Philippians 2_12_18

Philippians 2:12-28An Example to Follow

Intro: Years ago the communist government in China commissioned an author to write a biography of Hudson Taylor with the purpose of distorting the facts and presenting him in a bad light. They wanted to discredit the name of this consecrated missionary of the gospel.

As the author was doing his research, he was increasingly impressed by Taylor’s saintly character and godly life, and he found it extremely difficult to carry out his assigned task with a clear conscience. Eventually, at the risk of losing his life, he laid aside his pen, renounced his atheism, and received Jesus as his personal Savior.

Whether we realize it or not, our example leaves an impression on others.

In Philippians Chapter 2, Paul teaches the importance of having the mind of Christ, he gives 4 examples for the Christians in Philippi to follow. The First Example is Christ Jesus who sacrificed Himself for the sake of humanity.

He left His glory

He made Himself of no reputation (Emptied Himself)

He was made in the likeness of man

He took upon Himself the form of a servant

He humbled Himself (Submitted to authority)

He became obedient unto death

He died on a cursed Cross

Christ did these things to unify the sinful creature to His holy creator and in this lies an example for Christians to follow in like mindedness of Jesus, live a life of humility in service to others.

Next is the example of Paul who lives out his salvation daily for all to see and is willing to offer himself a drink offering upon the service of the Philippians. Next is Timothy who is genuinely concerned for the Philippians and seeks after Christ’s interests, having served with Paul in the furtherance of the Gospel. The final example is Epaphroditus who has ministered to the needs the imprisoned apostle on behalf of the Philippians who for the work of Christ came close to death.

CPS: Today we will discuss the example of Paul who lived the saved life day by day and found joy in midst of very difficult times. If we can live by his example and follow his instructions we will lead a life of joy and our example will leave an impression on others and perhaps they too will encounter Christ and enter into the joy of selfless service to Christ Jesus.

The Example of Paul in matters of SalvationVs. 12-13

Paul has pointed to the work of Christ Jesus on Calvary’s cross and he has commanded the Christians in Philippi to live a life worthy of the Gospel of Christ Jesus, standing united in all things so the world can see the glory of the Gospel at work in their lives. Now he instructs them to work out their salvation, what does this mean?

The Negative (Work for your salvation)

Salvation is not by works but by grace. Jesus says repent of your sin, all the works of man is sinful and unrighteous is God’s view of morality. Our good is not good enough but our bad is not so bad that we can’t be saved. We see in the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican (Luke 18 9-14) a man of good righteous standards according to man who was in need of repenting of his goodness because it wasn’t good enough, he was haughty and looked down on one who was in the exact same boat as himself in need of salvation. The Pharisee boasted while the Publican beat his chest in sorrow repenting of his sin. It is God who saves through Jesus, it is God who grants repentance and the knowledge of truth (2 Tim 2:25)

Salvation is the gift and work of God not the work of man (Eph 2:8-10)

The Positive (Work out what God has worked in)

What God has worked in, you work out. It is God who works in you. What he began he will bring to completion. (Phil 1:6) but you are to live it out in your life. We don’t merely talk the talk of salvation but we live the life of salvation. Does your Christian life speak volumes of the great salvation you have received? Christian faith surrenders all to Christ Jesus and His purpose, it produces maturity in Christ and is demonstrated in good works.

Living out your salvation is not possible through human efforts but because God dwells in you He is working in you, we must demonstrate we are saved for the world to see by allowing God to work in us. If you were to look at the life of Paul what would you see? SALVATION in upon his flesh, though imprisoned for his faith he is still working out his salvation and for that reason the Gospel is advancing in Rome and the known parts of the world.

The Example of Paul in matters of illumination Vs. 14-16

If you were to look at the life of Paul you would see the Gospel light burning through His body. If you put a soundtrack to His autobiography the first song to play would be, “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.”

Jesus tells us (Matthew 5:15) that we are the light of the world now the Apostle Paul says the same thing. However, in order for the Christian to be the light of the world the Church must be united! When we allow God to work in us according to good pleasure will do all things without grumbling or complaining. The one who allows God to work in Him are blameless in the eyes of God but we will also be blameless to the perverted world around us.

I once heard a preacher say, “The best message preached in the one lived out.” We must share the Gospel but we must live out the Gospel for the world to see. “Live your life in a manner worthy of the Gospel.” We live a life that speaks volume of Christ’s redemptive work, alife that illuminates the righteousness of Christ Jesus.

ILL: This world is dark and perverse, Have you ever walked in the dark before? Story of JRTC (Ft. Polk) fell down a ditch.

WE MUST HOLD THE GOSPEL OUT FOR THE WORLD TO SEE. The word “hold forth” is the Greek ĕpĕchō, (ep-ekh´-o) it means to hold fast, to fix attention upon. It is the idea of two travelers going through the night, one with a light and the other without light. The one extends his light to the other who is following that light might fall on his footsteps.

Friends, God has set you as a light, it is the Greek word (phōstēr, foce-tare) which means luminary, it is the word for a light-giving heavenly body, A STAR if you please. This world is waiting for the sunrise of the Son of righteousness. But until He slips over the horizon to bring His light to this world, there is a star to cast its light than men might not fall. We are that star the holds forth the Word of life! Therefore, do all things without grumbling or complaining so you maybe united in purpose so that the world will have light and see Christ Jesus in you!

The Example of Paul in matters of humiliation Vs. 17-18

If anyone had a reason to complain it was Paul, incarcerated because of his faith, facing the death penalty because of his faith yet he found joy in his life in spite of his circumstances. He viewed the possible outcome, death, simply as an act of Worship. In order for us to understand this we must understand the Levitical sacrificial system. Through sacrifice one could stand before God, a sacrifice was a physical expressions of their inward devotions. There were 5 main sacrifices the Lord prescribed to the Israel.

The Burnt Offering – the sacrifice of an unblemished lamb, young bull, goat, pigeon or turtle dove. This sacrifice was made to restore relationship with God.

The Grain Offering – The offering from the harvest of the land. It was composed of fine flour with oil, frankincense, and salt.

The Peace offering – is a type of burnt offering in response to an unexpected blessing, an answer to prayer, or just general thankfulness.

The Sin Offering – This offering purified the sanctuary from sin that was committed unintentionally, allowing God to continue to dwell among us people

The Guilt Offering – This offering was concerned with paying restitution. Someone who took something illegally was expected to repay it plus 20% and then bring a ram for a guilt offering.

Paul says even if I’m poured out a drink offering I will rejoice. A drink offering was a hin of wine or strong drink poured out upon the burnt offering as a pleasant aroma to the Lord. It is an offering poured completely to the Lord, unlike the other offerings which the priests received a small share, the drink offering was for God alone. It was a total and complete sacrifice and this sacrifice is celebrated!

But note Paul’s humility, a drink offering poured upon the sacrifice of your service and faith. Even at the idea of him giving his life in the service of Christ he put their service above his own. In all that Paul had accomplished for the Lord he did not rank his accomplishments first but was willing to offer himself as a drink offering upon the service of the Philippians.

Conclusion: We are to follow the example of Paul! He lived his life in a manner worthy of the Gospel so mankind can see his great salvation, He held up the gospel by his actions in life inorder to give guiding light to others to follow in his footsteps. He was willing to give his life upon the service of other as an act of worship pleasing to God and in all this rejoiced and asked the Philippians to rejoice as well.