Updated February, 2025
Joy. If the circumstances are right—if everything, or at least almost everything, is going our way—then we can feel joy. That's what most people in our culture believe. But since we live in a world that is full of difficult and puzzling circumstances and events, most of us seldom experience that kind of joy.
Paul talks about a different kind of joy—a joy that lets us whistle even during our darkest moments. In his letter to the believers at Philippi (located in what is now the northeast corner of modern-day Greece), the apostle describes a joy far more powerful than the elusive feeling many in our world seek. And the amazing thing is that he is writing from prison!
Christianity proclaims a joy that transcends circumstances. Joy, says Paul, is something much deeper than the mere massaging of our surroundings or a superficial smile that pretends it is light even when the darkness is obvious. Following Jesus Christ in a fallen world—in the darkness of unpredictable and often painful circumstances—enables us to "whistle in the dark," to know joy even in the midst of hardship.
In the first chapter of Philippians, Paul reveals that a pathway to joy is found in living a life that passionately revolves around Jesus Christ. The third chapter focuses on a life of relating with Christ, and chapter 4 explains that true joy involves relying on Christ. In this series (part of a larger series we planned for our congregation), we want to focus on the second chapter. Here Paul teaches that if we want to learn to "whistle in the dark," we must learn to live a life that reflects Christ, especially in our attitudes toward and relationships with others.
WEEK 1: DOWNWARD MOBILITY
Prelude (violin with full orchestra)
"How Beautiful," words and music by Twila Paris, arr. Bruce Greer, Fletch Wiley; Almighty God—12 Great Songs for Solo Instrument (Word Music; full score and orchestration available separately).
Welcome, Announcements, and Prayer
One of our pastors leads this opening part of the service, greeting everyone and offering a special welcome to guests, who are invited to come to the guest center for further information about the church and its various ministries. The guest center is a well-labeled area where we have staff members waiting to answer questions and provide information as well as a professionally recorded fifteen-minute message from the senior pastor that visitors can listen to on cassette tape.
The welcome concludes with an invitation to pass the Friendship Folders, which the congregation is asked to sing. The folders include prayer request and comment cards that can be filled out and placed in the offering plate later in the service.
The pastor then highlights important announcements that the entire congregation needs to know about (such as church socials and "programs or prayer needs that are not included in the bulletin).
Musical Call to Worship (ensemble or choir)
"Let Us Praise the Lord," words and music by Landy and Joy Gardner, Gary Prim; "In This House", words and music by Richard Smallwood. Both from the Christ Church Choir collection Hand in Hand (Star Song Chora. Publications, available through Brentwood Music; orchestration available).
Greetings
God greets us in words of Scripture, and we greet one another.
Exaltation (congregation)
"Blessed Be the Lord God Almighty”, words and music by Bob Fitts; Maranatha! Music Praise Chorus Book, 3rd ed.
“Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” Wesley
"People of God," words and music by Wayne Watson; Songs for Praise and Worship (Word), The Celebration Hymnal (Word and Integrity Music).
The three exaltation selections are to be sung in a medley form with brief key-change modulations between each selection. or the keyboardist needing assistance with modulations 1 would suggest the Worship Planner Edition of Songs for Pram and Worship (Word Music). Modulation charts are found on pages 550 through 562.
Congregation Prayer
This prayer begins immediately following the exaltation songs, and the piano continues to segue softly through it, paying variations on the previous selection and then moving into an introduction of the song that follows. This time of prayer is assigned in different services to various individuals, including " pastors and lay leaders. The prayer concludes with an invitation to worship God with our tithes and offerings.
Our Gifts of Tithes and Offerings
Offering of Music and Drama
"They Will Know Us by Our Love," words and music by Kenny Mann and Bobbie Mason, arr. Clydesdale. From the musical Make Us One—The Body of Christ United in Praise (Word Music; full score, choral parts, and orchestration all available separately). Drama used by permission.
