What Kind of Christian

Philippians 3:1-15

1 Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. . . . If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.

7 Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. 8 More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, 11 if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. . . . 12 Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; . . .” (NRSV).

Introduction

      Several years ago when Tom Landry was coach of the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL, he had an all-star defensive back, who toward the end of his career had to renegotiate a new contract. He did not get what he was asking. As I recall, the offer was approximately 80% of what he wanted, and could not get. What was he to do? Well, he told the sports reporters that he was only going to play at 80% effort. To know Tom Landry was to know a man with high moral scruples. And so, this was the end of this 80% effort all-star defensive back with the Cowboys.

      Perhaps we all have known (could it have been You? Me?) those who performed at the level they thought their compensation (blessings, recognition, position status) justified. Maybe – just maybe – this could be justified in some areas of our life; each situation being judged appropriately. In other more important areas, to perform at the level for which we might think we are only being compensated, is probably indicative of an immature and self-centered character.

      Relating this principle to our inevitable destinies, if we believe the Scriptures, we ask this question. When a sinner recognizes the grace that has been extended him by the Almighty God through his Son, will he ever – could he ever – become a complacent, casual, lukewarm servant of the Lord? Even an 80%’er? Not to pay with effort for what he has received, for this can never be! But to simply say to the Lord, as did Paul told the Galatians, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Gal 2:20). (Re-read our text above, please.)

Mankind’s Record In World History

      The moral History of God’s people would hardly be adjudged as favorable. We can go back to Adam and Eve, and Cain, and then to the time of the flood where it is recorded,

“And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them” (Gen 6:5-7); “The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth” (vs. 11-13).

      Even when the Lord “jump-started” the race again with Noah, things did not yet accomplish the Devine plan. Later Abraham was selected (called), and the nation of Israel chosen, and afterwards delivered from Egyptian bondage, with promises of a new and prosperous country.

      And while Moses was on the Mount with God receiving the Law that was given to make His people acceptable to Him, and Holy, the people were down on the plain worshiping the golden calf. The Scriptures state that God was angry and once again was at the point of giving up on his people, and starting over again.

Exodus 32: 9 And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiff-necked people: 10 Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation. . . . 35 And the LORD plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made.

Moses dissuaded the Lord and the people were saved. But things did not change very much as they traveled for forty years in the desert. And, not a single one of those who rebelled was permitted to enter the promised land, and not even Moses because of his disobedience.

      And later there were the judges and prophets, and then the kings. There were many good times in the days of the kings – but more of the bad – as Israel rose in fame among the nations and then declined in importance with division and wickedness. But God through the prophets spoke of a new day, with a reunified Israel and Judea, and a perfect Savior, King and High Priest was promised. That day began with the birth of Jesus as recorded in Luke Chapter 2. The story of Jesus could be reduced to this:

 A life that brought light to the world.

      Matthew states, “The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up” (Mat. 4:16). Luke records the prophesy of Zacharias, the father of John the baptizer, and states that Jesus came “To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luk 1:79). Simeon had revealed to him by the Holy Spirit, when he first saw baby Jesus, stated that this child would be “A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel” (Luk 2:32). The apostle John writes in his introduction about Jesus, “In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not” (Joh 1:4,5), and, “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (v.9). John also wrote, “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God” (3:19-21).

      Jesus admitted boldly that he was that light: “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (8:12), and, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (9:12). Jesus was not shy or false when he said, “Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth” (12:35); While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them” (12:36); “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness” (12:46).

      1. On the negative side– Possibilities Unfulfilled: We see that two statements that Jesus uttered 2000 years ago to his Jewish contemporaries went largely unheeded. These were:

The first states: “Ye are the salt of the earth . . .” (Mat 5:13). But Jesus is to later say to these; “Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another” (Mar 9:50; see also Luk 14:34).

The Jews as “salt” failed to preserve their own people – God’s Chosen People – and neither did they spread the Kingdom of God to lost nations.

The second states: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Mat 5:14-16).

That the Jews as “light” failed to carry this light to the world is clearly laid out in Matthew Chapter 23:

      Even while in their unproductive state, Paul, thirty years later accused them,

“And art (i.e. the Jewish leaders) confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness . . .” (Rom. 2:19).

