Works in to Work Out
Notes
Transcript
Intro - unused exercise equipment in the home. Some statistics say that up to 40% of home exercise equipment goes unused in homes. It is there but it needs to be used.
Today Paul builds on what we have been looking at for the last two weeks and says, Work out! Get your act together! but not from a physical health aspect, from a spiritual one.
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
Therefore...
Unity, Humility, Selflessness
Example: Jesus Humiliation and Exaltation
Obeyed God’s commands in my presence, obey in my absence.
Always
Your love for God is not evidenced just in public but in private as well
Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Battle Out
Corporate statement with individual applications
Salvation?
28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.
Paul is not saying your works lead to your salvation. Paul is saying the working out of your salvation is necessary to be obedient and to live a life worthy of the gospel.
Fear and Trembling
Attitudes before actions in greek
This verse can be overwhelming. It can feel like Paul is placing us under the law of God again with all of it’s requirements but we must remember what Jesus said,
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Law vs. Grace
So this cannot be what Paul is saying or he would be contradicting Jesus. Then we see in our text the clouds part and grace shine through.
13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Railroad museum - Coal Engine
God is the one fueling the engine!
To give us what we need to desire His will but also be obedient to act upon it.
How?
GOSPEL - Indwelling of Holy Spirit
Bible Reading/Study
Prayer/Prayer Meetings
Preaching
Lord’s Supper
Singing Songs, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs
How Does Sanctification Work? 6 What Changes You?
And, by definition, a person who changes takes action. You do something. You believe something. You ask for help, from a friend, from God, from both. You make different choices. You change your mind, your attitudes, your feelings, your goal in life, the way you treat others, your habits.
And you find, sooner or later, that God himself has been working all along—within the hardships, amid the sins, by the friendships, through his Word, in you. The farther you walk on this road, the more you realize that God is the decisive actor and foundational factor in the drama.
Paul gives a caution in the form of a command to the reader.
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing,
All Things means all things
grumbling - whatever attitude
disputing - conflict from differing ideas
Why?
Be people who look like Jesus
who shine - lighthouse
The “Blank Bible”: Part 1 & Part 2 Philippians
the most illustrious of which was raised in the island of Pharos, when Ptolemy Philadelphus built that celebrated tower, on which a bright flame was always kept burning in the night, that mariners might perfectly see their way, and be in no danger of suffering shipwreck upon the rocks, which they were to pass in their entrance into the haven of Alexandria.” This sense is confirmed by the immediately following words, “holding forth the word of life,”
In our actions and our words we shine forth what we cling to, the Word of Life.
In doing so our lives show what we possessed was not a mere religion of works but something that is true that endures to the end and through suffering and death, as Paul points out.
17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
When we look at this text we see much but I want to remind you of three things we saw today and ask you to evaluate your life in light of these three things.
Is my obedience to Jesus an “all the time” obedience? (vs. 12)
Am I working out what Jesus has worked in or am I living like I am growing by osmosis? (vs. 13)
Do I see that my words and actions shine the light of Jesus for the benefit of others or do I think they are for my recognition? (vs. 15)