Message Title: Attitude of Adaptability
Theme: Imposter Syndrome: Philippians Series
Season: Ordinary
Main Text: Philippians 2:1-13
Scripture Reading: Psalm 78:1-4
RCL Scripture: Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16; Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32; Psalm 25:1-9; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32
Focus: Paul continues to give instructions on living like Christ.
Function:  To act like Christ is to embrace humility, teachability, and obedience (especially when it challenges the way we think).
Other Notes: COMMUNION

SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 78:1-4 Listen, my people, to my teaching; tilt your ears toward the words of my mouth. ² I will open my mouth with a proverb. I’ll declare riddles from days long gone— ³ones that we’ve heard and learned about, ones that our ancestors told us. ⁴ We won’t hide them from their descendants; we’ll tell the next generation all about the praise due the Lord and his strength—the wondrous works God has done.

INTRODUCTION:

1. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: Who can tell me the plot of Remember the Titans? (Denzel Washington, 2000) also is anyone offended that this movie came out nearly 25 years ago?
   1. What transformed the team? During training, they learned to see each other as humans, as equals, as a team and some even as family.
   1. When they returned from training camp, they had to face reality of the societal pressures to follow the status quo of segregation or to comply with integrating as the law required. Things got uncomfortable and even painful on the field, in the classroom, and on the streets.
   1. integration

TRANSITION: last week imposters vs. imitators of Christ

1. Continuation of the instructions from last week. As we read, we will continue to search out instructions Paul gave the Philippians.
   1. Undoing imposter gospel like undoing segregation in RTT

MAIN TEXT: Philippians 2:1-13 Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort in love, any sharing in the Spirit, any sympathy, ² complete my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, being united, and agreeing with each other. ³ Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves. ⁴ Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others. ⁵ Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus: ⁶ Though he was in the form of God, he did not consider being equal with God something to exploit. ⁷ But he emptied himself by taking the form of a slave and by becoming like human beings. When he found himself in the form of a human, ⁸he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ⁹ Therefore, God highly honored him and gave him a name above all names, ¹⁰so that at the name of Jesus everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth might bow ¹¹and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.¹² Therefore, my loved ones, just as you always obey me, not just when I am present but now even more while I am away, carry out your own salvation with fear and trembling. ¹³ God is the one who enables you both to want and to actually live out his good purposes.

EXPLAINATION/INTERPRETATION:

1. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: Notes of instructions CONTINUED
   1. Reiterates unity, Humility, Community
   1. Attitude of Christ – obedient & humble, not exploiting their position of power/privilege
      1. Be obedient even when no one is watching
2. Encouragement:
   1. God helps you do these things (Prayer: Help me to want what you want.)
3. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: Reword Paul’s instructions
   1. Don’t be a jerk
   1. Stay connected to community for support and accountability
   1. Fight against pride in thinking you have faith all figured out
   1. Pray that God still surprises you through scripture and through others

APPLICATION:  To act like Christ is to embrace humility, teachability, and obedience (especially when it challenges the way we think).

