WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.600 Good morning. If y'all will turn with me to Philippians 2. Philippians 2. 00:00:05.599 --> 00:00:21.420 I don't know what it is about this morning. Maybe with family and friends that I haven't seen for a while in town. 00:00:21.420 --> 00:00:25.960 But that singing was just especially special to me as we praise the Lord together. 00:00:26.259 --> 00:00:28.939 And I'm just thankful to be here this morning. 00:00:29.240 --> 00:00:35.359 So let's turn to Philippians 2. And we're going to be looking at verses 12 through 18. 00:00:36.440 --> 00:00:41.140 I have to mess with Nathan a little bit. I feel like almost every time that I preach, he's not here. 00:00:42.020 --> 00:00:44.800 So he got the memo, so he stayed home, you know. 00:00:44.800 --> 00:00:48.800 So Philippians 2 verses 12 through 18. Let's go ahead and get into it. 00:00:49.740 --> 00:00:57.640 It says, Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now not only is in my presence, but much more in my absence. 00:00:58.480 --> 00:01:01.280 Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 00:01:01.280 --> 00:01:06.500 For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 00:01:07.400 --> 00:01:11.780 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent. 00:01:12.680 --> 00:01:18.859 Children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. 00:01:18.859 --> 00:01:40.299 So that's our text this morning. 00:01:40.299 --> 00:01:46.420 I feel a lot like Nathan did last week, that we have a really long way to go and a short time to get there. 00:01:47.019 --> 00:01:49.039 But with that, let's get right into it. 00:01:49.359 --> 00:01:53.200 I'm not quite cool enough to come up with an alliteration like Nathan would do. 00:01:53.560 --> 00:01:54.759 But I do have five points. 00:01:54.840 --> 00:01:56.620 So here's how we're going to structure our study. 00:01:56.620 --> 00:02:12.539 They are why work, why work, secondly, our work, thirdly, God's work, fourthly, the work, and fifthly, Paul's work. 00:02:13.500 --> 00:02:21.719 So again, that's why work, our work, God's work, the work, and Paul's work. 00:02:22.620 --> 00:02:25.879 So let's jump right into it with why work. 00:02:26.620 --> 00:02:33.740 So anytime that we see the word therefore in Scripture, I think we have to really strongly pay attention to what came right before that word. 00:02:34.319 --> 00:02:35.560 Right before that therefore, right? 00:02:35.599 --> 00:02:38.379 We need to look back at the text right before what we've just read. 00:02:39.080 --> 00:02:43.319 And I considered doing a big overview of chapter 1 and that first part of chapter 2. 00:02:43.599 --> 00:02:48.379 But I think this therefore is most naturally tied back to right before what we got into. 00:02:48.640 --> 00:02:52.319 And so let's think about part of the text that we looked at last week for a bit. 00:02:52.500 --> 00:02:55.120 So that was all about Christ's example of humility. 00:02:55.120 --> 00:02:58.180 And I'd like to read together verses 5 through 11 of chapter 2. 00:02:58.280 --> 00:02:59.020 So let's read those. 00:02:59.020 --> 00:03:29.000 It says, 00:03:29.020 --> 00:03:37.820 So what is this therefore referring to? 00:03:37.819 --> 00:03:40.159 I think it refers to a couple of things. 00:03:40.159 --> 00:03:45.519 But I think firstly and primarily in this context, this example that Christ set for us, right? 00:03:45.560 --> 00:03:47.599 This great example of Christ. 00:03:47.919 --> 00:03:49.620 The perfect example of humility. 00:03:50.280 --> 00:03:52.699 And then, of course, the sacrifice of Christ, right? 00:03:52.719 --> 00:03:55.299 As well as the new creation that we are in Christ. 00:03:55.300 --> 00:03:57.840 It's almost as if Paul is saying, 00:03:57.840 --> 00:04:02.680 You've heard me remind y'all to count others' interests above your own, right? 00:04:02.719 --> 00:04:05.260 That's verses 3 and 4 of this chapter 2, right? 00:04:05.800 --> 00:04:08.660 You've just heard the perfect example of this, right? 00:04:08.719 --> 00:04:11.800 Our Lord's example of counting others' interests above our own. 00:04:11.800 --> 00:04:13.620 By taking human form. 00:04:14.219 --> 00:04:15.880 Humbling himself to the point of death. 00:04:15.939 --> 00:04:17.600 Even death on a cross for us. 00:04:18.100 --> 00:04:19.819 Not for anybody who deserved it. 00:04:20.639 --> 00:04:21.780 Just us, right? 00:04:22.199 --> 00:04:25.500 Dead, filthy sinners who needed a complete work of God. 00:04:25.500 --> 00:04:29.100 To transfer us from the domain of darkness into his kingdom of light. 00:04:30.459 --> 00:04:30.699 Right? 00:04:31.079 --> 00:04:33.660 And this sacrifice that Nathan described so well last week. 00:04:33.720 --> 00:04:35.519 Our Christ denying himself. 00:04:35.680 --> 00:04:36.600 Dying for us. 00:04:37.500 --> 00:04:38.500 While we were yet sinners. 00:04:38.660 --> 00:04:40.139 This is what comes right before our therefore. 00:04:40.779 --> 00:04:42.560 This is our in light of this. 00:04:42.899 --> 00:04:43.160 Right? 00:04:43.279 --> 00:04:44.519 The example of Christ. 00:04:45.199 --> 00:04:46.019 So why work? 00:04:47.060 --> 00:04:48.360 Look to Christ's example. 00:04:48.699 --> 00:04:48.819 Right? 00:04:48.819 --> 00:04:52.139 Paul is about to call us to some really strong, really strong wording. 00:04:52.500 --> 00:04:53.319 Hard work. 00:04:53.439 --> 00:04:55.300 Because of the great example of our Lord. 00:04:56.180 --> 00:04:57.959 So let's take a step past that first word. 00:04:58.579 --> 00:04:59.959 And get into our work. 00:05:00.779 --> 00:05:01.439 Our work. 00:05:02.379 --> 00:05:07.480 I say our work because these verses are directly tied to believers. 00:05:08.319 --> 00:05:12.139 The phrase, my beloved, makes that super, super clear. 00:05:12.220 --> 00:05:12.399 Right? 00:05:13.259 --> 00:05:18.899 That phrase should also remind us that these commands are not about to be just given by a harsh taskmaster. 00:05:19.019 --> 00:05:21.079 Someone demanding something of us. 00:05:21.199 --> 00:05:23.500 But from a God who loves us. 00:05:24.360 --> 00:05:27.620 A Lord who has shown us exactly the right way to live. 00:05:27.699 --> 00:05:29.500 And is calling us to simply follow that. 00:05:30.620 --> 00:05:31.019 Right? 00:05:31.060 --> 00:05:34.500 And that should be our reasonable service as we understand his work more and more. 00:05:34.600 --> 00:05:36.100 So he's talking to the beloved. 00:05:36.660 --> 00:05:39.120 Those who have been shown his wonderful grace. 