Sermon 082596

Phi. 2:14-18                               Work Out Your Salvation - II                                         8/25/96

ABCC

I.   Introduction and Review                                                                                    534

¨       Obedience is Essential for Sanctification & Christian Unity (v. 12-13)

¨       Not dependent upon physical presence of someone in authority - “my presence..”

¨       Obedience for sanctification requires human effort & discipline  “..work out..” (Eph. 2:10)

¨       Obedience is from God’s initiative (v. 13) - “desire & ability”

¨       God delights in salvation & sanctification - “His good pleasure” (2Pe. 3:9; Ezk. 33:11)

II.  The Method & Motivation for Sanctification & Christian Unity (v. 14-18)

     A. Refrain from grumbling & disputing (v. 14) = willing & submissive obedience

¨       Grumbling & disputing are signs of pride & discontent!

¨       Only the Lord can provide true contentment in every situation (Phi. 4:11; 1Tim. 6:6; Rom. 8:28; 1Th. 5:18)

         1. Proof of genuine relationship to God  “..children of God..” (v. 15a)

         2. Provides a good witness for God in this world  “lights in the world” (v. 15b)

         There should not be a known & habitual pattern of sin - “above reproach” (1Jn. 3:9)

         The Christian is to be distinctly different from an unbeliever & not ashamed of it!

     B. Hold fast the word of life (v. 16) = proclaiming & obeying the gospel of Christ (1Jn. 1:1)

         1. Consider the future return of Christ & judgment (v. 16b) - “in the day of Christ” (1Jn 3:2-3)

          2. Consider the present & past sacrifice of saints for your good (v. 16b-17a)

     C. Rejoice (v. 17b-18) = joyful obedience regardless of circumstances

Work Out Your Salvation - II, pg. 2

Þ     SANCTIFICATION = willing, uncompromising & joyful obedience to Christ!

III. The Means of Practical Sanctification & Christian Unity

     A. God Himself (1Th. 5:23) - working on believer’s entire being

     B. God’s word (Jn. 17:17; Col. 3:16;)

·        What are you doing with God’s word? (Ps. 119:9,11; 1:1-3)

·        How often are you exposed to the scriptures? (Mt. 4:4)

     C. God’s people (He. 10:24-25 = corporate; Pr. 27:17,19; Amos 3:3 = one on one)

     D. God’s creation & circumstances (Rom. 8:28)

     E. PRAYER (Jas. 4:1-3; 1Jn. 5:14-15)

God is at work among us & yet we must work too!  He is making us pray - we do not have because we do not ask or ask with wrong motives, wrong priorities; we’re too attached to this world - comfortable autos, sofas, good health, steady income, obedient children, cooperative neighbors, etc. - those things are no longer dependable or consistent = WE’RE BEING MADE TO PRAY!

When do you rejoice my brother & sister?  Do you wait until you are delivered from difficulty or danger?  Or maybe you wait until you can at least see your deliverance coming?  Can you rejoice when you see no change; in fact your situation is getting worse?  Is there any joy in your heart right now?  Any thanksgiving?  Joy & thanksgiving for your redemption, future home in glory, complete deliverance in glory, love of Christ, grace of God, His faithfulness, His genuine concern & care, His guidance & presence, His might & power, His wisdom, His plans for your life & the ultimate outcome (Rom. 8:28)    1Co. 15:58 - persevere, obey Christ with joy, give thanks to Him!