Philippians 2:14-16
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-Background
-Paul had a deep affection for the Philippians
-thankful for their partnership in the Gospel, prayed for him, supported him, plus there own zeal to serve Christ
-concern for their unity, as we see in chap 4 some disunity in the church
-focused on the prime example of how to have unity in an individual sense - that Christ is the example, that if we all have the attitude of Christ and think of others as more important than ourselves
-he also reminded them of the affect of their salvation, they were to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, we pursue unity because of the work that Christ has done in us
-now as we look in v. 14-16 the instruction is to live as blameless children of God, the idea of pursuing holiness, of not looking like the world but looking like children of God, how does a child of God look? How are we to be seen?
-avoid dissension in the body
-all things = each and every
-without grumbling
-Greek word only used 3 times in the NT apart from this reference
12 And there was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, “He is a good man,” others said, “No, he is leading the people astray.”
1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.
9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
-the grumblings are focused on ill towards others
-complaints about other members
-complaints about leaders
-or even those outside the church
5 They have dealt corruptly with him; they are no longer his children because they are blemished; they are a crooked and twisted generation.
1 And the people complained in the hearing of the Lord about their misfortunes, and when the Lord heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp.
2 Then the people cried out to Moses, and Moses prayed to the Lord, and the fire died down.
3 So the name of that place was called Taberah, because the fire of the Lord burned among them.
4 Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat!
5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic.
6 But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.”
-we see that the Israelites complaining was labeled as complaining against God, could Paul be saying that the Philippians grumbling against members or leaders is actually an attack against God?
2 Therefore the people quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” And Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?”
-disputing = wide range of meanings, from an ill thought towards someone else to argument
-its the motive to argue to cause division
46 An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest.
-there was division within the church as we see in chap 4
-live as God’s blameless children
-the reason to do all things without grumbling and arguing is so no one may accuse them
-What did Paul mean by blameless and innocent?
-blame, find fault with
13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
-word for innocent used to describe undiluted wine, idea of purity
16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
-that there is no accusation, better to understand it as: do not give the world a reason to call you a hypocrite, instead be sincere and genuine
-Why is it important that we care what the watching world says about believers?
-shine in the world, we are to reflect the image of Christ
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
-we are to reflect the character of Christ
14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love
27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
-Hold fast to the word of life
-so how could the Philippians be blameless and be a light in the a crooked world? by holding fast to the word of life
-Why hold fast to the Word? because when our focus is on the Word then there is no room for disunity, the Word will unite us and if anyone cannot unite around the Word then they will not unite with the body
-The word, the gospel is described as the word of life
20 “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.”
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