Canaan Fellowship

Spring 2024 Retreat – To Live is Christ

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Canaan Fellowship
Canaan Fellowship
Spring 2024 Retreat – To Live is Christ
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Navi Babu delivers a heartfelt sermon titled “To Live is Christ,” reflecting on his personal struggles to maintain a Christ-centered life amidst worldly distractions. He shares his journey from fiery devotion to gradual complacency, emphasizing the need to die to self, bear spiritual fruit, and prioritize discipleship. The message is rooted in Philippians 1 and challenges believers to realign their lives with Christ’s example.

  • [00:00:00] Navi introduces the topic, confessing his own struggles with prioritizing Christ over worldly concerns like finances and family.
  • [00:01:04] He contrasts Saul’s hypocrisy with his own tendency to avoid accountability, especially in work and parenting.
  • [00:02:01] Navi admits his morning routine revolves around checking IRS refunds rather than prayer/Bible study.
  • [00:04:05] Reads Philippians 1:19-26, focusing on Paul’s declaration: “To live is Christ, to die is gain.”
  • [00:06:12] Challenges the congregation: Is Christianity merely an “insurance policy” for eternity while seeking earthly gain?
  • [00:07:08] Shares his testimony of persecution in India and early zeal for ministry, which waned after marriage and career.
  • [00:10:51] Quotes John Piper: Christ is magnified when we find satisfaction in Him above all else.
  • [00:12:08] Explains bearing “fruit of righteousness” (Philippians 1:9-11) through the Spirit’s work, not self-effort.
  • [00:13:06] References Mark 4:1-20 (parable of the sower), urging self-examination: Are we “thorny soil” choked by worldly cares?
  • [00:15:39] Highlights John 12:24-25: Fruitfulness requires dying to self, like a grain of wheat.
  • [00:16:27] Calls for humility (Philippians 2:1-11) and serving others’ interests above our own.
  • [00:20:41] Emphasizes the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) as the purpose for remaining on earth: making disciples.
  • [00:22:28] Encourages standing firm amid cultural opposition (Philippians 1:27-30), citing Stephen’s martyrdom as an example.
  • [00:26:32] Lists 8 practical steps to live for Christ (from Philippians):
    1. Humility and sharing (2:1-11)
    2. Avoiding grumbling (2:14-16)
    3. Seeking Christ’s interests (2:19-22)
    4. Losing earthly status (3:7-11)
    5. Living as heaven’s citizens (3:20-21)
    6. Rejoicing always (4:4-7)
    7. Contentment in all circumstances (4:10-13)
    8. Dwelling on godly virtues (4:8)
  • [00:43:26] Concludes with Philippians 3:12-15: Pressing toward Christlikeness despite imperfections.

Scripture References

  • Philippians 1:19-26
  • Philippians 1:9-11
  • Mark 4:1-20
  • John 12:24-25
  • Matthew 16:24-25
  • Matthew 28:18-20
  • Philippians 2:1-11
  • Philippians 2:14-16
  • Philippians 2:19-22
  • Philippians 3:7-11
  • Philippians 3:12-15
  • Philippians 3:20-21
  • Philippians 4:4-7
  • Philippians 4:8
  • Philippians 4:10-13
  • Proverbs 23:7
  • Luke 6:45

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