How Salvation Is Worked Out In & By Us - Pt 3

Salvation Sacrifices With Joy

I. Ministry Is Worth The Pain (v.17a)
   a. Paul would suffer as part of God's ordained means to bring the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15-16)
   b. Paul describes himself as a "drink offering" (2 Tim. 4:6)
      · The drink offering came last and would seal the deal symbolizing completion
      · Paul was willing to allow his life to be an offering for this church
      · Self preservation was not Paul's highest priority in his life (Acts 20:24)
      · The goal in life is not to preserve your life here. It's to advance the gospel ministry. We're all on that course. Run the race with endurance.

II. The Faith Of The Church Is Worth The Sacrifice (v.17b)
   a. Paul was committed to the health/purity/progress of the church
   b. "Sacrifice" refers to the ministry that went on through the church (Rom. 12:9-13)
      · That means that everything at Sovereign Joy (Sunday School, worship, setting up and tearing down, evangelism, etc…) is an act of worship and it's all a part of a bigger picture
   c. "Service" of the church stems from all the member's faith
      · Ministry is about furthering the life, faith, and joy of the church even if suffering is apart of it (2 Cor. 1:24 | Acts 20:28-32, 22-24 | Phil. 1:28-30 | Col. 1:24)

III. The Sacrificial Joy Of Paul Is Worth The Imitation (v.18)
   a. Paul strongly urges the church to imitate him
      · Imitation in the Bible (Rom. 12:1 | 1 Cor. 4:16; 11:1 | Phil 3:17; 4:9 | 1 Thes. 1:6; 2:10-14 | 1 Tim. 1:16 | 2 Thes. 3:7-9)
   b. Do we sacrifice for the sake of the brethren?