Once Upon A Riot Acts 19:23-41

Have you ever been the reason for a riot? Ever been in a riot! Looking back, I guess I had been in at least three. Once outside New York City when I was in my early 20’s and twice while I was visiting Seoul, Korea, 17 years ago. While it was all exciting, it was very dangerous! Police dogs are very big and the tear gas hurt the eyes for hours! The mobs in both locations were not able to listen to reason. They only responded to power—with power in return.

In our passage this morning, we find a craftsman who felt he had been hurt financially by the advancement of the Christian Faith. He really did not have anything bad to say about Jesus but he was very unhappy that many people were not using his trade. Some and many had stopped buying the small idols he and others had made. His pocket book was hurt more than his heart. He was mad and he wanted others to join him in his anger.

That is the usual way, isn’t it? I’m mad and I want to have you join me being mad at someone! Misery loves company. He was really making the most of the situation by getting more on his side.

The question of what Christianity does to a culture has angered anthropologist right along. The Christian Faith, they say, hurts the common good of the culture. It disturbs the flow of the society. It could even change it or destroy it altogether. Whether it was in the Amazon River region today, or there in Ephesus, Christianity was looked at as killing the society with it’s teaching of having a new life style. This great disturbance about The Way with it’s new leader, new way of living, new set of mores and behavioral patterns and, in truth, was a new culture that was on the other side of Demetrius’ world view. To him, his world was falling apart!

The Way was creating a great disturbance.

He was waving, not only the economic prosperity flag, but also the national pride issues and a deeply felt religious passion. His trade was tied to worship of this idol as well as the Emperor himself, and he was a disciple of Artemis.

He and his craftsmen made plaques, silver relief of the goddess within her temple. Once the item was dedicated at the Temple of the Great Artemis, the local people and visitors, bought them as votive offerings and uses these items in family worship centers, amulets, charms, or just souvenirs—much like what is sold at temples today.

Artemis or known as Diana in Rome was the “Great Mother”—hunter, goddess of wild animals, wild nature, chastity and childbirth. She took on the role of the goddess of fertility able to hold power over wild animals, deliver her people from fear and to be the connect between earth and the cruel fate that bothered them. Artemis had unsurpassed cosmic power! She was considered as Lord, Savior, and Queen of the Cosmos.

Demetrius had it in for Paul. Paul’s message caused a decline of income for the local idol makers. Paul’s message was directly against the polytheistic religion of the land. He charged Paul with leading people astray—or mentally and spiritually bringing a different point of view, causing someone to change his position. The Message Paul shared dealt with repentance and conversion. Demetrius was concerned he’d loose his livelihood. Rightly so!

The Message does that sort of thing. It deals with the real issues of life: meaning, purpose, direction, future, control. The Message of Jesus deals with those items in every aspect of life. Demetrius was dealing with the here and now, while Paul was dealing with the here and now AND the hereafter.

Imagine a world without the Great Temple of Artemis! The temple was called one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It covered an area four times the size of the Parthenon-70 meters long, 280 meters long, (300 yd) with 127 sixty-foot columns. It was THE worship center of Asia and a world-class bank. Well, all that is left now of that temple is one column and a small gathering of rubble. There have been found over 33 worship sites to this female goddess across the Roman world. She was worshipped by the leaders of Rome and was THE most extensive worship in the known world—at that time. From what Demetrius could see, this was in danger of ending!

Then, all went wild! People were shouting this thing while others shouting that! Ever see a newsreel of fanatic group shouting? Out of this world! Blind uncompromised devotion is hard to work with.

The whole city was thrown into confusion.

Two of Paul’s friends and traveling partners were taken into the theatre. We see Aristarchus again in Chapter 20 and 27, as well as in Col 4:10 and Philemon 24—while Gaius was even known by John as his good friend and by Paul in Romans 16:23. However it could have been another Gaius…

Then things really went wild! While this was going on, Paul wanted to address the crowd. His friends with him, as well as some city leaders, strongly suggested that he not! It seemed that even in the high society of Ephesus, many felt that the Way was no threat to the Imperial cult—Not yet!

When it comes to hearing and accepting advise, how do you rate? Even when the whole city is ready to fry your skin off, what kind of guidance would you accept? How do we KNOW God’s way for our lives?

A few things to remember: (ALL verses come from the NIV unless otherwise stated)

1. God’s direction comes to those who look to Him. John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—

2. Guidance comes through the Spirit. John 16:13 But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all Truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come.

3. The purpose of the guidance is to reflect Him. Phili 3:10 I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in his death,

4. Guidance comes with Peace. James 3:17-18 Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor. (the Message)

5. Many times, guidance comes to us unaware. Ps 25:9 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way. (NIV)

9 He gives the rejects His hand, And leads them step-by-step. (The Message)

6. Sometimes, Guidance is not always pleasant. Isa 55:8 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways," declares the LORD.

As it turned out, a clear-headed clerk ended the riot by a simple statement. If the riot keeps up, and they could not support the reason for the riot, Rome could revoke their status of being a free city as they could not maintain law and order through its own local leaders. This brought the fear of god into their hearts and they were dismissed.

Let this be said of you, after you received guidance from God. Joshua 11:15 As the LORD commanded His servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua, and Joshua did it; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses.

Times, they are a-changing!

Well, summer is almost over and the time for getting ready for the Fall has begun.

WAIT a moment! There is plenty of summer left and the temps are just right to get outside and get some more sun! In fact, the only thing that will change for us at ICCS is that the time of the Morning Service will return to 10:30 AM for Worship.

It is just like a good mystery book. You don't want to start the book on page 75, do you? Start reading from page one and you will understand the plot and theme a lot better! Same with coming to service on time. Work at it. Service starts at 10:30. If you go see the doctor and the appointment is for 10:30, ask yourself, would you arrive at the office at 11? I don't think so! So, be at service on time, OK?

See you this Sunday at 10:30 --- or even a little early so as to find the right seat. This week, we will be looking at Acts 19:23-41. "It's a Riot out there!"

And we will be celebrating the Lord's Table.

Come and Worship the Living God of the Bible. Return to the things you know to be true!

Titus: Stuff We Do

Welcome back to ICCS's Sermon Blog. I really don't know if anyone is out there reading this stuff but I like getting the Word out there anyway. Hope you enjoy--by letting the Spirit of our Lord change and use you--this next sermon.

Main verse: Titus 3:8 (NIV)

This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

How do we do the things we do?

I would guess each of us has asked the question: Why am I here? Or What is my purpose in this life? Paul addresses those common questions in this short letter to a young leader on the island of Crete.

Paul's letter challenges both Titus and those he ministers to have a wider view of what life is all about. It is far more than just the individual. It is way beyond that, especially for the Believer.

We can become a vital part of what God wants to do in this crazy fallen-apart world. It is the way to do stuff. How to be. What to do. And it is covered in this short three-chapter letter. It is repeated so many times (5) [in 1:8, 2:2, 2:5, 2:6 and 2:12. To be self-controlled!


How we behave is more important than it appears. How others see us acting out our Faith in a self-controlled way is important. And along with that self-controlled life-style, we are to be kind (2:5), as well as doing what is good (2:7, 3:8, 3:14.

“Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.”)

In fact, if we do not behave that way, Paul gives us a warning in 1:15-16

15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. 16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

2:5b

so that no one will malign (slander) the word of God.

Why? To be an example of what it is like to have God's love alive in us. To know His forgiveness and to life in light of that knowledge.

It makes a difference.

Quickly, look at the whole letter:
Chapter 1: Get organized.
Preach the Word
Ordain qualified leaders
Silence false teachers

Chapter 2-3: What we do
Older saints
Younger saints
Christian slaves
…as citizens
Problem people

All dealing with having a healthy church.
Get sleep, when needed, exercise whenever possible
Eat a well balanced diet
Take meds as prescribed
Read the Word
Pray

Biblical Christians are by definition in a predicament, a dilemma, a quandary. Christians must live in this world, but they are not to be of this world. As the Father sent Christ into this world to minister, so He sends believers to be ministers in the world (John 17:14-18). God has US affect our community.

14 I have given them Your Word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that You take them out of the world but that You protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the Truth; Your Word is Truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I have sent them into the world.

