Philippians 1:15-18 "What Really Matters"
What really matters?
Priorities determine the course of our life.
What are your priorities?
What is the top priority of your life?
A Christian without Christ as his top priority is a contradiction.
In our text we will see four steps we can take that will enable us to enjoy life and rejoice.
You Must Recognize That People Will Disappoint You
There were some that were preaching Christ out of envy and rivalry against Paul.
The behavior of people, especially Christians, can be very distressing.
We must never make the mistake of putting our faith in people.
The church in Corinth had the same problem. 1 Cor. 3:3
In every church you will find Christians who act this way.
You Must Refuse To Be Petty
You can’t allow yourself to be pulled down into the same worldly way of thinking and acting.
Paul gives good advice in 2 Corinthians 5:16
These were genuine Christians who were falling short of the mark.
It is so easy to be judgmental.
Our goal is to pull people up not put them down.
We have been forgiven, not condemned.
Don’t judge people, love people.
You Must Remember What Really Matters
Paul did not lose his focus.
Paul had a mission to accomplish – he didn’t let petty distractions sidetrack him. 1 Corinthians 2:2
Jesus told us what really matters. Matthew 6:33
We should give testimony by our behavior that we are followers of Christ.
The goal is Jesus. Hebrews 12:2
Jesus Christ is central to all that we do as Christians.
You can’t let what people do or don’t do throw you off track.
You can be sure that Satan wants you to be preoccupied with everything besides your walk with Christ.
You Must Rejoice In What God Is Doing
Paul’s perspective. It was God is:
- In control.
- At work.
- Doing something even when we can’t figure out what He’s doing.
Our challenge: discover what God is doing and rejoice in it.
One of the great themes of Philippians is joy and rejoicing.
Learning to rejoice in what God is doing will make a difference in our attitude.
God is at work in your life.
God is changing you for the good.
It all really boils down to faith and trust in God.
Christianity is about living your faith.
The call of Christ is to follow.
If you do these things, you will begin to discover how to relax in your relationship with Christ and experience the security of knowing you are safe in His hands.
