1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:08,000 Welcome to Healing Scars with Pastor Burton. Here you'll find practical, relevant, biblical information. 2 00:00:08,000 --> 00:00:19,000 The Bible will be broken down verse by verse so that you get the full context of the scripture to better grow in your relationship with Jesus. 3 00:00:21,000 --> 00:00:25,000 Hey everybody, welcome back to the Sanctuary. It is great to have you with us. 4 00:00:25,000 --> 00:00:31,000 And for those of you who are joining us for the very first time, let me just take a moment to say welcome. 5 00:00:31,000 --> 00:00:39,000 Now, you know, many of us are familiar with the old song, you know, I've got that joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. 6 00:00:39,000 --> 00:00:46,000 You know, it's that easy little ditty, you know, that's so easy to memorize because it just repeats over and over and over. 7 00:00:46,000 --> 00:00:49,000 And it's just that catchy tune, right? 8 00:00:49,000 --> 00:00:57,000 You know, this is a song that's usually, you know, these days sung by kids choirs and youth groups, you know, and that's what it still pulled out. 9 00:00:57,000 --> 00:01:00,000 You know, it's not as prevalent as it used to be. 10 00:01:00,000 --> 00:01:08,000 Now, you know, it was written back in 1925. So it's been around almost a century, right? 11 00:01:08,000 --> 00:01:11,000 We're coming up just shy of a century with this song. 12 00:01:11,000 --> 00:01:16,000 And of course, there's a few alternate versions to show for it, you know, over that time. 13 00:01:16,000 --> 00:01:19,000 People like to add things or change things and that sort of stuff. 14 00:01:19,000 --> 00:01:22,000 So we've all heard various versions of that song, right? 15 00:01:22,000 --> 00:01:25,000 And but it doesn't take away from what the topic is. 16 00:01:25,000 --> 00:01:29,000 And the topic of that song is joy. 17 00:01:29,000 --> 00:01:43,000 And joy is exactly what we're going to be looking at for the next few weeks as we go through the Book of Philippians. 18 00:01:43,000 --> 00:01:46,000 Everybody wants to be happy. 19 00:01:46,000 --> 00:01:50,000 Everybody wants to find joy. Everyone looks forward to that, right? 20 00:01:50,000 --> 00:01:52,000 It's an ongoing quest. 21 00:01:52,000 --> 00:01:59,000 And unfortunately, all too many people fail to accomplish it. 22 00:01:59,000 --> 00:02:03,000 Why? Why do so many people fail at this? Right? 23 00:02:03,000 --> 00:02:07,000 Well, it's because they look at the wrong places. 24 00:02:07,000 --> 00:02:10,000 And we've all been there. We've all looked in those wrong places, right? 25 00:02:10,000 --> 00:02:12,000 You, me, all of us. 26 00:02:12,000 --> 00:02:26,000 You know, people, they go out and they look at relationships with certain people thinking that that's going to fulfill them or drugs or alcohol, sports, video games, food, sex and on and on. 27 00:02:26,000 --> 00:02:34,000 All this stuff, you know, going out and just buying stuff, you know, cars, et cetera. 28 00:02:34,000 --> 00:02:42,000 You know, when things go wrong, though, or they fail to turn out the way that we want them to, what happens? 29 00:02:42,000 --> 00:02:49,000 We complain. We get very selfish and start the oh, whoa, is me routine. 30 00:02:49,000 --> 00:02:54,000 People look everywhere. But Jesus. 31 00:02:54,000 --> 00:02:57,000 Now, sure, you know, they might take a glimpse. 32 00:02:57,000 --> 00:03:04,000 But joy is isn't found in just a glimpse. It's not found in just simply reading a book or listening to someone preach. 33 00:03:04,000 --> 00:03:11,000 It is found in having an actual relationship with him. 34 00:03:11,000 --> 00:03:23,000 When we complain because of traffic delays or those unexpected expenses that arise, you know, we just we raise can we make a big stink, a big fuss out of it, right? 35 00:03:23,000 --> 00:03:31,000 It becomes this big deal. But when we look at the book of Philippians, we need to remember when Paul wrote this, he was in jail. 36 00:03:31,000 --> 00:03:42,000 He was jailed. And even though, you know, a matter of fact, not only was he in jail, but he didn't know if he was going to live and be freed or if he was going to die or what was going to happen. 