Untitled Sermon (18)

All Character

Philippians 2:12 “So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;”

Work out salvation not mean work for your own salvation

work = work to full completion - more like Christ

Just because justified not mean coast in our Christian walk - Eugene Peterson long obedience in the same direction

Work out salvation because God is at work in us

Follow Christ example - Christian growth = long haul

Issue with long obedience in same direction = fast paced society - Microwave

Drawn to mega conferences,, flashy events but God has called us to day in and day out process of growing

Fear and trembling

Working out our salvation is not achieving it. It is living life in a way consistent with our salvation.

Philippians 2:13 “for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”

Philippians 2:14–15 “Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,”

Complain = the human feeling of emptiness and unfulfillment, at either physical or spiritual level

Paul’s command positive — framed negatively = words come from OT Text

Philippians 2:12–15 “So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,”

Philippians, Colossians, Philemon The Reason for Working out Their Salvation (2:13)

Paul often provided reasons for ethical commands. The reason the Philippians were to work out their salvation was the soberness of realizing that God worked in them. The text emphasizes God. Using a play on words, Paul said they were to “work out” because God “works in.” God’s work in them provided both the motivation and the ability to do his good pleasure. Two factors indicate that Paul meant God initiated their interest in him. First, the context was one of salvation. Although the implications of salvation concerned Paul, they could not be separated from the total experience of salvation. Second, the work of God culminated in “his good purpose.” The term generally relates to the ultimate will of God (see

Philippians, Colossians, Philemon Positive Steadfastness (2:14–16)

The second sentence of the paragraph changes directions slightly. Appealing perhaps to an Old Testament precedent, Paul warned of the dangers of murmurings and arguing. Paul knew that selfishness and vainglory led to complaints. He may, therefore, have been heading off even more problems in the community.

Another possible rationale for this entire section may rest in Paul’s quoting

Philippians, Colossians, Philemon Positive Steadfastness (2:14–16)

Would it be to trust God in everything since complaining is at the root a failure to accept God’s plans and provisions? That seems unlikely because the problems within the group still govern the context. Perhaps it was to be accepting of the ways and efforts of others in the church since Paul warned about self-seeking (2:3–4). Whatever the problem, it was a concern which affected the moral life of the church and its witness to the world. Paul implied that if dissension stopped the church would be on its way to purity of life and action

Philippians, Colossians, Philemon The Purpose of the Command (2:15–16)

Paul looked for the completion of the Philippians’ character. They were to become pure and blameless. The terms speak to the moral nature of their lives. They were to have complete Christian character, and they were to have no offense in relation to others. This hope was further expressed by Paul’s statement, “children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation.” This statement explains the first so that “without fault” incorporates “blameless and pure.” They were children of God already; Paul hoped they would become blameless.

This consistent character is particularly striking when viewed against the backdrop of the world. Two metaphors describe the contrast between Christians and non-Christians. First, using the words of

Philippians, Colossians, Philemon The Purpose of the Command (2:15–16)

The second metaphor comes from astronomy. The Philippians, with their unblemished moral character, shone like stars in the universe. Even with their imperfections, they were the light of the world to those in darkness. This mission was accomplished by their holding out the word of life.181 All assume that the “word of life” is the gospel, of which Paul had so much to say in this epistle. The word “hold out,” however, may mean “holding fast” or “proffering.”183 The immediate context supports “holding fast” because Paul’s discussion concerned moral conduct. By their lives, the Philippians were actually holding fast to the gospel. By so doing, their lives also became the measuring rod and illumination of the world around them.

Do (4160) (poieo) expressing an action as continued or not yet completed. Here is where we run into a potential conflict as we "work out our salvation". Paul is commanding (present imperative) that we each make the choice of our will (active voice) to continually make this the habit of our life! 

All things - "Some things" is where we would like the bar set, for perhaps we could clear it often (or our "good days") or at least some of the times. But "all things" is too high to humanly "jump". Believers need "supernatural sneakers" to "jump" this high! 

You might be thinking "Well we all grumble and that is not such a "big" sin." Wrong! How serious is grumbling before God? Paul records "Nor grumble (verb form = gogguzo, see Numbers 11:1 “Now the people became like those who complain of adversity in the hearing of the Lord; and when the Lord heard it, His anger was kindled, and the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp.” , cp how grumbling caused a ground to become a grave = Nu 16:41-50 after the punishment of Korah.), as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer." (1 Corinthians 10:10 “Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer.” ) God put these grumblers to death. God is deadly serious about grumbling! And to accentuate Paul's point to the saints at Corinth he added "Now these things (ground becoming a grave, etc) happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come." (1 Cor 10:11). Ask God's Spirit to remind you of Korah's catastrophe next time (before) you grumble!

