The Great Example pt2

READ Philippians 2:5-18.

The Message of the Gospel: Jesus

Philippians 2:5–18 “5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross.

Jesus’s death by crucifixion was a divinely ordained historical event by which he

lovingly accomplished atonement,

purchased Christians’ freedom from sin’s bondage,

won their justification before the Father,

and triumphed over Satan’s tyranny.

9 Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The Ramifications of the Gospel

12 Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.

work out (not for) your salvation- living in this new reality

submission of the sovereignty of Man to the Sovereignty of God

this affects not just our actions but our will to do them

the force and fuel to will and do is God Himself! Our burden is surrender

Purpose:

14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world 16as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.

We are called to be lights in darkness

locally, not just “out there”

Closing Thoughts

Are you clear on the message of the Gospel?

What are you realizing about the implications of the Gospel?

How is God transforming you?

Where do you find it difficult to surrender to His will?

How will you respond to your need for the filling power of the Holy Spirit so you might “will and do” according to the will of God?