Joyful Completion V

READ PHILIPPIANS 2:12-18

Paul encouraged the church to continue pursuing God’s Transformative Work in their Lives.

But the church might have to do it without Paul’s physical presence.

The church had always obeyed Paul, but he pointed out for them to obey Christ.

People can do strange things in the absence of leadership.

People are prone to piggyback on good leadership without believing in the message of the leader themselves.

“work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”

‘own’ The work could be carried on without Paul.

‘fear & trembling’ Not slavish fear but as a servant in awe.

God was and is at work in the church.

Harmony within the church can happen only when the people are solely dependent on God.

He was good to the church. God’s goodwill and purpose for the believers was intertwined with His own will.

“working” effectively.

Our effectiveness as a church is measured by our obedience.

Intentional and purposeful.

In reverence and awe before God.

Can people tell that we have experienced the work of Jesus in your life?

Paul turned to the concept of the church complaining towards one another.

Petty rivalry and the desire for “control”.

Pagan law - Courts had broken out.

“grumbling” - Secret complaints against fellow believers.

Rooted in selfishness.

“arguing” - Gk trans. ‘doubting’.

Expressions of discontentment and arguing lead to a spirit of division within a community of believers.

The church was meant to be set in order so that God’s purpose for the believers to be a witnessing community would be fulfilled.

The community in which Christians live can see the pure motives of the believers. Pure and undiluted.

John Cox knows how to build sturdy furniture.

When the churches public behavior is pure, it provides a sturdy example that will rise above criticism.

Witness with a bright light in a dark community.

“Shine like stars” - (Grk - “luminaries in the world”)

There is a contrast between the church and the world.

Believers stand out and reveal the gospel.

Paul, the apostle, knew his purpose for the Philippian church.

Paul revealed his pastoral heart.

“Hold firm to your belief in the gospel.”

Acts 9:15-16 - “Go, for this man is my chosen instrument to take my name to Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

The believers represented Paul’s calling to the Gentiles.

Their walk with God mattered to Paul.

Paul faced a release from prison or a sacrificial, violent, and bloody death.

Pagan worship, pour out wine or perfume to a god.

South Africa - Graveyard of children. Food and drink set out.

Paul accepted God’s will with joy and encouraged believers to do the same.

When your cup is poured out, where will it be received?

Your life can land in Heaven or Hell. There is no other choice.

It is time to decide. The kingdom of God is here today.