Working Out Our Salvation

Philippians 2:12-18

Intro: We are in a race. Eric Liddle was a British Olympic Gold Medalists in 1920’s. On one occasion he refused to run because the race was scheduled on a Sunday. But at the age of 23 he went to China as a missionary to run a different race. “You will know as much of God, and only as much of God, as you are willing to put into practice.” Much like practicing to run fast, we must work out our salvation to know God more.

MIT: Paul instructed the Philippians to work out their salvation to shine the light of Christ MIM: We need to work out our salvation to shine the light of Christ

2 questions:

1) What does it look like to work out our salvation?

2) Why should we?

I. Be Controlled By Fear and Trembling Because God Is At Work in You (v.12-13)

(v.12a) These believers always obeyed the Lord, regardless of the circumstances

Not only in front of Paul, but even without Paul

Do you find it difficult to obey only when someone is looking?

(v.12b) Work out your own salvation

“Work Out” means to prepare something in order to accomplish it. “Get it ready for action”

Think of a race, working out means to practice, get ready for the big day- which for us is the day we see Jesus.

This is not works based salvation, but working out, preparing your salvation that you have already received.

(v.12c) Fear and trembling

What does fear and trembling mean?

Isaiah 66:2, “ But this is the one to whom I will look:

he who is humble and contrite in spirit

and trembles at my word.”

Think of the Israelites before Mt. Sinai

(v.13a) God works in us

“Works” in us is the word ἐνεργέω and is continual

God is always working in us giving us energy and strength to do His will

(v.13b) To will and to work

to want to obey and the power to obey

For His good pleasure

II. Be Controlled By Thankfulness Because God Wants To Shine Through You (v.14-15)

(v.14) Do all things without grumbling or disputing

This is not saying you should never call out sin. Jesus flipped over tables in love. It was His house though. Calling out sin in love for the purpose of love and unity is a good thing. But complaining for the sake of complaining is sin.

Think of the book of Numbers. It’s all about complaining

God hates complaining (he sent leprosy, plagues, even snakes to judge the Israelites for their sin of complaining and a lack of faith

What is the root cause of complaining? It is a lack of faith and trust in God’s good and sovereign provision for you.

The antidote? Thankfulness. “Thank You God that even though I do not see how to get out of this mess, or even if I do not know the purpose, I know You do and You are always with me and are always in control and good.”

(v.15) Purpose of not complaining

We may be 1) Blameless, 2) innocent, 3) act like children of God, and 4) to shine the light of Christ

Do you believe that God is your heavenly Father? Will He not take care of you? Is He sovereign and in control? Yes.

The word for lights is literally stars. Stars are against a black sky.

So how can we know if we are complaining or standing up for what is right?

Eric Liddle, “If, in the quiet of your heart, you feel something should be done, stop and consider whether it is in line with the character and teaching of Jesus. If so, obey that impulse to do it, and in doing so you will find it was God guiding you.”

III. Be Controlled By The Gospel Because God Wants To Use You (v.16-18)

(v.16a) Hold fast to the word of life

Probably refers to defending the gospel and evangelism

This is how we become a light. Complaining turns people’s eyes off of Christ and darkens the light, but announcing the good news brings light and hope.

Eric Liddle, “We are all missionaries. Wherever we go we either bring people nearer to Christ or we repel them from Christ.”

(v.16b) So Paul could be proud in the day of Christ

This is not arrogance, because He recognizes that God does it all through him

It is a good thing to recognize God using you and rejoice in it and be proud of it for the glory of God alone

(v.17a) Paul was willing to even give his life

Would that have constituted a wasted life? No. Remember Philippians 1:20

“Drink offering” (use a cup)- OT sacrificial system where they would pour wine on the ground. Paul was poured out for them. Jesus used him. Are you willing to be used by Christ so others can hear Christ?

Eric Liddle died at age 43 due to an inoperable brain tumor. He worked so much to the point of exhaustion. Some say being overworked and malnourished expedited his death. Was his life a waste?

His last words were, “It’s complete surrender.”

(v.17b-18) Paul rejoiced in whatever came his way

Eric Liddle, “It has been a wonderful experience to compete in the Olympic Games and to bring home a gold medal. But since I have been a young lad, I have had my eyes on a different prize. You see, each one of us is in a greater race than any I have run in Paris, and this race ends when God gives out the medals.”