00:05:39.480 --> 00:05:42.660 He's talking to people that have been made new creations in Christ. 00:05:42.660 --> 00:05:47.380 And those new creations really have the ability to do what is about to be asked. 00:05:48.340 --> 00:05:48.520 Right? 00:05:48.600 --> 00:05:50.840 To walk in the good works that the Lord has given us to walk in. 00:05:51.240 --> 00:05:52.180 That's who he's talking to. 00:05:52.220 --> 00:05:53.380 He's talking to the church. 00:05:53.700 --> 00:05:53.920 Right? 00:05:53.920 --> 00:05:57.319 So I'm a public school teacher in Forsyth. 00:05:57.439 --> 00:05:58.980 For those of y'all that don't know. 00:05:59.879 --> 00:06:02.560 Often a couple of my believing coworkers come to me. 00:06:02.860 --> 00:06:06.160 And they're just really frustrated with how their kids treat each other. 00:06:07.160 --> 00:06:09.259 And because I know they hold the truth. 00:06:09.960 --> 00:06:12.860 I try to remind them that you can't make dead fish swim. 00:06:14.160 --> 00:06:14.560 Right? 00:06:14.620 --> 00:06:15.860 You can't make dead fish swim. 00:06:16.000 --> 00:06:18.780 And they will say something, you know, sometimes snarkily back. 00:06:19.160 --> 00:06:22.280 That says, yeah, but if I bring a big wave of correction at them. 00:06:22.300 --> 00:06:22.500 Right? 00:06:23.060 --> 00:06:24.600 It'll make them float around a little bit. 00:06:24.660 --> 00:06:26.800 And so they're, you know, looking like they're swimming a little bit. 00:06:28.180 --> 00:06:28.579 Right? 00:06:28.620 --> 00:06:29.240 Y'all get the point? 00:06:29.420 --> 00:06:29.639 Right? 00:06:30.000 --> 00:06:33.620 Even the lost of the lost can still have the appearance of good works. 00:06:34.240 --> 00:06:34.600 Right? 00:06:35.220 --> 00:06:38.139 But that's not who Paul is talking to here. 00:06:38.980 --> 00:06:39.360 Right? 00:06:39.360 --> 00:06:41.399 He says, my beloved, the church. 00:06:42.620 --> 00:06:43.899 And this analogy, right? 00:06:43.899 --> 00:06:46.759 We are fish who are alive and have the ability to swim. 00:06:47.319 --> 00:06:49.379 And to us living fish who can swim. 00:06:49.439 --> 00:06:49.599 Right? 00:06:49.659 --> 00:06:51.879 He's about to give some really intense commands. 00:06:53.759 --> 00:06:56.639 And now remember that those of us who are in Christ Jesus. 00:06:56.639 --> 00:06:59.120 We have the spirit of our Lord living in us. 00:06:59.359 --> 00:07:02.819 And he can give us, truly give us, the strength to truly obey. 00:07:02.959 --> 00:07:04.479 Not just in appearance, but in heart. 00:07:05.959 --> 00:07:06.399 Okay? 00:07:06.399 --> 00:07:08.939 So then Paul says, as you have obeyed. 00:07:09.359 --> 00:07:13.779 Not only as in his presence, but much more in his absence. 00:07:14.899 --> 00:07:19.759 Paul is encouraging them not just to try to look to him, you know, for their continued sanctification. 00:07:19.879 --> 00:07:21.259 He's trying to get their mind off of him. 00:07:21.679 --> 00:07:21.899 Right? 00:07:21.959 --> 00:07:23.719 Whether I'm with you, whether I'm not with you. 00:07:24.239 --> 00:07:24.519 Right? 00:07:24.839 --> 00:07:28.359 Look to the Lord for the strength to battle towards sanctification. 00:07:28.799 --> 00:07:29.039 Right? 00:07:29.239 --> 00:07:33.839 So you've always obeyed as in my presence, but even now much more in my absence. 00:07:35.039 --> 00:07:35.439 Right? 00:07:35.839 --> 00:07:39.240 And then we see the reality that the Lord truly expects our holiness. 00:07:40.800 --> 00:07:42.839 The Lord truly expects our holiness. 00:07:43.719 --> 00:07:46.819 Clay reminded me this week, we were talking about this text a little bit. 00:07:47.420 --> 00:07:53.139 About the verse where the author of Hebrews reminds us to strive for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 00:07:53.139 --> 00:07:55.519 It's intense. 00:07:55.919 --> 00:07:56.099 Right? 00:07:57.199 --> 00:08:02.699 When I read this passage, another text that comes to mind is the passage where the Lord calls us to be holy as he is holy. 00:08:03.379 --> 00:08:03.740 Right? 00:08:03.779 --> 00:08:05.259 These intense commands. 00:08:05.459 --> 00:08:05.639 Right? 00:08:05.879 --> 00:08:09.139 If we need to feel some intensity of our need for sanctification, there it is. 00:08:09.219 --> 00:08:09.379 Right? 00:08:09.379 --> 00:08:12.600 Strive for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 00:08:13.019 --> 00:08:14.060 Our Lord is holy. 00:08:15.199 --> 00:08:16.699 So we are also to be holy. 00:08:17.100 --> 00:08:17.279 Right? 00:08:17.939 --> 00:08:22.659 So Paul encourages the Philippians here to continue to obey and follow the Lord as they always have. 00:08:22.920 --> 00:08:24.839 And even more so now in his absence. 00:08:25.459 --> 00:08:31.319 And now let's get to that part of the passage that we've all heard so quoted so many times and we know so well. 00:08:32.059 --> 00:08:34.539 The work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 00:08:36.159 --> 00:08:38.720 Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 00:08:39.620 --> 00:08:42.559 This verse has been known to make people really uncomfortable. 00:08:42.720 --> 00:08:44.820 Many of us may feel uncomfortable right now. 00:08:45.639 --> 00:08:48.960 People often accuse this verse of preaching works-based salvation. 00:08:49.820 --> 00:08:53.080 They might say, if we need to work out our salvation, aren't we earning it? 00:08:53.519 --> 00:08:55.200 Isn't it no longer a free gift? 00:08:56.200 --> 00:08:57.799 No longer an undeserved kindness? 00:08:57.960 --> 00:08:58.720 No longer grace? 00:08:59.759 --> 00:09:02.860 And then I might go to a passage like Ephesians 2 that we treasure so much. 00:09:02.939 --> 00:09:03.080 Right? 00:09:03.120 --> 00:09:04.960 And then I start reading verse 8. 00:09:05.059 --> 00:09:05.200 Right? 00:09:05.659 --> 00:09:07.620 For by grace you have been saved through faith. 00:09:07.700 --> 00:09:08.820 And this is not your own doing. 00:09:08.820 --> 00:09:12.300 It is the gift of God, not a result of work, so that no one may boast. 00:09:13.500 --> 00:09:15.340 Then they might be tempted to stop reading. 00:09:16.160 --> 00:09:16.560 Right? 00:09:17.040 --> 00:09:19.860 And go on about how the gospel is a totally free gift. 00:09:19.920 --> 00:09:21.460 A gift that could never be earned. 00:09:21.960 --> 00:09:24.800 That there is grace given to us so far above our understanding. 00:09:24.879 --> 00:09:26.280 They might go to an old hymn. 00:09:26.379 --> 00:09:26.520 Right? 