Above All

In Phil 1:27-28, Paul shows three pictures - images - in teaching on church health.  He shows an illustration of a citizen, then of an athletic team, then of a 'game face.'  He teaches three priorities to church health in times of opposition --

1.  Behavior that is in keeping with being a citizen of heaven.

2.  Teamwork that moves the purpose of the church forward despite opposition.

3.  Confidence and poise even when the adversary appears.

A lot is packed into those two verses.  And a lot is 'hidden' from the English translation reader because the images are visible in the original Greek words and their usage in the day.

But under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul clears away the underbrush and shows us clearly the minefield that undermines the effectiveness of a church for the gospel.  Just take the three health given behaviors and turn them on their heads and you'll see what distracts and sometimes destroys a church.

1.  Bad behavior.  Behavior that is unbecoming of a believer.  Behaviors, attitudes, and speech patterns that do not reflect the character of Christ.  The gospel is dismissed or even ridiculed when non-believers watch or listen to so called Christians who's lifestyles, speech and attitudes are ungodly.

If the gospel has any hope of gaining footing among people 25 and under in the USA - aside from a miracle moving of God's sovereign grace -  it will require 'church people' to start living out of Holy Spirit empowered love and acceptance of people who are not yet Christians.  It will require radical kindness and graceful communication of the truth.  But it all starts with living a life that attractively godly and distinctive.

2.  Disunity and factions.  This has been Satan's secret weapon for ages: "divide and conquer."  Sow some dissension over here, a little discord over there, seed in some doubt, questioning and grumbling.  Next thing you know that church is no longer functioning as a unified team, all pulling in the same direction.   No longer reaching out in a cooperative way.  No longer welcoming in in an accepting way.
The energy of leadership is sapped and the morale of the congregation wanes.


3.  Ignorance of spiritual opposition or, worse, fear of entering the arena.  It's amazing how many people have no idea that there is even a battle going on.  It's disheartening when half of 'God's army' is untrained, ill equipped and seemingly unarmed.  But more disturbing are the number of believers who 'tuck their tails' any time someone opposes their faith  - or anytime spiritual warfare breaks out.

So Paul, writing from prison in Rome, makes it clear that for the gospel to advance - it must be advanced by a church that is made up of people who exhibit character, cooperation and confidence.

May God grant it.

To hear Pastor Woody's sermon on this scripture, click HERE after Monday, May 3.