Sermon 090196

Phi. 2:14                Obedience Without Grumbling or Arguing                           9/1/96

ABCC

I.   Introduction and Review                                                                                    535

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

¨       Obedience for sanctification requires human effort & discipline  “..work out..”

Paul goes on to address the Christian’s attitude in obeying God! = “Do all things…”

II.  Grumbling

     A. What do Christians grumble about?

          1. Barrenness (Gen. 30:1) - Rachel

          2. Unpleasant consequences of obeying God

·        Moses (Ex. 5:22-23), Elijah (1Ki. 19:4), Jeremiah (Je. 20:7,14-18)

          3. Untimely provision of needs (Ex. 15:23-24; 16:2-3; Ac. 6:1) - Israelites

          4. Burdens & demands of leadership (Num. 11:11-14)  - Moses

          5. God-given role & authority of leaders (Num. 16:1-3) - Korah & his followers

          6. Perceived unjustified suffering - Job

          7. God’s wrath & sovereign actions (2Sam. 6:8) - David

          8. Practicing hospitality (1Pe. 4:9)

     B. To whom do Christians grumble?

          1. God (Moses, Elijah, Jeremiah, David, Job)

          2. Other people (Miriam, Israelite, Hellenistic Jews)

     C. Why do Christian grumble?

          1. Discontent (Pr. 13:12)

          2. Unbelief (Heb. 3:12-4:2)

Obedience Without Grumbling or Arguing, pg. 2

     D. What are the consequences of grumbling?

          1. Death (1Co. 10:10)

Þ     discontent & unbelief in the heart lead to disobedience & results in death

          2. Eternal condemnation & punishment of pretenders & unbelievers (Jude 10-16)

     E. Why should Christians not grumble?

          1. Because God tells us not to grumble (v. 14)

          2. Because of who we are - “children of God” (v. 15b)

Þ     Our Father’s special love & care for us (Mt. 6:26, 32; Rom. 8:16-17,32; Phi. 4:19)

          3. Because of Who God is - “fear and trembling” (v. 12) = omnipotent, omnipresence

Þ     We should be trembling rather than grumbling; …rather than disputing!

          4. Because of what God is doing - “to will and to work His good pleasure” (v. 13)

          5. Because of our love for Christ’s name & reputation - “lights in the world” (v. 15d)

My brother & sister you can resist the sin of grumbling & arguing!  Obey what we’ve been taught here in chapter 2 - humble yourself before God in your present circumstances.  Remind your soul (as David did) that you are God’s child & He loves you & has special concern for you; remember His care in the past & promises for the future.  Stop comparing yourself with other Christians & finds ways to get involved in their lives to serve them!  Christ Who had every opportunity to grumble had no complaint in Him, neither should we!