00:09:26.519 --> 00:09:30.539 The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell. 00:09:30.980 --> 00:09:33.899 It goes beyond the highest star and reaches to the lowest hell. 00:09:34.500 --> 00:09:36.259 The guilty pair bowed down with care. 00:09:36.360 --> 00:09:37.840 God gave his son to win. 00:09:38.059 --> 00:09:41.199 His erring child he reconciled and pardoned from his sin. 00:09:41.200 --> 00:09:45.580 Oh, love of God, how rich and pure, how measureless and strong. 00:09:45.640 --> 00:09:48.200 It shall forevermore endure the saints and angels song. 00:09:48.940 --> 00:09:49.780 Last verse of that song. 00:09:49.879 --> 00:09:51.320 Could we with ink the ocean fill? 00:09:51.940 --> 00:09:53.800 And were the skies of parchment made? 00:09:53.940 --> 00:09:55.660 Were every stock on earth a quill? 00:09:56.300 --> 00:09:58.120 And every man a scribe by trade? 00:09:58.940 --> 00:10:01.500 To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry. 00:10:01.720 --> 00:10:03.280 Nor could the scroll contain the whole. 00:10:03.460 --> 00:10:04.580 Those stretch from sky to sky. 00:10:05.480 --> 00:10:07.600 It's page 220 in the old red back hymnal. 00:10:08.480 --> 00:10:11.240 And I could go on and on and on and on. 00:10:11.460 --> 00:10:12.259 And they could too. 00:10:12.639 --> 00:10:13.860 Are these people correct? 00:10:14.960 --> 00:10:15.360 Yes. 00:10:16.320 --> 00:10:16.720 Absolutely. 00:10:16.920 --> 00:10:18.500 Salvation is totally a free gift. 00:10:19.440 --> 00:10:23.759 As Paul would say, if anyone preaches to you a gospel that says we need to add something to earn our salvation. 00:10:24.000 --> 00:10:25.259 To play a role in it ourselves. 00:10:25.759 --> 00:10:27.000 Let them be accursed. 00:10:28.680 --> 00:10:29.460 That's what he says. 00:10:29.460 --> 00:10:32.360 However, does this mean that since we are saved totally by the Lord. 00:10:32.640 --> 00:10:33.500 Nothing of our own. 00:10:33.500 --> 00:10:36.399 That he chose us in him before the foundation of the world. 00:10:36.519 --> 00:10:38.299 Before we've done anything good or bad. 00:10:39.200 --> 00:10:41.799 That we now have no commands about the way we live. 00:10:43.500 --> 00:10:45.379 Paul says elsewhere, by no means. 00:10:45.539 --> 00:10:45.659 Right? 00:10:46.320 --> 00:10:47.559 By no means. 00:10:48.539 --> 00:10:53.220 I think people that make that argument must have a little bit of trouble getting past verse 9 in Ephesians 2. 00:10:54.059 --> 00:10:54.460 Right? 00:10:54.539 --> 00:10:57.100 Let's go back and read Ephesians 2 verses 8 and 9 again. 00:10:57.100 --> 00:11:00.600 But then keep reading and flow with it into verse 10. 00:11:00.600 --> 00:11:03.860 So picking back up in verse 8 of Ephesians 2. 00:11:05.700 --> 00:11:06.240 It says, 00:11:06.300 --> 00:11:08.320 For by grace you have been saved through faith. 00:11:09.340 --> 00:11:10.680 And this is not your own doing. 00:11:10.779 --> 00:11:11.879 It is the gift of God. 00:11:12.440 --> 00:11:14.899 Not a result of work so that no one may boast. 00:11:14.899 --> 00:11:20.079 For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works. 00:11:20.279 --> 00:11:23.899 Which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. 00:11:25.819 --> 00:11:27.360 So notice what Paul, right? 00:11:27.399 --> 00:11:30.079 The same apostle writing both Ephesians and Philippians. 00:11:30.720 --> 00:11:32.039 Note how those flow together. 00:11:32.620 --> 00:11:32.779 Right? 00:11:32.779 --> 00:11:38.919 He is noting that after salvation, the Lord has good works already prepared for us beforehand for us to walk in. 00:11:39.819 --> 00:11:46.600 He is saying that after salvation, right, we will have good things to walk in and bad things to put off, to neglect. 00:11:46.600 --> 00:11:46.980 Right? 00:11:47.799 --> 00:11:50.120 In the same way in our text today. 00:11:50.659 --> 00:11:55.039 This is called working out our salvation with fear and trembling. 00:11:55.039 --> 00:11:58.759 This carries the idea of continually working. 00:11:58.860 --> 00:12:02.379 Continually working to bring something to fulfillment or completion. 00:12:03.379 --> 00:12:05.879 And this concept is all throughout scripture. 00:12:06.599 --> 00:12:10.519 People often use the phrase to work out what God has already worked in. 00:12:11.599 --> 00:12:14.179 We'll define this idea a bit more in a few minutes. 00:12:14.279 --> 00:12:20.259 But first, I'd like to just help us note how clearly this concept is throughout all of scripture. 00:12:20.939 --> 00:12:24.419 And so I'm going to read quite a few passages that speak to the same idea. 00:12:24.419 --> 00:12:26.519 So if you're writing down references, be ready. 00:12:26.639 --> 00:12:27.399 Here comes a bunch of them. 00:12:28.240 --> 00:12:32.259 So in our book that we're studying right now, Philippians 3 verses 13. 00:12:32.860 --> 00:12:33.419 Excuse me. 00:12:33.500 --> 00:12:34.500 Let me slow down a little bit. 00:12:34.799 --> 00:12:37.000 Philippians 3 verses 13 and 14. 00:12:37.500 --> 00:12:39.839 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. 00:12:40.000 --> 00:12:44.779 But one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 00:12:45.099 --> 00:12:49.219 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 00:12:49.980 --> 00:12:50.919 Romans 6, 19. 00:12:51.500 --> 00:12:54.219 I'm speaking in human terms because of your natural limitations. 00:12:54.979 --> 00:12:58.799 For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, 00:12:59.000 --> 00:13:02.919 leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, 00:13:03.219 --> 00:13:04.139 leading to sanctification. 00:13:05.379 --> 00:13:07.779 1 Corinthians 9 verses 24 through 27. 00:13:08.279 --> 00:13:12.699 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? 00:13:13.279 --> 00:13:14.639 So run that you may obtain it. 00:13:15.000 --> 00:13:17.599 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. 00:13:18.079 --> 00:13:21.519 They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 00:13:22.319 --> 00:13:23.460 So I do not run aimlessly. 00:13:23.860 --> 00:13:25.519 I do not box as one beating the air. 00:13:26.000 --> 00:13:28.299 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, 00:13:28.740 --> 00:13:31.460 lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 00:13:32.879 --> 00:13:34.919 1 Corinthians 15 verse 58. 00:13:35.319 --> 00:13:37.799 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and movable, 00:13:38.379 --> 00:13:39.899 always abounding in the work of the Lord, 00:13:40.000 --> 00:13:41.679 knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 00:13:41.679 --> 00:13:44.000 2 Corinthians 7 verse 1. 