And so the Jewish nation sacrificed their destiny and as a result vanished from the protective promises of God as a nation – and from world importance – even till today.

      2. On the positive side – A New Beginning Promised: Many beautiful promises were uttered by the Old Covenant prophets concerning the better life in the new dispensation under Christ. Jeremiah 31 is perhaps one of the clearest to understand and most often quoted. Consider vs. 28-34:

28 And it shall come to pass, that like as I have watched over them, to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down, and to destroy, and to afflict; so will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, saith the LORD. 29 In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children’s teeth are set on edge. 30 But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge. 31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: 33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

That this promise is relevant to the New Covenant era, Hebrews quotes it almost word for word in Chapters 8:8ff. and 10:16ff. The term “new,” and “better,” is repeated several times.

      3. The New Beginning – Successes And Failures: The first day the Gospel was preached by Peter on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ 3000 Jews accepted the Savior and acknowledged him as Christ and Lord. Thus was implemented that “new beginning,” that if generally accepted would have revolutionized the whole world. During the first few days a “revolution” seemed possible. Somewhat later critics accused the disciples of having “turned the world upside down.”

      But the old System with the old Law became a violent enemy of the New. It took a severe persecution by the unbelieving Jews to demonstrate the effect of the “salt” and “light” influence of the disciples. The persecution becoming intolerable, the disciples left Judea and were scattered throughout the known world. And while the Gospel through Paul and the disciples was carried to every known nation, something was to undermine that potential of universal success. Paul warned in his writings:

To the Thessalonians: “Let no man deceive you by any means; for that day (i.e. the coming of the Lord) shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition" (2Th 2:3). In verse 7, he said: "The mystery of iniquity doth already work."

And to Timothy: “The Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1Ti. 4:1).

To Timothy, Paul said again : "But shun profane and vain babblings; for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker; of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus, who, concerning the truth, have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."(2Ti. 2:16-19)

And to the elders of Ephesus: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Spirit hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them” (Act 20:28-30).

      When Paul gave that solemn charge to Timothy, which was possibly the last thing he ever penned, he said, "Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine." Why all this? Hear the reason. "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2Ti 4:3,4). Peter also warned his readers, “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts” (2Pe 3:3). And Jude warns, “These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage” (Jude 1:16; the entire letter is filled with warning).

      There is an inclination with many of us to think that only in our generation do the “change agents” tend to work. Not so! Paul said it nearly 2000 years ago, “The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine.” But we have seen in the last half century a number of efforts to effect change in traditional teachings, and the very word “tradition” has become with many a “no no.” Probably these efforts to change will continue until Jesus comes back, and who can say what the Gospel of Christ that Paul preached will sound and read like then! (But, be aware of Paul’s warning to the Galatians, 1:1-12.)

      4. The “Change Agents” At Work Today: History tells us that the mystery of iniquity had begun its deadly, hellish work even before apostolic days had ceased to be. The prophets declared that there would be members of the Body of Christ who would not long endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts they would heap unto themselves teachers having itching ears, and from the truth they would turn away unto fabulous stories; that there was certain to be a departure from the faith; that faith would be shipwrecked; and that faith would be overthrown. History continues to tell the story of the church being (present tense) a demonstration of these prophetic declarations. And of course, there are those on the outside, seeking every opportunity, throwing out every kind of attraction, to draw away disciples of Christ after them, with all their schemes and mechanizing.

      It is no casual matter to live the Christian life. Human nature being what it is, we seem to want the easy life, to pick and choose our own likes and dislikes, and then attempt to justify it all with a rationale that God “wants us to be happy.” One popular motivational speaker states convincingly that God created the gold and silver for “his” people, and we have a right to reach out and grab it. He uses the statement, “Jesus came to give life and to give it abundantly,” as the basis for wealth seeking. (I see evidences that some are translating the Sacred Scriptures into an edition that could be called “The Convenience Translation – Change It To Make It Apply To You!)

A. The Present Condition: That the moral character of the world generally is worsening , there is no doubt. Today the “buzz word” is “terrorism.” And in our own wonderful and beloved country “terrorism” is also increasing and crime generally is on a significant increase. The love of money seemingly has become the God of our culture. Music, much of which is directed to the base elements of life, is the ‘hot” item today. Movies that a few years back would have been judged as unacceptable because of its vulgar or pornographic content is commonplace today. This means that more and more people – multitudes of them – are lost and until they repent are bound for everlasting destruction.