In order to give a visual sign of unity among our musicians, I used both of our worship ensembles as well as two of our soloists to perform the musical part of this selection. A choir could be used as well. The larger ensemble (thirteen members) sang the SATB choir parts, the smaller ensemble (six members) sang the SAB Praise Team parts, and the soloists sang the tenor and alto solos. I also used the two-scene drama (see below) that is included in the musical during the interludes of the song.
To prepare for this offering in song and drama we held separate ensemble and drama rehearsals during the two weeks prior to the service, then one joint rehearsal with a partial orchestra on the Wednesday night before the Sunday service and one run-through on Sunday morning before the service with the full orchestra.
Message: “Downward Mobility”
Scripture: Philippians 2:1–4
As chapter 2 begins, we get the sense that Paul is writing to a healthy church, but one in which rumblings of dissension are being heard. Picture a healthy garden in which some weed seeds have already been sown (this is confirmed in 4:2–3).
Over the course of our life's journey, we all have been made painfully aware of the way strained relationships with other believers can be anything but joyful. What a difference we see in a church when the believers are seeking to reflect Christ in the way they relate to each other! Not only will they experience Christ's joy as they do so, but they will be instruments of joy in the lives of their brothers and sisters in Christ. Instead of sowing seeds of dissension, they will sow seeds of God's peace!
In verses 1–4 we find four amazing and interrelated ingredients that lead to a garden of joy-producing relationships in the body of Christ.
1. Amazing grace (v. 1). Instead of a trite and superficial, "Please just get along with each other," Paul takes the Philippian Christians to the very source of their life: the love and grace Christ has shown to them.
"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ:" Take an inventory of your church or a fellowship group you have visited recently. You can usually tell quite quickly if a person or a church is encouraged by the reality that they are united to Christ. If they are, it will show in their relationships!
"If any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion": If we have truly grasped the incredible reality of Christ's love, and if the Spirit's agenda is dominant in our community, then we will have no room for fractious, divisive attitudes. If we believe God's grace is really amazing, then it will affect how we relate with one another! It will produce an amazing unity.
2. Amazing unity (v. 2). This man, who had started their fellowship with his proclamation of Christ's greatness and grace while modeling Christ's love, is now telling them that true, complete joy comes in the context of healthy relationships in the body of Christ. Paul gives four exhortations in verse 2 that many believe correspond to the four "if" statements from verse 1. In verse 1 he has given them the motivation; now in verse 2 he gives them the instruction: be like-minded, love one another, be one in spirit, and be one in purpose.
Paul's cry is not for uniformity, but for unity. The metaphor of a body with very different parts but a common purpose casts its shadow over these exhortations: as Christ's body, we must be unified under him as our head. We do not all look alike, but we must be unified in heart and purpose.
But how is this unity cultivated in a body of believers? Paul has already conveyed the absolute necessity of a common conviction, authentic appreciation, and current enjoyment of God's grace. He now adds on the instruction regarding the "how" by continuing his teaching in verse 3.
3. Amazing humility (v. 3). When we begin to genuinely grasp the amazing reality of grace, it will inevitably lead to amazing humility. When I become aware of the amazing nature of grace, my addiction to self-interest begins to melt. When I realize I truly need grace—that it is a necessity, not just a nicety—my haughty attitudes dissipate.
We mistakenly believe that diversity is the enemy of unity. Yet God's Word teaches us that selfishness, not diversity, is the antagonist of an atmosphere of unity. The selfish ambition Paul warns us against is also mentioned in Galatians 5:19–20, where he describes the acts of the sinful nature. Sin trains us to see ourselves as the center of our own little universe. (After all, what determines if you like your group's photo: how everyone else looks? Probably not!)
When I lack the humility to see others as more important than me, I am inevitably running from unity, not toward it.