00:13:44.239 --> 00:13:45.699 Since we have these promises, beloved, 00:13:46.139 --> 00:13:49.079 let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, 00:13:49.559 --> 00:13:52.199 bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. 00:13:52.959 --> 00:13:54.639 Galatians 6 verses 7 through 9. 00:13:54.739 --> 00:13:55.479 Do not be deceived. 00:13:55.639 --> 00:13:57.019 God is not mocked. 00:13:57.199 --> 00:13:59.839 For whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 00:14:00.439 --> 00:14:03.500 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, 00:14:03.979 --> 00:14:07.059 but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 00:14:07.059 --> 00:14:09.679 And let us not grow weary of doing good. 00:14:09.939 --> 00:14:12.239 For in due season we will reap if we do not give up. 00:14:13.479 --> 00:14:14.719 Ephesians 4 verse 1. 00:14:15.439 --> 00:14:19.939 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called. 00:14:21.219 --> 00:14:22.919 Or all of Colossians 3, right? 00:14:23.139 --> 00:14:24.599 I could read that whole chapter, right? 00:14:24.639 --> 00:14:27.659 All the things that we could put off as God's chosen people 00:14:27.659 --> 00:14:30.899 and all the things we're called to put on as God's chosen people. 00:14:31.919 --> 00:14:33.599 Hebrews 6 verses 10 through 12. 00:14:33.979 --> 00:14:36.739 For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work, 00:14:36.740 --> 00:14:40.200 and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. 00:14:40.759 --> 00:14:43.940 And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness, 00:14:44.000 --> 00:14:45.899 to have the full assurance of hope until the end, 00:14:46.100 --> 00:14:47.580 so that you may not be sluggish, 00:14:47.659 --> 00:14:50.919 but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 00:14:52.399 --> 00:14:53.940 Hebrews 12 verses 1 and 2. 00:14:54.120 --> 00:14:56.580 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, 00:14:57.120 --> 00:15:00.279 let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, 00:15:00.519 --> 00:15:03.259 and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 00:15:03.379 --> 00:15:06.399 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, 00:15:06.740 --> 00:15:09.620 who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, 00:15:09.740 --> 00:15:13.840 despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 00:15:15.139 --> 00:15:17.279 Guys, I have like six more, right? 00:15:17.320 --> 00:15:20.419 I could keep going, and I could keep going, and I could keep going, right? 00:15:20.680 --> 00:15:23.000 And I read those to drive home the point, right? 00:15:23.639 --> 00:15:26.879 This is super, super, super common throughout Scripture. 00:15:27.779 --> 00:15:27.899 Right? 00:15:28.039 --> 00:15:29.580 So, so, so many passages. 00:15:30.700 --> 00:15:30.919 Okay? 00:15:30.919 --> 00:15:31.360 Right? 00:15:32.439 --> 00:15:34.059 Y'all are probably thinking of others in your head. 00:15:34.159 --> 00:15:35.379 Why didn't he mention this one? 00:15:35.599 --> 00:15:35.759 Right? 00:15:37.259 --> 00:15:41.979 Because there are so many that illustrate this concept of working out our salvation so well. 00:15:43.259 --> 00:15:46.799 Did y'all notice how active all of that wording was? 00:15:46.799 --> 00:15:53.179 So, so, so active in putting off sin and putting on righteousness. 00:15:53.879 --> 00:15:57.259 A huge part that we play in growing in Christlikeness, 00:15:57.939 --> 00:16:00.439 of working out our salvation. 00:16:00.819 --> 00:16:04.000 We play an active role filled with so much effort. 00:16:04.379 --> 00:16:05.279 So much effort. 00:16:06.359 --> 00:16:09.019 In a couple of these passages, right, we heard the word sanctification. 00:16:09.379 --> 00:16:13.839 And realistically, I think I've probably tossed it around in my speaking already this morning. 00:16:13.840 --> 00:16:19.360 And this is the passage, right, that, like, would most commonly be going to when you want to define that. 00:16:20.080 --> 00:16:20.320 Right? 00:16:20.420 --> 00:16:21.320 So let's define that. 00:16:21.980 --> 00:16:26.019 So a good old Wayne Grudem systematic theology definition for us this morning. 00:16:26.519 --> 00:16:27.360 Sanctification, right? 00:16:28.180 --> 00:16:34.100 Sanctification is a progressive work of God and man that makes us more and more free from sin 00:16:34.100 --> 00:16:36.920 and like Christ in our actual lives. 00:16:36.919 --> 00:16:49.879 Isn't that what all these passages are talking about? 00:16:51.240 --> 00:16:52.679 Exactly what they're talking about, right? 00:16:52.740 --> 00:16:55.839 Us moving closer and closer to being free from sin. 00:16:56.120 --> 00:16:57.299 Putting off the old man. 00:16:57.379 --> 00:16:58.099 Putting on the new man. 00:16:58.159 --> 00:17:01.259 Moving closer and closer and closer to Christlikeness. 00:17:01.759 --> 00:17:01.919 Right? 00:17:01.919 --> 00:17:09.579 Now, many, many, many of these passages that we read, I think, strongly focus on our part of sanctification, right? 00:17:09.599 --> 00:17:10.159 Our work. 00:17:10.819 --> 00:17:12.099 And our passage here does too. 00:17:12.899 --> 00:17:14.799 And we'll get to God's work in just a minute. 00:17:14.879 --> 00:17:20.099 But I want to examine a couple words in this passage that talk about our working out our salvation. 00:17:20.220 --> 00:17:24.539 It says, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 00:17:25.940 --> 00:17:27.019 Fear and trembling. 00:17:27.019 --> 00:17:31.400 At face value, that's exactly what it sounds like, right? 00:17:31.440 --> 00:17:35.480 A healthy fear of offending God and a righteous awe and respect for him. 00:17:36.279 --> 00:17:38.299 But let's delve a little bit deeper into those words. 00:17:38.519 --> 00:17:39.839 These are intense words, right? 00:17:39.900 --> 00:17:41.579 Really, really, really intense words. 00:17:42.099 --> 00:17:44.900 These words that portray quaking with fear, right? 00:17:44.900 --> 00:17:50.420 As you realize your own weakness and the power that sin so often has over us. 00:17:51.639 --> 00:17:55.859 This fear carries the meaning of terror, dread, alarm, and yes, some reverence. 00:17:55.859 --> 00:17:58.759 This is a fear that leads to self-distrust. 00:18:00.219 --> 00:18:06.779 When we understand our own sinfulness, our own tendencies to sin and temptations towards sin, it's going to lead to some self-distrust. 