“A CLIMATE FOR GROWTH”

Philippians 4:1-13

Introduction:

            “Move to Florida and enjoy the climate of the ‘ Sunshine State ’,” said the Bostonian to his neighbor. More crucial, have you ever heard that 5,000 people are moving to Florida each week and yet your church is not growing? In your heart there is a desire to reach people for Christ, yet somehow this vision is not translated into church growth. The need is not merely more goals but a spiritual atmosphere conducive to growth. More than buildings, money and programs is the desperate need for a spiritual climate of love in which the Gospel seed can be planted, cultivated, and harvested. In such a climate God will “give the increase.” (1 Corinthians 3:6). This kind of atmosphere prevailed in the fellowship at Philippi . No wonder Paul could write such a love letter (Philippians 1:3) “Thanking God for every remembrance of them and describing this church as ‘my joy and crown’.” (Philippians 4:1) The Philippians were not gifted, cultured or rich like the church at Corinth , yet they were rich in the things that count – rich in their discernment and rich in their readiness to respond to new opportunities of the Gospel. In fact, their warm fellowship was an example for other churches then and now. In Philippians 4:1-13 Paul states the ingredients which characterized the spiritual climate in the church at Philippi . These ingredients, I believe, will produce growth in your church today.

I.          A right spirit (4-1-7)

·         Disagreements must be settled with the church (vs. 2-3)

·         There is a constant rejoicing in the Lord (vs. 1,4)

“Keep up the good spirit” (Williams, vs. 4)

People are attracted to a living church where the people are happy and positive as

They praise God. This joy is based on commitment, not circumstance.

·         Kindness is shown to all (vs. 5)

·         Prayer instead of worry (vs. . 6,7)

Instead of being “uptight” and “hyper,” Christians are experiencing the peace of God.

II.        Correct Thinking (vs. 8)

God wants His children to love Him with “all their minds” too! A climate for spiritual growth is not mere emotion. It is one of studying (2 Timothy 2:15) God’s Word and understanding divine truth. Paul encourages us to think about that which is “excellent and praiseworthy” (Williams vs. 8), namely, the true, honorable, right, pure, lovely admirable.

III.       Good Deeds (vs. 9)

A growing church has meaningful activity. God’s people are busy helping each other and those outside the fellowship as well. Paul said, “Practice the things you learned.” Also, Paul asked them to use his example, indicating that what he preached, he also practiced! A growing church is a caring, helping fellowship, where the pastor and leadership take the initiative in seeking to model the teachings of Christ.

IV.       Generous Sharing (vs. 10-12)

With hearts of love and gratitude, they shared their means, although meager, to provide a love offering for the apostle. Expressed here is the principle of Christian giving! It is an unselfish lifestyle of Christian generosity that God can bless!

V.        A Conviction of God’s Enabling Power (vs. 13)

Spiritual victory is possible through Christ. Christians will falter and fail in their own strength. We can move forward to reach and disciple people with confidence knowing that God will give us strength for the task. What God asks us to do, He enables us to do it!

Conclusion:

            I asked a farmer why he spent so much time getting his land ready to plant. “Why don’t you just put the seed in and cover it up?” He replied, “Son you’re wasting your time and money until your soil is right.” When the spiritual climate is right a church will grow!

Dr. Charles Horton

First Baptist Church

Cocoa , Florida

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Last modified: April 07, 2008