God at Work

Introduction

Last week, Paul told us that we need to have the same mind as that of Christ Jesus.

In verses, 5-11 of chapter 2 Paul tells us what the mind of Christ look like, which actually tells us how we should live.

When we come to verse 12, Paul has some additional instructions for how we should live.

If you have your Bibles, and I hope that you do, turn with me to Philippians chapter 2, and we’ll pickup our study with verse 12.

Obeying!

Philippians 2:12 NIV

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,

The “therefore” refers back to the fact that Jesus has been exalted (vrs. 9-11).

Because God has been exalted, Paul challenges his reader to continue to obey his teachings both in his presence and even more in his absence (v. 12a).

Next he says that we need to “work out” our salvation (Gk. cause to happen, to result in, to produce). It has the idea of living out your salvation, and it is done with two things:

— Fear (Gk. reverence)

— Trembling

These two together display a kind of respect and connection for Jesus (v. 12b).

God is working in us! The good thing is that God gives us two things:

— First, God gives us the will to do what He says. The will or desire.

— Second, God gives us the act, or the ability to do what He wants.

These two together display a kind of respect and connection for Jesus (v. 12b).

Philippians 2:13 NIV

for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

It is so wonderful that God gives us both the desire an the ability to actually fulfill His purposes (v. 13).

No Grumbling or Arguing

As you know, Deann and I just got back from Summer Safari, our kids camp.

We have a song that we sing that is based on the next verse. Look at your Bible and see if you can see the connection.

The song says:

Do everything without complaining

Do everything without arguing

So that you may become blameless and pure children of God

Look again at the verse:

Philippians 2:14–15 NIV

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky

Paul now gives us a way to fulfill God’s purpose.

First, we need to do everything without grumbling (Gk. complaining, murmuring, whispering) (v. 14a).

Second, we need to do do everything without arguing (14b).

When we cut out grumbling and arguing we will become blameless (Gk. faultless) (v. 15a).

And innocent (Gk. pure, uncontaminated) children of God (v. 15b).

We will also be without fault (Gk. without defect) (v. 15c).

In the midst of a warped and crooked generation (v. 15d).

Where we will shine like stars in the world— stars stand out in the darkness. The darker the darkness the greater we shine (v. 15e).

Philippians 2:16 NIV

as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.

This progression ONLY happens when we hold firmly (Gk. paying close attention to, fixed attention) (v. 16a).

Paul says that he will then be able to boast in the day of Christ. And Paul will know that he did not run in labor or in vain.

Philippians 2:17–18 NIV

But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Even if Paul was being poured out like a drink offering—as a sacrifice of service—as they come to faith.

Paul rejoices because of those who have responded to the gospel.

Paul rejoices and encourages his readers to rejoice as well.

Timothy & Epaphroditus

When you come to the last part of the chapter, Paul shares his plans.

Plans for Timothy

Paul hoped to send Timothy to them soon.

So that Paul would be cheered up when he received news about them.

He praises Timothy for his genuine concern for the Philippians’ welfare.

And Paul praises Timothy for his continued work with Paul.

Plans for Paul

Paul hopes to come to them soon!

Plans for Epaphroditus

Paul is sending Epaphroditus back to them.

He knows that they sent him to help Paul in his imprisonment.

But now Paul is sending him back because he was so sick that he almost died for sake of the Gospel.

Paul says, but God had mercy on him.

Paul encourages them to welcome him home with great honor!

So What?

First, we need to honor those who serve the Lord, and are even willing to risk their lives for the sake of the gospel.

We also need to notice the reoccurring theme of Paul—that we would obey his teachings and the teachings of Jesus.

We need to realize that our obedience is empowered by God—for He gives us both the will and the ability to carry out His good purposes.

And we need to everything without complaining (grumbling) and without arguing, because we need to become blameless and pure “children of God.”

And when we are blameless and pure, we will shine like stars in the dark sky—shining the way to Jesus!

Seeing us live this way will let those who spiritually serve you know they are not laboring in vain.