject the truth, and most rather think about worldly things, making themselves "enemies" of Christ and His cross and will wind up being destroyed. 3.That the Christian's citizenship is in heaven. --- (This world is not my home, I'm just passing through!) 4. When Jesus comes, we'll be transformed in order to conform with a body just like His glorious body. Please bear in mind that this epistle (letter) was written by our beloved brother Paul while he was in prison, under the most deplorable conditions imaginable. --- Yet, even while in chains and suffering such terrible hardships under the Roman persecution, the whole theme of the letter to the brethren beloved at Philippi could be summed up in one word; --- REJOICE!! Now, let's notice just a few of the precious promises to the "beloved brethren"; --- 1. THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER: The word "privilege", according to Webster means: --- A right, advantage, favor or immunity specially granted to one; --- a right held by a certain individual, group, or class, and withheld from others or all others. --- To grant special favored status to. So when we talk of the blessing of PRAYER as a privilege given from God; --- We're talking with reference to a select group of individuals. --- It may come as a shock to some, that not everybody is granted this wonderful privilege!! --- You may question; WHO IS? --- Fair question which deserves a Bible answer. First, we must consider "prayer" as a SPIRITUAL blessing!! It is NOT a carnal or physical blessing; --- although physical blessings may come as results of prayer! Also, prayer is a communication with God the Father, through the Holy Spirit and given in the name of (by the authority of) Jesus Christ; --- And therefore, prayer is a spiritual blessing!! --- In (Eph. 1:3), Paul writes; --- "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places IN Christ." --- Every spiritual blessing, including prayer, is promised only to those who are IN Christ and IN the heavenly places, --- which is the kingdom of Christ, --- which is the church of Christ!! (Mt. 16:18-19) ONE exception: In (Acts 10:4); --- We read about Cornelius who was a devout man who feared God, gave alms to the Jewish people and prayed to God continually. (Vs.2) --- This devout man was not yet a Christian, but he had just had a vision, in which he seen an angel of God who had come in to him, calling out his name, 'Cornelius'; --- and we read in (Vs. 4), "And fixing his gaze upon him and being much alarmed, he said, 'What is it Lord?'; --- And he said to him, --- 'Your prayers and deeds of charity have ascended as a memorial before God." But most of you know this marvelous story; --- How the angel sent him to Peter; --- How that Peter finally realized the gospel was not only for the Jews, but was for all men, including the lowly unholy and unclean Gentiles also, for God is not one to show partiality. (Vs. 34) --- And after preaching the gospel to Cornelius and all his household; --- (Vs. 47-48) Peter tells us; "Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he? --- And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.---" --- Friends, there's a vast difference between the sinner who lives for the pleasures of this world, and the sinner who humbly seeks after the God of heaven and is willing to do what ever it takes to enter into that life of love and service in the kingdom of Christ. But let us return to the lesson at hand. --- To the blessing itself!! --- (Phil. 4:4-6), "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! --- Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. (With this comforting thought in mind; --- 'The Lord is NEAR!'), Paul continues; --- Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." May I propose a sincere question? --- How many people do you know in this old world (saints or sinners), who depend on Psychiatrist and/or pills and various other physiological or psychological crutches for the calming of mental or nervous strain?? --- Please don't mis-understand what I'm saying; --- I'm for doctors and medicines, I think they can be a blessing within themselves, when used necessarily and within reason. --- But, let me make a strong recommendation; --- Let me prescribe some good medicine, as in our last lesson, "Strong Medicine For Tired Saints". I'm convinced that the majority of people who have been overcome by the stress and pressures of this life, simply need to pay heed to the word of God!! --- And my Bible says; --- "Be anxious for nothing!" --- The word "anxious" comes from the word, "anxiety", which implies a "disturbance of the mind" or "worry" over some uncertainty which may range any where from a mild concern to a paralyzing dread. --- But what Paul is telling you and I; --- Don't be overcome by worry and anxiety, but let God share your problems; --- Depend upon God and His word which is able to save to the utmost. The apostle Peter said this in a more profound way. (1 Pet. 5:6-7); --- "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, --- casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." --- And this brings us to the next point; --- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. THE BLESSING OF PEACE: (Phil. 4:7) --- "And the PEACE of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds IN Christ Jesus." Just what kind