November 2025
Heaven is for Real, 9 November 2025
10 11 25 Filed in: Sermons | One Minute after You Die
Heaven is for Real
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
One Minute After You Die
November 9, 2025
Revelation 21:1-4
Big Idea: Heaven is for real and Judgment Day is coming…are you ready?
You’re not ready to live until you’re ready to die.
This is true whether it’s your wealth, your health, or your soul. When is the last time you seriously pondered death? The odds are pretty good we will experience it! Many deny the reality of death while others simply procrastinate creating a will, a password cheat sheet for loved ones, an advance healthcare directive, or developing a relationship with God.
Today we begin a two-week, pre-holiday series entitled “one minute after you die.” There have been many books and even movies that tell stories of people who have died and returned and their experiences. In fact, one in 25 USAmericans have had a near-death experience. Have you? Unfortunately, the stories lack consistency with one another so while they are fascinating, they’re not authoritative. I have not died—yet—so I can’t tell you exactly what happens one minute after you die…but the Bible offers glimpses of what is to come.
Paul wrote to a church in modern day Greece:
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13)
I’ve been to a lot of funerals. Many of them are filled with hope because of the faith of the deceased. Paul continues…
For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17)
We typically call this place heaven, though technically there are at least three different biblical words that we translate heaven in English. To add to the complexity, the eternal home for followers of Jesus will not be heaven, exactly, but what is called the new heavens and the new earth. Genesis begins in a garden and Revelation ends in a city, the New Jerusalem. So, when we say “heaven,” we may be speaking of different places, times, or realities, but all beyond this life.
Author John Taylor notes,
Scripture consistently affirms that believers enter immediately into the presence of Jesus. Paul’s confidence was unflinching: “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). He called it “better by far” to depart and be with Christ (Philippians 1:23). These verses leave little room for delay or unconscious “soul sleep.” From the earliest centuries of Christian theology to modern scholarship, the consensus has held that the soul of a believer goes instantly to be with Christ.
Theologians call this the intermediate state — a conscious, peaceful existence in God’s presence between death and the future resurrection. It’s “intermediate” not because it’s incomplete, but because it’s not the end of the story. The body, still under the weight of mortality, remains in the ground. Yet the soul experiences rest, awareness and worship in a reality more vivid than the one left behind. Jesus’ words to the thief on the cross confirm that immediacy: “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Not “someday.” Today.
What is heaven like? Let’s begin by shattering a few myths. Heaven is not…
- Floating on clouds forever
- People becoming angels
- Our final home (there will be a new earth and New Jerusalem)
- For everyone (only those who say “yes” to Jesus and make him Lord)
- Where memories or individuality are erased
- Boring
Actually, Christians will spend eternity not in heaven, but on a new earth. Our scripture reading today says,
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4)
Words cannot express the beauty, the glory, the peace, the paradise. If you want a simple definition, heaven is where God dwells. Jesus taught his disciples to pray,
“This, then, is how you should pray:
“ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:9-10)
Heaven is where God dwells. There are moments when heaven kisses earth, where God’s manifest presence is real, when you know the atmosphere has changed. Maybe you experienced that this morning as we were praising the LORD in song. Perhaps you witnessed justice served, the poor blessed, new life birthed, or were simply awed by the beauty and majesty of God’s creation. We often think of heaven as a place “up there” where we will go to escape “down here,” but that’s not exactly right as we’ll see in a moment. Let me say again heaven is where God dwells.
I love the question pastor John Piper posed several years ago:
“If you could have Heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with Heaven, if Christ was not there?” – John Piper, “God Is the Gospel”
The best thing about heaven is God’s presence. Jesus said.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? (John 14:1-2)
The ancient Greek word for “rooms’ is “monai” which is not a final resting place but a temporary stop on a journey that will lead you somewhere else.
Jesus continues…
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” (John 14:3-4)
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (John 14:5)
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)
It's important to note the thief on the cross beside Jesus at the crucifixion was not “saved” because he was a good person. He was given the death penalty, after all. What saved him, what gave him the right to enter paradise was his faith in Jesus Christ.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
This past week I was given a simple tool to engage in spiritual conversations with people. Many struggle to share their faith, either feeling awkward, unprepared, or simply fearful of rejection. Here’s a question you can ask anyone that doesn’t mention God, Jesus, the Bible, or church:
Do you believe there is life after death?
Listen to their response and see if it doesn’t create opportunities to share the good news, the gospel. Usually, heaven and hell enter the discussion, with the inevitable question, “How does one get to heaven?” It’s not by being good or even religious. Heaven requires perfection. Only Jesus was perfect, and therefore one can only enter heaven through Jesus. Judgment Day is coming for us all. When we say yes to Jesus, we are adopted into his family, we join his team. We begin a relationship with him in this life which will continue for eternity.
So What?
Many people believe heaven is where good people die and bad people go to the other place. The reality is we’re all bad. We’ve all sinned. We’ve all missed the mark. I don’t deserve heaven. Mother Teresa and Billy Graham don’t deserve heaven. The pope doesn’t deserve heaven. We all deserve eternal separation from God for our sins.
The good news—the gospel—is Jesus is LORD, he is good, he is perfect, and he died on the cross to pay the punishment we deserve. Hallelujah!
The goal of this life is not to go to heaven when we die, but rather to bring heaven to earth now, offering healing and hope to our broken world. Heaven is where God dwells, and we want Him to rule and reign here now in the renewal of all things. When Jesus rose from the dead, it was the “launching of God’s new world” (N.T. Wright).
You’re not ready to live until you’re ready to die.
If you’re ready, are you preparing others? Do they know Jesus?
If not, you can begin by saying yes to Jesus. Simply say, “Jesus, I give you my life.” If that’s you today, would you please tell me or one of our leaders? We want to celebrate with you and help you get started on your journey.
Heaven is for real and Judgment Day is coming…are you ready?
For further study:
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
One Minute After You Die
November 9, 2025
Revelation 21:1-4
Big Idea: Heaven is for real and Judgment Day is coming…are you ready?
You’re not ready to live until you’re ready to die.
This is true whether it’s your wealth, your health, or your soul. When is the last time you seriously pondered death? The odds are pretty good we will experience it! Many deny the reality of death while others simply procrastinate creating a will, a password cheat sheet for loved ones, an advance healthcare directive, or developing a relationship with God.
Today we begin a two-week, pre-holiday series entitled “one minute after you die.” There have been many books and even movies that tell stories of people who have died and returned and their experiences. In fact, one in 25 USAmericans have had a near-death experience. Have you? Unfortunately, the stories lack consistency with one another so while they are fascinating, they’re not authoritative. I have not died—yet—so I can’t tell you exactly what happens one minute after you die…but the Bible offers glimpses of what is to come.
Paul wrote to a church in modern day Greece:
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13)
I’ve been to a lot of funerals. Many of them are filled with hope because of the faith of the deceased. Paul continues…
For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17)
We typically call this place heaven, though technically there are at least three different biblical words that we translate heaven in English. To add to the complexity, the eternal home for followers of Jesus will not be heaven, exactly, but what is called the new heavens and the new earth. Genesis begins in a garden and Revelation ends in a city, the New Jerusalem. So, when we say “heaven,” we may be speaking of different places, times, or realities, but all beyond this life.
Author John Taylor notes,
Scripture consistently affirms that believers enter immediately into the presence of Jesus. Paul’s confidence was unflinching: “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). He called it “better by far” to depart and be with Christ (Philippians 1:23). These verses leave little room for delay or unconscious “soul sleep.” From the earliest centuries of Christian theology to modern scholarship, the consensus has held that the soul of a believer goes instantly to be with Christ.
Theologians call this the intermediate state — a conscious, peaceful existence in God’s presence between death and the future resurrection. It’s “intermediate” not because it’s incomplete, but because it’s not the end of the story. The body, still under the weight of mortality, remains in the ground. Yet the soul experiences rest, awareness and worship in a reality more vivid than the one left behind. Jesus’ words to the thief on the cross confirm that immediacy: “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Not “someday.” Today.
