Philippians 2:12-18

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, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.  Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 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, 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.  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.  Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

There are instructions that are vital for us to follow as we seek to walk in a way that is pleasing to the Lord.  We are called to live lives that are marked by holiness and joy in the midst of a broken and perverse world.  This is the example that Christ set for us and the example Paul followed.  As believers, there is a certain way we are expected to live so we can impact the world around us.

 

BE OBEDIENT IN SALVATION: The call to obedience is a basic aspect of our walk with the Lord.  Obedience should be consistent no matter how we are being supervised.  God calls us to a life of submission to His Word and will.  Obedience is the key evidence to the salvation that God has provided for us.  When God saves us, He rescues us from sin.  He graciously forgives our sin and releases us from the eternal condemnation we all deserve because of our sin.  He powerfully frees us from our bondage to sin which allows us to repent of our sin and walk in obedience to Him.  He promises to eternally liberate us from all and every aspect of sin.  Rescuing us from the penalty, power, and presence of sin is what salvation is all about.  Obedience is the current manifestation of that work in our lives.  It is God’s work in our lives because of salvation and not in any way our work to gain salvation.

 

BE BLAMELES BY THANKSGIVING: Complaining and arguing are sinful actions and attitudes that harm our testimony and the advancement of God’s kingdom.  Thanksgiving for both the circumstances we face in life as well as the people God places in our lives is the best way to combat these sins.  If we complain and argue, we are to be blamed for allowing these sinful habits to remain in our lives.  We are living in the midst of a fallen world that lives with no concept of God’s presence and no appreciation for His glory.  We know better.  When we develop gratitude in our lives instead of allowing complaining and arguing to become our focus, we shine as a stark contrast to the world in which we live.  The testimony we want to give of the Word of God to a lost and dying world is dependent upon our gratitude and lovingkindness.  

 

BE GLAD THROUGH PERSISTENCE: There will be a heavy price to pay for a life of obedience and gratitude in a fallen world.  The persecution and death that may occur because of our testimony are to be received with rejoicing because we know the eternal significance associated with following Christ.  All suffering for believers is temporary and only serves as a confirmation of God’s work in our lives and so, should give us assurance of a brilliant and eternal future.  As followers of Christ we always have great reason for rejoicing.

 

APPLICATION: Demonstrate the work of Christ in our hearts is genuine by living in obedience to Him and His Word.  Be intentional about developing gratitude and avoiding complaining and arguing.  Don’t become discouraged in the face of suffering but rejoice in the hope of future glory.

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