WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.259 We hope that you enjoy this teaching from Christchurch. 00:00:05.259 --> 00:00:15.419 This material is copyrighted and no unauthorized duplication, redistribution, or any other use of any part is permitted without prior consent from Christchurch. 00:00:15.419 --> 00:00:22.640 Please consider donating to this work in the San Francisco Bay Area online at ChristChurchEastBay.org. 00:00:27.019 --> 00:00:35.000 Good morning. I'm Melissa Arseniega and I'm part of the El Cerrito Kensington Community Group, an Oikos group, and a deacon. 00:00:35.859 --> 00:00:44.020 Today's scripture reading is from Paul's letter to the Philippians, chapter 2, verses 12 to 30, as printed in your liturgy. 00:00:45.420 --> 00:00:47.940 A reading from Paul's letter to the Philippians. 00:00:48.660 --> 00:00:56.359 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, 00:00:57.120 --> 00:01:00.600 continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. 00:01:01.400 --> 00:01:07.579 For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. 00:01:08.379 --> 00:01:14.320 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, 00:01:14.319 --> 00:01:19.199 children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. 00:01:19.879 --> 00:01:26.299 Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. 00:01:26.939 --> 00:01:33.359 And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 00:01:33.359 --> 00:01:42.079 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on this sacrifice and service, coming from your faith, 00:01:42.400 --> 00:01:45.280 I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 00:01:45.680 --> 00:01:48.959 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. 00:01:49.519 --> 00:01:54.700 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send you Timothy to you soon, 00:01:54.980 --> 00:01:59.039 that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 00:01:59.040 --> 00:02:05.240 I have no one else like him who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 00:02:06.140 --> 00:02:10.659 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 00:02:11.219 --> 00:02:17.080 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father, 00:02:17.500 --> 00:02:20.439 he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 00:02:20.439 --> 00:02:25.800 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 00:02:27.000 --> 00:02:31.479 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. 00:02:32.259 --> 00:02:36.900 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, 00:02:37.280 --> 00:02:40.300 my brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier, 00:02:40.740 --> 00:02:45.180 who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 00:02:45.180 --> 00:02:51.460 For he longs for all of you and is distressed, because you heard he was ill. 00:02:52.439 --> 00:02:55.540 Indeed, he was ill and almost died. 00:02:56.120 --> 00:03:01.300 But God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but also on me, 00:03:01.780 --> 00:03:04.060 to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 00:03:05.520 --> 00:03:08.640 Therefore, I am all the more eager to send him, 00:03:08.960 --> 00:03:12.100 so that when you see him again, you may be glad, 00:03:12.100 --> 00:03:14.360 and I may have less anxiety. 00:03:15.180 --> 00:03:21.120 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy and honor people like him. 00:03:21.640 --> 00:03:24.439 Because he almost died for the work of Christ, 00:03:24.840 --> 00:03:29.840 he risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me. 00:03:30.379 --> 00:03:31.900 This is the word of the Lord. 00:03:33.900 --> 00:03:38.200 So back earlier in January, our very own David Lopez, 00:03:38.600 --> 00:03:40.120 he put me onto this guy. 00:03:40.540 --> 00:03:41.760 His name is Wesley Huff. 00:03:41.800 --> 00:03:43.500 Anybody heard of Wesley Huff? 00:03:43.500 --> 00:03:45.639 A couple of you, thanks. 00:03:46.120 --> 00:03:49.139 If you haven't had a chance to check out Wesley Huff, I highly recommend him. 00:03:49.240 --> 00:03:52.539 He's this up-and-coming Christian apologist, 00:03:52.840 --> 00:03:55.080 incredibly sharp, incredibly articulate. 00:03:55.280 --> 00:03:58.360 He's doing his PhD in New Testament right now at the University of Toronto, 00:03:58.840 --> 00:04:01.219 and he does this podcast called the AC Podcast. 00:04:01.539 --> 00:04:03.420 It stands for Apologetics Canada. 00:04:03.419 --> 00:04:05.959 And I highly recommend that you check him out. 00:04:06.159 --> 00:04:13.579 And he's actually been invited onto some pretty large stages recently. 00:04:13.779 --> 00:04:15.919 He was invited onto Joe Rogan's podcast. 00:04:16.120 --> 00:04:18.759 It's like the most widely listened to podcast in the world. 00:04:19.259 --> 00:04:23.279 And then just a month ago, it's this podcast I listened to just this past week. 00:04:23.379 --> 00:04:24.800 It's Andrew Schultz's podcast. 00:04:24.919 --> 00:04:26.979 Andrew Schultz is like this big-time comedian. 00:04:26.980 --> 00:04:29.160 He's got his own Netflix special. 00:04:30.100 --> 00:04:33.200 And, you know, whatever you think about Andrew Schultz and Andrew Rogan 00:04:33.200 --> 00:04:35.500 and, you know, kind of the bro-y manosphere thing, 00:04:35.920 --> 00:04:41.980 at least we can say these are huge audiences that Wesley Huff is getting in front of. 00:04:42.060 --> 00:04:47.120 I mean, President Trump was on both of these podcasts, like, not long before Wesley Huff. 00:04:47.120 --> 00:04:53.040 So it's pretty interesting, right, to see this Christian getting on this pretty large stage. 00:04:53.819 --> 00:04:56.800 And, you know, so I was listening to Wesley Huff and Andrew Schultz 00:04:56.800 --> 00:05:01.060 and his, you know, kind of crass comedian buddies on this podcast earlier this week. 00:05:01.100 --> 00:05:05.879 And he said something there that I really think gets at the heart 00:05:05.879 --> 00:05:11.579 of what Paul's trying to communicate to the church in Philippi and to us today in our passage. 