Mari Ikeda
❖ Video
❖ Audio
Faith Produces Joy
(Philippians 2:12-18, Matthew 5:3-12, 13-16)
A. Trusting the Lord in our distrust (12-16a)
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed―not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence―continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. 14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life.
1. Because God’s will is at work in us
2. It becomes “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-16)
Matthew 5:13-16 13 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
B. Boasting and rejoicing in our suffering (16b-18)
And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
1. The pride and joy of delivering the faith
2. Blessedness of the faith (Matthew 5:3-12)
Matthew 5:3-12
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Summary
We get to know that our faith is not by our own strength but only by God’s will, just when we cannot trust Him. He gives us the desire to trust in Him and leads us according to His good plan. We are giving hope to people around us, when we are led by God in our weakness that way. Moreover, we produce joy in ourselves by passing on this faith to others.
For Discussion
1) What should we do when we don’t understand God?
2) What is the joy of delivering the faith?