of peace are we talking about here, Paul? --- What do you mean peace? --- Do you mean peace among nations, which comes from men's dreams of "world peace"; --- Or more properly phrased, "worldly peace"?? --- Paul, are you telling me that, as a Christian I can expect the kind of peace which evolves from a "perfect" state of law and order, that I'll be free from man's cruelty to man?? --- Not as long as Satan is free to roam about seeking those he may devour; --- and mankind continues his obstinate rejection of God's will!! Or perhaps you're talking about the peace that comes from a quiet week end in the country; --- A "get away from it all" type peace (including the assembly of God's people for worship and encouragement)?? Or could it be that you're trying to get across the idea of the JOY that comes from loving God, loving Christ and loving and obeying His will as it applies to my life?? ---From loving my brethren and showing a deep concern for the spiritually weak as well as those who might be physically sick?? --- Does this peace involve a burning compassion for lost souls; --- enough to make the time to get out into the highways and hedges and from house to house, with tenderness and gentleness bringing as many as possible to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ?? ---Are you talking about the bliss that comes from knowing I have gone another day, from my awaking in the morning until I lay my tired head on my pillow at night, giving thanks to a merciful God for seeing me through one more day, --- having strengthened me through the power of His word and Divine providence, saying; --- "Dear Lord, I'm at total peace with you, because I have spent this day in faithful service unto you, both in letter and spirit!" --- "I have exhibited self-control in all I have done this day, --- because you Lord, are in complete control of my life!" --- "I surrender all!" What a sweet, sweet peace it is when a child of God can close his or her eyes at night with these words lingering in their soul!! --- Jesus offered these encouraging words; --- "Peace I leave with you; --- My peace I give to you; --- Not as the world gives, do I give to you. --- Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." (Jn. 14:27) Dear friends, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and Paul ALL have reference to the peace which can only come from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which is the gift of the Holy Spirit, and is promised only to those who would obey the gospel in water baptism! (Acts 2:38-39) ---"And Peter said to them, REPENT, and let each of you be BAPTIZED in the name of Jesus Christ; --- (WHY?) --- FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF YOUR SINS; --- and you shall receive the GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. --- For the PROMISE is for you and your children (JEWS), and for all who are far off (ALL NATIONS), --- As many as the Lord our God shall call to Himself." And Paul said by inspiration that the fruit (results) of the Holy Spirit is; --- "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; --- And against such things there is no law." (Gal. 5:22-23) --- But that's not all he said. In (Vs.24) he added; --- "Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have CRUCIFIED the flesh with it's passions and desires." Now please hear me when I say this and don't mis-understand, and don't forget it; --- IF you are bearing forth the fruit of the Spirit in your lives, one day at a time; --- My friend, you WILL know the peace of God which goes beyond all human comprehension!! --- Another promise God has given the Christian according to Phil. 4: --- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3. A PATTERN FOR OTHER TO FOLLOW: (Phil. 4:8-9); --- "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. --- The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." Paul admonished the Corinthian brethren in (1 Cor. 11:1); --- "Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ!" --- Also, in (1 Pet. 5:1-4); --- Peter exhorted the elders to prove their ability to rule over God's people, by showing themselves to be proper EXAMPLES, so that others could pattern themselves after them. --- God has provided us with men such as Paul, Peter, John etc. that we may pattern ourselves after. --- But did you know that God expects you and I to set the pattern for others to follow? --- Why would others possibly want to follow my example? --- Because they can see the spirit of Christ in me, by my words and actions! And young men and young ladies, I would like to convince you of this one thing, if nothing else; --- And that is, it makes absolutely no difference how old or young, or who you are, or where you are; there will always be someone looking to you for a pattern, an example to follow after, good or bad!! Mothers and fathers; --- Has it ever entered your thinking that the reason our children go wild and rebel against all that is good and decent, just might be because we have not left the path way clear?? --- Someone says; --- "But my children are still so young, their still just babies!" --- You deceive yourself into falling for the devil's favorite device; --- "I've got plenty of time, my children don't know what it's all about yet; --- When they get older I'll settle down to setting the proper example!!" --- Need