27th June 2025

27th June 2025


Pray (ACts)


Read (Philippians 2:14-18 focus v16-18)


Message (Alan Burke)


The more I hang out with Scott the more I love a wee conspiracy theory, there are lots and some great ones that when you think of it make more sense than what the BBC tries to sell. Although as we all know the BBC is of course it is 100% truth and totally impartial and the last time I sarcastically mentioned that in a sermon I got more pushback than a lot of the things I’ve said recently. The problem is in this world is under the control of the evil one, ie Satan (1 Jn 5:19) and he is the father of those who do not trust Christ Jesus, he is the father of lies and their will is to do their fathers will (Jn 8:44) so we should all have a healthy cynicism of what we are fed by this world. But while on the other hand we should be those who cling to the truth, the only truth that there is, that can be trusted, that can be relied upon, that gives us hope in the midst of this crooked and depraved generation (Phil 2:15) and that is the word of life.   


The word of God as the only infallible truth in this world and we hold it out to world that is perishing for it is the only hope for sinners in need of salvation. For we who have been called from the darkness to the light we should walk in that light and in how we live reflect the truth (1 Pet 2:9, Jn 8:12). For us we are to hold on to the word of life, living in a way that reflects the gospel, it’s importance, we look to the imperatives like that which we have been taught of how conduct ourselves and live in response to the truth of the word of God. And the more that we do this as we grow in our knowledge and love of the Lord the more it encourages others likewise to live in this way. 


For the church in Philippi they should live in this way in order that Paul may boast on the day of Christ. Paul was not telling the church that his salvation depended on their perseverance in the faith, for we are justified by faith alone. Instead Paul was looking toward the heavenly reward that would await him. For the Lord rewards his children based on what they have done in this life, our efforts do not merit our salvation, there are those who come to saving faith on their death bed, there are others who have come to salvation and get so caught up in this world that they fail to live for Christ as they should. This is a man who is not looking for honour and glory for himself but rather he desires that his ministry would bring glory to God, there is God’s work within the life of the believer but also Paul’s responsibility that he had for he had ministered among them, he was aware of his own responsibility in that which he laboured, he saw that the work of God and our responsibility go hand in hand which is true, just as it is in sanctification it is true in all that we do in this life. 


Even if Paul were to be poured out as a drink offering, alluding to what took place in the sacrificial syste (Gen 35:14; Ex 29:40–41; Numb 28:24). Speaking if he were to be martyred, if he was poured out like a drink offering, he was confident that his life was a suitable offering that was given to them for their faith, he had experienced the sacrifice and service that came from his faith the gift that they had sent to him (4:10-20). No matter the out come they were to rejoice because of the confident hope of what lay ahead of Paul and all those who believe. 


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC
Q14 What is sin?
A. Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God.
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