4. Amazing servanthood (v. 4). If humility is present in my life, servanthood is an inevitable companion. If a church or fellowship is struggling in the arena of unity, it is a sure indication that the heartbeat of a servant is an unfamiliar sound. In the eyes of the watching world, the credibility of God's love is reflected in our unity and love for one another, and our love is nowhere more powerfully demonstrated than in the arena of servanthood. Servants' hearts (illustrated in vv. 5–11) are grown in the soil of humility. Humility is cultivated by the water of amazing grace. The result is a garden that accurately reflects Christ and brings great joy to those involved.
Musical Response
"We Will Stand," words by Russ and Lori Taff; music by James Hollihan; arr. by David T Clydesdale; orchestration available. From Hymnal for Worship and Celebration (Word), The Celebration Hymnal (Word and Integrity Music).
We used both worship team ensembles and a soloist to sing the SATB score. The ensembles began singing in a choral formation and then walked forward and formed a solid line on the last chorus to once again emphasize unity.
Closing Response (Congregation)
"Bind Us Together," words and music by Bob Gillman; Maranatha! Music Praise Chorus Book, 3rd ed. (43).
Parting Blessing
Postlude
Reprise on “We Will Stand” (from measure 40)
WEEK 2: THE KING AND I
Prelude (band)
"He Is Exalted," words and music by Twila Paris, arr. by Chris R. Hansen (available from Fairhaven Ministries, 2900 Baldwin, Hudsonville, MI 49426; 616-662-2100).
Welcome, Announcements, and Prayer
Musical Call to Worship (Duet with Choir)
"Powerful Name," words and music by Claire Cloninger and John Mays, arr. David T. Clydesdale (David T Clydesdale Music; orchestration available).
This selection requires an excellent tenor and soprano vocalist. If you choose to use an orchestra, it also requires good horn players. The choir parts are moderate to difficult with difficult rhythms throughout the piece.
Greetings
Exaltation (Congregation)
"All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name"; "Crown Him King of Kings," words and music by Sharon DaMazio; "Crown Him with Many Crowns," arr. Ron Ferlito. A medley of the three selections can be found in the 1997 Celebration Hymnal (Word and Integrity Music).
An alternative to the above resource is a contemporary arrangement on "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name" by Blair Masters. My assistant Glenn Moerdyk has transcribed and adapted it for congregation use, and I had a band arrangement done by Chris R. Hansen. Hansen has composed many contemporary arrangements of traditional hymns. They are available from Fairhaven Ministries, 2900 Baldwin, Hudsonville, MI 49426; 616-662-2100. A full choral version of "Crown Him King of Kings" can be found in the musical God with Us, an Integrity Hosanna! Music publication. This version offers a more complete accompaniment and also orchestration. Because the song repeats in three different keys, I normally choose the two keys that work best in the medley, A-flat and A. Finally, a contemporary version of "Crown Him with Many Crowns" is available from Training Resources, 8929 Old LeMay Ferry Road, Hillsboro, MO 63050. This version uses an interesting rhythm in the accompaniment and an updated text.
Our Gifts of Tithes and Offerings
Ministry of Music (Vocal Solo)
"The King of Who I Am," words and music by Tanya Goodman and Michael Sykes; 101 Solos and Duets (Lillenas).
Message: “The King and I”
Scripture: Philippians 2:5–11
What does it mean for me to acknowledge that Jesus Christ is my Lord? In this famous passage from chapter 2, Paul reveals Christ's lordship as our ultimate motivation and his lifestyle as our ultimate model.
As Paul wrote this letter, the cult of the Roman emperor (in which the emperor was lauded in a manner approaching deification) was especially strong in the eastern provinces. This meant that in Philippi, every public event would have included a lofty acknowledgment of the emperor, and he would have been called "Lord and Savior." For a Philippian believer to acknowledge a different Lord and Savior meant placing his or her life on the line for the sake of Christ.