37 00:03:42,000 --> 00:03:46,000 And even though he was imprisoned, he was still able to smile. 38 00:03:46,000 --> 00:03:53,000 He still had that joy within him because he knew that Jesus was there with him. 39 00:03:53,000 --> 00:03:57,000 Jesus is the key to joy. 40 00:03:57,000 --> 00:04:13,000 Paul knew this, which is why even though he was imprisoned at that time, he was still able to find satisfaction in where he was, what he was doing and was able to continue to encourage others to do the same. 41 00:04:13,000 --> 00:04:21,000 Just like Paul and Silas who were beaten and imprisoned together in Acts 16. 42 00:04:21,000 --> 00:04:26,000 And what happened? What did Paul and Silas do while they were in jail? 43 00:04:26,000 --> 00:04:36,000 They continued to sing hymns and introduce others to Jesus. 44 00:04:36,000 --> 00:04:42,000 Now, with that said, of course, we need to have a little bit more background, don't we? 45 00:04:42,000 --> 00:04:52,000 So the Church of Philippi was started by Paul and his companions during the missionary trip, which we can learn more about there in Acts 16. 46 00:04:52,000 --> 00:04:57,000 Right. Paul wrote this around 61 AD. 47 00:04:57,000 --> 00:05:10,000 Like I said, this is why he was in a Roman prison and he was writing it basically to say thanks and to be encouraging for a gift he'd received from the Philippians. 48 00:05:10,000 --> 00:05:20,000 And not only that, but he wanted to be able to encourage and strengthen fellow believers to find joy in Christ. 49 00:05:20,000 --> 00:05:26,000 Now, the Book of Philippians, you know, my wife likes to joke, Filipinos, right? 50 00:05:26,000 --> 00:05:38,000 The Book of Philippians is broken down into four chapters and each chapter covers different types or different places where joy comes from. 51 00:05:38,000 --> 00:05:46,000 The first one, which we're going to look at today, discusses joy and suffering. 52 00:05:46,000 --> 00:05:56,000 In Chapter two, joy comes in serving. In Chapter three, believing. And Chapter four, in giving. 53 00:05:56,000 --> 00:06:03,000 Now, I know some of you are probably out there thinking right now, joy and suffering? Really? What kind of sick? 54 00:06:03,000 --> 00:06:11,000 Yes, as believers in Christ, there is an indescribable joy that can be found in Christ. 55 00:06:11,000 --> 00:06:35,000 First Peter, Chapter one, verses eight through nine, the Bible puts it like this. 56 00:06:35,000 --> 00:06:44,000 This comes not only from having a relationship with Jesus, but relying on him to get you through the struggles that you're going to face in life. 57 00:06:44,000 --> 00:06:55,000 People look outward for joy and they never find it. However, if they were to take a moment and look inward to the Holy Spirit that's within them, they would find it. 58 00:06:55,000 --> 00:06:59,000 And in most cases, pretty quickly. 59 00:06:59,000 --> 00:07:07,000 So let's turn to Philippians, Chapter one, verses one through eleven. The Bible says, again, that's Philippians, Chapter one. 60 00:07:07,000 --> 00:07:12,000 We're starting right at the beginning. Verses one through eleven. 61 00:07:12,000 --> 00:07:24,000 The Bible says, Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all God's holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, 62 00:07:24,000 --> 00:07:33,000 together with the overseers and deacons, grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 63 00:07:33,000 --> 00:07:36,000 I thank my God every time I remember you. 64 00:07:36,000 --> 00:07:45,000 And all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 65 00:07:45,000 --> 00:08:00,000 Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to the completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 66 00:08:00,000 --> 00:08:12,000 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have had you in my heart and whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, 67 00:08:12,000 --> 00:08:23,000 all of you sharing God's grace with me. God can testify how long for all of you with the affection of Jesus Christ. 