Now, to what Paul thinks about the existence of Grace in the Fellowship

Grace Redeems Us 2:11, 14a -Saves us.
11 For the Grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.
14a who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness…
a. Everyone is in the same boat. “to ALL men”
b. Grace is there for all
c. Grace is defined in 14a HE GAVE. Came from Him

Grace Reforms Us. 2:12, 14b -Changes us.
12 It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,
14b to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good.
a. Lessons to learn
b. Possible major changes ahead-doing good maybe unusual for you…
c. His Grace to bring a people who are pure & eager to do right-from that way to this way. Change direction.

Grace Rewards Us. 2:13 -Gives us hope.
13 while we wait for the blessed Hope-the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
a. Sometimes the answer is wait/yet we (have) hope
b. By Grace, He will return
c. His rewards for those who wait with a Crown of Glory AND forgiveness-for eternity

---------Note, Sunday Service starts at 10:00 AM.

Come and Worship the Living Lord!

Falling Away: What Paul would say...

THE BIG LINE:

Once the Grace of God makes you free, you could fall away but that is where Grace comes in again to restore you.

For a letter that is six chapters in the English Bible, Paul had a great deal to talk about. The letter was sent to the churches in the area of Galatia and not one certain church. It seems that the problem Paul writes about was - almost epidemic - in the entire area. And what was that problem? Falling away.

True love cares enough to confront. Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. (Proverbs 27:5-6)

Paul cares so very much about the situation in these churches that he tenderly confronts them because of their error.

To be precise, they were adding to the already full Gospel. They did not deny the Lord. They did not deny the authority of God's Word. They did not question the Work of Christ on the Cross-per-say. They just wanted to add to it. The Gospel that Paul and the Apostles preached was not enough. It needed more. More human hands! Works! Something from the Jewish past.

Problem is that the new believers are Gentiles and the established believers are Jewish believers. How do the new believers relate to the established Church that wants to include Old Testament Law for proof of conversion? These new believers were struggling with a dual identity. On one hand there is a strict heritage, which held to a very tight, and no compromising Jewish law and on the other hand a new faith based on the liberty of Love and not on the Law. Remember back to the Jerusalem Council who sent a letter to the new believers in Antioch. Don't worry about the Law; Stay away from blood, food offered to idols and stay sexually pure.

Now, they were to add to the Full Gospel of Jesus the one thing that keep some Jewish believers at bay with the main teaching of Paul: circumcision. That being, the one physical act that tied man to the Promise of the Covenant of Abraham. In one way of saying this, to get Salvation takes work to become complete. Paul calls the whole question foolish!

In fact, Paul is so surprised that they were so quickly led away from the Truth.

6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the Grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel- 7 which is really no gospel at all.

There was a deliberate attempt to bring confusion to the faithful and to pervert the True Gospel of Christ. That same effort is still around today under different words and terms.

Today, there is a book out that is entitled The Secret. This book is #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. What the author is saying in the book is that success is up to YOU and you alone! From your thoughts, if positive and not negative at all, you will find what you are looking for in life. If you want to be wealthy, you must think about it continually. If you want to loose weight, decide what weight you want to be and you will get there. How can that happen? The book says: “Thoughts are magnetic, and thoughts have a frequency (like a radio signal). As you think, those thoughts are sent out into the universe and they are magnetically attract(ed) all like things that are on the same frequency. Everything sent out returns to the source. And that source is you.”

You never thought you could be that powerful as to move the universe at your own thoughts, did you? Truth is, you don't.

Man is never satisfied with Truth. They always want to add to it or change it or try to manipulate it somehow. Paul sees that in this region of present day Turkey.

There are three main reasons why this system does not work in the real world.

#1 is that any system that focuses on SELF breaks down big time.

The appeal of this book is that it is all about ME. I become the all-powerful one who determines my future. It goes well beyond taking responsibility for my life-this is making MY life all about what I want, no matter what. Extremely self-centered.

According to what Paul writes in Galatians 2:17~20, I am not at the center of my existence but Christ IS!