00:18:08.399 --> 00:18:17.839 This is a fear and trembling that leads us to strong action to fight sin well as we realize the magnitude of our sin and the magnitude of the holiness of our God. 00:18:17.839 --> 00:18:26.519 For example, this is a fear that may lead us to a conviction to never be at our own home by ourselves if we know we have a temptation towards lust. 00:18:27.339 --> 00:18:32.119 This is a fear that may lead us to a conviction to never be around alcohol if we know we would never stop drinking. 00:18:32.119 --> 00:18:43.539 This is a fear that may lead us to a conviction to choose to have fewer or lesser possessions than we could have financially because we know we'd have a temptation towards greed or idolatry. 00:18:43.539 --> 00:18:46.440 This is a fear that may lead us to a conviction. 00:18:46.440 --> 00:18:53.000 This is a fear that, by definition, makes us take our sins seriously and never sweep it under the rug as if it doesn't matter. 00:18:55.339 --> 00:18:57.539 Steve Lawson makes this comment about this verse. 00:18:58.119 --> 00:18:59.099 I think this is really good. 00:18:59.099 --> 00:19:29.079 He says, 00:19:29.099 --> 00:19:37.299 So we are to fight for Christ-likeness and fight to put off sin and fear and trembling as we understand who our God is. 00:19:38.439 --> 00:19:40.539 I feel like we've covered some ground already this morning. 00:19:41.059 --> 00:19:42.459 And so let's read back a little bit. 00:19:42.539 --> 00:19:45.319 So let's read part of these verses that we've been talking about for quite some time. 00:19:45.519 --> 00:19:49.079 So let's go back to the second half of verse 12 in Philippians 2. 00:19:49.079 --> 00:20:02.399 So let's get into God's work. 00:20:02.400 --> 00:20:05.140 So thirdly, God's work. 00:20:06.880 --> 00:20:18.340 Earlier, as we defined sanctification, we stated that sanctification is a progressive work of God and man that makes us more and more free from sin and like Christ in our actual lives. 00:20:18.339 --> 00:20:23.519 Note that our definition included that is the work of God and the work of man. 00:20:23.579 --> 00:20:26.839 And the reason we say that is that's exactly what Scripture says, right? 00:20:27.139 --> 00:20:29.299 We can see that quite clearly in this passage. 00:20:29.299 --> 00:20:38.500 The first few times I'm guessing that many of us read this passage in our lives, if we didn't have much knowledge of how sanctification really works, it can seem a bit confusing. 00:20:38.639 --> 00:20:39.000 Like, wait? 00:20:39.279 --> 00:20:39.740 Like, what? 00:20:40.359 --> 00:20:46.480 Paul commands us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, but to will and to work for his good pleasure. 00:20:47.419 --> 00:20:51.159 So we're commanded to work because God is working? 00:20:51.160 --> 00:20:53.980 Well, yes, actually, right? 00:20:54.080 --> 00:20:55.300 Exactly that, right? 00:20:55.900 --> 00:21:00.900 Sometimes I think that we forget that we have the Holy Spirit living in us, right? 00:21:01.320 --> 00:21:08.019 When Paul was calling out the Corinthians for living in rampant sexual immorality, he says in 1 Corinthians 6 verses 19 and 20, 00:21:08.220 --> 00:21:12.400 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you whom you have from God? 00:21:13.080 --> 00:21:14.400 You are not your own. 00:21:14.540 --> 00:21:17.580 You were bought with a price, so glorify God in your body, right? 00:21:17.600 --> 00:21:19.240 We see the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. 00:21:19.300 --> 00:21:20.040 We are his temple. 00:21:20.039 --> 00:21:22.359 Or think about John 15 verse 5. 00:21:22.460 --> 00:21:23.079 Jesus says there, 00:21:23.339 --> 00:21:25.619 I am the vine, you are the branches. 00:21:26.319 --> 00:21:32.079 Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 00:21:33.379 --> 00:21:33.619 Right? 00:21:33.659 --> 00:21:40.180 So we see the analogy of the vine being Christ and we are the branches, right, to bringing Christ to all around us. 00:21:40.700 --> 00:21:46.159 We see that as we are abiding in Christ, he, through his Spirit, also is abiding in us. 00:21:46.399 --> 00:21:47.200 We bear much fruit. 00:21:47.279 --> 00:21:48.220 Well, what are these fruits? 00:21:50.039 --> 00:21:51.899 These fruits are what we have read about a lot, right? 00:21:51.960 --> 00:21:56.019 These fruits are the good works that the Lord has given us to walk in that Paul mentioned in Ephesians 2. 00:21:57.019 --> 00:22:00.980 These fruits are the things we put on and put off according to Paul in Colossians 3. 00:22:00.980 --> 00:22:05.880 These fruits are the product of working out our salvation with fear and trembling. 00:22:06.960 --> 00:22:08.940 And how are these good works being accomplished? 00:22:10.460 --> 00:22:11.140 Well, what does it say? 00:22:11.220 --> 00:22:15.799 God working in us both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 00:22:15.799 --> 00:22:24.799 So this willing and working for his good pleasure, it's not as if believers are mindlessly going around and suddenly end up with God changing them. 00:22:26.279 --> 00:22:26.700 Right? 00:22:26.799 --> 00:22:27.659 That's not how that works. 00:22:27.720 --> 00:22:31.680 Making them, you know, do certain good things and suddenly refrain from sins. 00:22:31.680 --> 00:22:40.400 But instead, God is constantly at work in us by his Spirit, through his Word, even through the encouragement of each other. 00:22:41.779 --> 00:22:42.259 Right? 00:22:42.380 --> 00:22:43.480 To change our desires. 00:22:44.000 --> 00:22:45.920 To cause us to want to live in holiness. 00:22:46.799 --> 00:22:49.299 And because of that, to actually live in holiness. 00:22:50.519 --> 00:22:50.779 Right? 00:22:50.779 --> 00:22:54.259 We have to remember that apart from the vine, we can do nothing. 00:22:54.379 --> 00:22:55.039 Nothing at all. 00:22:55.980 --> 00:22:56.180 Right? 00:22:56.220 --> 00:23:03.379 So therefore, any good thing we do, any good motive we have, anything is by the Spirit of God working in us. 00:23:03.980 --> 00:23:07.460 Not some sort of goodness that we could somehow find in ourselves. 00:23:08.039 --> 00:23:08.220 Right? 00:23:09.240 --> 00:23:10.579 Think about Galatians 3. 00:23:10.680 --> 00:23:10.839 Right? 00:23:10.839 --> 00:23:17.200 The same way that we can't be justified by the flesh, we can also never be sanctified by the flesh. 00:23:18.000 --> 00:23:18.160 Right? 