Though the threat of martyrdom is not as immediate for a believer in our late-twentieth-century North American context, following Christ still requires putting our lives on the line. As a Christian, I must submit to Christ's kingship. Submitting to him in such a way mandates that I follow in his footsteps. In chapter 2, you will remember, Paul teaches that a key to joy for the believer is having a lifestyle that reflects Christ in our relationships. We have already seen in the first five verses that such a lifestyle is costly to our pride, but it is also immensely rewarding. Obedience not only brings glory to Christ, but also results in joy-filled relationships.
If I am to follow Christ, I must follow in at least five of his footsteps of servanthood:
1. Self-denial (v. 6). I must give up my rights. From the moment of his birth to his crucifixion, Jesus continually refused to act selfishly. He calls us to follow him by relinquishing our "rights." That's not easy in a culture that is obsessed with the notion of entitlement. We are bombarded with the message that we have an inalienable right to be the center of attention. Our fallen hearts drift quite naturally and eagerly toward self-promotion, not self-denial.
The lies are loud and clear: the key to joy is getting, and the key to becoming somebody is to continually look out for "number one." Yet in Mark 10:43–45 Jesus teaches and models quite a contrary view: "Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (See also Matthew 16:24–26.)
2. Identification (w. 7–8b). I must walk in the shoes of those I am serving. Jesus identified with us in our frailty, our temptations, our suffering, our disappointment. He calls us to align ourselves with those whom he has called us to serve. Without mimicking their flaws, we are to identify with their situation.
3. Obedience (v. 8c). I must be motivated by God's will, not my own. Only in the instance of a divine Person (who did not have to die) could death be described as "obedience." "Obedience" is a very appropriate term to describe the death of the infinite Son of God.
A great temptation in the arena of servanthood is to allow the agenda of those I am serving to become my ultimate concern. If Christ had adopted such a stance in his servanthood of us, he would have merely entertained the people with miracles and become a political messiah: that's all many were expecting. As I follow in Christ's footsteps of being a servant, my primary motivation must be his approval and not the approval of those I am serving. I must serve God's agenda for their lives. And though he will determine the path we take, we must never forget it will always be a downward one.
4. Sacrifice (v. 8d). I must "go the distance." Christ did not stop shy of the ultimate service of the Father's agenda: his death on our behalf. Paul's emphasis here is not on the sacrificial nature of Christ's death (though it is, of course, implied), but on his humiliation. The phrase "even death on a cross" emphasizes the immensity of the price and the depth of Christ's humiliation. The cross was not the way a Roman citizen reading this letter would have been treated. Because of its degrading character, the cross was an offense, a stumbling block.
You won't find it on a greeting card, but true love involves self-sacrifice! "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." Authentic love that brings joy to both the giver (see Hebrews 12:2) and the recipient (see Psalm 90:14 and Philemon 7) does not stop short. It "goes the distance." It costs. Christlike attitudes and actions cost us our pride, our self-centered-ness, our life! In the words of Amy Carmichael, "Can he have followed [Christ] far, who has no wound, no scar?"
5. Satisfaction (vv. 9–11). I will know the Father's smile. Christ was exalted as a result of his obedience. Though of course not in the same realm, we can still enjoy the Father's exaltation. As men and women who already know salvation based on Christ's finished work of redemption, we can obey as a result of our salvation and thereby be exalted as his children. "The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" (Matthew 23:11–12). We can know his pleasure and his blessing in our relationships as we follow in the King's footsteps.
As we follow in Christ's footsteps and reflect him in our relationships, the legacy of our lives becomes giving rather than getting, serving rather than being served, and obedience rather than indulgence. The result is the clear visibility of Jesus Christ's Lordship in our lifestyles.
Musical Response (choir)
"At the Name of Jesus," text adapted from Philippians 2:6–11, music by Cindy Berry (Word Music, SATB anthem; full orchestration available).
Closing Response (congregation)
“He Is Lord” Attributed to Vest
Parting Blessing
Postlude
"Crown Him with Many Crowns, " band arrangement by Chris R. Hansen derived from Michael W. Smith's adaptation.