17 "If, while we seek to be justified in Christ, it becomes evident that we ourselves are sinners, does that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! 18 If I rebuild what I destroyed, I prove that I am a lawbreaker. 19 For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

The world systems promise sure-fire ways to success and power. They promise happiness but selfish people are the ones who are the least happy in the world. Who cares about the other persons or that there are needs outside my little world? The promises of profits are the only thing that drives such people. The life turns inward and becomes cold. Detached. Isolated. An island. While it made a great song in the 60's, “I am a rock, I am an island” just does not really make it in the real world. We are to live in Community with each other. We are even responsible for the people who are dying in the Sudan. If the only reason to be kind is to further my goals, than I will be using people all my life to support self.

Jesus tells that the opposite is true and we know that in our heart of hearts. Deep within, we are sure to ask ourselves, “What is the reason for my being here?” Jesus takes us to another level when He challenges us to give our lives away in service to God and to others. When that rich man asked Jesus what he must DO to get eternal life, Jesus gave him the answer He gives us today:

“Go sell all your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. THEN, come follow Me.” Matthew 19:21.

Paul reminds the Galatians that the Gospel that was preached by himself and the Apostles is the Truth and that it is based on the complete Work of Christ on the Cross. Other teachings were trying to pervert the truth and were not gospel at all. Not real good news. It was based on self and not on the eternal things of God. See from

Gal 3:1-5. 1 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? 4 Have you suffered so much for nothing-if it really was for nothing? 5 Does God give you His Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?

Not by human hands did this Gospel come but by God's Free Gift of His Son. Based on Him NOT on me and what I could DO!

#2: The World around us, the universe, has no power.

According to the people around the Galatian churches, if you would only plug into the world system (that being the Jewish law of separation by means of circumcision) you will experience freedom.

Problem was, that action only gave into slavery. One would NEED to follow ALL the Law! Christ came to fulfill the Law's requirements through His Sacrifice on the Cross.

The lie comes with the false thought that the universe, once plugged into it, will show itself as a benevolent force that wants to grant you your every heart's desire.

But, the Universe is a created thing. It has no Power within it's self. Remember when Job asked his questions of the Lord, God's answer was a question:

“Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation?” Job 38:4.

The Universe does not tell God nor man what to do; God holds complete sway over the universe. It is at His Command, not the other way around! We are powerless to TELL the universe to do anything!

ILL: King sat in a chair near to shore and told the tide NOT to come in. When his royal robes got wet, he said that even a king could not pull that off!

Jesus teaches us this lesson in John 16:33

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

He could hold back the tide. He can do it all. He calmed the sea. He is in charge and He is the One who holds all things in His Hands.

#3: Bad things happen because of evil, not because of bad thoughts.

How would you explain these sorts of ideas the Korean hostages in Afghanistan? Many thousands of people suffer on a day-to-day basis because of the evil others are inflicting on them. If those who suffered from having family members brutalized before them had only used positive thoughts, they would have lived? Not so. These things happen because of evil and of evil men, not because these victims thought in a negative way.

Ps. 14:6 You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge.

Once Paul followed that way of life. He too was caught up in the legal life of a Pharisee. He had even fought against the Way of Jesus! He understood the emptiness the Law held for them. He was changed. He was set free to know and experience the Grace of God. He was no longer a slave to the Law but now Free to serve the Lord Jesus in all His Splendor. He understood their past.

In 4:8-11, we see Paul's heart once again. He reminds the Church that they USED to live that way. It was in the past. No longer do they OR US need to return to that way of living OR way of thinking. We are under Grace now. That is real freedom! Read it:

4: 8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you know God-or rather are known by God-how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? 10 You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! 11 I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.

What happened to their joy? They were zealous but for the wrong reason. Paul says:

18 It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you.

They had drifted over to another gospel that was not a gospel at all.

The lives the followers of Christ were now leading was way below the level they should have been. They were living in slavery to the Law. Their lives had turned around to follow the Lord but someone came with a different message that caught them unaware. It drove them far from the place where God wanted them to be. The Cross of Jesus set them free but this new teaching had them tied all up once again. The Gentile believers were being forced to become Jews to become Christians! The Jewish Christians made the bar very high for them! These new believers WANTED to belong. They wanted to be set free but the teaching of those Jewish Believers forced them out of the Gospel of Grace and into the bondage of the Law WHICH they, wished to be free of themselves.