I remind you; --- When you're 80 and your child is 60, he'll still be your baby!! Dear friend, if this is your philosophy; --- Satan is laughing at you; --- He's got you right where it pleases him best!! --- And God grieves over it!!! Parents, your children are a special blessing; --- A gift from God! --- Not a gift, but a loan; --- And if you're not careful NOW, while they're still tender and innocent, that cruel and heartless prince of darkness, God's adversary, Satan himself will snatch your children's souls away from you; --- And then come back and claim your as well!! May I paraphrase (Vs. 9); --- "The things your children have learned, and received and heard and seen in you; --- They will practice these things; --- And when they do, can the God of peace be with them??" THINK ON THIS!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. POLICY OF CONTENTMENT: (To calm and strengthen) (Phil. 4:10-13); --- "But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." There's the policy Paul established! --- He proclaims, --- "No matter the circumstance; --- No matter how rough and painful fate may rain forth on me; --- I have learned how to be content!!" What's my secret? --- "I CAN DO (a positive statement); --- all things through Him who strengthens me!!" Every honest soul will have to admit the plain truth; --- We are a spoiled generation; --- And we are a spoiled nation!! --- How often have we heard one another grumble and complain about our personal mal-content lives?? --- If only I had a better job, better working conditions, more money and less hours! --- Oh, how I wish I could move away to a better neighborhood, better friends, better congregation!! --- Now, if that last remark happens to nudge your tender spot a little, I'm sorry. --- But the truth be known, in most cases (few exceptions) you could not find a better group of Christians anywhere else, than the one you're with right now!! --- So when you are thinking about a good starting point for counting your blessings, this would be ideal!! --- But for those who tend to be a little dis-content in your own personal circumstances, you might be wise to listen to the Hebrew writer (Heb. 13:5-6); --- "Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; --- for He Himself has said, 'I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,' --- so that we confidently say, "THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?" --- (Vs. 6) is a direct and partial quote from the Psalmist, David, who puts it thusly in (Ps. 118:5-9); "From my distress I called upon the LORD; --- The LORD answered me and set me in a large place. The LORD is for me; I will not fear; --- What can man do to me? --- The LORD is for me among those who help me; Therefore I will look with satisfaction on those who hate me. --- It is better to take refuge in the LORD Than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD Than to trust in princes." Are you allowing God to be your helper, your strength, your guide?? --- If you don't always remember to humble yourself before Him in prayer; --- If you don't consistently study His word with the attitude; --- "Speak dear Lord; --- To hear your loving admonition is to obey!!" Dear brother or sister, if you are not faithfully and diligently attending to these matters; --- You are NOT allowing the God of heaven to be your strength and guide!! --- How much do you really depend on Almighty God? --- How often do you depend on your brethren for spiritual up-lifting? Do you, dear child of God, go out of your way to assure others they can depend on you anytime and anywhere?? --- What we sometimes fail to understand is the sad fact there will always be the weak and faint of heart; --- they must be able to depend on the spiritually strong; --- and we ALL must depend on God!! --- God will never let us down, NEVER!! --- Which brings us to our next and final point; God promises to; --- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. PROVIDE ALL OUR NEEDS: (Phil. 4:14-19) Paul says; --- "Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. --- But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; --- I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. --- And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." --- Just how rich is God? --- Dare any man seek to place a lowly price tag on the precious blood of Jesus? --- Certainly we can not begin to touch the hem of the garment, when it comes to setting a value to the infallible truth of God's word as revealed by the Holy Spirit!! --- This is why the wise man said; --- "Buy the truth, and do not sell it,--- Get wisdom and instruction and understanding. (Prov. 23:23) --- And the Lord Jesus Himself made this wonderful assessment; --- "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. --- Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it." (Mt. 13:44-46) --- It is totally inconceivable that we could ever drain the resources of heaven!! --- We hear a lot lately about draining the earth's resources, global warming, etc.; --- This being so, --- Then what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and wind up losing his own soul?? The Master Teacher once explained God's matchless ability to provide all our needs; --- A rather lengthy but familiar account, where our Lord is telling us why we shouldn't be anxious about