Scripture Reading: Philippians 1:19-24

What a Christian has to Show for His Life

Intro.

1. Most everyone at some point reflects upon his mortality, Psa. 90:10 (Eccl. 12:1-8).

2. “What have I accomplished?” What do I have to show for my life?” “What will I leave to others?” Lk. 12:15-21; Matt. 6:19-21; 16:26

3. Christians can/should have a different outlook on life, Phil. 1:19-24.

4. What a Christian has to show for his life:

I. FAITH, Heb. 11:1, 6; 2 Cor. 5:7.

A. Faith that Holds Jesus as Lord, Jno. 8:24.

1. Sovereign Ruler of the world – Therefore, of my life, Matt. 28:18; Col. 3:17.

2. When we live in harmony with His will we have a meaningful, accomplished, fulfilled life!

B. Faith in God’s Word and Power, Heb. 13:5-6.

1. Content with life’s lot, placing faith in God’s presence and promise!

2. Contentment is not complacency; it is attitude of sufficiency free of covetousness. Phil. 4:11-13

C. Faith that Produces Conversion.

1. Some faith does not, Jno. 12:42-43.

2. Faith that justifies, Rom. 5:1.

3. Faith that continually converts/trans­forms the soul and life is it learns and grows, Rom. 12:1-2; Eph. 4:17-24.

D. Wherever You Go, Leave Faith in the World, Lk. 18:8; 2 Tim. 1:5.

-The legacy of faith is not one day, but a lifetime (2 Tim. 4:7).

II. FORGIVENESS, Eph. 1:7.

A. From God for Our Past Sins, Acts 3:19; 1 Jno. 2:12.

1. Sins of our youth, Psa. 25:7 (6-11).

2. Sins of our ignorance and injury, 1 Tim. 1:12-15.

3. Become a Christian through preaching Jesus, Acts 13:38; 26:18.

B. From God for Our Present Sins, Acts 8:22; 1 Jno. 1:8-2:2.

C. Forgive Others when they Sin Against Us, Matt. 5:7 (6:12).

1. Christians ought to be the most merciful people on earth.

2. Tragically, can be the most vindictive and accusing toward others.

3. Carry forgiveness with you wherever you go and your load will be lighter, Rom. 12:17-21.

D. Leave Forgiveness in this World, Lk. 6:36-38 (Acts 7:60).

1. By accepting God’s forgiveness in Christ you are forgiven and you are showing others how they can be forgiven.

2. As you forgive you teach others to forgive.

III. FUTURE, Jas. 1:15.

-Millions if not billions live with no expectations for the future; meaningless, futile lives without hope.

A. The Christian’s Future Holds the Prospect of Spiritual Growth and Maturity, Phil. 3:11-14.

1. We must set the daily goal of spiritual growth to achieve it.

2. Forget the past (do not be deterred by its failures) and stretch forward to future successes and rewards.

B. Christians Trust in Our Living Hope, Heb. 6:18-19.

1. Faith, forgiveness and future, 1 Pet. 1:3-4.

2. We do not faint like those of the world; our future is bright, 2 Cor. 4:16-18.

a. Heavenly home with Jesus, Jno. 14:1-3.

b. Crown of righteousness, 2 Tim. 4:7-8.

C. Christians Leave this Future to:

1. Our children, Psa. 78:4-7 (2 Tim. 1:5).

2. Our brethren, Josh. 23:14; 24:15.

3. The lost, Mk. 16:15-16.

Conclusion

1. The Christian has faith, forgiveness and a future unmatched by anything the world has to offer.

2. The Christian need not fret over his mortality. Indeed, the Christian longs for the day when mortality ends and immortality begins! Phil. 1:21-24