Introduction: The Study of God’s Word as Spiritual Discipline

Before diving into today’s passage on the study of God’s Word as it relates to our spiritual discipline, let’s take a moment to clarify two fundamental terms: discipline and Christianity.

1. Discipline
   The word “discipline” finds its origin in the Latin term “discipulus,” from which we derive the word “disciple.” A disciple is “one who follows another for the purpose of learning.” The Latin word “disciplina” means “instruct, educate, and train.” This foundational concept reminds us that as Christians, we are all His disciples. We gather to worship Him as God, to read Scripture, and to grow in our understanding of who God and Jesus are so that we might reflect Him in our lives. This notion of discipline is deeply intertwined with becoming “Christ-like” in both attitude and action.

   When we speak of Christian Disciplines, we refer to the instructions and training that shape us as disciples of Christ. Christian discipline isn’t merely about personal improvement; it’s a pathway to becoming like Christ, embodying His teachings, and living a life that honors God’s principles and character.

2. Christianity
   Christianity is often categorized as one of the world’s religions, but it can also be understood as a worldview—a framework through which we interpret and respond to life. Charles Colson described it as the “lens” through which we see and evaluate events. This worldview is more than a philosophical stance; it’s a perspective shaped by Biblical values, allowing Christians to discern right from wrong, just from unjust, and moral from immoral based on Scripture.

   For example, early Christian values helped to fuel the abolition of slavery. Christians, not other religions or societal movements, were at the forefront of ending slavery, even when “cultural Christians” supported it. Our worldview, therefore, influences not only personal choices but also has the power to effect social change.

Introduction

The letter to the Philippians, written by Paul, radiates joy despite his imprisonment, underscoring the theme of working out salvation with fear and trembling. This theme emphasizes the believer’s active participation in their spiritual journey, balanced with a deep reverence for God's sovereignty and grace (Philippians 2:12-13).

Introduction

The topic of “money” can be a sensitive subject to talk about in the church, but the truth is it shouldn’t be. However, it does leave a bad taste in our mouth when we see so called televangelist boasting about how rich they became from the offerings that came in. Should we be surprised when non-believers accuse Christianity and the clergy of profiteering?

Introduction

Aliston McGraph, in his book Evangelicalism and the Future of Christianity, identifies the beliefs of evangelicals.  Evangelicals is not a denomination, but rather it identifies Christians who hold core beliefs or convictions:

The supreme authority of Scripture as a source of knowledge of God and a guide to Christian living.

The majesty of Jesus Christ, both as incarnate God and Lord and as the Saviour of sinful humanity.

The Lordship of the Holy Spirit.

The need for personal conversion.

The priority of evangelism for both individual Christians and the church as a whole.

The importance of the Christian community for spiritual nourishment, fellowship, and growth.

It is important to remember that these core beliefs are foundational for us as individuals and as a church. 

Introduction

The accounts recorded in Act 16 gives us some of the background of how the Philippians church was founded. Paul’s encounter with Lydia the purple cloth vendor (Acts. 16:12-15). It was here that Paul and Silas were imprisoned for setting a slave girl free from demonic possession, taking away her ability to tell fortunes and her owners from making a profit off her plight. Paul and Silas did not grumble or complain but offered up praises and the Lord responded to them with a mighty earthquake that shook the foundations of the prison, and all the doors flew open and all chain came loose miraculously( Acts 16:26). The life of their jailer was spared, and the jailer and his household experienced the joy of salvation (Acts 16:32-34). We witness Paul’s boldness to proclaim the gospel at every turn and corner regardless of his circumstances. We know full well that this boldness has been a difficult and dangerous journey that has placed him in mortal danger many times (2 Cor. 11:23-29). He has never allowed his circumstances be an excuse to stop proclaiming the gospel, be it prison, illness, or threat of death. Even though Paul has experienced all this, more than most people, he says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4) How many of us in, Paul’s shoes, would be able to say the same?

Introduction (Today’s passage is an apt precursor to Philippians chapter 4)

Imagine 2000 years ago, hearing about this man from Galilee, unlike the Jewish leaders, is uneducated, the son of a carpenter. Yet, he speaks a message filled with truth, power, inspiration, and hope for all from the greatest to the smallest. He calls out in an authoritative, firm, and yet gentle tone that those poor in spirit today will be blessed, those who are meek will inherit the earth, and those who are pure in heart will see God. His words are not only filled with hope but accompanied by caring, compassionate, and responsive miracles for the poor, sick, and dead are raised back to life. He is gentle to the weak, the outcast, the sinner, but he holds contempt to the so-called spiritual leaders of the day, the self-righteous, the self-glorifying, who have barred the way to salvation. He has no fear of these people and he does not fear overturning their practices and understanding. In fact, it may be them who are in fear of him. Who is this man called Jesus?

You have his message and seen all that he has done. You are convinced that this man Jesus is the Messiah who was foretold to come and you choose to follow him. You begin to trust him and give him honour and worship as the Son of God because this is what you have come to believe. Your faith in God, your compassion towards others, increases and surges, you sense a transformation in your life and you know are now someone new. Then you hear him say that he is going away to prepare a place for you, but in the meantime, he has given us a gift, the Holy Spirit, to be with us until the day he comes back.

Jesus says: Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. (John 14:12-13)

And we find ourselves asking these questions: What does this mean? I can ask for anything in His name and He will do it? How can this happen?