68 00:08:23,000 --> 00:08:31,000 And this is my prayer, that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 69 00:08:31,000 --> 00:08:47,000 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes to Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. 70 00:08:47,000 --> 00:08:53,000 Much like the book of Ephesians here, we start off with Paul's standard greeting of peace and love. 71 00:08:53,000 --> 00:09:02,000 Nothing really new in that respect. However, it is still important because it is a reminder to the reader of God's daily presence with them. 72 00:09:02,000 --> 00:09:07,000 Something that we should all be grateful for, especially in the uncaring world that we live in. 73 00:09:07,000 --> 00:09:15,000 This is a gift we need to ensure that we don't take for granted. 74 00:09:15,000 --> 00:09:26,000 When Jesus was crucified, our salvation was paid for at that point and God continues to work in us and to transform us throughout our life. 75 00:09:26,000 --> 00:09:37,000 Meaning that this is something that is ongoing from the time that we come to him and start our relationship with him until the day that he calls us to stand before him. 76 00:09:37,000 --> 00:09:50,000 It's that reminder for us that on those days when we feel less than good, when we feel like failures, when we're discouraged, frustrated, when we just feel worthless. 77 00:09:50,000 --> 00:09:59,000 Jesus loves you. Jesus loves all of us and he's still working on you. Your journey is not done yet. 78 00:09:59,000 --> 00:10:08,000 Paul is also sharing his love for them as fellow believers, as Christians. 79 00:10:08,000 --> 00:10:17,000 It doesn't matter that he's locked up. It wouldn't matter that if he's free. His love for them is unhindered and he's grateful for them. 80 00:10:17,000 --> 00:10:23,000 The fact of the matter is he calls out that even just thinking about them puts it on his heart so he prays for them. 81 00:10:23,000 --> 00:10:30,000 When God puts something on your heart, there's a reason for it. It's something that you need to talk to him about. 82 00:10:30,000 --> 00:10:39,000 Continuing on, Philippians chapter one. Now we're going to start breaking down a little bit more now. 83 00:10:39,000 --> 00:10:54,000 Philippians 1 verses 12 through 14, the Bible says, Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 84 00:10:54,000 --> 00:11:02,000 As a result, it has come clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 85 00:11:02,000 --> 00:11:13,000 And because of my chains, most of my brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. 86 00:11:13,000 --> 00:11:23,000 All right, so a lot to unwrap here. Right here at the beginning where it says brothers and sisters, the Greek word that's actually used here is Adelphoi, 87 00:11:23,000 --> 00:11:36,000 which refers to both brothers and sisters in Christ. And this is the same word that he uses going throughout the book of Philippians to indicate everyone in Christ is included. 88 00:11:36,000 --> 00:11:42,000 It's not just the men. It's not just including anybody. It's everybody, men and women. 89 00:11:42,000 --> 00:11:54,000 All right. Now, with that said, you know, Paul, he was in prison for sharing the gospel. You know, he was on a mission. He was fulfilling his part to answer the Great Commission. 90 00:11:54,000 --> 00:12:04,000 And as a Roman citizen, you know, when he was arrested and jailed, he had the right to appeal to Caesar. So he was exercising that right. 91 00:12:04,000 --> 00:12:15,000 You know, his preaching at that time, it was considered a minor charge. Right. It wasn't a big thing. It was fairly small. Right. 92 00:12:15,000 --> 00:12:28,000 For us, it'd be like a misdemeanor. Right. So while he was jailed in Rome, you know, well, should say when he appealed, he was taken from where he was. 93 00:12:28,000 --> 00:12:35,000 And he was marched to Rome, you know, with the with the with the Roman soldiers of guard. Right. So he was transferred to Rome. 94 00:12:35,000 --> 00:12:48,000 And that's where he was imprisoned. And while he was in prison there, the fact was he still had certain rights and he was, you know, he was allowed to exercise them while he was awaiting his appeal. 