00:05:11.759 --> 00:05:14.240 And what Wesley Huff said was, you know, for Christians, 00:05:14.240 --> 00:05:18.879 reading the Bible and praying and going to church and, you know, 00:05:18.920 --> 00:05:20.519 doing all these spiritual practices, 00:05:21.259 --> 00:05:24.500 these are not the fruit of the Christian life, 00:05:24.540 --> 00:05:26.460 but they're more like water. 00:05:27.040 --> 00:05:29.300 They're more like how we water the Christian life. 00:05:30.120 --> 00:05:33.220 And while sure God wants us to water the soil of our hearts, 00:05:33.340 --> 00:05:38.420 what we will ultimately be judged upon is not simply how well we watered, 00:05:39.019 --> 00:05:41.480 but whether or not our lives bore fruit. 00:05:41.480 --> 00:05:45.000 See, that's Paul's vision for the church in Philippi. 00:05:45.100 --> 00:05:46.560 That's our vision here at Christ Church. 00:05:46.640 --> 00:05:49.879 Not just a well-watered church, but a fruitful church. 00:05:50.360 --> 00:05:52.700 Not simply a learned church, but a living church. 00:05:52.800 --> 00:05:56.040 Paul doesn't just want the church to accept the gospel of Jesus, 00:05:56.540 --> 00:05:59.700 but to apply the gospel of Jesus in our everyday lives. 00:05:59.720 --> 00:06:01.700 Or as he will say here in our text, 00:06:02.240 --> 00:06:03.920 to work out our salvation. 00:06:04.560 --> 00:06:05.860 To work out our salvation. 00:06:06.800 --> 00:06:09.060 So remember last time we were in the book of Philippians, 00:06:09.139 --> 00:06:12.400 we looked and marveled at that brilliantly concise summary, 00:06:12.500 --> 00:06:14.840 that core confession, that amazing statement of Christianity 00:06:14.840 --> 00:06:18.199 in the beginning of Philippians chapter 2 called the Christ hymn, right? 00:06:18.240 --> 00:06:18.900 The Christ hymn. 00:06:19.439 --> 00:06:23.900 But today what we find is that Paul is not just sharing it as a creed to confess, 00:06:24.560 --> 00:06:27.460 but more so as a calling to carry out in our lives. 00:06:27.460 --> 00:06:30.740 He's sharing it because he wants the church to live a certain way. 00:06:31.319 --> 00:06:32.100 So remember what Paul's doing. 00:06:32.100 --> 00:06:36.120 He's imploring these Christians living in this patriotic Roman colony. 00:06:36.560 --> 00:06:38.080 He says in chapter 1 verse 27, 00:06:38.220 --> 00:06:42.000 to make it their primary aim to be citizens of the gospel of Christ, 00:06:42.480 --> 00:06:43.460 distinct citizens, right? 00:06:43.520 --> 00:06:45.340 Distinct citizens of a distinct kingdom. 00:06:45.660 --> 00:06:47.340 A kingdom where the king, God himself, 00:06:47.420 --> 00:06:48.740 in the person of Jesus Christ, 00:06:49.100 --> 00:06:50.939 took on not just humanity, 00:06:51.600 --> 00:06:55.360 but slavery and crucifixion and obedience to his eternal father 00:06:55.360 --> 00:06:57.500 on the way to glory and exaltation. 00:06:57.580 --> 00:06:59.620 And what Paul wants for the church is to, quote, 00:06:59.620 --> 00:07:03.280 have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, 00:07:04.000 --> 00:07:06.399 who humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, 00:07:06.800 --> 00:07:08.180 even death on a cross. 00:07:08.340 --> 00:07:11.740 Paul commands the church to live with selfless service 00:07:11.740 --> 00:07:15.899 and humble obedience just like their maker and their Messiah. 00:07:16.060 --> 00:07:19.259 And that is what comes right before our passage today, okay? 00:07:19.300 --> 00:07:21.399 Where he writes in verse 12, we can look down at that now. 00:07:22.180 --> 00:07:24.280 Therefore, my dear friends, or in the Greek, 00:07:24.399 --> 00:07:25.899 therefore, my beloved. 00:07:25.899 --> 00:07:29.839 Therefore, meaning because, or as a result of what God has revealed to us 00:07:29.839 --> 00:07:31.560 in Christ, crucified and exalted, 00:07:31.659 --> 00:07:33.120 as a result of what God has shown us 00:07:33.120 --> 00:07:34.839 about who he is as God 00:07:34.839 --> 00:07:37.239 and what it means to be ideally human. 00:07:37.620 --> 00:07:39.739 Therefore, my beloved Philippians, verse 12, 00:07:40.000 --> 00:07:41.899 as you have always obeyed, like Christ obeyed, 00:07:42.699 --> 00:07:44.539 and not only in my presence when I was with you, 00:07:44.599 --> 00:07:45.859 but now much more in my absence, 00:07:46.539 --> 00:07:48.339 continue to work out your salvation 00:07:48.339 --> 00:07:50.259 with fear and trembling. 00:07:50.339 --> 00:07:50.859 He's saying, 00:07:50.860 --> 00:07:53.000 I saw you obey when I was with you, 00:07:53.100 --> 00:07:55.180 when we all lived together in the same household, 00:07:55.500 --> 00:07:57.319 and even now when we are apart, 00:07:57.400 --> 00:07:59.939 I've been very pleased to see and hear about you 00:07:59.939 --> 00:08:01.500 all grown up and off to college, 00:08:01.600 --> 00:08:02.439 no more parents in the house, 00:08:02.480 --> 00:08:04.180 and you're still obeying great. 00:08:04.840 --> 00:08:06.980 But hey, as your spiritual father, 00:08:07.540 --> 00:08:09.660 this is still my command to you, 00:08:10.120 --> 00:08:12.180 keep continuing to obey. 00:08:12.240 --> 00:08:14.040 Or to give it even more texture and meaning, 00:08:14.199 --> 00:08:16.220 continue to work out your salvation 00:08:16.220 --> 00:08:18.520 with fear and trembling. 00:08:19.519 --> 00:08:20.419 So in one sense, 00:08:20.459 --> 00:08:22.799 he's not saying anything new, obey. 00:08:23.659 --> 00:08:25.199 But in case you're tempted to, you know, 00:08:25.240 --> 00:08:26.259 just kind of check out here, 00:08:26.339 --> 00:08:27.779 of course this pastor's gonna come up 00:08:27.779 --> 00:08:30.240 and preach a sermon about obeying God. 00:08:30.599 --> 00:08:31.740 Just hang in there with me, okay? 00:08:31.779 --> 00:08:33.319 And let's try to catch the nuance. 