WEEK 3: PRACTICING IN PUBLIC
Prelude (trumpet with band)
"Great Is Thy Faithfulness," arr. David T. Clydesdale, solo arr. Fletch Wiley; Almighty God—12 Great Songs for Solo Instrument (Word Music; orchestration available).
Welcome, Announcements, and Prayer
Call to Worship
Greetings
Exaltation (congregation)
"Lord, I Lift Your Name on High," words and music by Rick Founds; Maranatha! Music Praise Chorus Book, 3rd ed. (194), Renew (4).
I also like to use an anonymous second verse:
Lord, we give our lives to you,
Lord, we humbly offer service.
As we labor now in love,
let us do the work you gave us.
Refrain
You give us power to pray
with authority.
Through your death we can share
your victory!
Out of darkness into light,
through your power and your might,
Lord, we lift your name on high.
“Oh, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” Wesley
"There Is a Redeemer," words and music by Melody Green; Maranatha! Music Praise Chorus Book, 3rd ed. (244), Renew (323).
Congregational Prayer
Our Gifts of Tithes and Offerings
Offertory (tenor sax with band)
"Glorify Thy Name," words and music by Donna Adkins, arr. by Keith Christopher, solo arr. Fletch Wiley; Lift High the Lord: Instrumental Solos for Praise and Worship (Word Music).
Ministry in Song (solo)
"Basin and Towel," words and music by Michael Card (Sparrow).
Message: “Practicing in Public”
Scripture: Philippians 2:12–18
Most of us think of practice—for a hobby, skill, or sport we are learning—as something that takes place in private. Not so with followers of Jesus Christ. Reflecting him in our relationships with others is something that we must no doubt practice, but we must practice in public. Similarly, most of us would distinguish between practice and performance. Again, not so with Christ's followers. The practice is the performance, and the performance is the practice.
In the first eleven verses of chapter 2, Paul has been exhorting us to learn to "whistle" in the darkness of a fallen world by reflecting Jesus in our relationships with one another. In verses 12–18, we learn that we must practice in at least four areas of priority in order for healthy, joy-filled relationships within the church to become a reality.
1. We must practice the priority of humble overflow (w. 12–13). This passage has needlessly troubled many who have perceived verse 12 as, at worst, a veiled reference to someone working for their salvation; at best, a suggestion that "God has done his part; now it's time for you to do yours." Our Reformed framework helps us avoid either pitfall: Our salvation is totally God-authored, and our sanctification is equally dependent on God's enablement.
Then what is Paul saying? He is exhorting us to let the salvation God has worked into our life "overflow" in Spirit-enabled obedience, especially in the way we relate with one another. We humbly cooperate with the Holy Spirit and "work out" the salvation God has already "worked in." Obedience is the behavioral overflow of the rich and undeserved salvation God has given us. That's why Paul tells the Colossians, "to this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me" (1:29).
2. We must practice the priority of authentic contrast (vv.14–15a). The environment in which we relate with Christ and with one another is a crooked and depraved generation. We live in a society of people whose primary (and often only) interest is self. As each of us can attest from personal expertise, fallen men and women are very adept at the worship of their own personal interest. In the midst of such a culture, we are to live and relate in distinct contrast with those around us.
A very practical outcome of such a call to contrast is Paul's exhortation to do everything without complaining or arguing. We cannot be chronic grumblers and simultaneously live in contrast with a watching world! But tragically we see just the opposite in the reputation many churches have with unbelievers.
3. We must practice the priority of unified reflection (w. 15b–16a). Too many Christians believe it is up to pastors, missionaries, and other professional Christians to do the "shining." Paul is saying that the responsibility to shine is a corporate activity: we all play a role as we hold out or hold on to the Word of life. As we are barraged with the values of our surrounding secular culture, we hold on to the Word as our anchor, and we hold out the Word as a light for people lost in darkness.
We reflect Christ's light together, unified. That is why Jesus prayed, "May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them" John 17:23). He was referring to the intimate relationship between our unity and our evangelism.