95 00:12:48,000 --> 00:12:53,000 You know, like I said, he was a Roman citizen. Now, here's something to think of. 96 00:12:53,000 --> 00:13:01,000 Missions back then, you know, spreading the gospel, it was not like today. 97 00:13:01,000 --> 00:13:12,000 Let's look at today. All right. Today, missionaries, they go out usually, you know, with technology or they have technology available to them that helps them to keep in touch with people at home and updates and all that kind of stuff. 98 00:13:12,000 --> 00:13:28,000 Right. And periodically, they'll come back to their home areas and they'll visit the various churches that have been supporting them and share updates with them so that they know what's going on and what work still needs to be done and all that kind of stuff. 99 00:13:28,000 --> 00:13:38,000 Right. You know, a lot of churches these days, you know, they have that little that missionary day or that guest visit or whatever they want to label it as. 100 00:13:38,000 --> 00:13:47,000 But, you know, when the missionaries come in and talk about what's going on, you know, they usually have pictures and videos and all that kind of stuff. 101 00:13:47,000 --> 00:13:52,000 However, back then, back, you know, back in Paul's day, it was a different story. 102 00:13:52,000 --> 00:13:56,000 Right. And the gospel was still fairly new. 103 00:13:56,000 --> 00:14:07,000 It's still going out to the world. And when people left to go on these missions to go out to different areas, normally what was happening was they were usually giving their their final goodbyes to friends and family. 104 00:14:07,000 --> 00:14:15,000 Before they left off foreign lands, because the next time that they would see them would be, you know, when they're when we're all reunited in heaven. 105 00:14:15,000 --> 00:14:20,000 You know, Paul knew this. Paul knew this, you know, going on, you know, going on a mission. 106 00:14:20,000 --> 00:14:23,000 It was it was a life changing event. 107 00:14:23,000 --> 00:14:30,000 You were leaving anything and everything behind to go out and serve the Lord. 108 00:14:30,000 --> 00:14:37,000 So, again, Paul knew this, plus he was aware of the peril that he was facing himself. 109 00:14:37,000 --> 00:14:40,000 You know, he was already in a life or death situation. 110 00:14:40,000 --> 00:14:56,000 However, in addition to that, he was calling out that the mission of sharing the gospel was so important that he himself was willing to pay the price, regardless of however high it may be, you know, up to and including his life. 111 00:14:56,000 --> 00:15:06,000 So with that in mind, it's important that we pray for the various missions that are out there around the world and the outreaches that are going on. 112 00:15:06,000 --> 00:15:23,000 You know, because these are these missions and these outreaches, you know, these are our Christian brothers and sisters that are going out into the world to reach those who they might be new to the gospel or, you know, they they might just be neglected people. 113 00:15:23,000 --> 00:15:28,000 You know, think of it, you know, orphans, prisoners, homeless people, you know, those are just a few examples. 114 00:15:28,000 --> 00:15:30,000 There's a ton of them out there. 115 00:15:30,000 --> 00:15:35,000 All right. So it's definitely something that we need to keep in mind in our prayers. 116 00:15:35,000 --> 00:15:47,000 You know, there are a lot of people out there serving in the world, many of them going into areas or going to talk to people that very well may want to kill them. 117 00:15:47,000 --> 00:15:53,000 You know, it wasn't that long ago there was a pastor out in Arizona. I want to say it was the Phoenix area. 118 00:15:53,000 --> 00:16:04,000 But anyway, he was out. He was he was street preaching. He was on the street and he was preaching and he got shot just for that. 119 00:16:04,000 --> 00:16:11,000 So don't think, you know, hey, you have to be halfway around the world or anything. It could be right there in your hometown. 