Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction:

You and I will never be able to live above our circumstances through the imposition of guidelines and rules from without.

The ability to live above our circumstances begins at the very core of our being.

Lord Jesus Christ taught that the things that we cite into or an outward expression of what is really on the inside of us, in our hearts.

The Christian life is not merely the observance of the do’s and don’ts of religious law, but is really the living out of what is deep within.

In our text, the apostle Paul shares some basic elements that must make up our worldview – spiritual filters that must be in place in the core of our being – through which all of the events and circumstances of life are viewed.

If these three elements are in place, our worldview will be radically altered in a way that enables us to live above our circumstances.

I- Our Heavenly Citizenship ().

A- The believer has a higher citizenship than that of any earthly nation.

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)

1- Notice the words in the beginning of verse 27, “above all.”(Μόνον=

only - as a singular focus or of most importance)

Μόνον)

a.

These words stressed the importance of the believers true citizenship.

b.

2- Paul states that we “must live as citizens.” of heaven.

(πολιτεύεσθε= from πολιτης [politēs], citizen, and that from πολις [polis], city, to be a citizen, to manage a state’s affairs, to live as a citizen.)

from πολιτης [politēs], citizen, and that from πολις [polis], city, to be a citizen, to manage a state’s affairs, to live as a citizen.)

a.

In the ancient world, a man could not conceive of an identity apart from his political citizenship in a town or tribe.

Today we call it patriotism.

Μόνον ἀξίως τοῦ εὐαγγελίου τοῦ Χριστοῦ πολιτεύεσθεa.

In the ancient world, a man could not conceive of an identity apart from his political citizenship in a town or tribe.

Today we call it patriotism.

b.

In the ancient world, a man could not conceive of an identity apart from his political citizenship in a town or tribe.

Today we call it patriotism.

c.

The will of God is a higher law which governs the life of the believer.

he is a citizen of heaven and its extension on earth the church.

The way you behave reflects upon the church.

(You present a positive or negative image?)

The way you behave reflects upon the gospel – showing it to be either true or false.

(What does your life say about the power of the gospel?)

The way that you behave reflects upon Christ.

(Do others see Jesus in you?)

Hymn- “Let Others See Jesus In You”

1.

While passing thro' this world of sin,

and others your life shall view,

Be clean and pure without, within;

Let others see Jesus in you.

2. Your life's a book before their eyes,

They're reading it thro' and thro'

Say, does it point them to the skis,

Do others see Jesus in you.

Refrain

3. Then live for Christ both day and night,

Be faithful, be brave and true,

and lead the lost to life and Christ.

Let others see Jesus in you.

Refrain:

Refrain:

Let others see Jesus in you.

Keep telling the story,

be faithful and true;

Let others see Jesus in you.

Refrain:

Let others see Jesus in you,

Let others see Jesus in you.

Let others see Jesus in you.

Keep telling the story,

be faithful and true;

Let others see Jesus in you.

Keep telling the story,

be faithful and true;

Let others see Jesus in you.

B- The believers to live by convictions that are uncompromisable.

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Let others see Jesus in you.

Keep telling the story,

be faithful and true;

Let others see Jesus in you.

B- The believers to live by convictions that are uncompromisable.

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1- True convictions cannot be compromised in any location or company.

a.

We are not to adopt the world’s philosophy, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

b.

We should live out the standards of our homeland - Heaven.

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2- True convictions cannot be compromised regardless of cost.

a.

The apostle Paul provides a prime example of this principle.

b.

Someone once said “if you do not stand for something, you will fall for anything.”

c.

The Hebrew captives in the book of Daniel also provide a good example.

() (Note vs. 16-18)

II- Our Divine Purpose ().

A- Our divine purpose is marked with unity.

1- Unity in mind and purpose.

a.

We are to be “standing together” unified- one in spirit.

(στήκετε ἐν ἑνὶ πνεύματι= standing in one spirit) Literally refers to standing as one person.

(, , )

under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

His will must replace our own.

ὅτι στήκετε ἐν ἑνὶ πνεύματι,

Must operate under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

His will must replace our own.

(The question is never to be “What do we want to do?,” but rather – “What does Christ want us to do?.”)

b.

We are to be “standing together” - united in purpose (μιᾷ ψυχῇ= one mind): to honor Christ () .

μιᾷ ψυχῇ): to honor Christ () .

B- Our divine purpose is marked with fervency.

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1- We are to be “fighting together for the faith of the Gospel.”