FBC Benbrook Sermons

Christian Liberty and Adiaphora

For 2000 years, Christians have struggled to “agree in the Lord” over matters that the Scriptures neither command or forbid. The practice of Christian liberty, so difficult as a community of faith, is vital to proclamation of the gospel. The practical advice found in Romans 14 helps the church navigate the process by faithfully discerning, faithfully choosing, freely liberating, and freely restraining. (Philippians 4.2-3) March 9, 2025

Enemies or Citizens?

The apostle Paul challenged the saints in Philippi, and all who follow Jesus today, of the only two optional response to the gospel as we wait for the return of Christ. We will either walk as enemies of the cross or walk as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. Those who walk as enemies have their minds set on earthly things, pursue their desires as their god, and glory in their shame, ultimately leading to destruction. In contrast, citizens of the Kingdom are transformed, recognize Jesus as their king, and live in a new community with a renewed perspective on life. This change is a result of genuine rebirth in Christ, of being transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. This passage of Scripture calls us to examine ourselves to see if we are walking as enemies of the cross or living as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. (Philippians 3.17-4.1) March 2, 2025

How Can We Run Like Paul When We Feel Like Elijah?

Paul’s personal response to the gospel and his desire to gain Christ and to know Him is to forget what lies behind and to press on to the goal. However, sometimes forgetting the past and reaching out for the future can be hard to do. In these moments, we are reminded that the reason we can reach out to lay hold of Christ is because Christ has already lay hold of us. (Philippians 3.12-14) February 23, 2025

Because I am in Christ and Christ is in Me

In this sermon, Pastor Todd emphasizes the profound benefits of being in Christ and having Christ in us, as articulated by Paul in Philippians 3. He highlights five key blessings: liberation from guilt, the ability to know Jesus as a friend, the experience of His power within us, the significance and purpose of our lives, and the absence of fear regarding death. Pastor Todd encourages the congregation to translate these theological truths into everyday language, making them relatable and applicable to their lives. As they prepare for the Lord's Supper, he invites everyone to reflect on their personal gratitude for these gifts, reminding them that their unique expressions of thanksgiving are valuable and meaningful to God. The sermon culminates in a call to worship, urging individuals to present their personal praises during the communion service, celebrating the transformative power of being in Christ and Christ in them. (Philippians 3.1-11) February 16, 2025
 
Sermon Summary:
As we gather to celebrate the Lord's Supper, we are reminded of the profound benefits that come from being in Christ and having Christ in us. This sacred moment is not just a ritual but a deep expression of our faith in the all-sufficient atoning death of Jesus and the transformative power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. In Philippians 3, Paul warns against those who distort the gospel, emphasizing the necessity of these two gospel keys: the atoning death of Christ and the life-changing presence of the Holy Spirit. Without these, our understanding of the gospel is incomplete.Paul's message to the Philippians is a call to rejoice in the Lord and to put no confidence in the flesh. He shares his own journey, highlighting that despite his impressive religious credentials, he considers them worthless compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. This realization leads to a life liberated from guilt, empowered by the resurrection, and filled with purpose and significance.In practical terms, being in Christ means we are freed from the burden of guilt. We no longer need to strive for a righteousness of our own, as Christ's righteousness is imputed to us. This liberation is a profound gift that our culture desperately needs to hear. Furthermore, we can know Jesus as a friend, experiencing a personal relationship with the transcendent God who knows us intimately and loves us deeply.The power of Christ's resurrection is at work within us, providing the strength to endure life's challenges and to live victoriously. Our lives gain significance and purpose as we live for the sake of Christ, knowing that we are part of a larger story that God is writing. Finally, we no longer fear death, for in Christ, death is not the end but a transition to eternal life with Him.As we partake in the Lord's Supper, let us offer our personal words of thanksgiving, acknowledging the unique ways Christ's presence has transformed our lives. This is a moment to present our sacrifices of praise, celebrating the profound truth that we are in Christ and Christ is in us.Key Takeaways:Liberation from Guilt: In Christ, we are freed from the burden of guilt. We no longer need to strive for our own righteousness, as Christ's righteousness is imputed to us. This liberation is a profound gift that offers peace and freedom from the condemnation we often place on ourselves.  Friendship with Jesus: Knowing Jesus as a friend transforms our lives. He is the ultimate best friend who knows us intimately, loves us deeply, and acts in our best interest. This personal relationship with the transcendent God is a source of comfort and strength.  Experiencing Resurrection Power: The power of Christ's resurrection is at work within us, providing the strength to endure life's challenges and to live victoriously. This divine power enables us to overcome obstacles and live with purpose and hope.  Significance and Purpose: Our lives gain significance and purpose as we live for the sake of Christ. We are part of a larger story that God is writing, and our daily actions have eternal value. This understanding infuses our lives with meaning and direction. Freedom from the Fear of Death: In Christ, death is not the end but a transition to eternal life with Him. This assurance removes the fear of death and fills us with hope for the future, knowing that we will be with Christ forever.

