Sermon 090896

Phi. 2:14                Obedience Without Grumbling or Arguing - II                      9/8/96

ABCC

I.   Introduction and Review                                                                                    536

¨       Paul is writing this letter from a Roman prison (his present circumstances)

¨       Consider all the radical CHANGES that have taken place in his life!

¨       He is convinced that his circumstances resulted in progress of the gospel (1:12)

¨       He is convinced that life & living is Christ = Christ rules over circumstances of life

¨       Therefore obey Christ in every circumstance without grumbling

II.  Grumbling is Never in Season (Eccl. 3:1-8)

     A. God appoints or ordains a time or season for change

     B. God-appointed change should not provoke grumbling

Þ     God is working inside (Phi. 2:13) & outside (Rom. 8:28) = Phi. 2:14

Þ     Our wisdom is too shallow to grumble (Eccl. 7:8-14)

     C. Man’s nature is to rejoice when changes are perceived to be beneficial

“Work out your salvation & do it without grumbling & arguing” (v.12-14)

“Face this sanctifying season of change without grumbling & arguing”

III. Who is it That Grumbles Among Christians?

     A. God’s leaders

·        Moses, Elijah, Jeremiah, Jonah, the 12 Apostles (Lk. 9:46-48)

·        Much of the grumbling in scripture is from leaders regarding God-ordained changes in their ministry plans = SAME TODAY - here at ABCC = My own grumbling about travel @ SWBT, demands as husband, father, pastor - no change

Obedience Without Grumbling or Arguing - II, pg. 2

     B. God’s congregation - Israel (Ex. 15:23-24; Ac. 6:1) = SAME HERE at ABCC

     C. Husbands & fathers - Job (10:1)

     D. Wives - Rachel (Gen. 30:1

     E. Children - Jacob’s sons against Joseph (Gen 37:18-19)

     F. Widows (Ac. 6:1)

I am convinced that we are in a season of God-appointed change.  Sanctifying change that is not going to be pleasant.  Change that requires discipline, self-denial, surrendering our plans to God’s will, re-prioritizing; stop wishing for & dwelling on the former times - before marriage, children, financial problems, health, started working, etc.  It’s time to face reality; accept the providences of God - He has changed your circumstances!  Jesus Christ is Lord of your circumstances - He controls them - therefore, humble yourself, submit to Him & then you’ll experience the peace of God & joy of contentment!

Read James 5:7-9