the material things of this world. (Mt. 6:26-34); --- "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. --- Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? --- And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. --- But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? --- You of little faith! --- Do not worry then, saying, `What will we eat?' or `What will we drink?' or `What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; --- for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. --- But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. --- So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." HOW TRUE THIS IS!! Today, one day at a time, I will submit myself to His blessed will!! --- I will depend on my God!! Let yesterday be forever in the past; --- Let tomorrow take care of itself; --- But TODAY, I will with all my might and soul seek after His kingdom and righteousness; --- and when I do, Jesus made this promise; --- That God will provide every necessity to sustain life; --- And when I die?? When I die, what then?? --- "O, they tell me of a home far beyond the skies, O, they tell me of a home far away; --- O, they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise; --- O, they tell me of an unclouded day!! --- O, they tell me that He smiles on His children there, and His smile drives their sorrows all away; --- And they tell me that no tears ever come again, in that lovely land of un- clouded day!!" And dear friend, just how far do you think the mighty hand of God will dip down to see to your needs?? --- The apostle Paul spoke thusly in (Rom. 8:31-32); --- "What then shall we say to these things? --- If God is for us, who is against us? --- He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?"--- That is, all things pertaining to our salvation. See also: (2 Pet. 1:3-11) The apostle Paul goes on to say farther down in the closing verses, (37-39); --- "But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God; ---- (Now watch this!) --- which is IN Christ Jesus our Lord." Is it any wonder why Paul could cry out from those prison walls?? --- "REJOICE in the Lord always; --- And again I say REJOICE!! Question is; --- Can YOU rejoice in these things??? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Earlier in the lesson, I promised that before we were through, the question; --- "HOW may I get 'INTO' Christ", would be answered!! --- God has faithfully promised many blessings, both physical and spiritual; --- But we must accept the Bible truth that every SPIRITUAL blessing, including PRAYER, including the very salvation of my soul is in Christ Jesus!! --- So again, we pose the question; --- "How may I get INTO Christ??" --- "What must I do to be SAVED??" 1. (Mk. 16:15-16) --- "And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; ---but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned."--- BELIEVE and obey the gospel in baptism. 2. (Acts 2:36-38) --- "Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ--this Jesus whom you crucified. --- " Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, --- "Brethren, what shall we do?" --- Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; --- and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." --- These believing and convicted Jews were told to REPENT and be BAPTIZED for (In order for) the forgiveness of their sins. 3. (Acts 8:35-39) --- " Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him. --- As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, --- "Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?" --- And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." --- And he answered (confessed) and said, --- "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." --- And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him. --- When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing." --- Paul said in (Rom. 10:9-10); --- "If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; ---for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation." 4. Paul reminds the Christians of Galatia; --- "For you are all sons of God through faith (belief) in Christ Jesus; --- (Doesn't end there) --- For all of you who were BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST have clothed yourselves with Christ!" (Gal. 3:36-27) --- To further explain the Bible definition of baptism, Paul writes in (Rom. 6:3-6); --- "Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin;" 5. And very important reminder; --- After you have become a Christian you will be a new born "babe", therefore you must desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow and mature spiritually. (1 Pet. 2:2) --- And along the way, you can be sure that Satan will test you sorely, tempt you in all sorts of ways, but the Lord says that no matter what; --- you are to "be faithful unto death, and He will give you the crown of life!!" (Rev. 2:10) 6. And finally; --- Doing only part of these five acts is not sufficient. You must: Hear, Believe, Repent, Confess, and be Baptized and your name will then be added to the Book of Life and if you will then live faithfully, you will have a home with the redeemed for all eternity. Rejoice in the Lord always; Earl Wilburn Comments and questions welcomed: ewilburn@austin.rr.com
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