Rivercrest Presbyterian Church - Sermons

The Christian life involves a faithful pursuit of Jesus, to follow Him obediently and diligently. Paul strains towards the goal of holiness, is grieved by those in the church who aren't actually pursuing Christ, and reminds us of the assurance of hope and sanctification that has been made possible through Jesus. May we live in that identity, knowing our eternity is set while chasing after the prize that is undefiled and unfading; all so Christ is magnified.

We are not, and never will be, good enough on our own. That's the bad news. And that's the burden of human existence. But the good news is that Jesus is. And in and through His grace He gives us His righteousness by faith.

Gospel life focuses on exalting Jesus with the family of faith. In describing Timothy and Epaphorditus the apostle Paul calls them son and brother, faithful friends, focused on what's most important, and striving for the kingdom of God. May Christians today be known for the same things, enjoyed by the Church and pursuing the Lord with their adopted brothers and sisters.

Carried along by the Holy Spirit, believers are to work out their salvation with fear and trembling while also rooted in gladness and rejoicing. The Lord has delivered His people, therefore they have full assurance of their hope and can live a lights and witnesses of the glory of God to a crooked and twisted generation. It's still tempting to blend in with the world and grumble, but Christians must lean into the realities of new creation life purchased for them at the cross.

Having the mind of Christ involves an obedience and humility demonstrated by Jesus Himself. As He lived and endured the cross, Jesus was completely obedient and humble both in our place and so that we may live the same way. By living this way we will share in unity the love and grace of Christ to others.

Suffering and the Christian life go hand in hand, yet the Lord faithfully holds His people through every circumstance. Refined by trials and grace, Christians walk in this world able to serve and love others knowing that God is in control and supplies our deepest needs. 

Paul reminds us to be committed to the gospel. In the end, it will all turn out in deliverance and salvation for those who trust in Jesus. And though this life brings difficulties and the desire is to leave this world to be with Christ, the tension to stay and be a light to this world will shape and fashion us into His likeness. We are to be committed to the Lord, His will, and His people.

As Paul's imprisoned, he is still witnessing the gospel advancing. Our circumstances do not limit the Lord, who uses even hardships to spread the good news of Christ. We are to share sincerely, have right motives, and rejoice regardless of the temporary difficulties knowing that our greater circumstance is secure and perfect in God who loves us.

In his love for the church, Paul expresses his desire that Christians should pray for one another. Not only is it impactful in the moment, but it will carry us as we wait for the day of Christ; when He comes again. In this we will be sanctified, to look more and more like Jesus.

Paul writes with joy and love to the people of the Philippian church even though he's imprisoned and away from them. Being rooted in Christ, Christian community is more than just togetherness, its family and shared partnership. The church is where believers are strongest and most effective in gospel mission.