120 00:16:11,000 --> 00:16:19,000 You know, where these things happen, things happen all the time, you know, even out here where I'm at, you know, churches get vandalized and all sorts of stuff happens. 121 00:16:19,000 --> 00:16:25,000 So definitely, you know, keep these things in mind when you're when you're praying. 122 00:16:25,000 --> 00:16:30,000 There is a lot a lot out there that needs to be prayed about. So anyway, it's a new one off the rabbit trail. 123 00:16:30,000 --> 00:16:47,000 Philippians one again, now we're going to look at verses 15 through 18. So Philippians one 15 through 18, the Bible says, It is true that some preach of Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 124 00:16:47,000 --> 00:17:04,000 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I'm in chains. 125 00:17:04,000 --> 00:17:19,000 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this, I rejoice. 126 00:17:19,000 --> 00:17:28,000 We'll actually stop here for a moment because the rest of this this verse actually runs into verse 19, which we'll be taking a look at momentarily. 127 00:17:28,000 --> 00:17:36,000 Now, you know, just seeing this, this is amazing. This is absolutely amazing to me because here we have Paul, he's in jail. 128 00:17:36,000 --> 00:17:44,000 And he even knows that there's people out there that are already, you know, tarnishing the image of the church, right? 129 00:17:44,000 --> 00:17:51,000 They're out there preaching for all the wrong reasons. And this is something that we still see today, right? 130 00:17:51,000 --> 00:17:59,000 You know, those people are out there trying to make a name for themselves or, you know, all that, you know, or, you know, looking for power or money or whatever. 131 00:17:59,000 --> 00:18:05,000 But, you know, right here, Paul, he's not excusing them. You know, he's not condoning what they do. 132 00:18:05,000 --> 00:18:12,000 And neither does God. God doesn't give an excuse. You know, they'll have to answer for their sins, just like the rest of us. 133 00:18:12,000 --> 00:18:21,000 However, God can still use them and the message that they're preaching to reach others. 134 00:18:21,000 --> 00:18:37,000 Believe it or not, absolutely. Romans 8 verse 28, the Bible says, And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to his purpose. 135 00:18:37,000 --> 00:18:44,000 So we know he can use everything to his glory. We know we talked about that a lot, especially last year. 136 00:18:44,000 --> 00:18:53,000 The important thing here, which is where Paul's found joy, is the fact that the gospel is still being preached. 137 00:18:53,000 --> 00:19:06,000 So regardless of the intent that is behind it, the fact that the word is getting out there and people are coming to know Christ, that is a glorious thing. 138 00:19:06,000 --> 00:19:11,000 Because, of course, you know, once they come to know Christ, they start asking questions, they start looking into it, they start growing in their relationship. 139 00:19:11,000 --> 00:19:16,000 They start seeing the deceivers and the good, the bad and all that stuff out there. Right. 140 00:19:16,000 --> 00:19:22,000 You know, so with that said, let's go back to Paul. 141 00:19:22,000 --> 00:19:35,000 Paul, he could, you know, he's in a situation where he could easily be depressed, sad, angry, complaining, all the above, you know, about where he's at, where his station of life is currently taking him. 142 00:19:35,000 --> 00:19:45,000 Now, let's face it, jail is not a pleasant place. If any of us were in jail, joy is the last thing that we think that we'd be looking for. 143 00:19:45,000 --> 00:19:51,000 You know, instead, we'd be upset about our situation and all that stuff that goes with it. 144 00:19:51,000 --> 00:20:02,000 Paul flipped the script, though. See, he saw his imprisonment as a gift from God. Right. It was God sent. 145 00:20:02,000 --> 00:20:08,000 And, you know, and not only that, it was a gift to help spread the gospel. 