What is heaven like? Let’s begin by shattering a few myths. Heaven is not…
- Floating on clouds forever
- People becoming angels
- Our final home (there will be a new earth and New Jerusalem)
- For everyone (only those who say “yes” to Jesus and make him Lord)
- Where memories or individuality are erased
- Boring
Actually, Christians will spend eternity not in heaven, but on a new earth. Our scripture reading today says,
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4)
Words cannot express the beauty, the glory, the peace, the paradise. If you want a simple definition, heaven is where God dwells. Jesus taught his disciples to pray,
“This, then, is how you should pray:
“ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:9-10)
Heaven is where God dwells. There are moments when heaven kisses earth, where God’s manifest presence is real, when you know the atmosphere has changed. Maybe you experienced that this morning as we were praising the LORD in song. Perhaps you witnessed justice served, the poor blessed, new life birthed, or were simply awed by the beauty and majesty of God’s creation. We often think of heaven as a place “up there” where we will go to escape “down here,” but that’s not exactly right as we’ll see in a moment. Let me say again heaven is where God dwells.
I love the question pastor John Piper posed several years ago:
“If you could have Heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with Heaven, if Christ was not there?” – John Piper, “God Is the Gospel”
The best thing about heaven is God’s presence. Jesus said.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? (John 14:1-2)
The ancient Greek word for “rooms’ is “monai” which is not a final resting place but a temporary stop on a journey that will lead you somewhere else.
Jesus continues…
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” (John 14:3-4)
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (John 14:5)
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)
It's important to note the thief on the cross beside Jesus at the crucifixion was not “saved” because he was a good person. He was given the death penalty, after all. What saved him, what gave him the right to enter paradise was his faith in Jesus Christ.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
This past week I was given a simple tool to engage in spiritual conversations with people. Many struggle to share their faith, either feeling awkward, unprepared, or simply fearful of rejection. Here’s a question you can ask anyone that doesn’t mention God, Jesus, the Bible, or church:
Do you believe there is life after death?
Listen to their response and see if it doesn’t create opportunities to share the good news, the gospel. Usually, heaven and hell enter the discussion, with the inevitable question, “How does one get to heaven?” It’s not by being good or even religious. Heaven requires perfection. Only Jesus was perfect, and therefore one can only enter heaven through Jesus. Judgment Day is coming for us all. When we say yes to Jesus, we are adopted into his family, we join his team. We begin a relationship with him in this life which will continue for eternity.
So What?
Many people believe heaven is where good people die and bad people go to the other place. The reality is we’re all bad. We’ve all sinned. We’ve all missed the mark. I don’t deserve heaven. Mother Teresa and Billy Graham don’t deserve heaven. The pope doesn’t deserve heaven. We all deserve eternal separation from God for our sins.
The good news—the gospel—is Jesus is LORD, he is good, he is perfect, and he died on the cross to pay the punishment we deserve. Hallelujah!
The goal of this life is not to go to heaven when we die, but rather to bring heaven to earth now, offering healing and hope to our broken world. Heaven is where God dwells, and we want Him to rule and reign here now in the renewal of all things. When Jesus rose from the dead, it was the “launching of God’s new world” (N.T. Wright).
You’re not ready to live until you’re ready to die.
If you’re ready, are you preparing others? Do they know Jesus?
If not, you can begin by saying yes to Jesus. Simply say, “Jesus, I give you my life.” If that’s you today, would you please tell me or one of our leaders? We want to celebrate with you and help you get started on your journey.
Heaven is for real and Judgment Day is coming…are you ready?
For further study:
- Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright
- Heaven by Randy Alcorn
- The Heaven Promise by Scot McKnight
- One Minute After You Die by Erwin Lutzer
- Remember Heaven by Matt McCullough
- Imagine Heaven by John Burke
Contentment, 2 November 2025
02 11 25 Filed in: Sermons | Philippians
Contentment
Kirk Schneemann
Joy: Book of Philippians
College First Church of God
November 2, 2025
Philippians 4:10-23
Series Big Idea: Philippians reminds us we can experience joy no matter the circumstances.
Big Idea: In a world of anxiety and chaos, we can find contentment in Christ.
How are you today? Is anyone tired? Anxious? Stressed? Chill?
If there’s one thing USAmericans lack, it’s contentment. We are busy, busy, busy…often with nothing to show for it. We buy stuff…tons of stuff, but much of it ends up in next year’s garage sale. We take our kids from game to lesson to practice in what seems like an Uber driver audition. We bet on sports and the lottery hoping for a shortcut to wealth. We play games, watch tv (or worse), scroll through social media, seemingly inspiring Bono to sing, “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.”
In a world of anxiety and chaos, we can find contentment in Christ.
Today we’re finishing our series on this short book and Paul has a slight dilemma. He loves these people and he’s grateful for their gifts, yet he wants them to not send any more money. He never wants to be accused of preaching for money, instead saying the gospel is a free gift. Side note: if I was independently wealthy, I’d love to preach here for free, but I like to eat and live indoors—like many of you—so I am thankful for the opportunity to receive a paycheck…but I assure you I don’t do this “for” the money!
Writing from prison, he says,
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. (Philippians 4:10)
These people have helped Paul while he was in prison, praying for him and ensuring he received food and care, something the government didn’t do back then. He never actually says “thanks” in this section, but he is grateful.
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. (Philippians 4:11)
There’s the word, content. It means “contained.” If you can be content in a Roman prison, you can be content anywhere…whatever the circumstances! He’s content. He is not in financial need. He’s more excited about how the giving will bless the giver than himself, the recipient.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Philippians 4:12)
Paul has experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly of life on earth. Many of us can relate. We’ve encountered the ups and downs of finances, health, relationships, and emotions. But have you been flogged, exposed to death, beaten with rods, pelted with stones, shipwrecked, gone without food, been cold and naked? This is Paul’s story, yet he talks about being content. So, what’s the secret, Paul?
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13)
Mic drop!
The culture says money, pleasure, and power will make you happy, and they will…for a moment. But true contentment is not dependent upon current conditions. As I say sometimes, “It is well with my soul, but not my circumstances.”
Athletes may use this verse as a motivational slogan, which is fine, but it applies to all of life, and in this context, he is actually saying he can do “all these things,” the ability to live through wealth or poverty or food or hunger, not his ability to achieve anything.
Paul said he has learned to be content in all circumstances, because he can do all things through Christ. Pastor Eugene Peterson notes,
Mature Christians are able to do all things because they don’t have to do everything. They acquire strength to live because they don’t have to be anxious and constantly attentive to trivia, and they don’t have to take responsibility for the whole world on their shoulders[1].
Control is usually an illusion, unless we’re talking about our attitude. God is in control…we’re not. Jesus said, “Apart from me, you can do…nothing (John 15:5).”
Paul was God-sufficient instead of self-sufficient. Paul could face anything, because in every situation he had Christ. The same is true or can be true for us, but it begins with letting go, surrender, and being willing to sacrifice, obey, and pay the price. Paul certainly did. He not only had the LORD, he had friends praying and supporting him.
Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. (Philippians 4:14-16)
Paul’s in prison thanking these people for their aid. What selflessness. As I’ve said before, I’d be writing, “Please get me out of here!”
Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. (Philippians 4:17-18)
Paul is full…he has more than enough. Epaphroditus—who we looked at a few weeks ago—delivered money to Paul from the Philippians, perhaps 600 miles or more on foot! Why? Because the Church is a family that takes care of one another, that welcomes the stranger, that responds to the needs of others, even distributing money. This was evident from the very beginning of the Church in Acts 2:
All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. (Acts 2:44-45)
We don’t separate the spiritual and physical. We care about the whole person, because we are to love God with all of heart, soul, mind, and body.
Paul’s rejoicing at the gifts sent by the Philippians, yet he not only shows personal appreciation, he acknowledges how their generosity is actually worship to the LORD.
This is still true today. When you give to College First Church of God, it’s an act of worship. It’s a step of faith, declaring God owns it all and you can’t outgive Him. I’m grateful for your generosity, church, but beyond paying the bills, I know your sacrifice is pleasing to God and He will honor and bless you for it. I thank my God for you!
I might add it’s a joy to give to support God’s work here and beyond. When you and I give to College First, we are supporting evangelists, missionaries, Next Gen leaders, and the needy in Findlay and around the world. Our benevolence fund has helped countless people over the years and is available for all of you to give and receive. We have a simple form at the office you and submit on behalf of yourself or a friend. We are a family. We do life together. We help, love, and serve one another. It’s who we are.