00:23:18.160 --> 00:23:23.080 The Lord is working in us, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 00:23:24.940 --> 00:23:28.240 And I'd like to remind us of what the will of God is for us. 00:23:28.840 --> 00:23:29.019 Right? 00:23:29.440 --> 00:23:30.800 It's that we become more like him. 00:23:31.060 --> 00:23:33.960 Think back a few weeks to Philippians 1, verse 6. 00:23:35.140 --> 00:23:41.300 I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 00:23:42.140 --> 00:23:46.940 Or even the passage that we've referenced so often recently, and I think so often forever. 00:23:46.940 --> 00:23:49.660 Romans 8, 28 through 30. 00:23:49.860 --> 00:23:49.900 Right? 00:23:50.420 --> 00:23:54.200 And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good. 00:23:54.500 --> 00:23:56.440 For those who are called according to his purpose. 00:23:56.920 --> 00:24:03.779 For those whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 00:24:04.539 --> 00:24:06.420 And those whom he predestined, he also called. 00:24:06.500 --> 00:24:08.640 And those whom he called, he also justified. 00:24:08.759 --> 00:24:10.340 And those whom he justified, he also glorified. 00:24:10.339 --> 00:24:13.459 We reference that so often because it's so sweet. 00:24:14.220 --> 00:24:17.839 Because it shows where we are headed and how the Lord is working things for good. 00:24:18.279 --> 00:24:20.599 And that good that he is working is our sanctification. 00:24:21.579 --> 00:24:21.980 Right? 00:24:22.439 --> 00:24:23.980 And he will bring it to pass. 00:24:24.059 --> 00:24:26.119 We are guaranteed that. 00:24:26.259 --> 00:24:31.000 If we are predestined, we are called, we are justified, and we are glorified. 00:24:31.000 --> 00:24:37.759 And on that one day, right, at the day of Jesus Christ, according to chapter 1, verse 6, we'll be complete. 00:24:39.960 --> 00:24:41.960 Now, earlier we saw a bunch of passages. 00:24:42.220 --> 00:24:42.400 Right? 00:24:42.539 --> 00:24:43.220 A bunch of passages. 00:24:43.359 --> 00:24:44.460 I could have read more and more and more. 00:24:44.599 --> 00:24:44.779 Right? 00:24:45.279 --> 00:24:48.700 That really emphasize man's work in sanctification. 00:24:49.380 --> 00:24:52.240 But now these passages, look at where all the emphasis is. 00:24:52.240 --> 00:24:55.180 You'll see how it's on God? 00:24:57.000 --> 00:25:01.819 God is ultimately doing the work to bring us to completion, not the efforts of our flesh. 00:25:03.180 --> 00:25:09.220 By no means let us ever, ever think that this means that we don't have to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. 00:25:10.279 --> 00:25:10.640 Right? 00:25:11.500 --> 00:25:16.940 As we preached a couple weeks back, let us hate our own sins so much more than we hate the sin of others. 00:25:16.940 --> 00:25:19.839 So that then we'll work out our salvation with fear and trembling. 00:25:20.000 --> 00:25:20.720 We put off the sin. 00:25:20.720 --> 00:25:22.759 And what do we replace it with? 00:25:22.799 --> 00:25:24.600 We can't just replace it with nothingness. 00:25:25.519 --> 00:25:27.140 We replace it with righteousness. 00:25:27.860 --> 00:25:27.980 Right? 00:25:28.180 --> 00:25:29.799 Abiding in the work of the Lord. 00:25:30.519 --> 00:25:34.220 The good things that he has prepared us beforehand to walk in. 00:25:35.720 --> 00:25:38.440 I also want you all to notice how personal this text is. 00:25:39.440 --> 00:25:40.779 As your own salvation. 00:25:40.980 --> 00:25:41.079 Right? 00:25:41.799 --> 00:25:43.440 God working in you. 00:25:44.700 --> 00:25:46.819 Of course, Paul is writing to a church. 00:25:46.920 --> 00:25:47.079 Right? 00:25:47.160 --> 00:25:47.519 For sure. 00:25:47.600 --> 00:25:49.960 And churches need to work out their own salvation. 00:25:49.960 --> 00:25:50.319 Why? 00:25:50.319 --> 00:25:50.379 Why? 00:25:50.439 --> 00:25:51.299 Because churches are people. 00:25:52.099 --> 00:25:52.519 Right? 00:25:52.639 --> 00:25:58.679 But I want you all to notice, even in this text in Romans, the Lord is working personally in us. 00:25:59.639 --> 00:26:02.519 And what does it say about his willing and working? 00:26:03.839 --> 00:26:04.960 It's for his pleasure. 00:26:05.960 --> 00:26:06.639 His pleasure. 00:26:06.640 --> 00:26:09.060 Isn't that really incredible? 00:26:09.060 --> 00:26:11.300 The Lord of the universe delights in us. 00:26:12.880 --> 00:26:14.020 Delights in us. 00:26:15.000 --> 00:26:15.900 And how is that? 00:26:16.200 --> 00:26:18.540 That's in making us more like himself. 00:26:19.860 --> 00:26:22.940 He delights in us through making us more like himself. 00:26:22.940 --> 00:26:27.240 Margaret and I are expecting our first kiddo at the end of May. 00:26:27.720 --> 00:26:32.059 And we're super excited and super terrified, but mostly excited. 00:26:32.059 --> 00:26:36.079 And I've wondered what will he be like. 00:26:36.799 --> 00:26:36.980 You know? 00:26:37.379 --> 00:26:41.179 For me, personally, I'd be really excited if he likes playing music. 00:26:41.419 --> 00:26:43.779 You know, a guitar or a mandolin or whatever. 00:26:43.980 --> 00:26:44.119 Right? 00:26:44.500 --> 00:26:45.619 Maybe he'll like disc golf. 00:26:45.619 --> 00:26:51.839 Maybe he'll have a strong understanding that Georgia Tech is the correct football team to root for. 00:26:53.339 --> 00:26:55.899 Or that 80s K10s are the best type of trucks. 00:26:56.019 --> 00:26:56.159 Right? 00:26:56.879 --> 00:27:00.319 But if Everett liked all of those things, I'd be glad for sure. 00:27:00.399 --> 00:27:01.039 I'd be really glad. 00:27:02.099 --> 00:27:05.359 But even more than that, I'd be glad if he follows our Lord. 00:27:05.779 --> 00:27:07.259 I'd be delighted in that. 00:27:07.259 --> 00:27:14.119 Now think how much more our Heavenly Father delights in us becoming more and more like him. 00:27:15.759 --> 00:27:19.559 And with things that matter, a lot more than Chevys or Tech football, right? 00:27:20.019 --> 00:27:22.859 The Lord of the universe delights in our sanctification. 00:27:23.839 --> 00:27:26.039 And he gives us the grace to carry it out. 00:27:27.319 --> 00:27:29.740 Works in our desires and in our actions. 00:27:29.940 --> 00:27:31.700 And is working to bring us to completion in him. 00:27:33.799 --> 00:27:35.940 And remember that he will complete this. 00:27:37.259 --> 00:27:39.619 This God who's telling us this is the Lord of the universe. 00:27:40.379 --> 00:27:42.599 He's not lying to us that he's going to finish it. 00:27:43.759 --> 00:27:44.900 He's going to do it. 00:27:46.920 --> 00:27:47.480 All right. 