The Internal Impact and the External Effect of the Gospel

Notes: The Internal Impact and the External Effect of the Gospel

November 20, 2016

Pastor Chet Lowe

Coast Hills Community Church

Philippians 4

Philippians 4:23 NKJV

[23] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

The Grace is the Gospel.

God looked at our pitiful state, we were drowning, and God sent a Savior.

Jesus saw us drowning and He rescued us from hell.

That is the Gospel.

There is nothing we can do to earn what God has done for us.

Philippians 4:1 NKJV

[1] Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

Philippians 3:10-11 NKJV

[10] that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, [11] if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

1. The Internal Impact of the Gospel in my life.

Philippians 4:2 NKJV

[2] I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.

God uses people to Impact others with the Gospel.

Your spouse is the greatest person in your life to help conform you into the image of Jesus.

Philippians 4:3 NKJV

[3] And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

Paul doesn't start verse three with who's right and whose wrong. He knows this argument can cause division.

God wants oneness with mankind, He wants peace.

Our names are in the Book of Life because we are forgiven!

We sometimes forget that we were once in the pits of despair.

Paul knows the words of Jesus: to forgive and we will be forgiven.

Choosing not to forgive only hurts you.

Philippians 4:5 NKJV

[5] Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

Paul is saying that we need to take control of our feelings like Jesus took control of His and went to the Cross for us.

Titus 2:13-15 NKJV

[13] looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, [14] who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. [15] Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

Offenses are going to come, you just need to not be the one to cause the offense.

Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV

[6] Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; [7] and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Have you ever been hurt? Do you exist in the peace of God or are you filled with anxiety?

When anxiety comes, go to God with prayer.

Philippians 4:8-9 NKJV

[8] Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things. [9] The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Who is more pure than the King Jesus?

Isaiah 26:3 NKJV

[3] You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

2. External Effect of the Gospel

Paul lived in the peace of God, while he wrote this from jail.

Philippians 4:10 NKJV

[10] But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.

Paul chooses to rejoice because his name is written in the Book of Life.

Philippians 4:11-12 NKJV

[11] Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: [12] I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Paul knows he has Jesus.

2 Corinthians 12:8-9 NKJV

[8] Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. [9] And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Paul learned what it meant to be content.

If everything has been taken from you, can you be content?

Philippians 4:13 NKJV

[13] I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:14 NKJV

[14] Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.

You can't pick and choose who you are going to love and pray for. Jesus doesn't even allow it, He tells us to love our enemy.

We need to not only care about what was given to us, but we also need to share it with others.

Philippians 4:15-20 NKJV

[15] Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. [16] For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. [17] Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. [18] Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. [19] And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. [20] Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Paul makes it ridiculous to have the internal Impact of the gospel not to have an external effect.

As we respond to the gift of God, God is glorified.

Philippians 4:21-23 NKJV

[21] Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. [22] All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar's household. [23] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.