5:4-5. 4 You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5 But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope.

Paul reminds them that they were really doing well for a time.

5:7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?

We are called to be free! Not tied to the bondage of works. See Paul's warning in 5:13-15?

13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. 14 The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 15 If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

Not the picture of Christian unity, is it?

Paul then shows them a better way. Live your life by the Spirit of God!

5:16-18 16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

Paul encourages them to live a life worthy of the calling they have in Christ Jesus. Those things that he writes about in 19-21 are not to be found in our lives.

19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Jesus has set us free to be all we can be IN HIM ALONE!

But rather:

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Paul ends with what really counts in life:

15b what counts is a new creation. 16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, even to the Israel of God.

And to end with his closing:

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

Next week: Dealing with Death

Forgive so that you can be forgiven

Philemon: - -Forgiveness found in a letter.

1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, 2 to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. 6 I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

8 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 9 yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. I then, as Paul-an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus- 10 I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.12 I am sending him-who is my very heart-back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do will be spontaneous and not forced. 15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good- 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back-not to mention that you owe me you're very self. 20 I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.22 And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. 24 And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. NIV

Key verse: 15 & 16

Just how do we look at people? Here is a wealthy man; give him a good seat. Here is a blue-collar worker-let him sit over there. This young lady sells her body to anyone while this person gives herself to helping children overcome a learning disability. This person can be forgiven but that person cannot be. I will withhold forgiveness to one yet give forgiveness over and over again to this one. And here, in this passage, is a slave -a runaway- maybe stole from the master-only to meet Paul later in Rome! What is his owner's response to such a person?

What went on with this man Onesimus, we will never know BUT the fact remains that he heard the Message of the Gospel while in Rome and responded to that message in Faith. He becomes a believer. Now, he is set free. But, he NEEDS to return to the one who still owns him.

More 60 million people in that society - at that time - were slaves. (Much more today…plus 126 million forced Child workers.) This system is still everywhere. Some were slaves because of owing money-work their debt off and then be set free. Others were from tribes who were beaten by Roman armies. This Onesimus had a Greek name, so most likely, he was not a war slave. Whatever reason brought him into Philemon's house in Colosse-he was a slave who did not behave like a good slave. He was worthless and ran away, maybe even taking some of his owner's belongings or money with him. His master had it within his rights as a slave owner to have this runaway killed when returned. He was a slave and that meant money. What would that do to his testimony-what would it be like if he just 'let it go'?

Caught as an undocumented person, he may have been in jail. Then he meet a friend of his former boss, who also was Paul! Paul leads him to the Lord and Onesimus becomes useful again. The passage does not say he was in jail with Paul-just that Paul led him to Jesus.

This is the deeply personal letter we spoke before. Paul wrote to churches, fellow leaders and, in this case, a personal letter to a friend. A friend Paul feels needs to grow in a special area of life. He is dealing with a most deep emotion. It is an emotion that drives people apart. It damages families and brings nations to make war on each other. This emotion can cause churches and fellowships to fall apart and loose their testimony.

The theme of this letter is --forgiveness. Paul shows us how he sets up the playing field for forgiveness to win big time! At the close of this service, we would like to give to you a most important booklet you will hold/read this summer. Please except it and study it. We may need to talk together later concerning the implications of this booklet. Let's do lunch or have a cup of Java after dinner or I will even like the idea of traveling by train with you.

Paul writes from his thankful heart in verses 4-7. “I thank my God as I remember you in my prayers …” Paul is full of thanks. Full of memories of why he was so thankful.

In this mode of complete thankfulness, Paul writes about his love for this friend of his.

4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. 6 I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

And this, Paul says, makes me glad!

Good memories made his heart grow warm. Think of it; he is in jail! Not many good things there! He has even heard of Philemon's faith and of his love for the Family of God even in prison all the way from Colosse! What kind of a person was this Philemon? Was he a church leader? An elder? Bishop? Was he the head of the church in Colosse? No, he was just a man who loved Jesus & who had lost a slave & who was a slave to Jesus!

