Masterpiece
Christlike • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Introduction (Angela)
Christlikeness
29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
To become like Jesus - Follow, embrace, and pattern one’s life after that of Christ Jesus.
Jesus is our example for living a life pleasing to God.
Today we begin a journey through the New Testament book of Philippians, an inspired letter by the Apostle Paul to the congregation in Philippi (in present day Greece) and to all Christians everywhere and in every time period.
Introduction (Ed)
I am not an expert in art. But I do have ideas of what I like in a good painting.
My two favorite paintings are by the Hollywood studio artist Paul Detlefsen.
A Painting of a barn (my parents home)
A Painting of a street (my grandparents home)
I’m not sure what constitutes a masterpiece, but I still really like those two painting.
This morning, as we begin our journey into Christlikeness, I want to tell you that YOU ARE GOD’S MASTERPIECE!
Text
Reading: Philippians 1:6.
6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Main Idea
You are special to God—He loves and cherishes you. He is making you into a MASTERPIECE, molding and shaping you into Christlikeness.
I want you to imagine with me that you went to your mailbox and found a letter addressed to you. It is a letter of encouragement and instruction by someone whom you deeply respect. In fact, he was the one instrumental in you becoming a follower of Jesus Christ.
This is what the Philippians in the New Testament experienced about 2,000 years ago. But what they received is also something that serves as great importance for your faith and encouragement.
So, let us begin at the beginning:
Reading: Philippians 1:1.
1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
Point 1
You Are Set Apart for God’s Purpose (Saints)
You Are Set Apart for God’s Purpose (Saints)
Phil 1:1 “1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:”
There are two words in this verse that demonstrate the principle of being “set apart” for God’s purpose.
The first is “servants” to describe Paul and Timothy.
Greek word: δοῦλος Meaning: slave, servant.
Common use in referring oneself as a “servant”: devotion, humble service.
Paul’s expression goes back to the Old Testament.
To be a servant meant to be one chosen by God.
God’s servant Moses (God is pleased to work through His servants).
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus therefore emphasizes the authority of God working through their lives to impact the lives of the Philippian Christians and to all Christians.
Paul, as servant of Jesus, is set apart to present (through this letter) instruction to the Christian.
The second word is “saints” to describe the Christians in Philippi.
Greek word: ἅγιος Meaning: Originally signifying the object of awe and reverence. New Testament usage describing the Church: a life set apart (separation from evil and dedication to God and his service.
Addressing his letter to the Philippians, Paul reminds the Christian to be holy (set apart) and that holiness is integrally connected to Jesus Christ.
Peter, in his letter to the church, reminds us of who we are and what we are called to do:
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
You are set apart for God’s purpose.
It is not just the pastor or just the missionary—we who are Christians are set apart and called by God to fulfil His purpose in our life: That you may proclaim the excellencies of him (God) who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
And it is in light of being called, being set apart, that we are reminded in what we need for our journey:
Reading: Philippians 1:2.
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Point 2
You Are Gifted with God’s Grace and Peace
You Are Gifted with God’s Grace and Peace
Phil 1:2 “2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
As an artist pours their efforts and talents into their “masterpiece,” God pours into His “masterpiece” (us) two precious gifts.
The Gift of His Grace.
Grace is the free, spontaneous, unmerited love of God to sinful humanity.
Before this Greek word (χάρις) entered into the New Testament, “it referred to a favor done by one Greek to another out of the pure generosity of his heart, and with no hope of reward.”
God’s grace is greater than our shortcomings, imperfections, and weaknesses.
God’s grace is his actions in our life that demonstrates:
His unconditional love.
His limitless forgiveness.
His miraculous transforming power.
His boundless help.
This letter of Philippians is an act of His grace toward us.
The Gift of His Peace.
Peace is the fruit of God’s grace and the results of reconciliation to God through Christ.
Peace speaks of living in harmony with God, aligned with His will and purpose.
God’s peace bounds up stress, worry, and fear.
God’s peace offers security and hope.
God’s peace invites obedience, praise, and worship.
It is from these gifts of grace and peace that we have a strong foundation for assignment (purpose) as believers in Christ.
Reading: Philippians 1:3-5.
3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
Point 3
You Are a Partner in God’s Gospel
You Are a Partner in God’s Gospel
Phil 1:3-5 “3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”
Partnership with God and with fellow believers advances the message of hope for our world today!
Partnership in God’s Gospel demonstrates generosity.
The Philippian church gave generously to help Paul spread the Gospel in Asia Minor.
The Philippian church was a missions-minded church, making the proclamation of the Gospel and the reaching of souls as their priority.
Missions and evangelism need to be our priority. Souls need to be our priority. Financially supporting our missionaries needs to be our priority.
Partnership in God’s Gospel engages in intercessory prayer.
“Aways in every prayer of mine.” Paul prayed for the church.
Partnership in the Gospel includes lifting one another in prayer.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Partnership in God’s Gospel promotes thankfulness and joy in others.
The partnership of the Philippian congregation with the Apostle Paul brought him thankfulness and joy.
When you come along side other believers to encourage, to support, and to intercede, you can not only effect others (they are thankful, they are filled with joy)—but you will be an encouragement to others as they prayer for you!
Conclusion
6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
You are God’s masterpiece!
God works to set you apart.
It is so easy for us to be entangled with all the crazy stuff in this world.
If we are not careful, we become more like the world than like Christ.
God works to saturate your life with His grace and peace.
We need God’s grace and peace to build a strong life.
We need God’s love, forgiveness, transformation, and help to be all that He has called us to be.
God works to be His partner in the Gospel.
Are own hopes, plans, and dreams will fall short.
But embracing God in a partnership of purpose (His purpose) leads to a life that overflows with His joy!
As a partner in His Gospel we will fulfil our purpose.
So, what is the Gospel that we are to be aligned with? Jesus gives us an answer:
29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”
It starts with believing in Him.
Gospel means good news—the best news. God loves you—and loves you so much He wants you to be a part of His family.
The Gospel is all about Jesus making a way where your sins are forgiven and death is not the end of your story.
You don’t have to go another day alone. Be God’s good work by trusting in Him.
9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.