146 00:20:08,000 --> 00:20:15,000 You see, he had more time to write. He had more time to preach because he was no longer traveling. 147 00:20:15,000 --> 00:20:22,000 Not only that, he was in Rome, the heart of the Roman Empire. Right. 148 00:20:22,000 --> 00:20:30,000 So this is a big place to be. Not only that, the fact that he was a Roman citizen who was jailed. 149 00:20:30,000 --> 00:20:38,000 That was sure to bring attention in and of itself. The different guards working their shifts. 150 00:20:38,000 --> 00:20:45,000 You know, that even brought more people in for him to evangelize to and to talk to. Right. 151 00:20:45,000 --> 00:20:54,000 So there was a whole lot going on there that was, you know, regardless of how we would be looking at it ourselves, was actually really good. 152 00:20:54,000 --> 00:21:07,000 There was no selfishness involved here. It was just like, OK, cool. I'm here. I've got someone else to talk to. I'm still allowed to preach. Let's do this. Right. 153 00:21:07,000 --> 00:21:16,000 The fact is, sometimes in life we find ourselves in places that just plain suck. Right. They're miserable. 154 00:21:16,000 --> 00:21:24,000 Sometimes it feels like we're never going to escape. In fact, sometimes it feels like we're in a prison even if we're not in a prison. 155 00:21:24,000 --> 00:21:33,000 But don't for a second think that God can't use you where you're at. The fact of the matter is it's actually the opposite. 156 00:21:33,000 --> 00:21:41,000 Not only can he use you there, he has placed you there so he can. 157 00:21:41,000 --> 00:21:49,000 You just have to open yourself up to what he is asking of you. Again, this is where prayer comes in. Right. 158 00:21:49,000 --> 00:21:57,000 Instead of asking why you, you should find joy in the fact of why not you. 159 00:21:57,000 --> 00:22:03,000 Don't think for a moment you can't do what's being asked of you because you can. 160 00:22:03,000 --> 00:22:15,000 So many great people in the Bible have had that same mentality. You know, why me? Instead of why not? 161 00:22:15,000 --> 00:22:28,000 Moses, Jonah, Gideon, and others, they were all in these positions, yet they still rose to the occasion because God would not let them fail. 162 00:22:28,000 --> 00:22:37,000 They, like you, were placed exactly where they needed to be. God's not done with you yet. 163 00:22:37,000 --> 00:22:47,000 You know how I know this? Very easy. Take your hand, place it over your heart. Just do it. Put your hand over your heart. Take a few seconds. 164 00:22:47,000 --> 00:22:59,000 You feel that thump thump thump thump? You feel that? You feel that heartbeat? That heartbeat means you are alive, which means God is not done with you down here. 165 00:22:59,000 --> 00:23:05,000 It's that simple. You still matter. You still have a mission. 166 00:23:05,000 --> 00:23:12,000 So let's get back onto our reading here. Finishing off verse 18 and then moving forward. 167 00:23:12,000 --> 00:23:20,000 So Philippians 1, we're going to look at verses 18 through 26. The Bible says, 168 00:23:42,000 --> 00:23:55,000 I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now, as always, Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 169 00:23:55,000 --> 00:24:08,000 For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. 170 00:24:08,000 --> 00:24:20,000 Yet what shall I choose? I do not know. I'm torn between the two. I desire to be, excuse me, I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far. 171 00:24:20,000 --> 00:24:27,000 But it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced to this, I know that I will remain. 172 00:24:27,000 --> 00:24:40,000 And I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again, 173 00:24:40,000 --> 00:24:55,000 your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. Joy. Joy and continued prayer. 