00:08:33.439 --> 00:08:34.559 It's not just obey, 00:08:35.319 --> 00:08:38.100 but it's continue to work out your salvation 00:08:38.100 --> 00:08:40.179 with fear and trembling. 00:08:40.340 --> 00:08:41.659 So the question to ask is, 00:08:41.659 --> 00:08:43.019 what is Paul trying to get at 00:08:43.019 --> 00:08:45.220 with this more specific language, 00:08:46.199 --> 00:08:47.379 work out your salvation? 00:08:47.379 --> 00:08:49.139 Why does he say it that way? 00:08:49.439 --> 00:08:51.399 Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. 00:08:51.500 --> 00:08:52.600 Well, let me start by clarifying 00:08:52.600 --> 00:08:54.379 what this doesn't mean, okay? 00:08:54.980 --> 00:08:56.039 When Paul says to continue 00:08:56.039 --> 00:08:56.879 to work out your salvation, 00:08:57.179 --> 00:08:58.700 it's very important to distinguish 00:08:58.700 --> 00:09:00.860 working for your salvation 00:09:00.860 --> 00:09:03.200 from working out your salvation. 00:09:03.279 --> 00:09:05.200 Remember, this is the same Apostle Paul 00:09:05.200 --> 00:09:06.860 who's written elsewhere in his other letters 00:09:06.860 --> 00:09:09.220 that salvation, being restored 00:09:09.220 --> 00:09:11.960 into a right status and relationship with God, 00:09:12.159 --> 00:09:14.159 it isn't earned by good works of merit, 00:09:14.240 --> 00:09:16.440 but received by grace through faith. 00:09:16.440 --> 00:09:19.040 Paul isn't departing from this core truth 00:09:19.040 --> 00:09:20.260 of the good news about Jesus. 00:09:20.360 --> 00:09:21.740 He's not telling them to work for 00:09:21.740 --> 00:09:23.020 or earn their salvation. 00:09:23.900 --> 00:09:25.660 So the question is, okay, what does he mean 00:09:25.660 --> 00:09:27.200 when he says work out your salvation? 00:09:27.300 --> 00:09:29.040 Well, let's define salvation. 00:09:29.160 --> 00:09:29.860 What is salvation? 00:09:29.980 --> 00:09:31.080 You see, for many of us, 00:09:31.540 --> 00:09:34.440 salvation is simply about what happens when I die. 00:09:34.960 --> 00:09:36.760 Do I go to heaven or do I go to hell? 00:09:36.820 --> 00:09:38.100 And yes, the scriptures do teach 00:09:38.100 --> 00:09:40.500 that heaven is real and hell is real 00:09:40.500 --> 00:09:41.879 and eternal life is real 00:09:41.879 --> 00:09:42.820 and judgment is real, 00:09:43.019 --> 00:09:45.960 but these truths never constitute 00:09:45.960 --> 00:09:49.240 the core essence of what salvation is 00:09:49.240 --> 00:09:50.519 and what it means to be saved. 00:09:51.299 --> 00:09:52.799 See, according to the scriptures, 00:09:52.940 --> 00:09:53.639 according to Jesus, 00:09:54.159 --> 00:09:55.019 Jesus said this, 00:09:55.059 --> 00:09:56.139 I have another slide in, 00:09:56.220 --> 00:09:57.799 oh, sorry, in John chapter 17. 00:09:58.039 --> 00:09:59.259 Can you pull that up for us, Ben? 00:10:00.139 --> 00:10:01.299 Jesus said this, 00:10:01.299 --> 00:10:03.120 and this is eternal life. 00:10:03.559 --> 00:10:04.759 Not that you go to heaven. 00:10:05.259 --> 00:10:06.059 And this is eternal life 00:10:06.059 --> 00:10:07.459 that they know you, 00:10:07.979 --> 00:10:09.099 the only true God, 00:10:09.439 --> 00:10:10.439 and Jesus Christ, 00:10:10.819 --> 00:10:11.559 whom you have sent. 00:10:12.359 --> 00:10:13.500 So see, according to the scriptures, 00:10:13.679 --> 00:10:14.899 the essence of salvation 00:10:14.899 --> 00:10:17.120 is not about destination. 00:10:17.559 --> 00:10:18.919 It's about relationship. 00:10:19.819 --> 00:10:20.899 Paul confirms this as well, 00:10:21.000 --> 00:10:21.759 Romans chapter five, 00:10:21.859 --> 00:10:22.919 2 Corinthians chapter five, 00:10:23.019 --> 00:10:23.839 Colossians chapter one, 00:10:24.099 --> 00:10:25.519 that to be saved is to be rescued 00:10:25.519 --> 00:10:27.899 from alienation from God 00:10:27.899 --> 00:10:31.840 and to be restored into communion with God. 00:10:32.899 --> 00:10:34.600 Salvation is reunion 00:10:34.600 --> 00:10:36.299 with the starting point 00:10:36.299 --> 00:10:37.840 and the sustainer of all of life, 00:10:37.919 --> 00:10:38.959 the maker of our souls. 00:10:39.059 --> 00:10:39.860 That's what salvation is. 00:10:39.899 --> 00:10:41.860 So again, salvation is about so much more 00:10:41.860 --> 00:10:42.740 than the day you die. 00:10:42.840 --> 00:10:44.019 It's about the life you live 00:10:44.019 --> 00:10:46.519 in union with the life giver. 00:10:47.360 --> 00:10:48.600 And if this is true, 00:10:48.679 --> 00:10:49.840 if this is true that salvation 00:10:49.840 --> 00:10:52.139 is not primarily about your future, 00:10:52.139 --> 00:10:53.500 eternal destination, 00:10:53.879 --> 00:10:55.439 but about your union with God, 00:10:55.960 --> 00:10:57.360 then that means that salvation 00:10:57.360 --> 00:10:58.620 can be spoken of 00:10:58.620 --> 00:11:00.200 as something that's past, 00:11:00.560 --> 00:11:01.779 present, and future 00:11:01.779 --> 00:11:02.940 all at the same time. 00:11:02.980 --> 00:11:04.279 So if you look at Paul's letters, 00:11:04.340 --> 00:11:05.240 you can find him talking about 00:11:05.240 --> 00:11:08.180 how we were saved in the past, 00:11:08.500 --> 00:11:10.120 like before the foundations of the earth, 00:11:10.220 --> 00:11:10.800 Ephesians one, 00:11:11.000 --> 00:11:12.139 or at the cross, 00:11:12.200 --> 00:11:13.159 before we were even born, 00:11:13.279 --> 00:11:14.019 Colossians chapter two, 00:11:14.100 --> 00:11:15.419 or at the time of our conversions, 00:11:15.840 --> 00:11:16.659 Titus chapter three. 00:11:17.139 --> 00:11:18.300 But Paul also talks about 00:11:18.300 --> 00:11:20.860 how we are being saved presently, 00:11:21.460 --> 00:11:22.420 1 Corinthians chapter one, 00:11:22.560 --> 00:11:23.560 1 Corinthians chapter 15, 00:11:23.659 --> 00:11:25.420 and then how we will be saved 00:11:25.419 --> 00:11:26.360 in the future. 