Sermon 051996

Phi. 1:6                                     God’s Good Work in the Saints                                      5/19/96

ABCC

I.   Introduction                                                                                                                     #521

Memory must be engaged in prayer (aids should be used) - v. 3

Are you remembering the exhortations from Phi. 1:1-11?

Are you remembering to pray for other saints with of thankfulness & joy - v. 3-4?

Are you remembering to consistently pray for saints’ participation in the gospel - v. 4-5?

Are you remembering to pray for increasing & abundant love among the saints v. 9-11?

II.  What is the Good Work?

     A. Salvation & the results (1:28; Eph. 2:8-10; Phi. 2:13-present; future)

     B. It is God’s salvation & therefore is good (Ac. 28:28)

This salvation is precious & eternal; we are new creatures in Christ; His workmanship!

III. Where Does the Good Work Take Place?

     A. God’s good work is inside the saint - the heart & soul (“in you” = v. 6; 2:13)

·        God opened Lydia’s heart (Ac. 16:14), Lk. 24:45; Rom. 8:27; 10:10)

·        Has there been a radical change within you? Desires? Love & hatred?

·        Do you enjoy God’s presence, fellowship with saints, prayer, praise, preaching?

     B. God’s work is undeniable & unmistakable (Rom. 1:16; 1Co. 1:24) = POWER!

God’s Good Work in the Saints, pg. 2

IV. How Does This Good Work Take Place?

     A. God starts the work - “He who began a good work in you”

Out of the masses of sinners God chooses one in which to do a good work!  Why would God do this - MERCY (Titus 3:4-6), 2Th. 2:13-14; Eph. 1:4-6

     B. God continues the good work

          1. Inside the saint - conviction, reproof, encouragement, hope, faith, love, joy, etc.

          2. Outside the saint (Rom. 8:28)

·        Paul (2Co. 11:24-30; 4:7-18; 2Tim. 3:10-11)

          3. God Himself ensures the good work continues “until the day of Christ Jesus!”

We will stand before Christ on that great day blameless, we will see Him face to face, we will be among that great multitudes clothed in robes of righteousness with a new song & singing “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.”  “Hallelujah!  Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.”  Do not loose heart MY BROTHERS & MY SISTERS in your family troubles, financial & health problems, unfair employers & teachers ---- God is at work in you & in your circumstances and it is a good work for His glory & your ultimate benefit!  Therefore, “Consider it all joy, my brethren ...”   “in everything give thanks ; for this God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”