Major Key: Obedience

Philippians 2:12-18

Hook:Summarize Christmas in one word/Pit Bull Video

Transition: Let me prove to you that this passage is actually the Christmas Story.

Book: Read Philippians 2:12-18

English Standard Version Chapter 2

Lights in the World

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.

Philippians 2:12-13

Central Theme of The Christmas story/Philippians 2:12-13

1. Obey

Read Philippians 2:8

Christ showed obedience by coming to the world in human form and dying on the cross for our sins.

The Christmas Story is a story of OBEDIENCE

Read Hebrews 5:8

Hebrews 5:8 ESV

Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.

QUESTION? Who are we called to Obey?

(GOD/Parents/Leaders and Authorities)

Philippians 2:13

It is God who chooses to work in us, not by our own strength.

We do however get to choose to Obey God and God chooses how he wants to use us.

If you don't obey you are not allowing God to use you. But God could still use you if he so chooses. (Hard Heart)

Story of Jonah (God Using someone who is not obedient)

Philippians 2:14

Do all things without Grumbling or Questioning

There are two different types of Obedience

1) Obedience without questioning or complaining

2) Obedience with grumbling and questioning

When your parents ask you to do something? like Get out of bed? stop watching netflix? get off your phone or electronics? Clean?

What is your response? Do you obey silently? or Obey with complaining? or NOT Obey at all?

Point: Are you being obedient without Questioning or Complaining?

Philippians 2:15

Why should we obey?

That we may be innocent and blameless before God

So that you may shine as a light to a twisted and crooked world.

This world has sin and evil throughout it, but we are here as a light in the darkness to shine God's love on others.

Are you being obedient to God to be the light to the world?

Philippians 2:16

What is the word of life? (BIBLE)

What is the day of Christ?

1 Corinthians 1:8

1 Corinthians 1:8 ESV

who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Day of Christ: It looks to the final salvation, reward, glorification of believers: Heaven)

Philippians 2:17-18

Paul ends by saying that he is willing to be an offering (Martyr)

Paul will rejoice with the people at Philippi and asks that they rejoice with Him

TAKE AWAY:

Are you Obedient to God?

Are you obedient without grumbling or complaining?

Do you have the desire to Obey?