7.6.47 10.15.2023 Philippians 2.12-18

Start:

Entice: So? What’s next? Deep theology is supposed to answer questions, not create more of them.

So what?

is not an information question,

it is a prelude to action question. Last week we examined Philippians 2.1-11, the doctrinal heart of Philippians. That text gives reasons, it provides theological grounding for Christian obedience, reminding us of Jesus’ emptying Himself of Godly prerogative and humanly submitting to death. His humility, becoming the model for ours. In Philippians 2.12-18 Paul begins to describe that obedience. We are not the eternal Son. We didn’t pour out or divinity, and our sacrifices will tend not to be as absolute as the cross.

What does discipleship look like?

For all intents and purposes, when we ask Paul “what’s next” he answers, “this”.

Philippians 2:12–18 ESV

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

Engage: The delicate balance of “we” and “me” is of central importance to the life of discipleship.

We cannot have conflict—if I won’t indulge in conflict.

We can’t argue—if you refuse to engage me in argument.

So these commands, which come in a plural context require each of us as individuals to apply the lessons of humility, submission, and obedience which flow from the mind of Christ. When we think like Jesus, we should act like Jesus and that is much more difficult.

Expand: Like a good coach or an involved boss Paul is firm but loving. He is demanding but kind. He is direct and encouraging. It is passages like this that inspire guys like me to continue in ministry. Our culture provides shifting examples of “good leadership.”

Boss.

Captain.

Manager.

Coach.

Instructor.

Mentor.

Paul is all of these things. Ultimately the best, most biblically comprehensive description is Pastor Teacher. I am proud to be the

Pastor/Scholar/Mentor/Instructor/Coach

for this congregation.

As that might be difficult to get on the door of the study or on a business card

You can just call me

BobthePreacher.

Excite: As mentor and coach Paul has already provided the theological basis for Christian living—obedient Christ-likeness. Now he returns to a more directive approach. not only do we need right information we need to process that information into reasons that grab ahold of our emotions transforming and strengthening our will.

Explore:

Responsible leadership defines and describes Christian living.

Expand: In this text, Paul turns accurate theology into doable deeds.

Body of Sermon: First we are told to

1 Work hard. 12,13

1.1 Consistently.

— “In my presence or absence.’

1.2 Purposefully.

— “y’all work out each of y’alls salvation

1.3 Faithfully

— “God’s work in His (own) faithful people.

He energizes us for the mental aspects of accomplishing His will.

visualizing, understanding, comprehending.

And He energizes us for the doing, acting, working—of His will

Next a most difficult directive…

2 Get along. 14,15

"Getting along”

2.1 Defines community.

“Getting along” is a

2.2 Sign of Godly character.

=blameless, and innocent children of God.

When we “get along” we function as

2.3 Lights in cultural darkness.

—>A paradigm of why we must closely read WHAT THE TEXT SAYS, without making a bunch of culturally-derived or culturally-driven assumptions. We have all heard a million sermons about how we are lights in the world. And how that light is all about taking the right stands on the right issues. And there may be texts which teach that. Just not this one. Doctrinal unity is assumed. Pure theology is a given. Paul reminds us that we reflect the light of Christ when we don’t fight or fuss with one another. Conflict creates ethical and moral compromise. We cannot be blameless and conspicuous lights of we grumble or dispute. The model of the cantankerous “brother” who spends all of his time picking fights has no place in Christian behavior. It invalidates our witness, or in this case diminishes the light we reflect from Jesus. If you want to shine out there, it begins with getting along in the Church.

Last of all Paul advises us to

3 Stand firm. 17,18

Not just being stable but being focused and accountable to the redeeming Word which gives us life.

When we do this it

3.1 Validates service.

I don’t what to have wasted my time. No minister or elder does. I hope that all those men and women who taught me, led me, coached me, corrected me, and directed me have been validated by my continuing faith.

Our service is always played out in a

3.2 Context of shared sacrifice.

3.3 Source of shared joy.

Shut Down

Paul remains a great coach to this day. He gives us reasons why, grounding Christian living in the reality of God becoming flesh and giving Himself for us. Then, as we have just discussed, he gives us clear

instructions about what we should do and how we should live life in Christ together. He even tells us what the outcomes will be. Our growth in unity and a testimony to a dying culture of life to be found in Jesus.

My goal as a preacher is to preach clearly what coaches, mentors, teachers, and leaders like Paul wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. My prayer is that Biblical faith and practice creates a community of

faith-->right here in Grayville that both exposes the darkness and invites the lost into the light of Christ.

Here’s my pledge: I’l keep preaching, if y’all keep shining!