Extraordinary People
Series: Life In a Great Community
June 8, 2008 Pastor Bill Bump
Last Week:
Paul instructed us as participants in the gospel to make sure we live a life worthy of the gospel.
Philippians 1:27 (NLT)
But whatever happens to me, you must live in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ, as citizens of heaven. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing side by side, fighting together for the Good News.
This Week:
Paul continues to write about how we are to live, and gives us instructions that will enable us to become extraordinary followers of Jesus.
Philippians 2:12,13 (NLT)
Dearest friends, you were always so careful to follow my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away you must be even more careful to put into action God’s saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him.
The transformation that has taken place inside us, the renewal that has taken place in our spirit, needs to be evident in how we act and live.
This is possible not because of our own abilities or goodness, but rather because God continues to work in our lives to give us the desire and power to obey.
STEPS TO BECOMING AN EXTRAORDINARY PERSON
1. A CALL TO OBEDIENCE
Philippians 2:12 (NLT)
And I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News.
The primary ingredients of our faith are trust and obedience.
Romans 16:19 (NLT)
But everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord. This makes me very happy. I want you to see clearly what is right and to stay innocent of any wrong.
Extraordinary followers of Jesus obey by cooperating with God in three ways:
A. Discovering where we need to grow
B. Being open to being changed
C. Receiving God’s power to act
2. A CALL TO ABANDONMENT
Philippians 2:17a (NLT)
But even if my life is to be poured out like a drink offering to complete the sacrifice of your faithful service (that is, if I am to die for you)…
Extraordinary followers of Jesus need to be willing to give up control of their lives and abandon themselves to the future God has for them.
3. A CALL TO REJOICE
Philippians 2:17b, 18 (NLT)
...I will rejoice, and I want to share my joy with all of you. And you should be happy about this and rejoice with me.
For extraordinary followers of Jesus, joy is always the outward manifestation of the inward experience of God’s love.
