08-23-2026 Nothing
Text: Philippians 2:3, 4:6; Luke 1:37; Revelation 3:17
Every sermon has a subject. After all, every week I have a goal to teach you something new or show you something that you never saw before in the Word of God. Today we are going to look at nothing. I recently discovered that there are four important “Nothings” in the Bible that are actually quite important to our Christian life.
The first is the Nothing of Activity in Christian service. In our first of four texts, Paul writes in Philippians 2: “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves.” Strife is animosity, bickering, conflict and controversy between people and Paul is reminding us that when there is strife among Christians it hinders the work of Christ. He showed us in I Corinthians 3:1-4 that there was strife in the church at Corinth, that strife keeps bad company (Galatians 5:20). James, the brother of Jesus, tells us in James 3:14-18 that strife is earthly, sensual, and devilish. The bottom line is that it can ruin the church and its ability to do the work of God. It is something that should be avoided or corrected whenever it is found.
Paul tells us in Philippians 2:5-8 that humility overcomes strife and Jesus is our perfect example of humility. Selfish ambition can ruin a church, but genuine humility it what builds it. Being humble involves having a true perspective about ourselves, as we’re told in Romans 12:3. But it doesn’t mean that we should put ourselves down. Before God, we’re sinners, saved only by God’s grace. Because we are saved, we should always remember that we are each valuable in God’s kingdom. We’re to lay aside selfishness and treat others with respect and common courtesy. Considering others’ interests as more important than our own is what links us with Jesus, who was the true example of humility.
Then there’s the Nothing of Anxiety in Daily life. Paul writes in Philippians 4:6: “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” When he says be careful for nothing he’s reminding us that we don’t have to worry or be anxious about anything. Unfortunately, too often we only obey the first two words of the verse – be careful. In other words, we become anxious. We start worrying about issues or problems before we think to take it to the Lord in prayer. Worry and anxiety can destroy health, homes, dreams, and accomplishments. It does nothing to help us cope with what might come tomorrow, and it drains our strength for today.
But faith in Jesus overcomes anxiety and worry. Imagine never being anxious about anything! That may seem like it’s impossible, after all everyone worries about something on the job, at home, or at school. But Paul’s advice is to turn our worries into prayers The best way to worry less is to make it a habit to pray more. The moment you find yourself starting to worry, stop and pray. Then take time to listen to what God has to say to you and always thank Him for all the good work He has already done in your life, in the Church, in the community, and even in the world.
Next, we have the Nothing of Almighty Power. Luke 1:37 tells us: “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” This is where the angel Gabriel has just told the virgin Mary that she was going to give birth to the Messiah. She questioned how this would be possible when she had never been with a man. Gabriel assured her that it would happen because nothing is impossible where God was concerned. We need to listen to that angel’s response to Mary and always lean heavily on it in our own lives. Every obstacle or situation we face in life is tempered by this ‘nothing’ and when we fully accept it and live by it, our faith will grow by leaps and bounds. Jeremiah accepted this nothing in Jeremiah 32:27. Like Jeremiah, we may feel that what God asks us to do is too difficult or just flat out impossible. Jesus said we must deny our selfish ways, take up our cross and follow Him in Mark 8:34-37. Instead of being afraid, we are to always remember that whatever we are asked to do God will go with us, help us, and reward us. This may seem difficult to believe and accept at times, but nothing is too hard with God’s love and power enabling us to carry our His will in our lives. When we accept Gabriel’s ‘nothing,’ all of our doubts and concerns will be taken away.
Finally, we have the Nothing of Apathetic Christianity. Revelation 3:17 says: “Because you say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor and blind, and naked…” This is from the letter to the church at Laodicea which is a symbol of the lukewarm church of the last days. When a church focuses too much on material possessions such as money, buildings, and investments it becomes lukewarm and accomplishes nothing. The souls around this kind of church remain lost. When a church just goes through religious motions, it creates apathy. Be assured, there will come a day when we all will have to answer for our apathy.
Vance Havner, a Southern Baptist minister, evangelist, and author known for his concise preaching, revivalist focus, and enduring influence in conservative Protestant circles once said, “We have no business living ordinary lives in such extraordinary times.” When the Church becomes apathetic, it’s powerless to do the will of God. This is what happens when we allow conflict to grow, forget to pray before anxiety takes over, and forget that nothing is impossible with God.
Every one of us can respond to the “Nothings” in the Bible by stopping conflicts before they become a problem, stop worrying, and always putting our trust in God. When we do this, there’s nothing that can hold us back from a full commitment to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
Until we meet again, may God bless you and keep you, may He shine His light on you, show you grace, and give you peace in all the days ahead.