00:11:26.559 --> 00:11:27.399 Romans chapter five, 00:11:27.539 --> 00:11:28.120 Romans 13, 00:11:28.240 --> 00:11:28.759 Philippians one, 00:11:28.839 --> 00:11:29.779 he who began a good work 00:11:29.779 --> 00:11:30.699 and you will bring it 00:11:30.699 --> 00:11:31.539 to completion 00:11:31.539 --> 00:11:33.500 at the day of Christ Jesus. 00:11:33.639 --> 00:11:34.939 It's kind of like marriage, okay? 00:11:35.559 --> 00:11:36.579 I was married, 00:11:37.059 --> 00:11:38.000 I am married, 00:11:38.699 --> 00:11:39.519 and Chelsea willing, 00:11:39.959 --> 00:11:41.259 I will be married, 00:11:41.539 --> 00:11:41.959 all right? 00:11:43.379 --> 00:11:44.639 All that to say here is 00:11:44.639 --> 00:11:45.719 when Paul is saying 00:11:45.719 --> 00:11:47.139 continue to work out 00:11:47.139 --> 00:11:48.000 your salvation 00:11:48.000 --> 00:11:49.559 with fear and trembling, 00:11:49.679 --> 00:11:50.959 he's getting at the present, 00:11:51.599 --> 00:11:53.459 the present aspect of salvation, 00:11:53.460 --> 00:11:54.759 the present aspect of being 00:11:54.759 --> 00:11:55.500 in a dynamic 00:11:55.500 --> 00:11:57.400 and ongoing relationship 00:11:57.400 --> 00:11:58.220 with God. 00:11:58.280 --> 00:11:59.139 He's calling the church 00:11:59.139 --> 00:12:00.379 to presently 00:12:00.379 --> 00:12:01.840 and continually live out 00:12:01.840 --> 00:12:02.500 their renewed 00:12:02.500 --> 00:12:04.320 and ever deepening union 00:12:04.320 --> 00:12:05.680 with their infinite 00:12:05.680 --> 00:12:07.040 and eternal God. 00:12:07.800 --> 00:12:08.540 He's saying don't just 00:12:08.540 --> 00:12:09.700 receive salvation, 00:12:10.300 --> 00:12:11.000 don't just receive 00:12:11.000 --> 00:12:12.460 some past salvation, 00:12:12.879 --> 00:12:13.800 and don't just hope 00:12:13.800 --> 00:12:15.120 and wait for some 00:12:15.120 --> 00:12:16.340 future salvation. 00:12:18.860 --> 00:12:20.639 He's saying live in it 00:12:20.639 --> 00:12:21.900 now and forever, 00:12:21.899 --> 00:12:23.480 work it out in your life 00:12:23.480 --> 00:12:24.240 today. 00:12:25.039 --> 00:12:25.959 And not just casually, 00:12:26.079 --> 00:12:26.360 he says, 00:12:26.419 --> 00:12:27.879 but with fear and trembling 00:12:27.879 --> 00:12:28.799 because this isn't just 00:12:28.799 --> 00:12:30.399 any kind of casual relationship, 00:12:30.600 --> 00:12:31.879 it's a relationship 00:12:31.879 --> 00:12:33.759 with the thrice holy God, 00:12:33.939 --> 00:12:34.139 right? 00:12:34.240 --> 00:12:35.519 The great I am. 00:12:36.220 --> 00:12:36.879 And maybe this gives 00:12:36.879 --> 00:12:37.620 some of us pause, 00:12:37.679 --> 00:12:38.439 this idea of fear 00:12:38.439 --> 00:12:39.000 and trembling 00:12:39.000 --> 00:12:39.879 in our relationship 00:12:39.879 --> 00:12:40.319 with God 00:12:40.319 --> 00:12:41.139 because, you know, 00:12:41.179 --> 00:12:42.340 so much of our soft, 00:12:42.500 --> 00:12:43.759 secular, heavily therapeutic 00:12:43.759 --> 00:12:44.519 Western culture 00:12:44.519 --> 00:12:45.740 tells us that healthy, 00:12:46.120 --> 00:12:47.899 loving, safe relationships 00:12:47.899 --> 00:12:49.199 should not involve 00:12:49.199 --> 00:12:50.899 any kind of fear 00:12:50.899 --> 00:12:51.740 or trembling. 00:12:52.579 --> 00:12:53.279 And so much of the 00:12:53.279 --> 00:12:53.939 American church 00:12:53.939 --> 00:12:54.559 with its, you know, 00:12:54.639 --> 00:12:55.899 Jesus is my homeboy, 00:12:56.059 --> 00:12:56.919 come just as you are, 00:12:56.959 --> 00:12:58.019 his arms are open wide, 00:12:58.139 --> 00:12:59.539 authenticity over everything, 00:12:59.720 --> 00:13:01.179 self-expressive individualism, 00:13:01.500 --> 00:13:02.500 so many popular 00:13:02.500 --> 00:13:03.559 therapeutic versions 00:13:03.559 --> 00:13:04.559 of American Christianity 00:13:04.559 --> 00:13:05.840 go out of their way 00:13:05.840 --> 00:13:06.939 to downplay 00:13:06.939 --> 00:13:07.959 the fear of God 00:13:07.959 --> 00:13:09.379 as if it were incompatible 00:13:09.379 --> 00:13:10.620 with the love of God. 00:13:11.679 --> 00:13:12.759 But let me try to dissuade you 00:13:12.759 --> 00:13:13.759 of this false dichotomy, 00:13:13.899 --> 00:13:14.840 this wrong-headed way 00:13:14.840 --> 00:13:15.279 of thinking 00:13:15.279 --> 00:13:15.939 that runs counter 00:13:15.939 --> 00:13:16.899 to the teachings of Jesus 00:13:16.899 --> 00:13:17.840 and the Scriptures. 00:13:18.000 --> 00:13:18.699 Now, some Christians 00:13:18.699 --> 00:13:19.600 want to say fear 00:13:19.600 --> 00:13:20.139 and trembling here 00:13:20.139 --> 00:13:21.040 is just about reverence 00:13:21.040 --> 00:13:21.840 and respect. 00:13:22.200 --> 00:13:22.600 And sure, 00:13:22.740 --> 00:13:23.480 that is definitely 00:13:23.480 --> 00:13:24.460 a part of working out 00:13:24.460 --> 00:13:25.019 our salvation 00:13:25.019 --> 00:13:26.320 with fear and trembling, 00:13:26.480 --> 00:13:26.899 but I think 00:13:26.899 --> 00:13:28.480 he actually means 00:13:28.480 --> 00:13:30.139 fear and trembling here. 00:13:30.899 --> 00:13:32.120 Let me try to illustrate that. 00:13:32.620 --> 00:13:33.320 So, for example, 00:13:33.519 --> 00:13:33.680 you know, 00:13:33.720 --> 00:13:35.120 I personally find gorillas 00:13:35.120 --> 00:13:36.500 like fascinating, 00:13:36.820 --> 00:13:37.200 glorious, 00:13:37.399 --> 00:13:38.680 like amazing creatures. 00:13:39.159 --> 00:13:39.940 And many of us, 00:13:40.000 --> 00:13:41.519 we have Oakland Zoo passes 00:13:41.519 --> 00:13:42.180 and we can get 00:13:42.180 --> 00:13:43.080 like really close 00:13:43.080 --> 00:13:44.120 to these huge, 00:13:44.440 --> 00:13:44.940 majestic, 00:13:45.360 --> 00:13:46.240 grizzly bears, right? 