Undo the imposters message

1. The imposter message is still prevalent today
   1. TWO TYPES OF “CHRISITIAN” PROTESTORS: Westboro & the “angels”
      1. Both have pride that they are 100% right to be the spokesperson of God. One is speaking of hate, judgement, and condemnation. The other is speaking of love, grace, and inclusion.
      1. Which message matches the entirety of scripture? Impostors or imitators?
2. Many of us come from backgrounds where language and mindsets are not challenged. You respect your elders and just let sleeping dogs lie. Don’t question the lessons of our elders. BUT when we aren’t allowed to critically examine the lessons we inherit, we are bound to repeat the mistakes and sins of the past: Slavery, Women’s right to vote, Segregation & Jim Crowe were all part of the church’s recent past.
   1. Desegregation started in 1954. On September 25, 1957, under federal troop escort, the Little Rock Nine made it inside for their first full day of school. Ruby Bridges is 69 years old. SIXTY NINE! She’s still alive! This is our CURRENT past. Christians used scripture to support segregation and treating people of color as second rate citizens. We’re still unlearning the evils of our past.
      1. Further Reading: The Cross & The Lynching Tree – James Cone
3. The false teachers that chased Paul around trying to change his message did not take time to reflect on the possibility that God could be surprising them in a new way. They refused to see God doing something new. Are we closed minded to God doing new things? Preconceived ideas
4. Test the lessons of the past against scripture
5. As we actively seek out embodying Christ, we need to Undo prideful/bigoted thoughts:
   1. Challenge your own assumptions and stereotypes. We all have unconscious biases, so bring awareness to yours and question why you feel the way you do about certain groups. – take time to pause and pray when you feel uncomfortable about a teaching, interpretation, or differing individual.
   1. Expose yourself to new perspectives. Hearing their stories can increase empathy. – fall in love with the world like God loves the world. Look at people like God does. Search for God’s image in them.
   1. Check your language and humor. Avoid telling jokes or using words that perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Language matters, so be thoughtful. – I know this sounds like fun-killing BUT if our goal is to imitate Christ, we will want to change the way we speak. Know better, do better.
   1. Speak up respectfully. Push back thoughtfully by asking questions, sharing facts, and appealing to their sense of fairness. – don’t let things slide. Find the time to speak out against skewed versions of Jesus.
6. In Holy Envy, Barbara Brown Taylor talked about the importance of connecting with people of others faiths and cultures. These relationships didn’t ruin her faith but strengthened her resolve on her beliefs.

CONCLUSION:  Our faith is not threatened by the existence of people different from ourselves. While we cling to Christian community for support, imitating Christ, we are called to be IN THE WORLD. Engage with the world, BE God’s love while you stand firm in your faith with humility, adaptability, and obedience to Christ.

Embody the attitude of Christ. Lean on God to help you adjust your attitude.

(stay accountable for your actions)

COMMUNION:

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:

Message Title:
Theme: Forgive, Really?!
Season: Ordinary Time
Main Text: Matthew 18:21-35
Scripture Reading: Romans 14:1-12
RCL Scripture: Exodus 14:19-31; Psalm 114 or Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21; Genesis 50:15-21; Psalm 103:(1-7), 8-13; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35
Focus: Jesus uses a parable about debt to talk about compassion and grace.
Function:  To recognize our calling to forgive and seek forgiveness.
Other Notes: END OF SERIES// HOMECOMING

HOMECOMING FUN! – January 1854 Liberty was organized as a congregation. We have been a congregation for 169 years. Abraham Kirtley deeded land for a church to be built. They used candlelight and logs for initial seating. Some of the first preachers were circuit/itinerant preachers coming on horseback.

Hymns were sung in acapella until the purchase of an organ in 1895 (a piano was purchased in 1916). There was not proper lighting or heating in the church until 1898. Over the 169 years – Liberty has gathered in multiple forms:

1. Met in homes -1854
2. Log cabin – 1858
3. A-frame church -1882
4. The church that burned -1922
5. Current building – Sept 1995 first service

AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: Someone tell the story about the cemetery after the civil war.

We will be ordering new Liberty shirts soon. The order forms have been delayed.

SCRIPTURE READING: Romans 14:1-12 Welcome the person who is weak in faith—but not in order to argue about differences of opinion. ² One person believes in eating everything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. ³ Those who eat must not look down on the ones who don’t, and the ones who don’t eat must not judge the ones who do, because God has accepted them. ⁴ Who are you to judge someone else’s servants? They stand or fall before their own Lord (and they will stand, because the Lord has the power to make them stand). ⁵ One person considers some days to be more sacred than others, while another person considers all days to be the same. Each person must have their own convictions. ⁶ Someone who thinks that a day is sacred, thinks that way for the Lord. Those who eat, eat for the Lord, because they thank God. And those who don’t eat, don’t eat for the Lord, and they thank the Lord too. ⁷ We don’t live for ourselves and we don’t die for ourselves. ⁸ If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to God. ⁹ This is why Christ died and lived: so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. ¹⁰ But why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you look down on your brother or sister? We all will stand in front of the judgment seat of God. ¹¹ Because it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will give praise to God.^{[a] 12} So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.

