Voice of Reason

Message Title: Voice of Reason
Theme: Imposter Syndrome: Philippians Series
Season: Ordinary
Main Text: Philippians 1:21-30;
Scripture Reading: Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45
RCL Scripture: Exodus 16:2-15; Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45; Jonah 3:10-4:11; Psalm 145:1-8; Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16
Focus: Paul encourages the Philippians to stand firm and connected in their faith.
Function: To embrace community and be the voice of encouragement to fellow believers.
Other Notes:

SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 Give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make his deeds known to all people! ² Sing to God; sing praises to the Lord; dwell on all his wondrous works! ³ Give praise to God’s holy name! Let the hearts rejoice of all those seeking the Lord! ⁴ Pursue the Lord and his strength; seek his face always! ⁵ Remember the wondrous works he has done, all his marvelous works, and the justice he declared—⁶you who are the offspring of Abraham, his servant, and the children of Jacob, his chosen ones. … ³⁷ Then God brought Israel out, filled with silver and gold; not one of its tribes stumbled. ³⁸ Egypt celebrated when they left, because the dread of Israel had come upon them. ³⁹ God spread out clouds as a covering; gave lightning to provide light at night. ⁴⁰ The people asked, and God brought quail; God filled them full with food from heaven. ⁴¹ God opened the rock and out gushed water—flowing like a river through the desert! ⁴² Because God remembered his holy promise to Abraham his servant, ⁴³God brought his people out with rejoicing, his chosen ones with songs of joy. ⁴⁴ God gave them the lands of other nations; they inherited the wealth of many peoples— ⁴⁵all so that they would keep his laws and observe his instructions. Praise the Lord!

NEW SERIES: Paul writes to the Philippians while imprisoned on how to behave as followers of Christ. Unfortunately, some people carrying the name of Christ are giving the church a bad reputation. This letter gives clear guidance on how to be imitators of Christ rather than imposters mimicking the deceiver. This series will play on the meaning of the phrase “imposter syndrome.” (Imposter syndrome on the Gospel)

INTRODUCTION:

1. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: Define Imposter syndrome –
   1. Imposter syndrome – is a behavioral health phenomenon described as self-doubt of intellect, skills, or accomplishments among high-achieving individuals.
2. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: Who here has experienced imposter syndrome?
   1. What did you do to break that struggle?

TRANSITION:  Instead of talking about self-doubt as individuals, we will talk about the self-doubt and self-arrogance within the Church.How has our message been added to or changed by human hands to make a poor imposter of the Gospel? In our text today, Paul will be the voice of reason to the people of Philippi. Let’s find our reason along with the recipients of Paul’s letter.

MAIN TEXT & EXPLAINATION: Philippians 1:21-30;

VS 21-16 ²¹ Because for me, living serves Christ and dying is even better. ²² If I continue to live in this world, I get results from my work. ²³ But I don’t know what I prefer. I’m torn between the two because I want to leave this life and be with Christ, which is far better. ²⁴ However, it’s more important for me to stay in this world for your sake. ²⁵ I’m sure of this: I will stay alive and remain with all of you to help your progress and the joy of your faith, ²⁶ and to increase your pride in Christ Jesus through my presence when I visit you again.

1. MAP – Modern day Greece – coastal city of Phillippi (assume large port city with diverse population)
2. Problems facing Philippi:
   1. Jewish Christian false teachers
   1. Roman harassment
   1. Division within their leadership
3. Paul’s situation:
   1. He’s imprisoned maybe Rome, maybe Ephesus.
   1. He dreams of being connected with Jesus in eternity (die)
   1. He soldiers on in order to aid the Gospel
   1. Intends to visit them again

VS 27-30 ²⁷ Most important, live together in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel. Do this, whether I come and see you or I’m absent and hear about you. Do this so that you stand firm, united in one spirit and mind as you struggle together to remain faithful to the gospel. ²⁸ That way, you won’t be afraid of anything your enemies do. Your faithfulness and courage are a sign of their coming destruction and your salvation, which is from God. ²⁹ God has generously granted you the privilege, not only of believing in Christ but also of suffering for Christ’s sake. ³⁰ You are having the same struggle that you saw me face and now hear that I’m still facing.

1. Paul’s Instructions: pt 1 of affirming the faith they have and encouraging them to cling to their faith.
   1. Note pad: IDENTIFY Paul’s INSTRUCTIONS:
      1. Manner worthy of the Gospel
      1. Stand firm, united
      1. Struggle – faithfulness to Gospel
2. Comfort: you’re in the thick of it like me!

APPLICATION: To embrace community and be the voice of encouragement to fellow believers. (community is key)

1. Faith isn’t lived in a vacuum
2. The Philippians have multiple problems attacking them and Paul is reminding them to stick together to endure.
   1. How good are we as a society at asking for help?
   1. Lending help?
   1. Supporting each other through the tough times?
3. God gave us the gift of community to help us in our God-given mission.
   1. We use the word “church” as a label for community but I don’t want that to become a misnomer- church isn’t the building, it’s the people. Gathered for one purpose
4. Is Liberty the voice of the false teachers – adding requirements to the gospel & making it harder to follow Jesus? OR Are we the voice of reason, the support & encouragement to believers on their faith journey?

CONCLUSION: