All For His Glory

Message Basics:

• Main Idea: The good life is found by pursuing God’s Kingdom over personal ambition and comfort.
• Bible Passages: Philippians 1:15-30; Mark 8:35

What’s Stressing Us Out?

Research has identified the the top sources of stress and anxiety we face:

• Responsibilities at school and work
• Money, bills, saving for retirement
• Health concerns
• Relationships
• Current events

Our Default Response to Stress:

• Turn inward to protect our peace
• Attempt to control the variables
• Maximize comfort, minimize stress
• Accumulate enough to feel secure

The Paradox of Life and Death

Scripture: Mark 8:35, “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.”

Today’s Message: “The Good Life”

• The good life isn’t found in focusing on our desires and maintaining control; it’s found by pursuing God’s Kingdom over personal ambition and comfort.

Three Obstacles to Our Mission

The early church faced three primary obstacles as they pursued the Great Commission:

1. External threats (persecution, opposition)
2. Internal struggles (conflict, infighting)
3. Spiritual attacks (temptation, false teaching)

• Paul’s concern is overcoming these obstacles for the sake of the Gospel, not protecting his life or achieving worldly success.

Dealing With “Frenemies”

Scripture: Philippians 1:15-18

Paul rejoices that the Gospel is advancing, even though the ones preaching it are trying to undermine him.

• Paul always confronts false teaching (e.g. Galatians 1:6-7; 1 Timothy 1:3), but in this situation, their message is actually true.
• Self-Focused Mindset: Paul could have become indignant at their methods/motives.
• Kingdom Mindset: Instead, Paul rejoiced that the Gospel was preached, regardless of the negative impact on him personally.

Wisdom from a former president:

“There is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn’t mind who gets the credit.” -Plaque on the Resolute Desk

Giving God the Glory

Scripture: Philippians 1:18-26

Paul is genuinely content whether he lives to preach or dies for his faith — as long as God is exalted in the process.

• Paul echoes the words of Job (13:16), another servant of God who suffered unjustly.
• Paul views his life as a canvas God can use to show his glory. His circumstances — good or bad — are the medium God uses to exalt Christ and advance the Kingdom.
• Cancer Patient Ali Rash: “I have questions that may never receive answers in this lifetime, but I cling to my faith in God, in His goodness no matter the outcome.”

Key Point: Paul demonstrated his unconditional devotion to Jesus by choosing to exalt him in either life or death. His hope was anchored in glorifying God, not himself.

Worthy of the Gospel

Scripture: Philippians 1:27-30

Our lives should reflect our gratitude for God’s grace, our loyalty to His Kingdom, and the urgency of our mission.

• “Whatever happens” = In every situation.
• “Conduct yourselves” = Greek politeuomai. Refers to fulfilling obligations as a citizen, performing one’s civic duty. Our primary allegiance is to the Gospel.
• Specific Call to Action: Live according to the Gospel, stand firm in unity, work together to share the Gospel, be courageous in the faith.

Key Point: Following Jesus means pledging our allegiance to the Kingdom of God and pursuing his mission for our lives — even when it requires sacrifice.

What Have We Learned?

1. The Gospel reorients our priorities and our definition of the good life.
2. True joy is found in pursuing God’s Kingdom over personal ambition and comfort.
3. We can use our lives as a platform to give God the glory and lead people to Jesus.

Next Steps: If you’re ready to take the next step of faith, contact Bryan (bfojtasek@swestcc.org, 609-356-3147), another minister, or one of our shepherds during the invitation song.

Further Reflection and Study:

Prompt: Read 2 Corinthians 5:6-21. Paul talks about honoring God in life or death, sharing the Gospel, and living as Christ’s representatives.

1. Today’s sermon touched on the difference between a kingdom mindset and self-focus. How do you see Paul’s kingdom mindset shine through this passage?
2. How was Paul able to be genuinely content whether he lived or died? How can a person reach the point where they are truly at peace with the prospect of death?
3. Verse 10 speaks to the idea of being accountable for our lives here on earth. How could that thought motivate us to live with the right priorities?
4. Paul speaks of being “compelled” by the love of Jesus in his ministry. Reflect on your own motivation for following Jesus, serving him, giving sacrificially, and battling temptation. Why do you keep following Jesus, despite the cost?
5. Most people in the world prioritize their own comfort, success, and desires. In what ways is our call to discipleship counter-cultural? How does verse 15 inform your answer?
6. The Bible promises that a person who comes to Christ is a new creation, even though they still have all the memories and history of the old person. In what way are they new?
7. When Paul talks about reconciliation, what comes to your mind? How does Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross make reconciliation possible? What do people outside of Christ need to do to be reconciled?
8. If you are a disciple (follower) of Jesus, you are also an ambassador for Christ. Followers draw near their teacher, but ambassadors leave to represent their superiors. What would it look like for you to be a faithful follower and ambassador in your weekly rhythms?
9. What do you feel God calling you to do or focus on in your walk with Him this week?