The nothing of activity in Christian service

2. The nothing of activity in Christian service

3. “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Phil 2:3). • Selfish ambition can do much harm for the work of Christ. • Paul knew firsthand the adverse effects of this type of selfish ambition, for he faced it at Rome (Phil 1:15). • Selfish ambition is a work of the flesh which will cause one to be lost (Gal 5:19-21). • If we have self-seeking in our hearts, we boast and lie against the truth (Js 3:14).

4. The answer to selfishness is humility. • “Whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 18:4). • “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Matt 23:12). • “Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion” (Rom 12:16).

5. The nothing of anxiety in daily life

6. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Phil 4:6). • The Philippians had every reason to be anxious. • They were being persecuted (1:28-29). • They had disunity and quarreling in the church (1:27; 4:2). • They had false teachers to contend with (3:2-3). • Some believers were struggling for the necessities of life: food, clothing, and shelter (4:19).

7. We have been called upon to rid ourselves of anxiety. • Matt 6:31-33. • In warning His disciples about the destruction of Jerusalem, Jesus said that they needed to take heed that their hearts not be weighed down with the “cares of this life” so that they could escape that destruction (Lk 21:34). • “[Cast] all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Pet 5:7).

8. The answer for anxiety is prayer. • “In everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Phil 4:6). • We need to pray. • “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it” (Jn 14:14). • “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you” (Jn 15:7).

9. The nothing of almighty power

10. “With God nothing will be impossible” (Lk 1:37). • God has all power. • “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matt 19:26). • “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You” (Mk 14:36).

11. How can God use His great power to help me? • He can use this power to forgive sins (Matt 9:6). • He can use this power to fulfill promises (Rom 4:21). • He can use this power to make grace abound (2 Cor 9:8). • He can use this power to do much more than we think (Eph 3:20). • He can use this power to guard the soul’s treasure (2 Tim 1:12). • He can use His power to save to the uttermost (Heb 7:25). • He can use His power to keep us from falling(Jude 24).

12. The nothing of artful christianity

13. “You say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked” (Rev 3:17). • This church was artful--i.e., they were self-deceived.

14. So many have this artful Christianity--they are deceived. • “Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful man?” (Prov 20:6). • “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts” (Prov 21:2). • “There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, Yet is not washed from its filthiness” (Prov 30:12).

15. What is holding you back? Let us hold nothing back from full commitment to Jesus!