Paul probably addressed his letter to Apphia, Archippus, and the church meeting in Philemon's house to rally the support from the other Christians - to encourage Philemon in his Christian responsibility. Paul wants to see to it that Philemon does not let go of his good testimony. If he was all that good in the faith department, he'd better not fall down in what he does!

A good study to do on your own is to look at Paul's prayers.

Here we find a short one that is huge in scope. Paul prays that Philemon might be active in sharing his faith with those around him. Two weeks ago we saw that real joy was found in the sharing of the message of God's love to those who need it; both from within the Family of God and to those outside the Faith. Sharing brings joy. God's joy will flood your heart when you testify to others of your love for the Savior. You will be filled with His JOY!

Paul's prayer is that Philemon's witness would result in a deeper understanding of all that was his in Jesus Christ. What could that be? Understanding of God's plan for him. Understanding of the Will of God. Understanding the Mystery. Understanding of how God moves in us to cause a spiritual growth. Understanding the Things of God! And it goes even deeper than that!

To understand the things of God goes along with what Peter wrote about in 2 Peter 1:3-9-a great passage.

3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. 4 Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

And this is all connected with sharing your Faith with others.

Paul sees and knows that Philemon's witness of love to all people was the cause of great joy for himself. Think of the fact that Paul was in jail. It caused great encouragement because Paul knows Philemon refreshed the lives of fellow believers. Now, he needs to do it again!

HOW is that done? Hospitality is one way. What is that? It is a gift of the Spirit-given to the Saints who are found in Christ Jesus. How can each of us refresh believers in a very practical way?

Now for The Appeal, as the intercessor.

Philemon's character verses 8-9 At first, I felt that Paul was trying to butter Philemon up to get him to do what Paul wanted him to do but now I see it another light. Paul was speaking to the man's heart-his new heart in the Lord as he would talk with you or me. He spoke of Philemon's life of that kind of man who had such a good reputation of being a person who refreshed others. So, accordingly, Philemon was now in a position to bless one of his very own--Onesimus.

In this letter, Paul does not go into the fact of him being an apostle of Jesus. Not at all necessary. Philemon knew who Paul was. He uses soft words to remind Philemon once again of his own duty before the Lord. He writes: as Paul-an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus- Paul must have been 60 at that time. How can you refuse such a request from such a sweet old guy?

THE SLAVE'S CHANGE 10-14

Paul also interjects Onesimus' conversion. He was no longer just a slave but NOW he was a Brother in Christ...not that Onesimus could act any way he wanted to, he was indeed a new creation in Jesus. A person of worth. A child of God. A royal priest before their God in Christ Jesus. He was still a slave who belonged to Philemon! Because we are in Jesus, there is no slave or free as in Gal 3:28 would say.

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

He now was still bond to the contract he was under; he was still legally bond to any laws he had broken. In God's sight, he was forgiven but he still needed to pay up to his earthly leaders. He was still morally and legally held accountable for his past actions.

--ILL if the broken window. Fact: boy broke the window. Fact: he was sorry for that action. Fact: he was forgiven for the breakage. Fact: he owed ¥5,000 for the replacement of the broken window. Forgiven yet responsible for his actions. I find nothing wrong with that. It is fair.

But now, comes God's perfect timing 6 and 22.

6 I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.

Philemon needed to keep his witness going. He needed to have feet on his faith. - - Not just in word only but in practice. God was setting the stage for one of His own children to demonstrate what it is to be forgiven by actively forgiving somehow how has really wronged him. The Bible says that we are to forgive those who have sinned against us in order for us to be forgiven by God for our sins against Him!

Matthew 6:

12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

By calling sins debts as in the King James, Jesus pictures the sinner's moral obligation to pay the consequences for any offense against God or another person. Forgiveness grants release from that obligation. It is covered in God's Grace!

How can we do anything else but accept God's plan for us? Just as Paul was really forcing Philemon to face his need to forgive, we must forgive others, too!