SERIES CONCLUSION & SERMON INTRODUCTION: This miniseries on forgiveness is already wrapping up. Just two short weeks of hearing Jesus’ words on forgiveness.

1. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: Recount a time your parents got involved in your apology to someone
   1. Kid’s lesson in forgiveness – say it like you mean it

TRANSITION: Last week we talked about accountability – It is ok to hold someone accountable and if they don’t own up to their behavior, your relationship changes. This week we continue the conversation because our buddy Peter asks an honest question about the limits of forgiveness. (Specific accounts)

MAIN TEXT: Matthew 18:21-35 ²¹ Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, how many times should I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Should I forgive as many as seven times?” ²² Jesus said, “Not just seven times, but rather as many as seventy-seven times. ²³ Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. ²⁴ When he began to settle accounts, they brought to him a servant who owed him ten thousand bags of gold.^[d] 25 Because the servant didn’t have enough to pay it back, the master ordered that he should be sold, along with his wife and children and everything he had, and that the proceeds should be used as payment. ²⁶ But the servant fell down, kneeled before him, and said, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I’ll pay you back.’ ²⁷ The master had compassion on that servant, released him, and forgave the loan. ²⁸ “When that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him one hundred coins. He grabbed him around the throat and said, ‘Pay me back what you owe me.’ ²⁹ “Then his fellow servant fell down and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I’ll pay you back.’ ³⁰ But he refused. Instead, he threw him into prison until he paid back his debt. ³¹ “When his fellow servants saw what happened, they were deeply offended. They came and told their master all that happened. ³² His master called the first servant and said, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you appealed to me. ³³ Shouldn’t you also have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ ³⁴ His master was furious and handed him over to the guard responsible for punishing prisoners, until he had paid the whole debt. ³⁵ “My heavenly Father will also do the same to you if you don’t forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

EXPLAINATION:

1. Continuation from last week:
   1. Significance of numbers in Jewish culture – https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/judaism-numbers/
      1. “7” is the number of perfection – forgive excessively more than perfect.
   1. (In other gospels Jesus says 70*7) Forgiveness should be such a habit we don’t even keep track.
2. Parable about the Kingdom of Heaven – “THE WAY GOD WORKS….”
   1. Servant A owes – GIGANTIC AMOUNT, like more than MULTIPLE lifetimes could pay back (60 million days wages – 165k years wages)
   1. King forgives Servant A’s debt
      1. However, Servant A is not changed by this reality.
   1. Servant B owes Servant A – 100 days wages
      1. Servant A refuses to forgive Servant B, assaults him and places him in prison to pay off his debt. Servant A shows no mercy.
      1. King hears about it and then demands Servant A sit in jail until his debt is paid since he had a lack of compassion on his fellow servant.
         1. (Jewish law to loan money without interest)

INTERPRETATION:

1. Connection to scripture reading:
   1. In our scripture reading, Paul speaks to the Romans about eating habits and their connection to faith. This discussion is about the question of eating food sacrificed to false gods. Some people choose to abstain from eating the meat while others know those gods are not real and food is food.
      1. We are God’s representatives to non-Christians and Christians alike. We’re called to hold our faith siblings accountable while also pouring out mercy and setting an example on how to live.
   1. It’s not helpful to compare your faith journey with your neighbor. Be a positive example that does not cause another person to stumble in their walk…But also don’t elect yourself the faith police for others faith walk.
      1. American Christians are currently a stumbling block with our words of hatred being spoken to people who are different from us (especially in politics and lifestyle).

APPLICATION:

1. Last week: Responsibility in Forgiveness lesson: Loosed on earth loosed in heaven, fastened on earth fastened in heaven – Representatives of God’s design. We learned about boundaries to place when the person refuses to admit their wrong. Accountability is key.
   1. HOWEVER, This week is a Humility in Forgiveness lesson: God’s character should change our behavior. God’s actions should transform us too.
   1. Your role in forgiveness? To have compassion on the apologetic and hope for restoration for the rest. To recognize our own history of needing forgiveness. And we show how to rebuild after the mess.

CONCLUSION: