Young Adults' Group

A Christ-Centred Faith

by Pastor Mark
October 19, 2017

The same spirit of faith

Last Saturday, we had our last YAG meeting for the year. It has been a wonderful time for us to study Philippians 1 on the same spirit of faith. I hope that the study of the text has come alive to us over the course of this year.

Practising a Christ-centred faith

We want to take time to review what we have learnt. One key focus that Paul had in having this same spirit of faith was how Christ-centred he was. Nothing else mattered in his life except his faith in Christ. Let us appreciate the place of Christ in the life and ministry of Paul.

1. Emphasis on Christ

There is a significant emphasis on Christ in Philippians 1. The name of Christ is used 19 times. This demonstrates how Christ-centred Paul was in his life and ministry. Whatever he wrote, there was a significant consciousness of Christ. He was practising a Christ-centred faith in all that he did. How was Paul Christ-centred?

2. Christ was involved in all areas of life and ministry

As Paul wrote to the Philippian brethren, we could see how Christ was involved in his life and ministry. His faith in Christ affected everything that he did.

a. In terms of life and death

• He was living for Christ (Phil 1:21)
• He was conscious of the need for grace and peace from Christ (Phil 1:2)
• Bearing fruits was by the Lord Jesus (Phil 1:11)
• His deliverance was through the supply of the Spirit of Christ (Phil 1:19)
• Conduct should be worthy of the gospel of Christ (Phil 1:27)
• Christ was to be magnified by life or by death (Phil 1:20)
• In death, he would be able to be with Christ (Phil 1:21, 23)
• He was conscious of the day of Christ (Phil 1:6,10)

Paul sought to be Christ-centred both in life and death

b. In terms of service

• He was a bondservant of Christ (Phil 1:1)
• He ministered with the affections of Jesus Christ (Phil 1:8)
• His chains were in Christ (Phil 1:13)
• His focus was for Christ to be preached (Phil 1:18)

All that He sought to do in ministry was for Christ. This was the kind of faith he had.

3. Relating to Christ

The Lord Jesus was very real to Paul. His faith in Christ led him to have a deep relationship with Him. The Lord featured very strongly in all aspects of his walk with Him. Let us be challenged to have the same deep relationship that Paul had with Christ.

4. Response to Christ

How should we respond? Let us be challenged to offer much thanksgiving to God for who Christ is to us. Let us rejoice for all that the Lord has done for us. Let us be challenged to practise a Christ-centred faith in our life and ministry as we cultivate the same spirit of faith.

Back to Article Listing