Paul is saying, “Don’t be grouchy! You can’t glow if you are!” Having committed your life to the control of the Lord, you are under orders not to murmur or complain! “If God is supreme, why did He allow this thing to happen?” should never pass your lips. You cannot ask your commander in chief the why of anything He asks you to do. (What the Bible is All About)

Without (5565) (choris) means separately and is from a root word chora which means the space lying between two places or limits. The picture I get from this word is for us to put some space between the things we do and our grumbling -- ''stay away from'' it. Live and work together separated and apart from grumbling and disputing.

Grumbling (1112) (goggusmos from goggúzo = to say anything in a low tone, English = gong) is an audible expression of an unwarranted dissatisfaction = expression of one's discontent. Expression in low tones of disapprobation (act or state of disapproving). Grumbling, grudging, murmuring, complaining (= making formal accusation or expressing dissatisfaction, resentment, displeasure or annoyance). It can reflect a a secret debate or secret displeasure not openly avowed (see use in John 7:12).

The word literally means, “A secret displeasure in the heart, and a sullen discontent that leads to criticism.”

The word translated "complaining" (grumbling) gives a picture of mumbling so words cannot be distinguished. It is the low, muffled noise that comes from a large crowd before a service begins. It is not loud dissent, but almost silent mumbling. The complaining mentioned here is a grumbling about man, not about God. It is a general grumbling about each other.

Arndt, et al, say that goggusmos is an "utterance made in a low tone of voice (the context indicates whether the utterance is one of discontent or satisfaction), behind-the-scenes talk. (Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature)

Goggusmos is an onomatopoeic word (two g’s in Greek are pronounced ng) derived from the sound made when murmuring or muttering in a low and indistinct voice with the idea of complaint. The English dictionary defines grumble as complaining in a bad-tempered, nagging or discontented way or making a low, dull rumbling sounds.

Wuest comments that goggusmos refers "not to a loud outspoken dissatisfaction, but to that undertone murmuring which one sometimes hears in the lobbies of our present day churches where certain cliques are “having it out,” so to speak, among themselves. The word refers to the act of murmuring against men, not God. The use of this word shows that the divisions among the Philippians had not yet risen to the point of loud dissension. The word was used of those who confer secretly, of those who discontentedly complain. The word is found in a secular document reporting an interview between Marcus Aurelius and a rebel. A veteran present interposes with the remark, “Lord, while you are sitting in judgment, the Romans are murmuring.” (Philippians Commentary - Verse by Verse)

Why grumbling bad:

Psalm 106:24–25 “Then they despised the pleasant land; They did not believe in His word, But grumbled in their tents; They did not listen to the voice of the Lord.”

In this passage unbelief is contrasted with grumbling! So when we grumble we are saying God we don't believe God is sovereign and that He is able. We don't believe He is the Giver of all good gifts. We don't trust Him to work out all things for our good and for His glory.

Complaining denies God’s sovereignty

Complaining disrupts unity

Complaining discredits our testimony

Do we understand that complaining is an attack on God’s sovereignty? Every time you complain about your circumstances, you are really saying, “If I were God, I would do things differently.” The complainer has forgotten the first rule of the spiritual life: He’s God and we’re not.  It’s all a matter of focus, isn’t it? What we look at determines what we see. If we focus on our problems, they will fill our minds until we see nothing else. No wonder we complain and mutter and murmur under our breath. But when we focus on the Lord and his goodness, we see our problems in the light of eternity. God doesn’t work on our timetable. Once we grasp that, we will not complain against the Lord.

Grumbling and disputing are sins of the disposition. These sins grow out of discontentment. We grumble and dispute when things are not working out as we planned them. If we grumble and dispute often enough, these two things will become habits.

Paul did not want the Philippians to live like the children of Israel. The children of Israel were filled with grumbling and disputing with almost every move they made.

Disputing (1261) (dialogismos from diá = through or as a preposition to intensify meaning of + logizomai = reckon, take an inventory, conclude; source of our English dialogue) means literally reasoning through and so to think or reason with thoroughness and completeness, think out carefully, reason thoroughly, consider carefully, weighing. In the Greek writings dialogismos described the thinking of a man deliberating with himself. It refers to calculated consideration (good or bad as discussed below). It pictures one deliberating with one’s self which conveys the basic meaning of inner reasoning.