00:27:47.559 --> 00:27:52.119 So we have to remember that Paul here is writing this letter to a specific group of believers. 00:27:52.619 --> 00:27:56.640 Who he could see, right, needed particular work in sanctification. 00:27:57.319 --> 00:27:59.379 And so he encouraged them to exactly that. 00:27:59.980 --> 00:28:01.799 And so this will take us to our fourth point this morning. 00:28:02.579 --> 00:28:03.119 The work. 00:28:04.339 --> 00:28:05.039 The work. 00:28:05.039 --> 00:28:08.920 So let's reread verses 14 through 16 here. 00:28:10.539 --> 00:28:11.019 It says, 00:28:11.019 --> 00:28:35.759 So Paul has a couple of particular parts of work that he believes the Philippians need to be working on. 00:28:35.759 --> 00:28:40.660 The first he mentions is doing all things without grumbling or disputing. 00:28:41.460 --> 00:28:41.980 Right. 00:28:42.039 --> 00:28:44.220 He is concerned about their murmuring, their muttering. 00:28:44.420 --> 00:28:44.539 Right. 00:28:45.420 --> 00:28:50.079 Their subtle, right, yet dangerous disapproval of others or other things around them. 00:28:51.160 --> 00:28:55.339 This is similar to the cause for unity that we've seen all throughout Philippians thus far. 00:28:55.839 --> 00:28:56.039 Right. 00:28:56.039 --> 00:28:59.980 If we're grumbling or complaining, right, we are sure to bring disunity. 00:29:01.240 --> 00:29:01.680 Right. 00:29:01.680 --> 00:29:06.560 And if we're disputing, it seems that we're already part of some level of disunity. 00:29:06.559 --> 00:29:12.779 For many of us, it may seem really easy to avoid this in some context and much more difficult in others. 00:29:13.059 --> 00:29:17.359 We might feel that we do a really good job at not complaining, you know, at work. 00:29:17.839 --> 00:29:21.819 But then when we come home, we might struggle with complaining about family members to our friends. 00:29:21.899 --> 00:29:22.099 Right. 00:29:22.139 --> 00:29:22.940 Or maybe the opposite. 00:29:24.019 --> 00:29:26.899 Maybe we seem to always think the best of our family and our friends. 00:29:26.900 --> 00:29:29.860 But maybe we gossip to them about situations at work. 00:29:30.800 --> 00:29:34.360 Or maybe we even talk poorly about the music at church or the sermon. 00:29:34.720 --> 00:29:34.900 Right. 00:29:35.900 --> 00:29:39.759 Let's be careful with the way we talk about everything in all contexts. 00:29:40.480 --> 00:29:40.640 Right. 00:29:41.580 --> 00:29:45.920 Paul reminds us to do all things without grumbling or disputing. 00:29:47.040 --> 00:29:48.500 So we need to check our motives. 00:29:49.660 --> 00:29:51.080 Why are we sharing something? 00:29:51.860 --> 00:29:54.780 Are we speaking with the person to correct or to complain? 00:29:54.779 --> 00:29:58.720 Is what we're disputing worth disputing over? 00:29:58.859 --> 00:30:01.899 Is it, you know, higher up on our tier? 00:30:02.039 --> 00:30:03.019 Is it way lower? 00:30:04.000 --> 00:30:05.879 Is it a hill that should be fought over? 00:30:06.740 --> 00:30:09.920 Now, why does Paul say not to grumble and dispute? 00:30:10.819 --> 00:30:11.660 Look at verse 15. 00:30:12.379 --> 00:30:19.899 That you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation. 00:30:21.059 --> 00:30:23.920 So, in other words, so that we are without fault. 00:30:24.460 --> 00:30:24.700 Right. 00:30:24.879 --> 00:30:27.700 That no charge can be truly leveled against us. 00:30:28.619 --> 00:30:33.220 And joining in with grumbling or disputing would certainly give some room for accusations against us. 00:30:33.259 --> 00:30:33.399 Right. 00:30:34.359 --> 00:30:35.680 And then what's the why? 00:30:35.819 --> 00:30:37.240 Why do we need to be blameless and innocent? 00:30:38.519 --> 00:30:39.539 Notice how that's tied in. 00:30:39.599 --> 00:30:41.019 So that we can preach the gospel well. 00:30:41.819 --> 00:30:42.079 Right. 00:30:42.079 --> 00:30:46.879 In some of the verses we read earlier, I think it was in 1 Corinthians. 00:30:47.000 --> 00:30:47.119 Right. 00:30:47.119 --> 00:30:54.059 We saw that Paul focused on his own personal holiness so that it would not disqualify his witness. 00:30:54.779 --> 00:30:55.179 Right. 00:30:55.180 --> 00:30:57.060 We should ensure the same. 00:30:57.060 --> 00:30:57.539 Right. 00:30:57.860 --> 00:31:01.620 So let's pick up again from verse 14 and read down to the end of 16 again. 00:31:01.619 --> 00:31:06.399 So do all things without grumbling or disputing that you may be blameless and innocent. 00:31:06.400 --> 00:31:07.400 Right. 00:31:07.400 --> 00:31:07.400 00:31:07.400 --> 00:31:07.400 00:31:07.400 --> 00:31:08.400 So let's pick up again from verse 14. 00:31:08.400 --> 00:31:27.500 These verses make it so clear that we are to stand without blemish so that we look different. 00:31:27.500 --> 00:31:28.140 Right. 00:31:28.539 --> 00:31:33.599 From the typical sin patterns that we see in our day as well, a crooked and twisted generation. 00:31:34.500 --> 00:31:37.319 It doesn't make any sense for darkness to shine into darkness. 00:31:38.220 --> 00:31:38.339 Right. 00:31:39.039 --> 00:31:41.720 In order for us to shine, we must be something different. 00:31:41.839 --> 00:31:44.279 We have to shine as light or otherwise it's not doing anything. 00:31:44.440 --> 00:31:44.539 Right. 00:31:44.579 --> 00:31:51.019 Something with hope, something with the word of life and with lives that reflect the word of life. 00:31:51.460 --> 00:31:51.799 Right. 00:31:51.819 --> 00:31:55.859 If we've got the word of life, but our lives don't reflect that, there's some sort of problem going on. 00:31:56.460 --> 00:31:56.799 Right. 00:31:56.799 --> 00:32:04.899 But our own personal holiness, our church's holiness or lack of it sometimes should never disqualify us in our sharing of the gospel. 00:32:05.259 --> 00:32:07.799 And lack of holiness does disqualify us. 00:32:08.419 --> 00:32:08.519 Right. 00:32:09.220 --> 00:32:12.919 If the world sees us living no differently than them, why would they want our savior? 00:32:15.440 --> 00:32:25.339 Sometimes I believe that the overall church culture in reformed circles has swung so far away from the idea of like share the gospel and when necessary use words. 00:32:25.500 --> 00:32:25.619 Right. 00:32:25.619 --> 00:32:31.699 They've swung so far away from that, that we minimize the need of lives lived in holiness that validate the gospel. 00:32:33.159 --> 00:32:34.000 For sure. 00:32:34.000 --> 00:32:36.119 We always need to be preaching the gospel in words. 00:32:36.719 --> 00:32:39.379 But people should also be able to see a difference in our lives. 