OUTLINE:
Competition When the Flesh Is Involved
– If you “win”: you become puffed up & arrogant
– If you “lose”: you become downtrodden & depressed
– REALITY: you LOSE in BOTH cases!
God is not a respecter of persons!
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial”
One of our greatest tests is remaining humble (keeping the flesh from dominating us) when in direct contact with fleshly people who entice us into Satan’s economy, where creature credit
is the currency.
“the salvation of your souls”
This is both a current and future reason for confidence. Being saved, we shall be saved. Being saved daily, we shall be saved for all of eternity. “Salvation” instills eternal confidence.
Jeremy Camp, Walk By Faith
Would I believe you when you would say
Your hand will guide my every way
Will I receive the words You say
Every moment of every day
Jeremy Camp, Walk By Faith
Well I will walk by faith
Even when I cannot see
Well because this broken road
Prepares Your will for me
“the salvation of your souls”
This is both a current and future reason for confidence. Being saved, we shall be saved. Being saved daily, we shall be saved for all of eternity. “Salvation” instills eternal confidence.
“Let those of us who are mature think this way”
Paul has set before the Philippians the idea of an upward call (aka a “higher calling”) in Christ Jesus. He places the onus of meeting this call on their mindset/attitude.
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial”
One of our greatest tests is remaining humble (keeping the flesh from dominating us) when in direct contact with fleshly people who entice us into Satan’s economy, where creature credit is the currency.
“God loves a cheerful giver”
This special love of God for cheerful givers describes blessings targeted for those with a good attitude about living for others, those whose eyes are so much on Christ that they can’t be on self.
God is glorified by blessing you out.