How do I have The Already but Not Yet Salvation?

Philippians 2:12

GBCCR 5/26/24

Introduction

Catch- After being involved in one form of ministry to others for many years now I’ve noticed that people tend to get really excited about the way God worked in their life

For example you see how people tend to promote the means of evangelism that God used with them

If they were saved by street preaching, that’s the way to go

If they were saved by family worship, then everyone needs to do that

If a billy Graham crusade, then we we need to dig him out of the grave and preach so my neighbor = can be saved

Or if someone was saved by a quiet wife who refused to say anything, then he’d like the same thing to happen

The gospel is always the same saving truth, but there is not one method of giving it

And I think the same thing happens when we are sanctified

If a camp experience brought you closer to christ, then everyone needs to head to nature

Or if a time of intense fasting or service made you love your savior, then everyone must do it!

Or if recognizing the power of the gospel and how jesus justified you, then everyone else needs thtis truth

But God is making children, not formulas

So, it’s no surprise when what works for one person doesn’t work exactly the same beucase the bible doesn’t give just one color.

Jesus is the same, truth is the same but we’re different

So it’s no surprise that god uses different methods because we’re at different points

I want to show you today, how our work of sanctification requires the same focus, but will look different for each of us.

Review

Who Needs Salvation?

We saw that non-Christians need salvation from the penalty of sin and you can receive it by putting your trust in Christ

But Christians still need to be sanctified way from persuasions of sin because while salvation is by faith alone, true faith does not remain alone

When is someone saved?

Final sanctification will not happen until the day that every knee will bow in the end times

So no matter how far you’ve gone or grown, you still have something to continue to follow Christ in

Where in the community does obedience happen?

The church community helps us grow as we speak the word of God to each other

And we need each other to point out ways we are ignorant of the change needed

So let’s see

The 5 W’s (& 1 H) you need to grow as a Christian

What does working one’s salvation mean?

The “problem” of Work out your salvation

You may think, “Woah, Paul. That is not ok to say.. Salvation is by grace alone, not by works, right?”

As one missionary in the 19th century wrote, "Not by striving after faith, but by resting on the Faithful One.”

People say, Let Go and Let God.”

And scripture makes clear that salvation is not our works

Titus 3:5- He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

But Scripture also makes clear that while justifying salvation is monergistic, God alone working, our sanctification is synergistic… we work with God

Just before Titus 3:5 comes

Titus 2:11–12- For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,

Be careful when you read the bible that you don’t inject your own meanings into words

True Christians will work out their faith

The Translation- To work out is a helpful translation

To bring about, accomplish, produce, create..

to let what is within come out. To make salvation fruitful here and now.

The same word is used in

Romans 5:3- And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;

Christian, you are to work a miracle

Have you ever tried to cultivate fruit?

Water, but not too much, give proper food, prune away the branches that are not producing fruit, protect the plant during too much rain or snow, watch out for bugs..

What comes out shows what is inside?

Jesus said you will know them by their fruit.

So what comes out of your heart? That shows who you are

The process of becoming what we already are

Romans 6:5-13 tells us this

V5- if we are united in baptism of death and newness of life in the future we shall united in his resurrection

V6- old self was crucified with Christ, in his death, killing our slavery to sin

V11 says should consider (to determine by mathematical process, reckon, calculate ) ourselves dead to sin and alive to Christ

Do not submit to the commands of sin, since it has no authority over you actually (6:12).

Do not allow your body to be offered in mercenary service to sin, attracted by the immediate pleasures it offers (6:13).

recognizes his new identity as someone who has 'been brought from death to life'. Put the members of your body in the arsenal of the Lord (6:13).

Be what you already are” cancels out future

“Be what you are becoming” is better, but diminishes the indicative

“Be what you will be” fails to see already

Romans 13:14- But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.

So put on what you already have In Christ

The hard work of sanctification:

Paul portrays the Christian life as warfare requiring armor in Eph 6:10-18

And do soldiers put on armor when they’re resting or in battle?

