http://bible.com/events/49084125
Church of the Nazarene – Harrisonburg
Living The Jesus Life: Part 5
Philippians 2:12-18
Living The Jesus Life
This series is a part of our annual practice of spending time focusing on one book of the Bible. In this case, the study is of Philippians – the letter Paul wrote from a Roman prison to the church at Philippi, the first church Paul started in Eastern Europe (see Acts 16). The people at Philippi were facing the resistance of Rome but remained a vibrant community of faith.
Philippians is a letter that speaks to living life as a disciple of Jesus in 2023. That’s why we’ve entitled the series, ‘Living the Jesus Life’.
Today’s focus is Philippians 2:12-18.
Philippians 2:12-13
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, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.The obvious question is:
What does it mean to “work out your salvation”?
And, perhaps just as importantly, what doesn’t it mean?
-Salvation is not a prize that we work for. It’s not an accomplishment. It’s a free gift of God.
-In Philippians 1:11, Paul proclaims that righteousness comes through Christ alone.
-About this same time Paul writes this letter, while still in prison, he writes another letter in which he clearly proclaims: “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.…” (Ephesians 2:8-9)-Paul is not de-valuing the work of Christ, but rather He is re-emphasizing it (see Philippians 2:5-11 which precedes this text).-The Greek word used in verse 12 gives the implication of ‘completeness’.-The idea here is that your salvation should be evident in every area of your life. Salvation must find it’s completeness as you work it out in your life.
-Paul doesn’t say ‘work FOR your salvation’. It’s as if Paul is saying ‘activate the salvation God has given you’.
Interesting to compare these two mentions of work:
1. “continue to work out your salvation” (verse 12)
2. “it is God who works in you” (verse 13)
We are called to work out our salvation, but it is God who works in us.
Philippians 2:14-18
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 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. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
1 Corinthians 9:24
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,
Bottom Line:
As you work, God works in you.
Philippians 2:12-18
What I’m getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you’ve done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I’m separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure. Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I’ll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You’ll be living proof that I didn’t go to all this work for nothing. Even if I am executed here and now, I’ll rejoice in being an element in the offering of your faith that you make on Christ’s altar, a part of your rejoicing. But turnabout’s fair play—you must join me in my rejoicing. Whatever you do, don’t feel sorry for me.
Verses for further study/reflection:
Philippians 1:6
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
James 5:9
1 Peter 1:9
1 Corinthians 10:10
Ephesians 4:1-3
Giving at COTN
If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know:
finance@cotnaz.org
Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ!
Giving