"An Earnest Plea To The Church!"

Philippians 1:27-30

INTRO.Jesus said, "Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18). This is surely true for as long as the Holy Spirit dwells within His people here on earth, the Church will prevail.

But there is a growing problem occurring in many Churches across America. The problem is that these Churches have let too much of the world in and left God out! When Christ established His Church here on earth, He intended for it to be His earthly abode in this sinful world. The Church should be a sanctuary for the saints of God from Satan and his evil workers.

But this isn't the case in many Churches today. Instead of equipping the saints of God to wage war against Satan, we see too many preachers of the Gospel today who are afraid too lose their jobs or hurt someone's feelings. Preaching should be uplifting and encouraging, but at the same time, revealing and enlightening to the believer of things, in his life, which do not please God. The truth of God we hear in God's House must be applied for it to profit us.

I want to title the message tonight, "An Earnest Plea To the Church!" There was a serious problem facing the Church in Philippi. This problem was what Paul was addressing in this letter. The hearers were eager to hear God's truth, but not so eager to apply it to their-selves. So Paul in our text beginning in v27 pleads with the Church, "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ..."

Paul uses the word "conversation" our translation of a Greek word meaning “manner of life.” The word we have as "becometh" means “fitting.” So in our language of today Paul says, "Only let your manner of life be as it is fitting to The Gospel of Christ.." How can we do that? By hearing the Word of God and then applying it to our lives! In James 1:22 the Scripture says, “But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only…”

Here, in our text, are 3 pleas to the Philippian Church, but not to them only, but to all of God's Churches.

WHAT ARE THEY?:

(1) A Plea To Stand

Text: Philippians 1:27a—“Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind…”

*The basis for this plea is that the war is On! Ephesians 6:11, says, "Put

on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the

wiles of the devil."

*v28 tells us the battle is with our adversaries (1 Peter 5:8).

*We must be united in this effort. Paul, told the Church at Corinth, 2

Corinthians 13:11—“Finally, brethren…be perfect, be of good comfort, be

of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with

you.”

(2) A Plea To Strive

Text: Phil. 1:27b-28—“Striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.”

*The Greek word Paul used here for “Striving” means “contending.” It

suggests a team effort against the forces of Satan.

*"For the faith of the gospel"--The whole body of inspired and revealed

Truth.

-----Jude 3

*Such a task calls for boldness, courage, and fearlessness. Paul continues

his plea in v28.

-----1John 4:4--Never fear the enemies of the Gospel!

*But rather let us heed the words of 1 Corinthians 15:58--"My beloved

brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the

Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in the LORD."

(3) A Plea To Suffer

Text: Philippians 1:29—“For unto you it is given in the behalf of

Christ, not only to believe on him, but also

to suffer for his sake.”

2 Timothy 3:12—“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus

shall suffer persecution.”

1 Peter 4:12-19

CLOSING: Paul gives an earnest plea to the Philippian believers, but not to

them only but to all of us. It is not just a plea from Paul, but from

God Himself!

Will you answer God's pleas to you? Will you stand, strive, and suffer for the faith of the Gospel as a Church of the Living God?

We must maintain a united front against Satan and his hordes. Will you serve in this place where God has placed you? This Church and any Church is only as strong as its weakest member!

Search your heart tonight and ask yourself, "What kind of Church would this Church be if every member were just like me?"