The Gospel is Enough!

September 8, 2024

Philippians 4:10-20 (ESV)
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Paul’s messages leading to Chapter 4

  · The Gospel is the foundation of our sanctification – we are in the process of being made complete. We’re not there yet but we are on the road. Abounding love, understanding, knowledge, fruits of righteousness growing and flowing from us are signs of sanctification happening

  · The Gospel is a Community Partnership – our sanctification is worked out in community for our partnership in the gospel together. Your sanctification helps mine and mine yours. This should lead to a partnership for what we are experiencing in Christ.

  · The Gospel is Worth It – Paul’s aim is for all to hear the gospel at any cost. Is that our ambition? How much are we willing to give up, persevere in for the gospel?

  · The Gospel is Humility - A primary characteristic of God’s people being sanctified is HUMILITY. Without it there is no salvation, no sanctification, no willingness to partner, no reconciliation, no serving, no witness. With humility…

  · The Gospel is Witness – Humility leads to forgiveness and reconciliation, a true loving expression like Jesus as a witness to the world. Part of our witness is partnership in suffering for others so they experience and hear the gospel

  · The Gospel is Radical – Our witness should be demonstrated in serving like Jesus

  · The Gospel is Simple – Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, our loving and serving like him is pointing others to Him who is the giver of new life. For those who receive the gospel of Jesus, there is new life, ‘our true citizenship is in Heaven”

  · The Gospel is Hope – We have a king who is returning, we await with hope of His kingdom coming on earth as it is in heaven.

  · The Gospel is Peace – Our resting into the fullness of the gospel that we are His and He is ours, in the midst of trials and persecution lead to true peace. Having the heart and mind of Christ by thinking on what is true, just, pure, honorable, and praiseworthy leads to peace.

  · The Gospel is Enough – we can be content no matter what our circumstances are, the gospel is enough, Jesus is enough because our life, hope and peace are in Him.