7.10.51 11.19.2023 A Description of Discipleship. Philippians 4.8-9
Completing the Work God Began • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Entice: In practically every sport there is an ideal of the “perfect” player. Someone who is so masterful that they become a benchmark for others. The standard is not really about the individual. It is about the expectations. In Baseball that sort is called a “five tool player”. In Basketball the triple double has become the benchmark for that kind of excellence. Football is a bit harder to calibrate because of a full-fledged platoon system. Seventy-five or so years ago he ideal was summed up by Bronko Nagurski who was told to line up on defense where he could make the most tackles, and offense where he could carry the ball for the most yards.
5 Tool Disciple
5 Tool Disciple
Engage: Paul thinks you are a “5 tool disciple.” Paul thinks that all of us, every one, can become
more accomplished in our walk,
more accomplished in our walk,
more effective in our service,
more effective in our service,
and
more mature in our understanding
more mature in our understanding
of the faith.
Beyond that he teaches that these expectations, what we are discussing this morning, are for all of us. They are general instructions for the whole Church. Paul is not segregating a group of super-Christians here; he is teaching all of us.
Expand: Every culture has some model of a “5 tool player.”
A person who
thinks clearly,
thinks clearly,
learns diligently,
learns diligently,
and
acts appropriately.
acts appropriately.
Before they even heard these words the Philippians grasped the concept.
He takes a concept they understand and leverages it for making Kingdom disciples. In studying his inspired words this morning, we continue the process in a new place and time.
Excite: I really think we should think of our faith in terms of what we gain, not what we supposedly lose. Paul knew and understood cultural wreckage. The way out and the way forward for disciples is to concentrate our minds on those things that please Christ. As an added bonus we will find that amid the debris hurting people will be attracted to our Gospel…because of our faithful living.
Explore:
We will be at peace when we think, learn, and act as focused disciples.
We will be at peace when we think, learn, and act as focused disciples.
Expand: Let’s spend some time considering Paul’s list of expectations
Body of Sermon: The first expectation
1 Right Thinking.
1 Right Thinking.
Right thinking means content and character
1.1 Content
1.1 Content
1.1.1 True
1.1.1 True
1.1.2 Honorable.
1.1.2 Honorable.
1.1.3 Righteous.
1.1.3 Righteous.
1.1.4 Holy
1.1.4 Holy
(pure).
1.1.5 Lovely
1.1.5 Lovely
dare we say delightful?
The Content of our thinking should be directly evident in our
1.2 Character
1.2 Character
1.2.1 Virtuous.
1.2.1 Virtuous.
1.2.2 Praiseworthy.
1.2.2 Praiseworthy.
The next expectation is
2 Right learning.
2 Right learning.
Without a correct process of assimilating new information, we cannot grow. It would be like trying to thrive as a human being without eating!
Learning is a matter of intention and connections. Let’s consider what Paul says about each.
2.1 Intention.
2.1 Intention.
2.1.1 General Instruction.
2.1.1 General Instruction.
2.1.2 Indoctrination.
2.1.2 Indoctrination.
2.1.3 Listening.
2.1.3 Listening.
2.1.4 Observation.
2.1.4 Observation.
2.2 Connection
2.2 Connection
In Me. Right learning is always personal.
The final expectation is that what we know, and learn results in
3 Right Action.
3 Right Action.
3.1 Practice.
3.1 Practice.
3.2 Prize.
3.2 Prize.
Shut Down
We need to always be aware of both the process and the outcome. Living faithfully has both present and eternal consequences.
The results of right thinking, right learning, and right action is a more fulfilling and dynamic discipleship. It means greater contribution to the Church and an expanding capacity to minister to others.
The eternal consequences? The peace of God we know in service extends into our eternal reward.
Too many Christians spend their entire life anticipating heaven when they can have the very same peace of God now. It begins with a mind fully focused on the things of God. Hearing the message and putting it into practice.