So how do we achieve such unity? By taking this passage to heart: we must work out or demonstrate our salvation. By avoiding the mistakes of the children of Israel, who rebelled, complained, disputed, and grumbled their way into total ineffectiveness as a unified light to the Gentiles (see 1 Corinthians 10:1–10 and Deuteronomy 32).
4. We must practice the priority of having an eternal perspective (w. 16b–18). In verse 18, Paul tells the Philippians that they "should be glad and rejoice with me." His imperative is based on an indicative: the day of Christ will reveal the absolute importance, beauty, and worthwhile nature of living a life of obedience. What an amazing truth—our relationships, our fellowship, and our cooperation with one another in the body of Christ will produce music that will not only be heard by a listening world but will also produce echoes for all eternity.
Musical Response (solo)
"With All My Heart," words and music by Babbie Mason; Songs for Praise and Worship (Word Music), The Celebration Hymnal (Word and Integrity Music).
Closing Response (congregation)
"Let Your Heart Be Broken," words by Bryan Jeffery Leech, WYE VALLEY (abridged) tune by James Mountain; The Hymnal for Worship and Celebration (Word Music).
Postlude (organ)
“Joy,” arr. Diane Bish, Breckenhorst Press, Inc.
WEEK 4: TRUE FELLOWSHIP ON DISPLAY
Prelude (organ)
"Leaning on the Everlasting Arms," arr. Gilbert M. Martin based on the melody by A. J. Showalter.
Welcome, Announcements, and Prayer
Call to Worship
Greetings
Exaltation (congregation)
"We Bow Down," words and music by Twila Paris; "He Is Exalted," words and music by Twila Paris; "I Exalt Thee," words and music by Pete Sanchez, Jr. All three selections may be found in Songs for Praise and Worship, (Word Music).
Unison Prayer (congregation)
You are our eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who out of nothing created heaven and earth and everything in them. You still uphold and rule them by your eternal counsel and providence.
You are my God and Father because of Christ your Son.
You are eternal, incomprehensible, invisible, unchangeable, infinite, almighty; completely wise, just, and good, and the overflowing source of all good.
I trust you so much that I do not doubt you will provide whatever I need for body and soul, and you will turn to my good whatever adversity you send me in this sad world.
You are able to do this because you are almighty God. You desire to do this because you are a faithful Father.
—From Heidelberg Catechism Answer 26 and Belgic Confession Article I
[Piano continues to segue during prayer to introduce the next selection.]
Sung Prayer (congregation)
"Be Thou My Vision," Favorite Hymns of Promise Keepers (Maranatha! Music).
Use of an electronic keyboard that offers a good orchestral string section is effective on this selection; you may want to bring in the organ on the last verse.
Congregational Prayer
Our Gifts of Tithes and Offerings
Ministry in Music (solo)
"I Will Choose Christ," words and music by Tom Booth and Kathy Troccoli (Word Music).
Message: “True Fellowship on Display”
Scripture: Philippians 2:19–30
Churches can end up being very strange places if men and women are not vibrantly relating with Christ and if they are not involved in authentic fellowship with their brothers and sisters in Christ. Throughout chapter 2 we have been learning the importance—if we are to glorify God and if we are to learn to whistle in the darkness of a fallen world—of reflecting Christ in our relationships. As he concludes the chapter, Paul addresses some matters involving Timothy and Epaphroditus. As he talks about them, he provides a very effective illustration of what he has been teaching in the first half of the chapter. In essence, he is saying, "Here are Exhibits A and B."
These two men represent two general kinds of relationships we experience in the church: close friends and others with whom we enjoy fellowship. Timothy was a very close friend of Paul's—a kindred spirit. Epaphroditus was someone with whom Paul enjoyed a relationship even though he and Paul did not share the same intimacy as, say, two people who had worked together for many years.
As I read this passage, I can see how authentic friendships and fellowship within the church can refine some very important habits. True biblical friendship and fellowship will both require and enable me to reveal four important and related habits in my lifestyle:
1. The habit of placing God's will ahead of my agenda (w. 19, 23–24). Paul made his plans "in the Lord." His plans did not rest ultimately on any human plan or the outcome of his trial. His plans rested in God and in God's agenda for him as well as for other believers. Paul knew that in the give and take of relationships within the body of Christ, and in light of God's agenda in the lives of his Christian brothers and sisters, he would not always be able to do what he wanted when he wanted. It is one thing to make our plans without consideration of anyone else or even of God's plan. It is an entirely different matter to live our lives in the context of deferring to others' needs and timetables as well as God's agenda for them.
2. The habit of placing others' interests ahead of my own (vv. 20, 26). All four parties in this scenario—Timothy, Epaphroditus, Paul, and the Philippians—are demonstrating a willingness to put one another's interests ahead of their own. A tremendous difference can appear in a fellowship of believers when everyone is focusing on giving instead of getting. Cries of, "What's in it for me?" "What am I going to get out of this?" "What about my needs?" all begin to fade into the background. Instead, a yearning to put one another's interests first becomes the dominant concern, creating a refreshing, winsome, and Christ-honoring atmosphere.
3. The habit of placing God's calling ahead of convenience (vv. 21-22, 30). Timothy, Epaphroditus, and Paul knew what it means to be faithful in spite of hardship. Such faithfulness is so contrary to our culture, which worships comfort. That me-first attitude seeps into the church, and our obedience and involvement in kingdom causes become a matter of our schedules and moods rather than of heeding the call of our King. Getting involved at church tragically becomes an issue of convenience. If we would only learn that half-hearted commitment to the gospel actually results in no commitment at all!
Epaphroditus risked his life to obey God in demonstrating care for Paul. Paul said that Timothy proved himself in his devotion to service for the sake of Paul and the gospel. The word he uses for proved is the same Greek word he uses in Romans 5:4, only there it is translated as "character"—character that is honed in the midst of suffering. In our willingness to place God's call ahead of convenience, in our willingness to walk through hardship in order to serve one another and obey God, our character is both revealed and refined.
4. The habit of placing love ahead of mere sentimentality (vv. 25-30). Epaphroditus is an unusual name. It was derived from the name "Aphrodite," the Greek goddess of love. Perhaps Epaphroditus was named in honor of her, but he now has become a follower of Jesus Christ, the true lover of his soul. He has learned the difference between trite love that is limited to the fickle realm of emotion and often focuses on what someone does for him and true love that gives sacrificially. The result is his journey of immense hardship in order to truly love his brother, Paul.
In Romans 12:9, Paul reminds us that love must be sincere. The root of the word he uses for sincere is the same root from which we get the word hypocrisy. In Paul's day it was a word used to describe a stage actor who wore various masks, depending on which character he was playing. In Romans 12, Paul is exhorting us with a word that means the opposite of simply putting on a show for applause. In Philippians 2, he is illustrating what he taught.
In the last paragraph of Philippians 2, we read of a group of people who have all been gripped by the love of Christ and are giving that love to one another: a church wanting to help a brother in jail; another brother traveling hundreds of miles in terrible conditions to demonstrate that love; a prisoner who cares more for those outside of prison than for himself. No wonder these Christians were able to whistle in the dark!
Closing Response (congregations)
"Here I Am," words and music by Chris A. Bowater; Songs of Praise and Worship (Word Music), Maranatha! Music Praise Chorus Book, 2nd ed.
Parting Blessing
Postlude (band and organ)
"There Is Joy in Serving Jesus," words by Oswald J. Smith, music by Bentley D. Ackley.
THEY WILL KNOW US BY OUR LOVE
Introduction
Worship Leader: The body is a unit. And though it is made up of many parts, they form one body. So it is with the body of Christ—if one suffers we all suffer. If one is honored, everyone shares in the honor. In fact, God has arranged the members of the body just as he wanted them to be. And along with the unity of the body, he has given us faith, hope, and love. But of course, the greatest of these is love.
SCENE 1
Twelve-year-old Boy: Since my dad moved away, things have been really strange around here. Mom has to work all the time; she's always tired. At school they are having this father-son camping trip. I really wanted to go ... but Dad said he would be out of town with his "new wife" then. I guess he loves her more than me.
Twenty-five-year-old Man: I can't believe we've been married two years already. And this will be our first long separation. You see, this summer she's going to Argentina on a missions project. I'm so proud of her, but…it will be a long, lonely two weeks without her. We were having coffee at work today, and my assistant mentioned how frustrated her son was about this school camping trip. I guess it's about time for me to figure out if I'm any good with kids, huh? So where did I put that old sleeping bag?
SCENE 2
Middle-aged Man: Money is 50 tight these days. Just when I get back on my feet and get a decent job again, my car breaks down. Five hundred dollars! I don't have five hundred dollars—I don't even have credit for five hundred dollars! Lord, what am I going to do?
Middle-aged Woman: We got the bonus—I can't believe it! A fifteen-thousand-dollar bonus. But that's not the fun part. All of a sudden Jim says, "Let's do something crazy." I thought an adventure to the Bahamas, a new kitchen. But no, Jim tells me about this guy in his men's group who shared a prayer request about his car breaking down. Then Jim says, "So here's the plan: a brown paper bag, five hundred dollars in unmarked bills, and a secret midnight drop into this guy's mailbox." [laughs]'Well, I wanted an adventure. But . . . I've never seen Jim so excited about giving before. Oh, I almost forgot—I need to synchronize my watch; we make the drop tonight!
[Repeat chorus to "They Will Know Us By Our Love."]
SCENE 3
Sixteen-year-old Girl: This isn't supposed to happen to people like me. In the movies, sixteen-year-olds don't get pregnant. Oh, but if they do, they have a wonderful boyfriend who doesn't abandon them ... like Josh abandoned me. And even if he did, her parents wouldn't throw her out like mine did. I've only been a Christian three years... and Jesus really did change my life. But ... I guess I kind of messed things up a little bit.
Older Woman: Things are pretty quiet around here these days . . . just Jake and me, an empty house, and a lot of wonderful memories. Three wonderful grown-up children and five perfect little grandchildren. They don't visit real often. I guess life is busy for young, upwardly mobile parents these days, but it sure is quiet.
Sixteen-year-old Girl: I don't want to make things worse. I am going to have this baby. And somehow, somewhere, I know there are people who will love my baby, who are just waiting for a child. Waiting... that's my problem now. No place to go and no one to wait with.
Older Woman: I got a call this morning from an agency that helps church folk adopt new babies. I started to laugh. Me…[laughing] adopt a little baby? "Oh no," the lady said, "No, no, they just needed a loving home for a scared young mother-to-be." You see, she would live with us for a few months. I would even be her labor coach!
Sixteen-year-old Girl: Just someone to hold my hand…someone to care for…us.
Older Woman: My girlfriend Edna from church, she just looked at me real funny when I told her today. Then I saw it comin'—she put both of her big hands on her big hips, got her real spiritual face on and said, "But what will people think?" I just looked right back at her. "Edna, Edna, never forget—they will know us by our love!"
[Repeat chorus to "They Will Know Us By Our Love."]
Twelve-year-old Boy: Mom, I'm going camping!
Middle-aged Man: Five hundred bucks! I can't believe it!
Older Woman: It's a girl!
[Repeat chorus to "They Will Know Us By Our Love"]
—Drama reprinted from the cantata Make Us One: The Body of Christ United in Praise by Babbie Mason, Kenny Mann, and David T. Clydesdale, pp. 81–82. © Word Musk, 3319 West End Ave., Suite 200, Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 385-9673. Used by permission. For permission to use this text, use your CCU or Licensing license or contact the publisher.