00:32:39.380 --> 00:32:42.620 We should not look like dead fish. 00:32:42.620 --> 00:32:43.160 Right. 00:32:43.800 --> 00:32:46.580 But truly living fish that are swimming around. 00:32:46.580 --> 00:32:47.020 Right. 00:32:47.019 --> 00:32:47.639 So there's a lot of people. 00:32:47.639 --> 00:33:10.319 So there's discussion among scholars as to whether this holding fast or in some translations holding forth to the word of life is a better translation. 00:33:10.319 --> 00:33:19.799 But I believe we could likely all agree that if we're truly holding fast and staying faithful to the gospel, we will truly shine as lights. 00:33:19.799 --> 00:33:20.039 Right. 00:33:20.079 --> 00:33:23.399 If we're holding fast to the gospel, we're going to overflow with the gospel. 00:33:24.439 --> 00:33:25.000 Right. 00:33:25.000 --> 00:33:27.480 So let us do so. 00:33:27.579 --> 00:33:32.220 Let our personal holiness be validation of the gospel and not disqualification of the gospel. 00:33:33.380 --> 00:33:37.599 Let our personal holiness be validation of the gospel and not disqualification. 00:33:37.599 --> 00:33:40.619 Now we see a shift in verse 17. 00:33:41.579 --> 00:33:43.500 Paul begins to focus on himself. 00:33:43.899 --> 00:33:44.899 It's shifted a little bit. 00:33:44.980 --> 00:33:45.099 Right. 00:33:45.639 --> 00:33:48.279 And so that will get us to our fifth and final point of the morning. 00:33:48.719 --> 00:33:50.299 That is Paul's work. 00:33:51.240 --> 00:33:51.939 Paul's work. 00:33:52.899 --> 00:33:54.839 Paul really likes to write long sentences. 00:33:55.579 --> 00:33:55.879 Right. 00:33:55.980 --> 00:33:56.679 We know that. 00:33:58.240 --> 00:34:03.199 It's almost like, you know, Margaret has a sixth grader that always writes in wrong sentences. 00:34:03.419 --> 00:34:05.959 But Paul's are meaningful, not just wrong. 00:34:06.240 --> 00:34:06.399 Right. 00:34:07.599 --> 00:34:14.519 So anyway, the sentence that ends at the end of verse 16 begins at the beginning of verse 14. 00:34:15.259 --> 00:34:20.119 I know I've had us reread this a few times, but getting us in the word well this morning is the most important thing I could do. 00:34:20.519 --> 00:34:25.559 So I want us to again reread 14 all the way down to the end of our text and then we'll finish this out. 00:34:26.420 --> 00:34:31.219 So this is do all things without grumbling or disputing that you may be blameless and innocent. 00:34:31.619 --> 00:34:35.099 Children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation. 00:34:35.099 --> 00:34:39.119 Among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life. 00:34:39.619 --> 00:34:44.179 So that in the day of Christ, I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 00:34:44.860 --> 00:34:51.259 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. 00:34:52.019 --> 00:34:55.019 Likewise, you also should be glad and rejoice with me. 00:34:55.019 --> 00:35:02.099 So we can immediately know that Paul is very invested in seeing these believers press on to the end. 00:35:02.559 --> 00:35:03.400 So, so invested. 00:35:03.539 --> 00:35:11.440 He wants them to hold fast to the word of life so that in the day of Christ, he can be proud that he did not run in vain or labor in vain. 00:35:12.659 --> 00:35:19.059 He wants them to not grumble and to not complain because he would see that his ministry didn't really have that much of an effect. 00:35:19.159 --> 00:35:20.059 If that's the case, right? 00:35:20.059 --> 00:35:28.299 He wants to rejoice in the Lord about the good works they're walking in, not to hear that they're struggling with their battle against sin. 00:35:28.920 --> 00:35:31.500 He's literally pouring out his life for them. 00:35:32.559 --> 00:35:34.619 He does not want that to be in vain. 00:35:36.039 --> 00:35:40.900 A drink offering was an Old Testament sacrifice where wine was poured on top of an animal sacrifice, right? 00:35:41.259 --> 00:35:43.480 As the wine evaporated, steam went up. 00:35:43.920 --> 00:35:46.699 That symbolized the sacrifice going to the Lord. 00:35:46.699 --> 00:35:54.919 In this way, Paul's very life, his very soul, he's saying is being poured out for them. 00:35:55.199 --> 00:35:56.519 It's being mixed with theirs. 00:35:57.460 --> 00:36:00.419 Their faith is the sacrificial offering and he is the drink offering. 00:36:00.539 --> 00:36:05.239 They are there together, battling against sin and battling to follow the Lord. 00:36:06.359 --> 00:36:10.279 And as they see the grace of the Lord in each other, they are to rejoice. 00:36:11.859 --> 00:36:13.919 To rejoice in the sacrifice of Christ. 00:36:14.039 --> 00:36:15.919 To rejoice in Christ's work on our behalf. 00:36:16.699 --> 00:36:20.339 To rejoice in Christ's example of humility in becoming our sacrifice. 00:36:21.099 --> 00:36:24.299 To rejoice in the new creation that he has made us. 00:36:24.919 --> 00:36:29.359 To rejoice in him truly bringing our sanctification to pass at the day of Christ Jesus. 00:36:30.199 --> 00:36:34.359 And to rejoice in him including us in this work. 00:36:34.360 --> 00:36:39.920 So because of Christ's great example of humility in his work on our behalf. 00:36:40.700 --> 00:36:43.640 We are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. 00:36:44.360 --> 00:36:47.559 Knowing that it is our Lord working in us for his good pleasure. 00:36:48.740 --> 00:36:51.500 And in view of that, let us share the gospel well with others. 00:36:51.559 --> 00:36:54.599 As we live lives that validate the truth of the gospel. 00:36:55.019 --> 00:36:56.500 And do not disqualify it. 00:36:56.500 --> 00:37:02.320 So in closing, I just have just a couple of questions for us to think about today, this week. 00:37:03.780 --> 00:37:07.920 The first one is, are you working out your salvation with fear and trembling? 00:37:07.920 --> 00:37:12.039 Are you working out your salvation with fear and trembling? 00:37:13.300 --> 00:37:17.940 And the second one is, what could disqualify your proclamation of the gospel? 00:37:19.619 --> 00:37:21.900 What could disqualify your proclamation of the gospel? 00:37:22.519 --> 00:37:24.720 For the Philippians, it may have been grumbling. 00:37:24.840 --> 00:37:25.780 It may have been disputing. 00:37:26.619 --> 00:37:29.300 But what in your life could disqualify your proclamation of the gospel? 00:37:29.300 --> 00:37:35.700 And plead with the Lord to do something to help you in your fight against it. 00:37:36.920 --> 00:37:38.260 So in light of that, let's pray.