00:13:46.240 --> 00:13:47.720 And on the one hand, 00:13:47.779 --> 00:13:48.259 these creatures 00:13:48.259 --> 00:13:48.919 are marvelous 00:13:48.919 --> 00:13:50.539 and they awe us 00:13:50.539 --> 00:13:51.779 and they shock us. 00:13:51.860 --> 00:13:52.720 Like think of the intelligence 00:13:52.720 --> 00:13:53.820 of a silverback gorilla, 00:13:54.340 --> 00:13:54.560 right? 00:13:54.779 --> 00:13:55.480 So intelligent, 00:13:55.620 --> 00:13:56.379 it could communicate 00:13:56.379 --> 00:13:57.120 with sign language, 00:13:57.379 --> 00:13:58.580 it could be so gentle, 00:13:58.680 --> 00:13:59.360 it could pick those 00:13:59.360 --> 00:14:00.340 little flies, right, 00:14:00.440 --> 00:14:01.340 off of its baby, 00:14:01.440 --> 00:14:02.879 it could unpeel a banana 00:14:02.879 --> 00:14:03.539 with its fingers, 00:14:03.639 --> 00:14:04.580 incredible dexterity, 00:14:04.600 --> 00:14:05.519 it's amazing, right? 00:14:05.720 --> 00:14:06.820 And it's even endearing, 00:14:07.100 --> 00:14:07.299 right? 00:14:07.360 --> 00:14:08.659 It's heartwarming, right? 00:14:09.240 --> 00:14:10.139 This massive gorilla. 00:14:10.139 --> 00:14:12.539 But then at the very same time, 00:14:12.679 --> 00:14:13.699 this silverback 00:14:13.699 --> 00:14:15.539 could also rip my arms off, 00:14:15.779 --> 00:14:15.980 right? 00:14:16.460 --> 00:14:16.980 It could. 00:14:17.080 --> 00:14:18.580 If I step beyond my boundaries, 00:14:19.059 --> 00:14:20.480 then interact with the gorilla 00:14:20.480 --> 00:14:21.519 in a rightful 00:14:21.519 --> 00:14:22.460 and natural way. 00:14:23.340 --> 00:14:24.720 So even while we can 00:14:24.720 --> 00:14:25.699 and should marvel at 00:14:25.699 --> 00:14:27.039 and enjoy a silverback 00:14:27.039 --> 00:14:27.980 or a grizzly 00:14:27.980 --> 00:14:28.860 within a properly 00:14:28.860 --> 00:14:29.840 ordered relationship, 00:14:29.960 --> 00:14:31.019 it is also right of us 00:14:31.019 --> 00:14:32.559 to fear and tremble 00:14:32.559 --> 00:14:33.879 before these creatures 00:14:33.879 --> 00:14:35.759 that we at the same time 00:14:35.759 --> 00:14:37.759 adore, love, and honor. 00:14:37.759 --> 00:14:39.500 Think about maybe 00:14:39.500 --> 00:14:40.860 a cliff, right? 00:14:40.919 --> 00:14:42.120 The cliffs of Moor in Ireland 00:14:42.120 --> 00:14:44.019 or the edge of El Capitan 00:14:44.019 --> 00:14:44.840 in Yosemite, 00:14:44.940 --> 00:14:45.960 these majestic cliffs 00:14:45.960 --> 00:14:48.120 of such great beauty 00:14:48.120 --> 00:14:48.679 and splendor 00:14:48.679 --> 00:14:49.440 that fill our hearts 00:14:49.440 --> 00:14:50.179 with wonder and awe 00:14:50.179 --> 00:14:51.159 that we hope to preserve 00:14:51.159 --> 00:14:52.700 and we fight to preserve 00:14:52.700 --> 00:14:53.559 and honor. 00:14:54.500 --> 00:14:54.759 And yet, 00:14:55.159 --> 00:14:56.080 is it not also true 00:14:56.080 --> 00:14:57.200 that at the very same time 00:14:57.200 --> 00:14:57.860 that we marvel, 00:14:58.659 --> 00:14:59.860 standing atop these cliffs, 00:14:59.940 --> 00:15:00.580 we also stand 00:15:00.580 --> 00:15:01.600 at the edge of these cliffs 00:15:01.600 --> 00:15:02.980 with rightful fear 00:15:02.980 --> 00:15:03.980 and trembling 00:15:03.980 --> 00:15:05.720 because we know 00:15:05.720 --> 00:15:06.600 that there is a right, 00:15:06.600 --> 00:15:07.759 good, beautiful, 00:15:07.919 --> 00:15:08.659 and natural way 00:15:08.659 --> 00:15:10.019 to interact with these cliffs 00:15:10.019 --> 00:15:11.339 or like with a grizzly bear. 00:15:12.100 --> 00:15:13.179 And then there are wrong, 00:15:13.419 --> 00:15:13.679 dangerous, 00:15:13.819 --> 00:15:14.679 and unnatural ways 00:15:14.679 --> 00:15:15.459 to interact with them. 00:15:15.559 --> 00:15:16.120 Fear and trembling 00:15:16.120 --> 00:15:16.679 are right, 00:15:17.100 --> 00:15:18.419 natural human responses 00:15:18.419 --> 00:15:19.120 in the presence 00:15:19.120 --> 00:15:20.600 of greatness and power. 00:15:21.539 --> 00:15:23.100 So if fear and trembling 00:15:23.100 --> 00:15:23.980 are appropriate 00:15:23.980 --> 00:15:24.939 in the presence 00:15:24.939 --> 00:15:25.899 of a silverback, 00:15:26.539 --> 00:15:27.659 how much more appropriate 00:15:27.659 --> 00:15:28.659 are fear and trembling 00:15:28.659 --> 00:15:29.259 in the presence 00:15:29.259 --> 00:15:30.559 of the holy maker 00:15:30.559 --> 00:15:32.360 of the silverback, 00:15:33.299 --> 00:15:34.319 maker of our souls? 00:15:34.320 --> 00:15:36.800 It really makes complete sense 00:15:36.800 --> 00:15:38.400 to work out our salvation, 00:15:38.580 --> 00:15:39.900 to live out our relationships 00:15:39.900 --> 00:15:40.680 with God 00:15:40.680 --> 00:15:41.940 with fear 00:15:41.940 --> 00:15:43.040 and trembling. 00:15:43.620 --> 00:15:44.420 And it is actually 00:15:44.420 --> 00:15:45.020 the enemy 00:15:45.020 --> 00:15:45.660 that would whisper 00:15:45.660 --> 00:15:46.480 into our ears 00:15:46.480 --> 00:15:47.500 not to fear. 00:15:48.240 --> 00:15:49.020 You just do you. 00:15:49.700 --> 00:15:50.820 Choose your own way. 00:15:51.080 --> 00:15:51.940 Go ahead and cross 00:15:51.940 --> 00:15:52.660 that boundary 00:15:52.660 --> 00:15:53.520 between the creator 00:15:53.520 --> 00:15:54.220 and the creature. 00:15:54.360 --> 00:15:55.020 There is nothing 00:15:55.020 --> 00:15:56.180 to fear 00:15:56.180 --> 00:15:58.020 for you will not surely die. 00:15:59.700 --> 00:15:59.880 No, 00:15:59.920 --> 00:16:00.860 it makes complete sense 00:16:00.860 --> 00:16:01.400 to fear 00:16:01.399 --> 00:16:02.759 and tremble 00:16:02.759 --> 00:16:03.539 at the prospect 00:16:03.539 --> 00:16:04.500 of not relating 00:16:04.500 --> 00:16:05.879 to God Almighty 00:16:05.879 --> 00:16:07.379 as we were naturally 00:16:07.379 --> 00:16:09.019 meant to relate to Him, 00:16:09.259 --> 00:16:10.379 as His obedient creatures, 00:16:10.500 --> 00:16:11.459 as His obedient children. 