B. The Present Opportunity: This almost complete breakdown of the moral structure of America, has forced upon the Lord’s people a tremendous temptation. These conditions challenge us and demand an aggressive battle against evil. And, the big question is, how much commitment will those calling themselves Christians show? How much unity will the members of the Body of Christ sincerely possess?

Regardless of how corrupt this world may be at this time, Jesus through his inspired word still says to his disciples, “Ye are salt.” Regardless of how dark this world may be, Jesus still says to his disciples, “Ye are light.”'

(See lesson on “salt” and “light” if interested.)

Opportunities And Obligations 

      Of the teaching and example, the teaching of the examples of the early Christians must come first. First, let’s consider the Lord:

1. One of the first instances we learn of Jesus was in the temple in Jerusalem at age 12. He was even then conscious of “my Father’s business.” While at home in his younger years he was subject to his parents.

2. Jesus was steadfast in his attendance at the synagogue. Luk 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. Example for us? To attend the assemblies and participate in whatever way we are permitted and able.

3. He began a life of service, healing the sick and teaching as he had opportunity. (Many examples.) New converts should be helped to exercise their talents and recognize their opportunities. We can not heal the sick, or perform miraculous works of any kind, but we can do many things, and increase our abilities with use. The old truism of “use it or lose it” is true in the followship of Jesus.

4. When did Jesus know that He was to die for the sins of mankind? Probably when he went to John to be baptized. Acknowledged by John as the “lamb,” and recognized by the Father, his life took a turn for the even more serious than it had been before. When do we really know the seriousness of followship? Recognize the obligations that go with the priviliges? Accept the challenges of more important work and perhaps leadership? It is different with each one, but the sincere student will know – he will know – and he will not shirk the challenge!

5. Most of us will never be persecuted as the early day disciples were, never have to be scattered to strange places as they were, never have to take the lead is discovering and leading other disciples in new places, but this will be the challenge for many. Are the words of Jesus spoken to his disciples then about choosing the right over wrong, applicable to us today? (See Mat 5:29, 30; Mat 18:8, 9; etc.) We will never have to be the sacrifice for the sins of the world, but we must be faithful if we expect the crown of life. Does Revelation 2:10 apply to us today? “. . . be thou faithful (even thou it leads to) death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”

      2. What About Paul As An Example? Once this man was touched by Jesus he never was the same. Should we – once we come into Christ – ever be the same again?

      Paul never did blow hot nor cold like those of Laodicea. He never was up and down like those that are mentioned in Hebrews. He never was blown about by every wind of doctrine like those of Galatia. He never did backslide like Demas. He never did quit coming to the assemblies, or get angry with the preacher, like some are said to do today. No one ever had to tell him that you're supposed to serve the Lord with all the talent he has given you. Nobody had to tell him that you had to be a soul winner. Nobody had to tell him that you ought to love the Truth, and teach the Truth to the lost, and pray always for the lost.

      What about us? You and me?

      In the days of the Roman Empire when a man joined the army of the Roman Empire, the recruit solemnly vowed that he now renounced his civilian life, with its independence and privilege and that henceforth he belonged wholly to Caesar, whose every command he promised to obey, cost what it might and lead where it would.

      When we are baptized into Christ, what vows do we make to him as Christ and Lord? Were we totally involved in “receiving” the gift of forgiveness of sins and the Holy Spirit, and receiving was good enough. Many years ago there was a cartoon featured in most papers around the country called “Hambone’s Meditations.” In this particular edition Hambone philosophizes, “the good book says that it is more blessed to give than to receive, but receiving is good enough for me!” Is this the way we look at the coming into Christ? I’m concerned that it is with many.

      Once Paul was touched by Jesus he became a stimulated man, a man 'on fire' so to speak.. How much has the Lord stimulated you since you have been saved? Do you find it easy to do the things of the Lord? Is that the predominant joy in your heart this morning? Do you just love the Lord and love the things of the Lord, and love the Bible, and love to pray, and love to serve, and love God's people? Or do you have to force yourselves to assemble with the saints, to make a visit to encourage a brother or sister, to teach a lost soul the truth? If so, the Lord has never stimulated you very much! Do we not have a lot of “church members” who need to be stimulated?