Forgive that person who hurt your feelings ten years ago and receive God's forgiveness for your sins. One must be there before the other can happen. If we refuse to forgive that person, God will not forgive us nor will He hear our prayers! We would be lost without Hope in this cold world. His Grace comes in and saves us from that dread. His Grace comes in and sets us free. But it is not for those who hold back forgiveness. Be free to forgive and receive His complete forgiveness!

Philemon must have been quite a guy! Paul was really counting on him to go well beyond his request for Onesimus. In verse 22

And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.

Paul even gives Philemon a job to give to his-now-worthy slave. Prepare a room for me. That is a slaves' job, not for Philemon to do. Paul gives Philemon a way to show his forgiveness by allowing Onesimus the joy of helping Paul!

Back again with the main thing of this passage: Are you willing to extend forgiveness to those who have offended you? If you are, then you can rejoice in God's Forgiveness. If not, His forgiveness is held from you. Forgive so you can be forgiven!

Any questions? Please send them in to the blog. I will try to answer each one. I do not know EVERYTHING!

Forgive so that you can be forgiven

The MAIN thing: Called to JOY

Philippians is the most personal letters written by Paul to a group. He writes of his personal contact with these people. He is always THINKING OF THEM 1:3-6. He tells them that THEY ARE IN HIS HEART 7-8. He tells them he IS ALWAYS PRAYING FOR THEM (9-11). This shows us what real fellowship and community is all about!

He speaks of the threefold work of the Gospel in people's hearts and lives:
o the work God does for us-salvation
o the work God does in us-sanctification
o the work God does through us-service

He speaks of the love that is found in those who hold onto the Lord as one that always forgives and forgets. ILL:

“Tell us of the blunders your wife has made,” asked the radio quizmaster to a contestant. “I can't remember any,” the man answered. “Oh, surely you can remember something?” “No, I really can't. I love my wife very much and I just don't remember things like that!”

1st Corinthians 13:5 says the “love keeps no record of wrongs.” niv

Paul has more than just a passing concern for these people; he really loved them! But it was not Paul's love channeled through Christ (not a human thing made to look Christian); it was Christ's love channeled through Paul. When we allow God's love to perform His good work in us, then we grow in our love for one another in a big way. And that builds community!

Paul has, indeed, a single mind; that is-he lives for the Gospel and for Jesus. His hardships that he faced-even in a Roman jail-he considered as joy because it all caused the Gospel to advance. His life strengthened THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE GOSPEL 1-11, promoted the FURTHERANCE OF THE GOSPEL 12-26, and guarded the FAITH OF THE GOSPEL 27-30. It was centered on Jesus.

For Him alone! Not a concern for the things of life-directed on Jesus.In fact, it might be good for us to stay here all summer long! This book is becoming my number one book in the Bible. All we need to know about Him is in here. Its focus is on the positive!

Three items Paul brings to the table and then gives details:
1. Here is Paul's own personal goal for life-his deepest yearning to be like Jesus at his own resurrection. Something to live toward!
2. This letter contains one of THE most detailed and powerful New Testament affirmations of Christ's Deity and Lordship. Jesus who was God for all eternity emptied Himself in obedience to His Father become a man and after suffering death and separation, was raised again to His original glory and given the Name that is above all names: He is LORD! Is He Lord of your life?
3. The need for Joy to be in the believer's life. Rejoice and joy occur many times and Paul suggests a helpful strategy for those who want to follow this advice. Do need joy in your life?

In two places in the Gospels, Jesus invites us to have JOY in our life. John 15:10-11

10 If you obey My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have obeyed My Father's commands and remain in His love. 11 I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

John 16:24 24

Until now you have not asked for anything in My Name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

Joy comes from the Holy Spirit and is a fruit of His presence in our lives.

Gal 5:22 22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

1 Thess 1:6

6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

Joy does not come to us through material possessions but rather is overflowing of salvation. Acts 8:8

8 So there was great joy in that city.

People were excited and filled with JOY=Salvation.

16:34

34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God-he and his whole family.

Salvation came to them!

Even when things go hard for us, His Joy can be realized.

James 1:2-3 2

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

1 Peter 1:6-7

6 In this Salvation you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Even deeply pagan people can find joy in what they experience around them BECAUSE it was God Himself that provided those things in life. They can find joy in the things that God has given so liberally to ALL mankind. It is His pleasure to do so as it is a means of letting the World know of His salvation.

