Making An Impact (2)
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Introduction
Introduction
This morning we are continuing our study in the book of Philippians. Last week, we concluded with an exciting passage, Philippians 2:9-11.
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
God has already exalted Jesus! The problem is those on earth and those under the earth do not know that God exalted Jesus.
But the day is coming when everyone, everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth will bow before Jesus. The day is coming when everyone, everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Because of this fact, Paul reminds the church at Philippi of their marching orders—and they are still our marching orders today. So if you have your Bibles, turn with me to Philippians chapter 2, and we’ll begin reading with verse 12.
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,
Continue to Obey
Continue to Obey
Paul begins with “Therefore. . .” and you know what we say, “Whenever there’s a “therefore” you need to stop and see what’s there for.” In this case, we continue to obey by choice, because one day EVERYONE will obey by force!
THOUGHT: We can live for Jesus by choice, or by force! I want to live for Him by choice!
Paul tells the church at Philippi that they need to continue to obey whether he is there or not! You and I are to continue to obeying the Word of God!
However, the second part of the verse is often misunderstood, “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. . .” Some focus on the phrase “work out.” However, I like the NLT’s translations of this verse.
Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.
“Work hard to show the results of your salvation. . .” I believe this is a great rendering of this verse.
QUESTION: Are you showing the results of your salvation.
The key, is that you and I are not alone in our quest to live out the results of our salvation. Look at verse 13.
for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Look at it in the Living Bible paraphrase.
For God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him, and then helping you do what he wants.
This verse, reminds us that we are not alone. God gives us both the desire to obey Him, and then He gives us the ability to obey Him.
Paul now points out a major area that we need to live obedient lives. Look at verse 14.
Do everything without complaining or arguing,
Unity!
Unity!
I don’t know about you, but this short little verse is easy to say, but hard to live out.
Paul doesn’t say do some things—rather he says do EVERYTHING! Not some things, but everything without two things.
Without complaining—muttering, murmuring, grumbling, or whispering.
Without arguing—disputes, and has the idea of evil motives.
Today we live in a world of cancel culture. To disagree with someone is met with vicious attacks. Disagree with someone about their “rights” and the fight is on. Complaining and arguing have become the order of the day! This has spread evil motives across our land!
Paul understood this is exactly what would happen. Look at verse 15.
so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe
Blameless & Pure
Blameless & Pure
Paul wanted followers of Jesus to live lives that are:
Blameless—without fault.
Pure—innocent
Children of God—our identity, children of The King!
Without fault—can’t be accused.
This section has a similar passage in Romans. Romans 12:1-2 says:
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Back to Philippians 2:15, Paul goes on to say that we should live our lives differently than those in the world so that we will shine like stars in the universe. And how do we shine like stars? In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus says:
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Paul follows this thought in verse 16.
as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.
We shine like stars when we hold out the word of life. This has two meanings:
An outward expression—that is sharing the Word of life with others.
An inward expression—we hold on to the Word of life.
Paul wants to boast that he:
Did not run his race for nothing.
Did not labor—work hard—for nothing.
Even If. . .
Even If. . .
But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
Paul view his life as a drink offering, being poured out, and he also viewed the acts of service that the Philippian church did for him as their sacrifice of service. Listen to this same verse in the New Living translation.
But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy.
Paul wanted them to share in his joy and as a way of encouragement he closes this section with verse 18.
So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
He wants them to rejoice with him. Even though he is in prison, and it appears that his life may be coming to an end, even though the Philippians may suffer as well, no matter what the circumstances are, they should be glad and rejoice!
SO WHAT?
SO WHAT?
No matter what is going on around us, we need to focus on being obedient to Jesus and the Word of God!
We need to live out our salvation no matter what! Working hard to show the results of our salvation.
We need to remember that God gives us both the desire to obey and the ability to obey!
Complaining and arguing need to be cut out of our lives!
We need to live as blameless and pure people.
We must always remember that we are children of Almighty God! We are children of the King!
We need to let our lives so shine before men that they may see our good deeds and praise God the Father.
We must share the Word of life with others, and we must hang on tightly to the Word of life for ourselves!
Today we need to be encouraged to rejoice! No matter what our circumstances are like, we need to rejoice!