Modern Day Distortions

The apostle Paul warned the saints in Philippi to watch out for the “evildoers.” In today’s sermon, we explore who these people were, what they were doing that was so evil, and how the same danger might appear in our modern culture. We examine these two keys of the Christian gospel: the all sufficient atoning death of Jesus on the cross, and the life changing experience with the indwelling Holy Spirit. (Philippians 3.1-11) February 9, 2025.

Just a Bit Outside

After urging the saints in Philippi to be of one mind, striving side by side for the sake of the gospel, Paul presents a case study of two men who did exactly that: Timothy and Epaphroditus. The testimony of their lives encourages us to find peace and joy in the way God has shaped us to strive for the gospel even as we are open to Him leading us just outside our comfort zone for His glory. (Philippians 2.19-30) February 2, 2025

A Frosted Three Layer Cake

The apostle Paul combines three emphases in the first half of his letter to the Philippians (gospel unity, partnership in the gospel, and suffering for the sake of Christ) with a reference to the final words of Moses to encourage the saints in Philippi to carry out their calling to shine like stars in the world by holding fast to the word of life. (Philippians 2.14-18) January 26, 2025

Work Because God is At Work

The apostle Paul encouraged the Christians in Philippi to work out their salvation, to put into practice who they were in Christ. But the reason they should and could work out their salvation is because God is at work in them, individually and corporately, to will and to work for His good pleasure. In this sermon, we explore what this promise does and does not mean.  (Philippians 2.12-13) January 19, 2025

Are You Cultivating or Killing Unity?

Blake Theiss, Minister to Students and Men at FBC Benbrook, preaches from Philippians 2:2-5 about God's desire for unity within His church.

Be of One Mind

The apostle Paul urged the church in Philippi to stand firm in one spirit, to be of one mind, and to strive side by side together for the gospel. He paints a great picture of the unity of the body of Christ, but this has always been a challenge for the church. Paul and Barnabas struggled to be of the same mind. Euodia and Syntychte struggled to agree in the Lord. Whitefield and Wesley were not able to strive together side by side for the gospel, at least for a season. If the two great missionaries of the early church and the two great leaders of the First Great Awakening couldn’t make this work, what hope do we have as ordinary believers today? The answer lies in our personal, saving experience with the triune God. Because we have such encouragement in Christ, and know the steadfast love of the Father, and have fellowship with the same Holy Spirit, this kind of unity can become a reality. (Philippians 2.1-2) January 6, 2025
 
Summary
In today's reflection, we delve into the profound call for unity within the body of Christ, as articulated by the Apostle Paul in his letters to the early churches. Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians and Corinthians emphasizes the necessity of being united in spirit and purpose, striving side by side for the faith of the gospel. This unity is not merely a superficial agreement but a deep, spiritual oneness that reflects the unity of the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Despite the challenges and historical examples of division within the church, such as the disagreements between Paul and Barnabas or the theological rift between George Whitefield and John Wesley, the call to unity remains paramount.The difficulty of achieving such unity is acknowledged, as even Spirit-filled believers have preferences and differing opinions on non-essential matters. The challenge lies in discerning what is essential to the gospel and what is not, and in choosing the means and methods to advance the gospel mission. Yet, the encouragement, comfort, and fellowship we receive from our relationship with Christ, the love of God, and the Holy Spirit should empower us to transcend these differences.Paul’s message is clear: the individual experience of salvation should flow into a corporate experience of unity within the church. This unity is not just a lofty ideal but a practical reality that can be achieved by focusing on our shared salvation experience and the essential doctrines of the faith. The life and ministry of figures like Whitefield and Wesley remind us that, despite disagreements, the common cause of the gospel and the love for one another should prevail.As we move forward, let us strive to embody this unity, allowing our shared experiences in Christ to bind us together in love and purpose. May our commitment to the gospel and to one another be so strong that it overcomes any divisions, enabling us to promote the common cause of the gospel effectively.