Two words: Happy and Joy. Matt 5:6

Happy is the man who's greatest desire is to what God has required him to do. God will satisfy Him fully. (GFMM)

What makes you happy? What keeps you happy? What brings you Joy? What makes you joyful?

HAPPY? JOY ?

As we realize WHERE Paul is when he is penning this letter puts a new light on the reality of his Faith. He was in prison in a rented room that he was paying for all while being chained to two guards who could hear the whole message. The one who was called to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles was now locked up-his letters however, were free to go well beyond his confinement.

And as we read this letter, we can hear the same joy he had when he was in their city. He had been in their jail there as well! Now, he had reached the most distant countries by prayer and by letters. He was convinced by his own Lord that (vs 6)

6 being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the Day of Christ Jesus.

There were other areas he could feel confidence; by being chained to Prae-to-ri-an guard. These men had dealings with the leaders of Rome. Men of incredible rank and power. By being thus 'tied down', he was not able to finish his traveling but the Word did get around. Some found it sad for Paul while others went at it 100% in the wrong direction. Yet some had become more zealous in sharing the Good news because of the chains.

The Praetorian Guard consisted of a special force of bodyguards used by Roman Emperors.

Look at 1:4-5

4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now.

He writes of praying with joy for the church because of their partnership in sharing in the spreading of the Gospel and not because of the salvation itself. It was not a “YEAH for us! We got IT!” But that the joy that was set before the followers of Christ was that they helped get the Word of God out into the world around them. How is your joy factor? What joy do you find in sharing in this Gospel Band?

When things hit the floor and go thru it, Paul said it was great! Well, see 4:11.

11 for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances

“These chains are my friends!” because it brings me closer to Jesus than without them.

He was also 'glad' when others used his time in jail to promote their own program. He was glad because the Word was getting out there regardless of his expense. “Christ is preached” was his joy. (4:8)

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.

Paul shows us that when we engage in the sharing of the Gospel, we too would find real joy. As we find ourselves reaching out to the needs of others around us with the Good News of Jesus' Gift of Salvation, we too will find and discover that ever present overflowing Spirit-produced inner joy.

Paul was interested in community. When Paul wrote 2:2,

2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

What did he mean?

Turns to an Old Testament image to liken himself to a drink offering…as a sacrifice. 2:17

17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.

Such an offering was intended to add its own rich savor to the basic sacrifice-like what salt does to food. He had a different view of his death then most anytime! His death would not be a loss, but it would be a joyful service on his part for those who came to know Jesus thru him. He encourages his followers and fellow believers NOT to look at his death as something wrong or lacking in joy but rather to rejoice with him that he was counted worthy to give himself up for them.

His final joy in this chapter was that he was joyful that one from their city, Epaphroditus, who had came close to dying, was now well and alive. His deep illness was a cause for concern for Paul.

Here is a walk on thin line. When is it OK to be concerned for something/one and when is it too much to be concerned? By keeping our focus on Jesus; WWJD? In the storm, He slept. Friend died, He waited three days-to bring Glory to His Father-us too!

Here, the emphasis or focus is not on the Gospel itself as on those who have responded to that call to follow. Trust in Him!

Joy, according to Paul, comes from Jesus Himself: by knowing Him in His fullness. Not the regular Sunday School material here. Are you ready to go deeper with the Lord than you had before? And why not? Don't you desire the Joy of the Lord?

When we have been drawn near to the Lord Jesus, rather than become anxious, we are to present everything to the Lord-all our needs/ concerns/ fears/ demands/ pressure/--all that is on us and give it to Him. “As a living sacrifice…” And do that with all thankfulness in our hearts and minds. As we do that, God's Own Peace and Joy will be ours! His Joy will fill us.

And as we continue to be thankful, we are reminded to bring all thoughts under His Power and control. We are to fix our hearts and minds on Jesus. We are to focus all on whatever is true, and noble, putting our faith in Jesus into practice, and in that way, experience God with us-incarnationally. Him-alive in us, the Hope of Glory.

Philippians 3:14-15

13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.