174 00:24:55,000 --> 00:25:01,000 Prayer is important and he knows it. In 2 Corinthians 1, verse 11, the Bible tells us, 175 00:25:01,000 --> 00:25:11,000 As you help us by your prayers, then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in prayer to the prayers of many. 176 00:25:11,000 --> 00:25:19,000 So don't think for a moment that taking a moment to speak to God, especially on someone else's behalf, is useless. 177 00:25:19,000 --> 00:25:28,000 God hears all and he responds. The enemy is going to attack anyone who follows Jesus. 178 00:25:28,000 --> 00:25:36,000 However, prayer, especially when we use it as we should, because we should be talking to God daily, 179 00:25:36,000 --> 00:25:42,000 prayer is the greatest tool we have to defeat the enemy in those attacks. 180 00:25:42,000 --> 00:25:51,000 You know, here Paul, he didn't know if he was going to be freed or if he was going to be executed. As far as he knew, it could have gone either way. 181 00:25:51,000 --> 00:25:59,000 Either way. However, regardless of which way it went, it was still going to be a blessing. 182 00:25:59,000 --> 00:26:05,000 If he was freed, he'd be able to continue to spread the God... excuse me, little tongue tied there. 183 00:26:05,000 --> 00:26:11,000 If he was freed, he'd be able to continue to go out and to spread the good news, right? To share the gospel. 184 00:26:11,000 --> 00:26:18,000 If he was executed, on the other hand, as he says, gain, he'd be with Jesus, right? 185 00:26:18,000 --> 00:26:26,000 So for him, looking at it with this perspective, which we should, it was a win-win scenario. 186 00:26:26,000 --> 00:26:32,000 He showed his true colors. He showed what was the most important thing to him. 187 00:26:32,000 --> 00:26:38,000 And this is an example for all of us to follow, because he stood up. He stood for Jesus. 188 00:26:38,000 --> 00:26:46,000 He was loud and he was proud. He was like, hey, either way, you know, hey, it's all about Jesus. Point the way to Jesus. 189 00:26:46,000 --> 00:26:52,000 Now on a side note, a little bit of a spoiler here, right? He was freed a couple years later. 190 00:26:52,000 --> 00:27:02,000 Now, Paul, he had a purpose in serving the church and serving others, and he knew that. 191 00:27:02,000 --> 00:27:06,000 He knew that there was purpose here. 192 00:27:06,000 --> 00:27:13,000 And that's a question a lot of us have. You know, what's my purpose? See, we need to remember we don't just live for ourselves. 193 00:27:13,000 --> 00:27:19,000 Even in the garden, God said it wasn't, excuse me. 194 00:27:19,000 --> 00:27:23,000 I hit my mute button there, trying not to blot your ears with my cough there. 195 00:27:23,000 --> 00:27:31,000 Going all the way back to the garden, God said it wasn't good for man to be alone, right? 196 00:27:31,000 --> 00:27:40,000 We're social creatures, which is why when we're helping others, when we're serving others, when we're working with others, 197 00:27:40,000 --> 00:27:43,000 the tendency is that we stop focusing on ourselves as much, right? 198 00:27:43,000 --> 00:27:51,000 We start focusing on other people and what we're doing, and that takes the precedence, as it should. 199 00:27:51,000 --> 00:27:59,000 So if you're wondering where your purpose is, right there, that's a good place to pray and talk to talk to the Lord about right there. 200 00:27:59,000 --> 00:28:02,000 Because our purpose is in others. 201 00:28:02,000 --> 00:28:05,000 Let's look at the last few verses now. 202 00:28:05,000 --> 00:28:10,000 Philippians 1 verses 27 through 30. 203 00:28:10,000 --> 00:28:18,000 The Bible says, whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. 204 00:28:18,000 --> 00:28:24,000 Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, 205 00:28:24,000 --> 00:28:31,000 I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 206 00:28:31,000 --> 00:28:36,000 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. 207 00:28:36,000 --> 00:28:45,000 This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved, and that by God. 208 00:28:45,000 --> 00:28:52,000 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him. 209 00:28:52,000 --> 00:29:00,000 Since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. 210 00:29:00,000 --> 00:29:06,000 Looking at these verses, they serve a purpose of encouragement. 