By the way, we can’t outgive God. In fact, Paul tells these generous, sacrificial givers…
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
What needs will God meet? All of them! Every single one! How? Often through God’s people, the Church. The Philippians have met Paul’s needs (and then some).
To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:20)
The glory of God is the bottom line of College First, of the Great Lakes Conference, of the Churches of God, General Conference, of life itself! For ever and ever. Amen! Then he concludes with a common conclusion…
Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. (Philippians 4:21-22)
And finally,
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. (Philippians 4:23)
Amen!
So What?
In a few moments, you will enter the real world, so to speak. Having been loved and equipped, you will be sent out to do the week ahead…work, play, rest, recreation, conversations, worship, etc. The culture will send you a barrage of messages seeking to make you discontent. That’s the purpose of most advertisements—you won’t be content until you buy this, look like this, drive this, experience this. It’s a lie!
Family, we must spend time with one another in community. Life’s too hard to go it alone. And we must spend time in God’s Word regularly, not to be religious, but to speak truth to our minds that are filled with lies every day. Start with 5 minutes a day. The American Dream is a lie and we’re swimming in it, drowning in it. Narcissism is a lie. It’s not all about you! Control is a lie. He’s God and you’re not! Sometimes I feel like the purpose of my preaching is to deprogram you—and me—from the lies of the world, which are often subtle yet destructive.
Look around. Are people happy? Are they experience peace, freedom, joy? Although it’s decades old, I feel like Mick Jagger’s song could be the hymn of America: I can’t get no satisfaction.
Contrast that with the timeless wisdom of a converted Jew writing from prison:
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13, NKJV)
In a world of anxiety and chaos, we can find contentment in Christ. He’s where the joy is. He’s where the abundant life is. He’s where contentment is. To God be the glory.
Amen.
Credits: some ideas from W. Jerry Murray
Kirk Schneemann
Joy: Book of Philippians
College First Church of God
November 2, 2025
Philippians 4:10-23
Series Big Idea: Philippians reminds us we can experience joy no matter the circumstances.
Big Idea: In a world of anxiety and chaos, we can find contentment in Christ.
How are you today? Is anyone tired? Anxious? Stressed? Chill?
If there’s one thing USAmericans lack, it’s contentment. We are busy, busy, busy…often with nothing to show for it. We buy stuff…tons of stuff, but much of it ends up in next year’s garage sale. We take our kids from game to lesson to practice in what seems like an Uber driver audition. We bet on sports and the lottery hoping for a shortcut to wealth. We play games, watch tv (or worse), scroll through social media, seemingly inspiring Bono to sing, “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.”
In a world of anxiety and chaos, we can find contentment in Christ.
Today we’re finishing our series on this short book and Paul has a slight dilemma. He loves these people and he’s grateful for their gifts, yet he wants them to not send any more money. He never wants to be accused of preaching for money, instead saying the gospel is a free gift. Side note: if I was independently wealthy, I’d love to preach here for free, but I like to eat and live indoors—like many of you—so I am thankful for the opportunity to receive a paycheck…but I assure you I don’t do this “for” the money!
Writing from prison, he says,
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. (Philippians 4:10)
These people have helped Paul while he was in prison, praying for him and ensuring he received food and care, something the government didn’t do back then. He never actually says “thanks” in this section, but he is grateful.
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. (Philippians 4:11)
There’s the word, content. It means “contained.” If you can be content in a Roman prison, you can be content anywhere…whatever the circumstances! He’s content. He is not in financial need. He’s more excited about how the giving will bless the giver than himself, the recipient.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Philippians 4:12)
Paul has experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly of life on earth. Many of us can relate. We’ve encountered the ups and downs of finances, health, relationships, and emotions. But have you been flogged, exposed to death, beaten with rods, pelted with stones, shipwrecked, gone without food, been cold and naked? This is Paul’s story, yet he talks about being content. So, what’s the secret, Paul?
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13)
Mic drop!
The culture says money, pleasure, and power will make you happy, and they will…for a moment. But true contentment is not dependent upon current conditions. As I say sometimes, “It is well with my soul, but not my circumstances.”
Athletes may use this verse as a motivational slogan, which is fine, but it applies to all of life, and in this context, he is actually saying he can do “all these things,” the ability to live through wealth or poverty or food or hunger, not his ability to achieve anything.
Paul said he has learned to be content in all circumstances, because he can do all things through Christ. Pastor Eugene Peterson notes,
Mature Christians are able to do all things because they don’t have to do everything. They acquire strength to live because they don’t have to be anxious and constantly attentive to trivia, and they don’t have to take responsibility for the whole world on their shoulders[1].
Control is usually an illusion, unless we’re talking about our attitude. God is in control…we’re not. Jesus said, “Apart from me, you can do…nothing (John 15:5).”
Paul was God-sufficient instead of self-sufficient. Paul could face anything, because in every situation he had Christ. The same is true or can be true for us, but it begins with letting go, surrender, and being willing to sacrifice, obey, and pay the price. Paul certainly did. He not only had the LORD, he had friends praying and supporting him.
Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. (Philippians 4:14-16)
Paul’s in prison thanking these people for their aid. What selflessness. As I’ve said before, I’d be writing, “Please get me out of here!”
Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. (Philippians 4:17-18)
Paul is full…he has more than enough. Epaphroditus—who we looked at a few weeks ago—delivered money to Paul from the Philippians, perhaps 600 miles or more on foot! Why? Because the Church is a family that takes care of one another, that welcomes the stranger, that responds to the needs of others, even distributing money. This was evident from the very beginning of the Church in Acts 2:
All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. (Acts 2:44-45)
We don’t separate the spiritual and physical. We care about the whole person, because we are to love God with all of heart, soul, mind, and body.
Paul’s rejoicing at the gifts sent by the Philippians, yet he not only shows personal appreciation, he acknowledges how their generosity is actually worship to the LORD.
This is still true today. When you give to College First Church of God, it’s an act of worship. It’s a step of faith, declaring God owns it all and you can’t outgive Him. I’m grateful for your generosity, church, but beyond paying the bills, I know your sacrifice is pleasing to God and He will honor and bless you for it. I thank my God for you!
I might add it’s a joy to give to support God’s work here and beyond. When you and I give to College First, we are supporting evangelists, missionaries, Next Gen leaders, and the needy in Findlay and around the world. Our benevolence fund has helped countless people over the years and is available for all of you to give and receive. We have a simple form at the office you and submit on behalf of yourself or a friend. We are a family. We do life together. We help, love, and serve one another. It’s who we are.
By the way, we can’t outgive God. In fact, Paul tells these generous, sacrificial givers…
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
What needs will God meet? All of them! Every single one! How? Often through God’s people, the Church. The Philippians have met Paul’s needs (and then some).
To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:20)
The glory of God is the bottom line of College First, of the Great Lakes Conference, of the Churches of God, General Conference, of life itself! For ever and ever. Amen! Then he concludes with a common conclusion…
Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. (Philippians 4:21-22)
And finally,
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. (Philippians 4:23)
Amen!
So What?
In a few moments, you will enter the real world, so to speak. Having been loved and equipped, you will be sent out to do the week ahead…work, play, rest, recreation, conversations, worship, etc. The culture will send you a barrage of messages seeking to make you discontent. That’s the purpose of most advertisements—you won’t be content until you buy this, look like this, drive this, experience this. It’s a lie!
Family, we must spend time with one another in community. Life’s too hard to go it alone. And we must spend time in God’s Word regularly, not to be religious, but to speak truth to our minds that are filled with lies every day. Start with 5 minutes a day. The American Dream is a lie and we’re swimming in it, drowning in it. Narcissism is a lie. It’s not all about you! Control is a lie. He’s God and you’re not! Sometimes I feel like the purpose of my preaching is to deprogram you—and me—from the lies of the world, which are often subtle yet destructive.
Look around. Are people happy? Are they experience peace, freedom, joy? Although it’s decades old, I feel like Mick Jagger’s song could be the hymn of America: I can’t get no satisfaction.
Contrast that with the timeless wisdom of a converted Jew writing from prison:
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13, NKJV)
In a world of anxiety and chaos, we can find contentment in Christ. He’s where the joy is. He’s where the abundant life is. He’s where contentment is. To God be the glory.
Amen.
Credits: some ideas from W. Jerry Murray