sf576 - THE JOY OF THE JOURNEY (Philippians 2 12-18)

SF576

THE JOY OF THE JOURNEY

Philippians 2:12-18

INTRODUCTION

SCRIPTURAL BACKGROUND

2:5-11 - Jesus is presented as our example

How can we ever live up to His example

The key for us is found in verse 12 and in verse 8

Trust and Obey!

The Old T&O

Christ is our example of what it means to have a submissive mind...

How are ever going to achieve it?

It comes by understanding the process of the Christian Life!

The Christian life was not meant to be a roller coaster ride filled with ups and downs that ended up where it began.

It is meant to be a Joyous Journey that takes us to God. Ever climbing closer to Christ.

How can we accomplish this? Paul gives us a Road Map...

1A. THE WORK OF THE CHRISTIAN (12-13)

1B.       Human Involvement in Salvation (12)

A persistent obligation

“work out” = Imperative verb - work to full completion

A present possession

“your salvation”

A pressing compulsion

“in fear and trembling” = reverence to God

2B.       Divine Enablement in Salvation (13)

The God who is within

The God who is working within

       The God who is willing and working within

2A. THE WITNESS OF THE CHRISTIAN (14-16)

1B.       Proper Attitude (14)

2B.       Personal Attributes (15a)

Blameless = Faultless, unblameable

Pure = unmixed, innocent, harmless

Without Fault = same as blameless except the emphasis here is on God’s perspective.

3B.       Powerful Attractiveness (15b-16)

Shine like stars

Hold out the word of life

3A. THE WALK OF THE CHRISTIAN (17-18)

1B.       Sacrifice (17a)

We know very little of sacrifice in our day.

2B.       Service (17b)

We serve on another because of our Faith in Christ.

3B.       Shared (17c-18)

We are to share the Joy of the Walk!

APPLICATION

Are you on this Journey of Joy?

Is God working in you and are you working out your Salvation?

Are you a shining star, witnessing for God?

Is you walk marked by sacrifice and service?

Are you sharing with others the Joy of your Journey?