This is supposed to be a fight

"Walking is one of Paul's favorite metaphors for spirituality"

it implies progress, continual movement, and the development of strength

hard work doesn’t always feel fun, in fact we should do it, in fear and trembling

Illus- We are to workout what God has already done in us

Obedience in the Christian life can be seen this way

hopefully all of you were asked to mow a lawn by your parents

-You can imagine saying I don’t know how

-Asks how can I do it…you are given a lawnmower

instructions and examples

-asks why must I do it … given explanation of the problems with long grass

Big brother comes out and shows him how it is done

But gets angry that the lawn won’t mow itself

Says, Dad, just make me mow the lawn! Dad has funny look

This is Silly, right? And yet, sometimes this is exactly what we do when we say to God, just change me already as we ignore the path God has laid out

What does working out salvation mean? To trust God

So, what ways does the bible say we work out our faith?

This first part of changing is to focus on the one who changes By Looking at Christ

2 Corinthians 3:18- But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

It is seeing how wonderful Christ is that transforms us.

Think about what encourages someone to be an astronaut…seeing an astronaut.

So, if you’re struggling with motivation in sanctification, look at the example of Jesus to long after Him.

Colossians 3:10- and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him—

The new self you are supposed to put on is Jesus Christ!

By the preaching the gospel to ourselves

2 Peter 1:3–4- seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.

His promises are the truth of the gospel. That anyone who believes in Him by faith will receive the blessings he has earned for us.

Hebrews 10:14- For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified-

Believe in what Christ has done.

The gospel has the great encouragement that Christ has paved the way and now the father cheers you on, and though you mess up, he only ever has a smile for you as you return

By Studying Scripture

2 Timothy 3:16–17- All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

a favorite of mine, says scripture makes you equipped for every good work

How do you find the tools for the good works God has planned for you

In the pages of His Holy word.

Christian, you need to mediate on this word, but not just for tidbits to get through the day, but looking for who God is

By Praying to God

Hebrews 4:16- Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Philippians 4 tells us one of the ways to fight worry is by prayer.

We confess our sins in prayer because we are commanded, but it is our expression of needing God to change us

1 John 1:8–9- If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

I know this is controversial to some, but This is written to believers:

1 John 2:1- My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;

Whereas the Gospel of John is written with an evangelistic purpose, 1 John is penned to provide avenues of assurance whereby a believer can know he has eternal life through the Son

John 20:30–31- Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

So Christian, make time to pray to God, and the first step to growing is to agree with God that you’re not all the way there yet

By Being in Fellowship

Prov 27:17- Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another

And, may I suggest that the different gifts we have are not so we can just sit back and watch someone else serveBut instead, each Christian is gifted as an example to the rest of us of how we should live

But instead, each Christian is gifted as an example to the rest of us of how we should live

Do you want to be more knowledable, then watch the person gifted with knowledgeDo you need to be more merciful? Watch the merciful

Do you need to be more merciful? Watch the mercifulAre you desperate for more faith?

Are you desperate for more faith? Watch those who have shown their faith

Watch those who have shown their faith

By Trusting in Providence

Romans 8:28- And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

You need to trust God to do what he says he will do in v29

Romans 8:29- For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;

He is going to make you more like Christ

So as you go through life’s joys and trials, one major question should keep bringing you attention back to working out your salvationHOW IS THIS MAKING ME MORE LIKE JESUS?

HOW IS THIS MAKING ME MORE LIKE JESUS?

Obedience

John 14:15- “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

When you don’t feel like obeying GodWhen the pull of sin seems way better

When the pull of sin seems way better

Remind yourself, you who love God

Remind yourself that obedience will bring you a greater, clear vision of the glory of your savior

We’ve seen various ways scripture says were changed, but one thing is consistent

How should salvation be accomplished?

Explanation

The fear of Holiness

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7)

Often stated that this is respect, which it is, but there is more power behind it with these two words together.

Our society doesn’t generally tremble before those we simply respect

It is perhaps the doctrine most forgotten in the contemporary American church.

This is the respect given to the one who every knee will bow

The sinners in Zion are afraid; trembling has seized the godless: “Who among us can dwell with the consuming fire? Who among us can dwell with everlasting burnings?”” (Isaiah 33:14)

Dr Bill Barrick writes, “Until a person understands what the holiness of God involves, he will have difficulty comprehending what his own holiness should involve. The OT [especially] depicts God as unique and absolutely incomparable—he alone is God, the exalted one, the most High, the creator, the king, and the redeemer”

The commanded Fear of God shows faith

The all powerful, and all good god says we must Fear Him,

We like to think of God as a kind grandfather in the sky who doesn’t interact with our lives on a daily basis

We occasionally have to do things for him

And he always comes with gifts for us.

