Joyful Service

Philippians 2:12–18 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, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. 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 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. 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.

Philippians 2:

Introduction: You Get up in the Morning. Your tired, hungry, maybe a little cranky… Unless you are a morning person. It’s time to go to church and you are serving in the....Have you ever complained about it before? Have you ever just said, Why can’t someone else…, It’s difficult, I am not in the mood, it is no fun anymore.

Your Spouse or parent asks you to…Clean the bathrooms, take out the garbage, etc...

If I am honest with myself, I can grumble alot about my service.

Grumbling comes naturally to us.

John Christ Church Reviews - The Panini’s are not great - discussion in heaven with the saints.

The Camparison of Israel Grumbling and disputing in the Wilderness.

God has a mission - vision to fulfill and it means their blessing, but they want what the know.

We grumble often because we do not know what is best for us.

Children eating good food.

Why do I have to study math?

No pain, No Glory.

We Grumble because we play the comparison game - I work more than so and so, or they are not doing their part.

We Grumble quite frankly because it takes time.

We at South Blendon have a big vision…And it is hard.

The Opposite of Grumbling of course is Joyful service.

Joyful Service makes the Light Shine.

What does working out your salvation mean - ties us back to two weeks ago…Leading your lives in a manner worthy of the Gospel.

Bible Project Video

So why do we work out our salvation ie live the Gospel - Because of all God has done and is doing - Paul is not saying we save ourselves, but that we are careful to live the Gospel - It is God who by his grace saved us, is re-creating us, and through his Spirit empowering us to work for “his good pleasure” his glory and honor.

He calls us to the opposite of grumbling, disputing service, but to joyful service.

Paul says when we serve joyfully we will shine as stars in the world.

Connects us to the to O.T. Israel - Continuity of Mission.

Why it makes the Light Shine

Two scenario’s - A person serving while grumbling, one who serves joyfully. Who represents Christ best? Who is more compelling

Service vs. servility

It makes the Gospel Real to those around us. If they see Jesus in us, (ie the same attitude about service as Jesus) then they see integrity of the message.

How it makes the Light Shine

This attitude grows us tremendously - It is not natural to us,

We must trust God more.

We must Ask the Holy Spirit to give us this attitude - ie change us.

And The more we Trust, and the more we allow the Holy Spirit to empower us, the more Jesus shines through.

Increasing the Joy in Our Service.

See How service fits into the Big Picture of the Gospel.

See the Benefits to you.

See the Benefits for the Church - Mutual Rejoicing.

Find your Passions, Gifts, Personal Style.

Create Healthy Boundaries - You can not do everything, Do what God calls you to do

Continually Remind yourself of the Good News.

Service vs. servility

Conclusion: Next time you catch yourself grumbling stop, and remember what it is all about. and how your service connects to shining the light of Jesus in our world. - Then you will find the Joy in your service.

Reference the Reformed Confessions: The Reformed Confessions are statements of faith written to clarify the Gospel at times when the Church was in crisis. Heidelberg Catechism: Q&A 32, 43, 86, 91, 115, 122, 124 Belgic Confession: Articles 24 Canons of Dort: Head V, Article 12-13 Belhar Confession: Article 2