God is at Work in You!

Philippians 2:12-18

By David Turnerwww.BibleStudies-online.com

Where We’ve Been

• Paul is in a Roman Prison (about 62 AD)• The Philippians have brought him a gift and shown

concern for his circumstances• Paul addresses himself as Christ’s servant• In spite of his circumstances, Paul encourages them

to rejoice because:– The gospel is being shared with the praetorian guards.– Everyone else is hearing that he is in prison because of

his witness for Christ.– Others are given courage to preach.

Where we have been

• Paul shares that he is rejoicing because the prayers of the Philippians will lead to his release, either from prison, or from life.– Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is

gain. • Paul encourages them to live their lives in a manner

becoming (worthy) of the gospel.– Don’t be afraid of those that oppose you.– Don’t be surprised about suffering.– Be a humble servant, as Christ was a humble servant ,

putting your brothers and sisters in Christ above yourself.

Philippians 2:12–18 (ESV)

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 questioning, 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.

No Humility w/out Obedience12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence,

• “Therefore” takes us back to Paul’s statement on humility (2:1-12).

• Obedience to God.• Do you need someone

looking over your shoulder to obey God’s instructions?

We work

work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,

• Threefold nature of Salvation1. We have been save.2. We are being saved.3. We will be saved.

• #1 & 3 are secured. • #2 is a work in

progress.

How?

• How do we work out our salvation with fear and trembling?– Put on humility (trust God)• Don’t get into rivalry• Don’t be conceited• Don’t just be concerned with your own needs, but care

about the needs of other brothers and sisters in Christ.

– Obey Christ’s instructions without having someone watching over your shoulder

Why? God is at work13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

• God was at work with Paul in prison

• God is at work in You.• Be humble, be obedient,

stand in awe of God.• Do what he gives you to

do with humility and obedience.

• Submit to what he is doing in you.

Stop your whining!14 Do all things without grumbling or questioning,

• Don’t grumble.• Don’t argue. • Example: Jews 40 years

in the wilderness.• Example: Corinthians.• Example: Us?

Why should we not grumble and complain?

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,

• You are no different from the world.– Guilty of behaving as

they do.– Blemished by the same

behavior they have.

• You can’t shine like a star if your light is covered with the world’s dirt.

Cling to Christ’s instructions16 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.

• God’s word is life.• God’s word is light.• Love does not scoff,

grumble, complain about God’s servants.

• Love serves. It doesn’t look over the shoulders of God’s servants and criticize how they serve.

Prison could not frustrate Paul.Suffering Could not discourage Paul.Threats of death did not worry Paul.

But, grumbling, complaining, critical believers made him feel his labors were in vain.

Regardless, I’ll rejoice!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.

• Paul is in chains, waiting to stand trial before Nero.

• Instead of whining, he is rejoicing.

• You’d expect him to be complaining to the Philippians about his circumstances, but instead he rejoices with them.

Let Us Rejoice!18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

• Put aside your rivalries. • Put aside your conceit

(pride).• Put aside your

grumbling and arguing.• Be glad and rejoice with

me.

Result of discontented Christians.

Whimpering, whining, grumbling Christians are sinning, because they are being disobedient to God’s clear command to be joyful and not to grumble. They are unhappy, and their discontent is contagious. They

often cause division and strife. They are “bad advertising” for the Christian faith. … Discontent is also the first step toward rebellion against God. …

Grumpy Christians are just one small step away from active rebellion against God.

 Bob Deffinbaugh, Instructor at DTS