00:16:11.980 --> 00:16:12.699 It's like the Psalms 00:16:12.699 --> 00:16:13.399 and the Proverbs say, 00:16:13.480 --> 00:16:14.220 the fear of the Lord 00:16:14.220 --> 00:16:14.980 is the beginning 00:16:14.980 --> 00:16:15.819 of wisdom. 00:16:16.919 --> 00:16:17.240 And you know, 00:16:17.279 --> 00:16:18.259 the beauty of the gospel 00:16:18.259 --> 00:16:20.079 is that while we have 00:16:20.079 --> 00:16:21.100 every reason to fear 00:16:21.100 --> 00:16:21.579 and tremble 00:16:21.579 --> 00:16:22.939 before this holy God 00:16:22.939 --> 00:16:23.759 against whom 00:16:23.759 --> 00:16:25.120 we have all rebelled 00:16:25.120 --> 00:16:26.579 and gone our own way 00:16:26.579 --> 00:16:27.879 time and time again, 00:16:27.939 --> 00:16:28.840 the beauty of Christianity 00:16:28.840 --> 00:16:30.799 is that this God 00:16:30.799 --> 00:16:31.759 before whom we ought 00:16:31.759 --> 00:16:32.500 to fear and tremble, 00:16:32.579 --> 00:16:34.139 He also loves 00:16:34.139 --> 00:16:35.719 to lay His strong 00:16:35.719 --> 00:16:36.879 yet calming hand 00:16:36.879 --> 00:16:37.699 upon us. 00:16:37.759 --> 00:16:38.479 He loves to come 00:16:38.479 --> 00:16:39.659 near to us 00:16:39.659 --> 00:16:41.039 to be more than 00:16:41.039 --> 00:16:41.500 a fearful, 00:16:42.099 --> 00:16:42.939 frightening presence 00:16:42.939 --> 00:16:43.479 in our lives, 00:16:43.500 --> 00:16:44.419 but also a kind, 00:16:45.139 --> 00:16:45.500 gentle, 00:16:46.059 --> 00:16:46.379 calming, 00:16:46.899 --> 00:16:47.299 empowering, 00:16:47.439 --> 00:16:48.139 and ever-present 00:16:48.139 --> 00:16:50.000 presence in our lives. 00:16:51.019 --> 00:16:51.559 It's like what 00:16:51.559 --> 00:16:52.519 was said of Aslan. 00:16:52.620 --> 00:16:52.839 You remember 00:16:52.839 --> 00:16:53.559 what they said of Aslan? 00:16:53.679 --> 00:16:53.839 It's like, 00:16:53.919 --> 00:16:54.779 no, for heaven's sake, 00:16:54.799 --> 00:16:55.599 he isn't safe, 00:16:56.279 --> 00:16:57.699 but he is good. 00:16:58.659 --> 00:16:59.219 He is good. 00:16:59.860 --> 00:17:00.460 In Christianity, 00:17:00.639 --> 00:17:01.379 the fear of God 00:17:01.379 --> 00:17:02.160 and the enjoyment 00:17:02.160 --> 00:17:02.720 of God 00:17:02.720 --> 00:17:04.120 go hand in hand. 00:17:04.180 --> 00:17:04.920 I have another slide. 00:17:05.019 --> 00:17:05.539 I want you to see 00:17:05.539 --> 00:17:06.480 what the prophet Jeremiah 00:17:06.480 --> 00:17:07.279 says, 00:17:08.980 --> 00:17:09.920 what God says 00:17:09.920 --> 00:17:10.860 through the prophet Jeremiah 00:17:10.860 --> 00:17:11.900 to his people. 00:17:12.420 --> 00:17:13.120 They've gone astray 00:17:13.120 --> 00:17:13.980 again and again, 00:17:14.440 --> 00:17:15.120 yet he promises 00:17:15.120 --> 00:17:15.960 to restore them. 00:17:16.019 --> 00:17:16.200 He says, 00:17:16.259 --> 00:17:16.579 behold, 00:17:16.680 --> 00:17:17.220 I will bring it 00:17:17.220 --> 00:17:17.640 to health 00:17:17.640 --> 00:17:18.620 and healing 00:17:18.620 --> 00:17:19.519 and I will heal them 00:17:19.519 --> 00:17:20.400 and reveal to them 00:17:20.400 --> 00:17:21.480 abundance of prosperity 00:17:21.480 --> 00:17:22.140 and security. 00:17:22.579 --> 00:17:23.240 I will restore 00:17:23.240 --> 00:17:24.160 the fortunes of Judah 00:17:24.160 --> 00:17:25.120 and the fortunes of Israel 00:17:25.120 --> 00:17:25.860 and rebuild them 00:17:25.860 --> 00:17:26.880 as they were at first. 00:17:26.880 --> 00:17:28.180 I will cleanse them 00:17:28.180 --> 00:17:29.260 from all the guilt 00:17:29.260 --> 00:17:30.440 of their sin against me 00:17:30.440 --> 00:17:31.140 and I will forgive 00:17:31.140 --> 00:17:31.760 all the guilt 00:17:31.760 --> 00:17:32.400 of their sin 00:17:32.400 --> 00:17:33.800 and rebellion against me 00:17:33.800 --> 00:17:35.060 and this city 00:17:35.060 --> 00:17:36.200 shall be to me 00:17:36.200 --> 00:17:37.320 a name of joy, 00:17:37.840 --> 00:17:38.480 a praise, 00:17:38.620 --> 00:17:39.160 and a glory 00:17:39.160 --> 00:17:40.200 before all the nations 00:17:40.200 --> 00:17:40.740 of the earth 00:17:40.740 --> 00:17:41.880 who shall hear 00:17:41.880 --> 00:17:43.020 of all the good 00:17:43.020 --> 00:17:43.940 that I do for them. 00:17:44.620 --> 00:17:45.540 They shall fear 00:17:45.540 --> 00:17:46.260 and tremble 00:17:46.260 --> 00:17:48.460 because of all the good 00:17:48.460 --> 00:17:49.880 and all the prosperity 00:17:49.880 --> 00:17:51.620 I provide for it. 00:17:52.380 --> 00:17:53.040 So the fear 00:17:53.040 --> 00:17:54.160 and enjoyment of God 00:17:54.160 --> 00:17:55.860 can and in fact do 00:17:55.859 --> 00:17:56.699 go hand in hand 00:17:56.699 --> 00:17:57.279 because God 00:17:57.279 --> 00:17:58.339 doesn't just insist 00:17:58.339 --> 00:17:58.939 on His way 00:17:58.939 --> 00:18:01.019 but He also makes it happen. 00:18:01.139 --> 00:18:02.159 He assists us 00:18:02.159 --> 00:18:03.199 in His way. 00:18:03.299 --> 00:18:03.639 Look with me 00:18:03.639 --> 00:18:04.379 at verse 13. 00:18:05.059 --> 00:18:05.159 See, 00:18:05.240 --> 00:18:05.919 Paul doesn't just call 00:18:05.919 --> 00:18:06.359 the church 00:18:06.359 --> 00:18:07.240 to work out 00:18:07.240 --> 00:18:07.919 their salvation 00:18:07.919 --> 00:18:08.419 with fear 00:18:08.419 --> 00:18:08.859 and trembling 00:18:08.859 --> 00:18:09.759 like go ahead, 00:18:10.179 --> 00:18:10.879 keep on trying, 00:18:11.000 --> 00:18:11.639 good luck guys. 00:18:11.759 --> 00:18:11.899 No, 00:18:12.000 --> 00:18:12.939 he says work out 00:18:12.939 --> 00:18:13.599 your salvation 00:18:13.599 --> 00:18:14.339 with fear 00:18:14.339 --> 00:18:14.819 and trembling 00:18:14.819 --> 00:18:16.179 for or because 00:18:16.179 --> 00:18:17.319 it is God 00:18:17.319 --> 00:18:19.000 who works in you 00:18:19.000 --> 00:18:20.319 both to will 00:18:20.319 --> 00:18:21.599 and to act 00:18:21.599 --> 00:18:22.519 in order to fulfill 00:18:22.519 --> 00:18:23.539 His good purpose. 