Joy in Submission

Prayer:  Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done (Luke 22:42).

Main Scripture:

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.  For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have (Philippians 1:27-30).

Associated Scriptures:

Jesus is the way: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Jesus is the Good Fruit: A tree is known by its fruit. A bad tree bears bad fruit, a good tree bears good fruit (Matthew 12:33).

Jesus is the Example: I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life (John 8:12).

Correlative Quotes:

All of God’s people are ordinary people who have been made extraordinary by the purpose He has given them.[1] – Oswald Chambers

We desire to repent, we desire to be cleansed, we desire to have the wax of sin removed from our ears so we can hear the word of truth. Because our delight is in the law of God. We want to meditate it on a day and night. We love the law of God.[2] – John MacArthur

The path that the Christian travels is to be one of greater insight. As we grow closer to Christ we are to become more and more aware of His Holiness. But at the same time – the closer we get to Christ the more we are to become aware of our own sinfulness.[3] – Tom Shepard

Study:

INTRODUCTION

For Paul, the battle was with the world system.  It was the people, the government, and the religious establishment of the time.  They were filled with evil and conspired against him to have him physically detained and eventually killed.  His battle was with evil and evil took on all these forms.

But for Paul living was Christ.  This is also the way it should be with us who have submitted our lives to Christ.  For us, living for Christ translates into growing spiritually, loving God, ourselves, and others, while actively helping people in need, and spreading the Gospel of Christ.

The man who was passionate about eliminating Christianity become a zealot for the cause of Christ.  Nothing could deter him from his assignment and as a result he lived a life of joy. 

Paul recognized and reiterated his two choices in the flesh.  He can die in confinement or he can live and continue his spiritual journey of evangelism and church building.  The apostle chose to do the latter, for in this case, the benefit of the Philippian church.

THREE MINISTRY ADVANTAGES ARE ACCOMPLISHED WITH PAUL’S CONTINUED LIFE. 

1. Discipler: An ongoing opportunity to disciple those in the Church at Philippi. Paul could have a significant impact on their continued spiritual growth whether he remained in custody or he was freed. The Philippians were one of the strongest and most mature of his church plants and they had a deep love for each other. 
2. Evangelist: His release from detainment meant that new works could be started as he moved further and further into Europe. God called Paul to spread the gospel message into all of Europe. His success had been phenomenal.  When we are living in God’s perfect plan and completely submit our lives to God by doing what is pleasing to Him, we are always going to find joy in our lives as Paul did.  That means in every circumstance.  Submission was the key to Paul’s great success as he fulfilled his assigned purpose for God.
3. Amplifier: Paul was certain that Christ would be magnified whether it was as a result of his life and witness or his death and the martyrdom that would result from his death. However, as a living advocate for God, whether or not he is imprisoned, his legacy would be extended and he could continue God’s work throughout the European continent. 

When it came to a final solution, Paul’s ultimate desire was to stay and continue with the work of redemption and discipleship.  The churches still needed him, his teaching was still necessary to strengthen them.

To be like Paul in our walk be must understand that the continuation of life is the daily revelation of Christ (Vs. 27d) “stand fast in one spirit.” Our conduct must reflect what Christ has done for us through salvation.  Everything we have, all that we are, what we say, what we do should be a reflection of Jesus.

1. Walk with Jesus: Romans 8:5 tells us that if we fill our minds with things that satisfy the desires of the flesh we will live by the flesh. If we focus on the things of the Spirit, we will live by the Spirit.
2. Learn from Jesus: Acts 17:11 explains that we are to be ready to receive God’s message at all times. Furthermore, we are to search the scripture to test its truth.
3. Encourage for Jesus: Hebrews 3:12-13 recommends the exhortation of one another daily. We need others to keep us accountable. Accountability is the hallmark of sustainability.
4. 4. Walk for Jesus: Ephesians 5:8 (NKJV): “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Walkas children of light.”
5. Live for Jesus: 1 Peter 2:24 communicates the truth that Jesus died for you, make His life count in yours.
6. Talk about Jesus: 1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV) says, “Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”

THE CONSUMMATION OF LIFE IS TRANSFORMATION INTO THE LIKENESS OF CHRIST (VS. 30): “HAVING THE SAME CONFLICT.”

1. Be Transformed by Jesus: In 2 Corinthians 3:18.
2. Be Conformed to Jesus: Romans 12:2.
3. Be Glorified with Jesus: Romans 8:29-30.
4. Be Alive because of Jesus: Romans 8:1-2.

Summary Statement:

Surrendering to Jesus and Submitting to Him are not the same thing.  When we surrender to our Lord, we become born again, a new creation in Christ.  Submitting to our Savior involves committing to His direction for our lives and working with the power of the Godhead to fulfill them.

Lesson within the Lesson:

Prepare and give your testimony first in front of those you know and trust.

Ask God to give you opportunities to share your faith each day.

What are the reasons it is important for you to share your testimony?

What steps are you taking to conform your life to the image of Christ?

[1] Oswald Chambers, Submitting to God’s Purpose, My Utmost for His Highest, October 5, 2015, http://utmost.org/submitting-to-god%E2%80%99s-purpose/

[2] John MacArthur, Submitting to God’s Word, Grace to You copyright 2015, gty.org/

resourcessermons/80-189/submitting-to-gods-word

[3] Tom Shepard, Seven Steps to Submitting to God, Sermon Central, August 2007, sermoncentral.com/110780.asp