Sub: Living in Christ.
Text: Phil 1:21.
Intro: 1) One of Paul's prison letters. He was in a distressing situation yet the theme of this book is JOY.
2) This church was started in 50 AD by Paul on his 2nd missionary journey. It was his first work on European soil.
3) This church was very dear to Paul. they had helped him on four occasions with money when he was in need.
4) Now he was explaining his joy. It centered around living in Christ.
1.TO LIVE IS TO BORN INTO LIFE. To live in the family of God requires the second birth. John 3:3, 5, 7.
A. It does not come through physical or spiritual sacrifices but through the substitutionary death of Christ. Tit 3:5. 1 Pet 1:19.
B. This results in you becoming an heir of the kingdom. James 2:5
C. It also makes you a joint heir with Jesus our Lord. Rom 8:17.
11. TO LIVE IS ALSO TO CONTINUE IN LIFE. We continue to live physically through us putting the necessary nutrients in our bodies like food, water, and exercise. It is necessary to grow normally. Anorexia is a disease that kills because of not consuming necessary nutrients.
A. Normal spiritual growth is dependent on spiritual sustenance. We are to feed on Christ. John 6:50,51, 53.
B. Following Christ helps you to grow by the Word. 1 Pet 2:2.
C. You grow in Grace 2Pet 3:18.
D. So much so that you flourish Ps 72:7
111. TO LIVE IS TO GROW AND BEAR FRUIT. When a tree comes of age, it should benefit its owner by bearing fruit. So too the child of God.
A The Lord's example. Luke 2:52. He grew.
B. The results of growth is fruitbearing. Ps 1:3.
C. Fruitbearing also depends on abiding in Christ. John 15:4.
1V. TO LIVE IS ALSO TO ATTAIN SATISFACTION THROUGH GOD. Jer 31:14.
A. Material things cannot. 1 Tim 6:6.
V. TO LIVE IS TO OCCUPY A HOME 1Cor 6:19. As we yield to the Spirit, He controls us more.
VI. TO DIE IS GAIN BECAUSE. Heaven is for those living in Christ. Christ is in the center of life and death.