00:18:24.259 --> 00:18:24.359 See, 00:18:24.419 --> 00:18:25.539 Paul isn't calling them 00:18:25.539 --> 00:18:26.460 to an onerous 00:18:26.460 --> 00:18:27.639 solo grind 00:18:27.639 --> 00:18:28.559 but in honoring 00:18:28.559 --> 00:18:29.339 shared grace. 00:18:29.440 --> 00:18:30.099 This is a God 00:18:30.099 --> 00:18:31.159 and Father in heaven 00:18:31.159 --> 00:18:32.200 who demands 00:18:32.200 --> 00:18:33.220 the highest standard 00:18:33.220 --> 00:18:34.099 from His children 00:18:34.099 --> 00:18:35.879 and who at the same time 00:18:35.879 --> 00:18:37.559 provides for the fulfillment 00:18:37.559 --> 00:18:38.559 of that standard 00:18:38.559 --> 00:18:39.599 by coming near 00:18:39.599 --> 00:18:40.639 and uniting Himself 00:18:40.639 --> 00:18:41.579 to us 00:18:41.579 --> 00:18:43.700 to work out within us 00:18:43.700 --> 00:18:44.980 what He demands of us. 00:18:45.039 --> 00:18:45.920 It's like St. Augustine 00:18:45.920 --> 00:18:46.460 once said, 00:18:46.779 --> 00:18:48.339 grant what thou dost command 00:18:48.339 --> 00:18:49.240 and command 00:18:49.240 --> 00:18:50.399 what thou wilt. 00:18:51.440 --> 00:18:52.700 God isn't a father 00:18:52.700 --> 00:18:54.059 standing afar off 00:18:54.059 --> 00:18:54.579 with His hands 00:18:54.579 --> 00:18:55.299 on His hips 00:18:55.299 --> 00:18:56.079 waiting for us 00:18:56.079 --> 00:18:57.079 to perform 00:18:57.079 --> 00:18:57.759 and attain 00:18:57.759 --> 00:18:58.379 to His standards. 00:18:58.480 --> 00:18:58.559 No, 00:18:58.639 --> 00:18:59.500 He is a father 00:18:59.500 --> 00:19:01.799 who is intimately involved 00:19:01.799 --> 00:19:02.779 and interested 00:19:02.779 --> 00:19:04.519 in us fulfilling 00:19:04.519 --> 00:19:05.779 His perfect purposes 00:19:05.779 --> 00:19:07.439 and not just 00:19:07.439 --> 00:19:07.939 at the level 00:19:07.939 --> 00:19:08.659 of our actions 00:19:08.659 --> 00:19:09.379 but at the level 00:19:09.379 --> 00:19:10.299 of our wills. 00:19:10.359 --> 00:19:10.740 It says, 00:19:11.299 --> 00:19:12.119 it is God 00:19:12.119 --> 00:19:13.240 who works in you 00:19:13.240 --> 00:19:14.099 both to will 00:19:14.099 --> 00:19:14.740 and to act 00:19:14.740 --> 00:19:15.519 in order to fulfill 00:19:15.519 --> 00:19:16.500 His good purpose. 00:19:16.579 --> 00:19:17.079 This is a God 00:19:17.079 --> 00:19:18.480 who changes hearts. 00:19:19.119 --> 00:19:19.919 He changes our hearts 00:19:19.919 --> 00:19:20.859 to want what He wants. 00:19:20.960 --> 00:19:21.980 He strengthens our hands 00:19:21.980 --> 00:19:23.039 to do what we were made 00:19:23.039 --> 00:19:23.599 to do. 00:19:23.700 --> 00:19:24.279 This is a Father 00:19:24.279 --> 00:19:25.099 who wants to see us 00:19:25.099 --> 00:19:25.779 crush it 00:19:25.779 --> 00:19:27.259 in His perfect plan 00:19:27.259 --> 00:19:28.440 and who will never 00:19:28.440 --> 00:19:29.639 leave us nor forsake us 00:19:29.639 --> 00:19:30.899 to have to go it alone. 00:19:31.899 --> 00:19:33.099 And isn't that good news? 00:19:34.259 --> 00:19:35.240 Isn't that good news? 00:19:35.980 --> 00:19:36.659 Now, I know I've spent 00:19:36.659 --> 00:19:37.799 most of my time here 00:19:37.799 --> 00:19:38.319 this morning 00:19:38.319 --> 00:19:39.339 in these first two verses 00:19:39.339 --> 00:19:40.460 but this is just 00:19:40.460 --> 00:19:41.139 so important. 00:19:41.879 --> 00:19:42.680 And I imagine 00:19:42.680 --> 00:19:43.539 that this is, 00:19:43.559 --> 00:19:43.799 you know, 00:19:43.839 --> 00:19:45.139 a multifaceted word 00:19:45.139 --> 00:19:47.019 to all of us 00:19:47.019 --> 00:19:47.519 this morning. 00:19:48.079 --> 00:19:48.519 Continue 00:19:48.519 --> 00:19:50.200 to work out 00:19:50.200 --> 00:19:51.279 your salvation 00:19:51.279 --> 00:19:52.740 with fear and trembling 00:19:52.740 --> 00:19:54.039 for it is God 00:19:54.039 --> 00:19:55.180 who works in you 00:19:55.180 --> 00:19:55.920 both to will 00:19:55.920 --> 00:19:56.639 and to act 00:19:56.639 --> 00:19:57.579 for His good purpose. 00:19:57.660 --> 00:19:58.660 So maybe for some of you 00:19:58.660 --> 00:19:59.160 this morning 00:19:59.160 --> 00:20:00.480 God's word to you 00:20:00.480 --> 00:20:01.619 is that word continue. 00:20:02.539 --> 00:20:03.559 You have been living 00:20:03.559 --> 00:20:04.500 a life on mission, 00:20:05.059 --> 00:20:06.039 a life of service 00:20:06.039 --> 00:20:07.000 toward God, 00:20:07.119 --> 00:20:07.799 love toward God, 00:20:07.920 --> 00:20:08.559 service toward others, 00:20:08.680 --> 00:20:09.379 love toward others, 00:20:09.559 --> 00:20:10.599 not a perfect life 00:20:10.599 --> 00:20:11.639 but a faithful one, 00:20:11.980 --> 00:20:12.759 a long obedience 00:20:12.759 --> 00:20:13.779 in the right direction. 00:20:14.379 --> 00:20:15.279 And your Father in heaven, 00:20:15.279 --> 00:20:16.079 maybe He wants you 00:20:16.079 --> 00:20:17.899 to hear that He sees you. 00:20:18.420 --> 00:20:18.879 Maybe He wants you 00:20:18.879 --> 00:20:19.700 to know He sees you. 00:20:19.759 --> 00:20:20.779 He sees you in your moments 00:20:20.779 --> 00:20:21.980 of wanting to quit, 00:20:22.839 --> 00:20:24.079 your moments of doubt 00:20:24.079 --> 00:20:24.639 when you're trying 00:20:24.639 --> 00:20:25.319 to be faithful 00:20:25.319 --> 00:20:26.819 but you wonder 00:20:26.819 --> 00:20:28.000 is life in relationship 00:20:28.000 --> 00:20:28.639 with God 00:20:28.639 --> 00:20:29.500 really supposed 00:20:29.500 --> 00:20:30.899 to be this hard? 00:20:31.500 --> 00:20:32.299 Is there any point 00:20:32.299 --> 00:20:33.079 in faithfulness 00:20:33.079 --> 00:20:33.559 and obedience? 00:20:33.700 --> 00:20:34.859 Will salvation ever come 00:20:34.859 --> 00:20:35.480 for my health, 00:20:36.039 --> 00:20:36.680 for my trauma, 00:20:37.279 --> 00:20:38.059 for my marriage? 