SURPRISED BY JOYFUL OBEDIENCE (5 OF 14)
by Steve Jones
Scripture: Philippians 2
This content is part of a series.
Surprised by Joyful Obedience (5 of 14)
Series: Surprised by Joy
Steve Jones
Philippians 2
INTRODUCTION Eric Liddell, ''The Flying Scotsman'' of the movie Chariots of Fire, was an outstanding athlete. In 1923 he had set a record in Britain for the 100-yard dash that was not broken for 23 years. A year later Liddell had earned a spot on the track and field team for Great Britain in the 1924 Paris Olympics, but then shocked everyone by refusing to run the one hundred meters; a race that experts favored him to win. He withdrew because the qualifying heat took place on a Sunday, and Liddell, a devout Christian, refused to ''violate the Sabbath'' which he considered Sunday to be. So Liddell chose obedience to God over his best shot at Olympic gold and glory. Can you imagine an athlete making a sacrifice like that today motivated by their devotion and obedience of God? How would you feel if that was you? Would you be mad that God wouldn't let you run? Would you feel cheated? Would you feel sad or bitter? Listen to the words of Eric Liddell during that time: ''Since I have been a young lad, I have had my eyes on a different prize. You see, each one of us is in a greater race than any...in Paris, and this race ends when God gives out the medals.''
Eric's true story is a testament to the joy found in obedience to God. I'm in a sermon series based on Paul's letter to the Philippian church. I've entitled this series ''Surprised by Joy.'' The recipients of this letter were living in extreme poverty. The author of the letter wasn't doing real great himself. Nevertheless, the letter to the Philippians reveals the provisions that God has made to keep our spirit's joyful even when our environment and circumstances are wanting. Let's look at three qualities of joyful obedience.
I. JOYFUL OBEDIENCE OBEYS ALL THE TIME
Philippians 2:12 ''Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed-not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence''
We see the mat ...
Series: Surprised by Joy
Steve Jones
Philippians 2
INTRODUCTION Eric Liddell, ''The Flying Scotsman'' of the movie Chariots of Fire, was an outstanding athlete. In 1923 he had set a record in Britain for the 100-yard dash that was not broken for 23 years. A year later Liddell had earned a spot on the track and field team for Great Britain in the 1924 Paris Olympics, but then shocked everyone by refusing to run the one hundred meters; a race that experts favored him to win. He withdrew because the qualifying heat took place on a Sunday, and Liddell, a devout Christian, refused to ''violate the Sabbath'' which he considered Sunday to be. So Liddell chose obedience to God over his best shot at Olympic gold and glory. Can you imagine an athlete making a sacrifice like that today motivated by their devotion and obedience of God? How would you feel if that was you? Would you be mad that God wouldn't let you run? Would you feel cheated? Would you feel sad or bitter? Listen to the words of Eric Liddell during that time: ''Since I have been a young lad, I have had my eyes on a different prize. You see, each one of us is in a greater race than any...in Paris, and this race ends when God gives out the medals.''
Eric's true story is a testament to the joy found in obedience to God. I'm in a sermon series based on Paul's letter to the Philippian church. I've entitled this series ''Surprised by Joy.'' The recipients of this letter were living in extreme poverty. The author of the letter wasn't doing real great himself. Nevertheless, the letter to the Philippians reveals the provisions that God has made to keep our spirit's joyful even when our environment and circumstances are wanting. Let's look at three qualities of joyful obedience.
I. JOYFUL OBEDIENCE OBEYS ALL THE TIME
Philippians 2:12 ''Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed-not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence''
We see the mat ...
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