But Abraham, the father of faith, showed his belief in God by his fear.

As he went to kill his only son because God commanded it, God stopped him by saying

(Genesis 22:12) ‘ “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said, “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son” ’

So, we learn Fear is not a bad thing:

Scripture continually states the blessings of fearing God

Fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. (Psalm 34: 9– 11)

We will fear something… maybe you fear nothing the loss of your rights and you will fight for them

But only in God do we find fear that fights for us

. Natural fear needs to be regulated by faith in God. David had good cause to fear others at various points in his life, but he could say:

When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? (Psalm 56:3–4

How should salvation be accomplished? With Fear

So, Christian, you are called to fearfully work out what God has put in you

Wild animals do not make good pets

On Sunday (Oct. 16), a 4-year-old boy in Texas was mauled by a pet mountain lion kept by his aunt, and hospitalized for his injuries.

For example, on August 28, 1999, in Centralia, IL, a 3-year-old boy was strangled to death by the family’s pet python. The parents were charged with child endangerment and unlawful possession of a dangerous animal.

But, As CS Lewis wrote about Aslan,“Aslan is a lion- the Lion, the great Lion." "Ooh" said Susan. "I'd thought he was a man. Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion"..."Safe?" said

“Aslan is a lion- the Lion, the great Lion." "Ooh" said Susan. "I'd thought he was a man. Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion"..."Safe?" said Mr Beaver ..."Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.””

This God we have is kind and good, providing for you every step of the way

Work with fear

Application

We cannot try to be the good Christian because of other people… they help us, but the fear of man is snare

When you are about to do something, whether good or bad… who comes to your mind as you go, what would he or she think…

That is the person or people your fear

Instead, we fear God

The key to God’s treasure is to fear him. To fear God is to respect, worship, trust and submit to God.

What does God think… and the beauty is you can read in His word… he does not change, unlike popele

The hope of this is that the fear of God can be taught

Deuteronomy 4:10- “ ‘Assemble the people to Me, that I may let them hear My words so they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.’

Review the creation psalms: Psalms 8; 19; 29; 65; 104.

Memorize Psalm 139. It states that God's providence is so extensive it goes into all the details of our lives.

Go through a hymn book and highlight songs that express God's majesty and holiness.

Train your heart to fear to be in awe of God

There is something so wonderful about going to someone you have every reason to be fearful of, not because they will do anything wrong, but because you have

You have failed you had wronged them

You entered terrified, and they hug you

Christian, this is the beaut of the gospel

We’ll see next week

Why Can I do this… God’s work (v13)?

Therefore

Since we have seen (Cohesion)-

We need to work out our salvation differently from one another because scripture lays out various ways be sanctified of someone who has been saved

But what is consistent is that it will require hard work

And secondly we all must fear God

We know we must (Resolution)- Working the miracle is possible because of the gospel

We may understand God has power, but how can we trust God is good as we bow before him?

I love to think as I run, it’s a helpful time for me to focus… some of you do so as are journalling, or gardening… but I often focus on my heart, what is bothering me or causing my emotions to go haywire

I remember clearly in seminary going for a run and just crying, I’m sorry God, I’m sorry, I can try to do better

I talked to one of my shepherds who used a phrase he often did…

Remember, because of the gospel, God the father always has a smile for you because Jesus died in your place, even your smallest act of repentance is beautiful to him

But he’s also not done with you

So let him continue to change you

Friends, brothers, sisters, that is me, in my perfectionistic and self-judging mindset, I needed to hear that

But what has God used is bring you closer to himself?

As long as it’s from God’s word and building you one bit closer, then its’ good.

Closing prayer

Lord, give us hearts willing to continue to change and as the valley of vision says, may we find your glory as we we learn from the Valley of Vision

Help me to be less pleased with my spiritual experiences, and when I feel at ease after sweet communings, teach me it is far too little I know and do. Blessed Lord, let me climb up near to Thee, and love, and long, and plead, and wrestle with Thee, and pant for deliverance from the body of sin, for my heart is wandering and lifeless, and my soul mourns to think it should ever lose sight of its beloved..