What is the worst sin a person can commit? Is it adultery, homosexuality, murder or rape? In light of the total holiness of God, it is difficult to say that any sin is any worse than any other sin. However, if we read the Old Testament carefully, we will find that the sin of complaining, grumbling and murmuring was a sin which brought great judgment from God. God hates a grumbling and complaining spirit because complaining is the opposite of a joyful spirit and God wants His people to be joyful. Complaining seems to be American way of life. Most conversations are complaints about the government, the economy, taxes we pay and even about weather. Among Christians, we hear complaints about the sermon – too long, too dry and too pointed. Or there are complaints about the congregation – too large, too cold, too small, too emotional or too impersonal. Complaining is not just an American pastime. It is a human race pastime because all men do have a sin nature which tends towards negative rather than the positive. Complaining is a spiritual problem and it has to be dealt with and spiritually defeated. (Sermon)

Every circumstance of life is to be accepted willingly and joyfully, without murmuring, complaint, or disappointment, much less resentment. There is no exception. There should never be either emotional grumbling or intellectual disputing. It is always sinful for believers to complain about anything the Lord calls them to do or about any circumstance which He sovereignly allows. Whether the task is difficult or easy, whether the situation involves a blessing or a trial, negative attitudes are forbidden. As he testifies later in this letter, Paul’s own spiritual growth had led him to enjoy this attitude:

“I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need” (Php 4:11,12-see note Philippians 4:11–12 “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” ).

Don’t complain; the more you complain about things the more things you will have to complain about. (E. Stanley Jones)

Complaining about our lot in life might seem quite innocent in itself, but God takes it personally. (Erwin W. Lutzer)

If Christians spent as much time praying as they do grumbling, they would have nothing to grumble about.

Murmur at nothing: if our ills are irreparable, it is ungrateful; if remediless, it is in vain. A Christian builds his fortitude on a better foundation than stoicism; he is pleased with everything that happens because he knows it could not happen unless it had first pleased God, and that which pleases him must be the best. (Charles Caleb Colton)

Don't complain and talk about all your problems--80 percent of people don't care; the other 20 percent will think you deserve them. (Mark Twain)

You will find that, as a rule, those who complain about the way the ball bounces are usually the ones who dropped it.

Whenever you find yourself disposed to uneasiness or murmuring at anything that is the effect of God’s providence, look upon yourself as denying either the wisdom or goodness of God. (William Law)

I complained because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet. (Arab proverb)

To swear is wicked because it is taking God’s name in vain. To murmur is likewise wicked for it takes God’s promises in vain.

When in deep water, it’s a good idea to keep your mouth shut.

There is a difference between groaning and grumbling.

christian perseverance is difficult - Discipleship not easy - Pursuing holiness; giving; hospitality; loving; forgiving - not easy

Philippian internal and external pressure

Complaining tempting in local chruch - people often cant live up to expectations of others

Tempted to complain - common language of culture - down play; maintain joyful attitude?

Gospel of Joy - we are far better off than we deserve -Considering what we deserve and what we’ve been given should keep us from complaining

Quit Complaining

And in verse 14, here’s more specifically what saved people look like.Philippians 2:14 ESV14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing,Stop complaining!We love to complain. It was how I met friends while in college. After class as all of us were heading out, once we were far enough away from the teacher overhearing I’d just give an open air-complaint. Boy, did that get people talking! Now everybody has something to say as we enjoy fellowship through our common suffering.But we can’t toss this passage aside as one of those optional things that God doesn’t really care about. Remember, we’re to work out our salvation with fear and trembling - and God hates grumbling.

Why Complaining Is Such a Big Deal

We can see why when looking at Israel’s complaining in the wilderness which Paul certainly has in mind as he wrote this verse. The only other time Paul uses this word for grumbling is in 1 Corinthians 10:10, warning the church not to grumble as Israel did in the wilderness.And boy did they grumble in the wilderness!No food? No water? Grumble.Bad guys in the promised land? GrumbleDon’t like Moses as leader? Don’t like that God killed the guy who rebelled against Moses? Grumble grumble grumble.We’re not going to read this passage, but I want you to look at Exodus 16:7-12 and see how much Israel is complaining in just these 6 verses. Seven times!

Colossians 3:17 “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”

Daniel 12:3 ““Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.”

1 Peter 5:7 “casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”

Psalm 105:5 “Remember His wonders which He has done, His marvels and the judgments uttered by His mouth,”

1 Thessalonians 5:18 “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Psalm 142:2 “I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare my trouble before Him.”