211 00:29:06,000 --> 00:29:10,000 It's like, hey, guess what? Jesus saves. 212 00:29:10,000 --> 00:29:15,000 Those who don't believe, they're going to be destroyed. 213 00:29:15,000 --> 00:29:23,000 So it is, it's encouraging, because we're going to have those tough times. 214 00:29:23,000 --> 00:29:30,000 Life is going to be hard, just like Paul was here and so many others, just like Jesus. 215 00:29:30,000 --> 00:29:38,000 As a matter of fact, Jesus even warned us that life was going to be tough. 216 00:29:38,000 --> 00:29:47,000 However, it gets a little easier when one, we remember that Jesus is with us and working that relationship with Him. 217 00:29:47,000 --> 00:29:55,000 And two, the weight of our mission actually gets a little bit lighter when we come together and work together as a church. 218 00:29:55,000 --> 00:30:00,000 When we come together as a church and do our part to help one another, encourage one another, 219 00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:06,000 and further the work of the church, it becomes a little bit easier. 220 00:30:06,000 --> 00:30:12,000 See, in suffering for Him, there's a privilege there. We find a privilege there. 221 00:30:12,000 --> 00:30:17,000 I know this doesn't sound exciting, right? 222 00:30:17,000 --> 00:30:23,000 After all, what's exciting about suffering? Nobody wants to suffer. 223 00:30:23,000 --> 00:30:31,000 However, it's in these moments that we find our faith is at its strongest, 224 00:30:31,000 --> 00:30:36,000 because we're looking to Jesus for help. We're looking to Jesus for comfort. 225 00:30:36,000 --> 00:30:45,000 It's in these moments that we're not focusing on the earthly realm and all of its temporary creature comforts. 226 00:30:45,000 --> 00:30:50,000 It's these moments that strengthens our relationship with Him. 227 00:30:50,000 --> 00:30:58,000 And it's in these moments that through Christ, we're able to set an example for others to see as well. 228 00:30:58,000 --> 00:31:07,000 And after all, keep in mind, friends, family, all the people that you come across in the world in your day-to-day life, they're always watching. 229 00:31:07,000 --> 00:31:13,000 So we shouldn't, with that said, we shouldn't go out looking to suffer. Absolutely not. 230 00:31:13,000 --> 00:31:20,000 However, when it comes, and we should be aware that it will come, right? It'll come and go. 231 00:31:20,000 --> 00:31:26,000 When it does come, we should see it for the blessings that it possesses. 232 00:31:26,000 --> 00:31:32,000 If we were comfortable all the time, we would become complacent. 233 00:31:32,000 --> 00:31:40,000 We'd be happy looking at all those things of the world and trying to find our happiness there. 234 00:31:40,000 --> 00:31:47,000 Complacency, however, is a foothold for the enemy in our lives. 235 00:31:47,000 --> 00:31:55,000 Complacency kills. Complacency leads us to sin. Sin kills. Complacency kills. 236 00:31:55,000 --> 00:32:02,000 Meanwhile, suffering, on the other hand, suffering is temporary. 237 00:32:02,000 --> 00:32:12,000 And it serves the purpose of keeping us alert and helping to hyper-focus us on Jesus, right? To help us look to Jesus. 238 00:32:12,000 --> 00:32:19,000 That's our time for this week, guys. Remember, you are loved and you are a blessing. 239 00:32:19,000 --> 00:32:22,000 Now go and be the church. 240 00:32:22,000 --> 00:32:27,000 Thank you all for joining us here today at Healing Scars with Pastor Burton. 241 00:32:27,000 --> 00:32:34,000 Please like, subscribe, and share our podcast on any platform it is that you tune into us on. 242 00:32:34,000 --> 00:32:42,000 If you do have any questions, any prayer requests, or would like to know more about our ministry, 243 00:32:42,000 --> 00:32:52,000 you can find us on our website at BeTheLightSanctuary.org or on Facebook at BeTheLightSanctuary. 244 00:32:52,000 --> 00:32:57,000 You can also find how to contact us there, whether it's direct message or email. 245 00:32:57,000 --> 00:33:12,000 We look forward to hearing from you all. God bless.