The Great Apostle Paul

      The apostle Paul was thankful for his salvation, as each of us should be. After enumerating his advantages while in Judaism, he writes to the Philippians:

“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead” (Phi 3:7-10).

      Here is a man – a flesh and blood man – who decided to be like Jesus. But, you say, He was an apostle? Yes, and you and I are disciples, saved souls and equals in the Body of Christ, bound for eternal life. Have you ever had a desire to be like Jesus?

      Here is a man who said I have now decided to neglect everything that was a gain to me. Every sport, every thing that would bring gain to me, every thing that was a pleasure to me, I have decided to put out of my life, for I would count that lost for Christ. Have you ever seen any Christians like that? This is the beginning of the struggle.

      See the struggle beginning, I count all things but lost. . . . Here was a man who had a great experience with Jesus. There has been many a poem written about meeting Jesus “face to face.” There are songs that say the same thing -- “Oh, to be like Thee, blessed redeemer; This is my constant longing and prayer.” “Oh, I want to see him; look upon his face. There to live forever, in his saving grace.”

      Singing songs such as these too often betray our insincerity. We say that to be “like him” is our constant longing and prayer. Is it? We say that we want to “look upon his face.” Do we really?

      Can we say truthfully: If we had many disciples like Paul – you and me – could we not capture this community for Christ? Could all of his disciples in this country turn America upside down?

      But being realistic, how many of us could honestly say that we “have suffered the loss of all things that we might win Christ? That would be probably the greatest statement we have ever made in our life! If we could make that statement, and mean it, we would grow in spiritual grace and knowledge like we’ve never grown before! Is this not true?

      I am talking to you about what it takes to build a Christian life, a Christian home, a Christian teacher and leader. Is this not a foundation for it all?

The Faithful Few –

In every group, in every clime, When there’s some work to do,

It’s very likely to be done, By just the faithful few.

Many folks will help to sing, And some are glad to talk,

But when it comes to doing things The most of them will balk.

“I can’t do this,” “I can’t do that,” “Excuse me please, this time,”

“I’d be glad to help you out, But that’s not in my line.”

So when the brethren look about For some who’ll help to do,

They nearly always have to go, And ask the faithful few.

They know full well they’re busy, too, And always hard at work;

Yet they are sure they’ll not refuse, Nor any duty shirk.

They never stop to make excuse, But always try to do.

Some day the Lord will come again With judgment wise and true

And then with him to heaven fair He’ll take the faithful few!

-- Author Unknown

      God knows we don't need any more religious organizations in this country. We need real CHRISTIANS. The reason its so hard to sell Jesus to the lost world is that they live next door to too many half-hearted “Church Members” who live pretty much like the world is living. The greatest testimony Paul ever gave, was the example he set. He did not just “go to Church,” or pay his contribution. After he had turned from religion to Jesus, Paul just took off his cloak and shirt and said “look at my back, I bear in my body the marks of Lord Jesus.” Have we -- yes, you and me – got any scars for Jesus? Many of us could say, “No, I’ve got no scars, but I'm a great Christian.”

      Have we – yes, you and me – ever discovered God's assignment for your life? What did you do, turn your back on it and begin to make excuses? Begin to pull back from it and say some day -- not now. What did you do with God's assignment? The day you and I were saved God had an assignment for you. We will never do what God wants us to do until we go out and become all God wanted us to be.

      A Christian – a real Christian – does not have the right to do his own thing. The Bible says, “You are not your own, for you have been bought with a price.” We don't have the right to be unfaithful and still claim to be a Christian! We don't have a right to be disloyal to Christ and still claim to be a Christian! We don’t have the right to avoid suffering or persecution for righteousness sake, and still claim to be a Christian! The kind of Christian Paul was is the kind of Christian we ought to strive to be. If not, give your rationale for being less! Read one more time:

7 Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. 8 More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes (insert any and all things that might fall into the category of what rights I have earned) from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, 11 if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. . . . 12 Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; . . .” (NRSV).

– Hank Tankersley

Endnotes: