Saved and Set Apart to Serve!
Rejoice in the Lord- 1
TITLE: Saved and Set Apart to Serve!
TEXT: Philippians 1:1-2
TONE: Encouragement
TARGET: Believers
TASK: To encourage believers to lives as holy servants of the Highest.
TEACH: Imagine a skilled artisan, a potter, working diligently in her workshop. She has a vision for a beautiful clay pot that will serve a specific purpose. With her hands, she carefully molds the clay, shaping it into a vessel designed to hold precious contents.
As the potter works, she first takes a lump of raw clay -unformed and formless. This clay represents us before we encounter Christ, lost and without purpose. The potter begins the process of transformation, much like how God saves us through Jesus Christ. Just as the potter reshaped the clay, God redeems us. Once the potter has shaped the into a pot, she sets it aside to dry and harden. This step is crucial -it symbolizes being set apart. The pot is no longer just a lump of clay; it has been transformed with a specific purpose in mind. In the same way, when we are saved, we are set apart for God’s purpose.
After the pot has dried, the potter places it into a kiln to be fired. This intense heat strengthens the pot and prepares it for its intended use. This represents the trials and challenges we face as believers, which refine us and strengthen our faith. Once the pot has cooled and have been beautifully glazed, it is now ready to be filled with something valuable –perhaps flowers, water, or nourishing food. This is the culmination of the potters’ work; the pot is not just decoration but is intended to serve others.
Similarly, as believers saved and set apart, we are filled with the Holy Spirit and equipped to serve others. Paul is reminding the Christians at Philippi of this glorious truth.
TRUTH: Paul: Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was a fervent Pharisee who initially persecuted Christians. His dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) marked a pivotal moment in his life. After encountering the risen Christ, Paul became one of the most influential apostles in spreading the Gospel. Following his conversion, he spent time in Damascus and alter in Arabia, where he gained a deeper understanding of the Christian faith.
In Acts 13, Paul embarks on his first missionary journey, accompanied by Barnabas. This journey takes him through various regions, including Cyprus and Asia Minor, where he establishes several churches. His second missionary journey, which is detailed in Acts 16, leads him to Philippi, a significant city in Macedonia. There, he and Silas encounter Lydia, a wealthy merchant, who becomes the first convent in Philippi. They also cast out a spirit from a slave girl, which leads to their imprisonment. While in jail, Paul and Silas pray and sing hymns, leading to a miraculous earthquake that frees them. This event ultimately results in the conversion of the Philippians jailer and his household (Acts 16:25-34).
Timothy
Timothy is first introduced in Acts 16:1-3, where Paul meets him in Lystra during his second missionary journey. Timothy had a Greek father and a Jewish mother (Eunice), which made him well-suited for ministry among both Jews and Gentiles. Paul recognized Timothy’s potential and took him under his wing, deciding to have him circumcised to better facilitate their ministry together. Timothy quickly became a trusted companion of Paul, assisting him in various missions, including the establishment of churches.
Philippi
In 42 BC, after the Battles of Philippi, where Mark Antony and Octavian defeated Brutus and Cassius, the city was established as a Roman colony. This designation granted it certain privileges, including self-governance, Roman citizenship for its residents, and an exemption from some taxes. As a Roman colony, Philippi was a mini-Rome, with Roman law and customs prevailing.
Situated along the Egnatian Way, an important military and trade route connecting the Adriatic Sea to the Aegean Sea, Philippi was a bustling center for commerce and transportation. Its location allowed it to thrive economically and culturally.
Church
The Philippians church was one of the first established by Paul in Europe and became known for its generosity and support of Paul’s ministry. The strong bonds between Paul and the Philippians believers are evident in his letter to them, where he expresses gratitude for their partnership in the Gospel.
Like many early Christian communities, the Philippian church faced challenges, including persecution and internal strife. However, their faith and unity were instrumental in their growth. Paul encouraged them to rejoice, remain steadfast, and live out their faith in a manner worthy of the Gospel.
Happiness vs. Joy
Happiness is often tried to external circumstance or events. It tends to be fleeting and can change based on your situation. For example, receiving good news, enjoying a pleasant experience, or achieving a goal can bring happiness.
Joy, on the other hand, is a deeper, more abiding state that is not dependent on external circumstances. It is rooted in our relationship with God and the assurance of His presence, purpose, and promises.
Since happiness is often based on external factors, it can be easily affected by life’s up and down. It can be fleeting and may diminish when faced with challenges or disappointment. Joy is derived from an inner peace and confidence in God’s love and sovereignty.
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In this salutation Paul uses several significant Greek terms to identify the roles of each one of us in the local church. If we are going to be a body the continually rejoices in the Lord then we need to understand the roles and responsibilities we each have.
I. We are saved to be Servants of Christ. (purpose)
Explanation: The Greek word ‘doulos’ (δούλος) means ‘to bind.’ A doulos is someone who is bound to serve another, typically in a context of ownership or obligation. The term is frequently used by Paul and other NT writes to describe their relationship to Christ. In Romans 1:1, Paul introduces himself as “a servant (doulos) of Christ Jesus,” indicating his complete submission and devotion to the Lord.
The use of the term emphasizes the total commitment and allegiance expected of believers. In a culture where slavery was a common social structure, the metaphor of slavery would resonate deeply with the early Christian community, conveying a sense of belonging and devotion to Christ.
Therefore, true leadership in the church is about servanthood, not authority.
Application: Adopt a posture of humble service in your daily life.
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II.We are set apart as Saints in Christ. (position)
Explanation: The Greek term ‘hagios (ἅγιος) is commonly translated as ‘holy’ or ‘saint.’ It derives from the root word that conveys a sense of separation or distinction, implying something that is sacred or set apart for divine purposes.
In the New Testament, ‘hagios’ is used to describe not just the divine nature of God but also the status of believes who are called to live in accordance with God’s holiness. For instance, in 1Peter 2:9, Peter refers to believers as a ‘royal priesthood, a holy nation,’ emphasizing their identity as a community set apart to reflects God’s glory.
To be ‘in Christ’ signifies a spiritual union between believers and Jesus. This union is established through faith and the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. Believers are spiritually connected to Christ in a way that changes their identity. Through this mystical union we are justified, imputed with Christ righteousness.
Overseer
Explanation: The Greek word ‘episkopos’ (ἐπίσκοπος) is commonly translated as ‘overseer’ or ‘bishop.’ The term derives from the root words ‘epi’ (meaning ‘over’ or ‘upon’) and ‘skopeo’ (meaning ‘to look’ or ‘to watch’). Thus, an ‘episkopos’ is literally someone who watches over or supervises a group or community. In a church setting, he is serve the congregation by providing servant leadership and spiritual oversight.
The term appears in several New Testament passages, including Acts 20:28, and 1Timohty 3:1-2. The role of the ‘overseers’ signifies a divinely instituted authority within the church. This authority is not to be understood as authoritarianism but as a call to servant leadership. As seen in 1Peter 5:2-3, overseers are instructed to shepherd the flock willingly and not for shameful gain, embodying the humility exemplified by Christ.
The authority is rooted in the responsibility to teach, protect, and guide the congregation in sound doctrine and ethical living (Titus 1:9). This underscores the importance of theological training and moral integrity for those in leadership.
The role of an overseer extends beyond administrative oversight; it includes pastoral care and nurturing of the congregation. The imagery of a shepherd is connected to this role, highlighting the need for empathy, compassion and personal investment in the lives of church members.
Deacon
Explanation: The Greek word ‘diakoni’ (διάκονι) comes from the root verb ‘diakoneo’ meaning ‘to serve’ or ‘to minister.’ The term is closely associated with service, particularly in the context of serving others in a practical and humble manner.
The term appears in several key passages, including Acts 6:1-6, where the early church appoints seven men to serve tables and address the needs of the widows. This marks a structured approach to service within the community, highlighting the importance of practical care and ministry.
The term is rooted in the example of Christ Himself, who came ‘not to be served but to serve’ (Mk. 10:45). This establishes a foundational principle for all Christian ministry: true leadership is characterized by humility and a willingness to serve others. In John 13:1-17, Jesus models this service by washing the feet of His disciples.
Application: Identify areas in your life where you need to align more closely with your identity as a saint.
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III. We receive precious Salutations from Christ. (privileges)
Explanation: ‘Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.’ By beginning his letter with grace, Paul reminds the Philippians of their identity as recipients of divine favor. This is foundational for understanding the Christian life; believers are empowered not by their own strength but by the grace of God.
The term ‘grace’ (Gk: charis) refers to unmerited favor. In a Christian context, it signifies God’s freely given love and mercy towards humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The term ‘peace’ (Gk: eirēnē) carries the idea of wholeness, well-being, and harmony. It is often understood in the New Testament as the peace that comes from being reconciled to God through Christ (Romans 5:1). This peace is not just the absence of conflict but a profound state of tranquility and assurance that comes from trusting in God’s sovereignty and promises.
The order of ‘grace’ preceding ‘peace’ is significant. Grace is the source from which peace flows. Without experiencing God’s grace, one cannot truly know peace. Paul’s greeting implies that for believers to experience true peace, they must first understand and accept the grace extended to them through Christ.
Application: Acknowledge that the grace and peace offered by Christ are not just abstract concepts, but tangible realities meant to impact your daily life.
TAKE-AWAY:
1.Adopt a posture of humble service in your daily life. Start the day on your knees and in the word.
2. Identify areas in your life where you need to align more closely with your identity as a saint. Practice the discipline of putting off and putting on.
3.Acknowledge that the grace and peace offered by Christ are not just abstract concepts, but tangible realities meant to impact your daily life. Speak these truths into your life daily.
© 2012 - 2025 Blake Gideon. All rights Reserved
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