00:20:38.980 --> 00:20:39.879 God's word to you 00:20:39.879 --> 00:20:40.339 this morning 00:20:40.339 --> 00:20:41.500 is to not grow weary 00:20:41.500 --> 00:20:42.359 in doing good. 00:20:42.500 --> 00:20:44.379 Continue to work out 00:20:44.379 --> 00:20:45.119 your salvation 00:20:45.119 --> 00:20:47.179 for God is at work 00:20:47.179 --> 00:20:47.559 in you 00:20:47.559 --> 00:20:48.919 and He has not 00:20:48.919 --> 00:20:49.919 left you to yourself. 00:20:50.759 --> 00:20:51.939 Maybe for others of us, 00:20:52.000 --> 00:20:52.799 God's word to you today 00:20:52.799 --> 00:20:53.779 is that it is God 00:20:53.779 --> 00:20:54.959 who needs to work in you 00:20:54.959 --> 00:20:55.679 both to will 00:20:55.679 --> 00:20:56.279 and to act 00:20:56.279 --> 00:20:57.919 according to His good purposes. 00:20:58.539 --> 00:20:59.119 You've been trying 00:20:59.119 --> 00:21:00.119 this Christian life thing 00:21:00.119 --> 00:21:00.799 but you are weary 00:21:00.799 --> 00:21:02.000 and you are tired 00:21:02.000 --> 00:21:03.899 and you feel so unmotivated. 00:21:04.939 --> 00:21:05.579 What if God's word 00:21:05.579 --> 00:21:06.119 to you this morning 00:21:06.119 --> 00:21:07.639 is not try harder 00:21:07.639 --> 00:21:09.839 but seek God's work 00:21:09.839 --> 00:21:10.299 in you 00:21:10.299 --> 00:21:10.939 both to will 00:21:10.939 --> 00:21:11.359 and to act? 00:21:11.419 --> 00:21:11.779 What if God 00:21:11.779 --> 00:21:12.219 is not so much 00:21:12.219 --> 00:21:13.079 challenging you this morning 00:21:13.079 --> 00:21:14.079 but inviting you 00:21:14.079 --> 00:21:15.259 into a collaborative 00:21:15.259 --> 00:21:16.439 relationship? 00:21:16.639 --> 00:21:17.539 What if your next step 00:21:17.539 --> 00:21:18.299 isn't stricter 00:21:18.299 --> 00:21:19.919 spiritual disciplines, 00:21:20.579 --> 00:21:20.859 right, 00:21:20.960 --> 00:21:22.859 to kind of self-manufacture 00:21:22.859 --> 00:21:23.619 fruit in your life 00:21:23.619 --> 00:21:25.059 but what if He's asking you 00:21:25.059 --> 00:21:26.299 to just ask Him? 00:21:27.039 --> 00:21:27.439 Ask Him, 00:21:27.519 --> 00:21:28.460 see what I will do. 00:21:29.039 --> 00:21:29.879 See what I will do. 00:21:30.519 --> 00:21:31.519 What if God's word 00:21:31.519 --> 00:21:32.039 to you this morning 00:21:32.039 --> 00:21:32.939 is that He is just 00:21:32.939 --> 00:21:33.939 as much for you 00:21:33.939 --> 00:21:34.720 and in fact 00:21:34.720 --> 00:21:35.720 even more so 00:21:35.720 --> 00:21:36.799 than you are for yourself? 00:21:36.879 --> 00:21:37.740 That He is more committed 00:21:37.740 --> 00:21:38.379 to His good 00:21:38.379 --> 00:21:39.579 and perfect purposes 00:21:39.579 --> 00:21:40.299 in your life 00:21:40.299 --> 00:21:41.000 and in this world 00:21:41.000 --> 00:21:42.199 than anyone else 00:21:42.199 --> 00:21:44.279 and you're His workmanship, 00:21:44.579 --> 00:21:45.319 His masterpiece 00:21:45.319 --> 00:21:47.099 created in Christ Jesus 00:21:47.099 --> 00:21:47.960 for good works 00:21:47.960 --> 00:21:48.980 which He has prepared 00:21:48.980 --> 00:21:49.539 beforehand 00:21:49.539 --> 00:21:51.199 that you should walk 00:21:51.199 --> 00:21:51.839 in them. 00:21:52.619 --> 00:21:53.399 What if God's word 00:21:53.399 --> 00:21:53.960 to you this morning 00:21:53.960 --> 00:21:54.879 is that even you 00:21:54.879 --> 00:21:56.619 cannot get in the way 00:21:56.619 --> 00:21:57.679 of God's good 00:21:57.679 --> 00:21:58.639 and perfect purposes 00:21:58.639 --> 00:22:00.299 for you and the world? 00:22:00.419 --> 00:22:01.119 Can you hear Him? 00:22:01.960 --> 00:22:02.839 Can you hear Him speak 00:22:02.839 --> 00:22:03.619 that word to you 00:22:03.619 --> 00:22:04.059 this morning, 00:22:04.159 --> 00:22:05.480 these words of invitation, 00:22:05.720 --> 00:22:06.579 these words of comfort 00:22:06.579 --> 00:22:08.559 comfort in the sovereign power 00:22:08.559 --> 00:22:10.480 and ability of God? 00:22:11.779 --> 00:22:13.259 But now maybe others of you 00:22:13.259 --> 00:22:13.939 need more of a word 00:22:13.939 --> 00:22:14.740 of challenge today 00:22:14.740 --> 00:22:16.199 or maybe you need both. 00:22:16.339 --> 00:22:17.059 Perhaps for you though 00:22:17.059 --> 00:22:17.740 today your word 00:22:17.740 --> 00:22:19.139 is to work out 00:22:19.139 --> 00:22:19.960 your salvation 00:22:19.960 --> 00:22:21.500 like now 00:22:21.500 --> 00:22:22.980 and with fear 00:22:22.980 --> 00:22:23.500 and trembling. 00:22:24.299 --> 00:22:25.500 Maybe some of us 00:22:25.500 --> 00:22:26.119 have been tempted 00:22:26.119 --> 00:22:27.059 to view salvation 00:22:27.059 --> 00:22:27.619 as something 00:22:27.619 --> 00:22:29.359 I secured in the past 00:22:29.359 --> 00:22:30.519 and I'll enjoy 00:22:30.519 --> 00:22:31.099 in the future 00:22:31.099 --> 00:22:32.139 and in the meantime 00:22:32.139 --> 00:22:33.799 I'm going to live 00:22:33.799 --> 00:22:34.679 however I want 00:22:34.679 --> 00:22:35.819 because I have 00:22:35.819 --> 00:22:36.839 my salvation card, 00:22:36.919 --> 00:22:37.819 my get out of hell 00:22:37.819 --> 00:22:38.539 free card. 00:22:40.019 --> 00:22:40.799 But might God 00:22:40.799 --> 00:22:41.500 be challenging you 00:22:41.500 --> 00:22:41.919 this morning, 00:22:42.059 --> 00:22:42.639 convicting you 00:22:42.639 --> 00:22:43.279 to work out 00:22:43.279 --> 00:22:44.019 your salvation 00:22:44.019 --> 00:22:45.399 even today 00:22:45.399 --> 00:22:46.500 and every day 00:22:46.500 --> 00:22:46.980 with fear 00:22:46.980 --> 00:22:47.639 and trembling 00:22:47.639 --> 00:22:48.220 remembering that 00:22:48.220 --> 00:22:48.799 your life 00:22:48.799 --> 00:22:50.159 is not your own. 00:22:50.759 --> 00:22:51.279 You are living 00:22:51.279 --> 00:22:51.720 your life 00:22:51.720 --> 00:22:52.639 in the very presence 00:22:52.639 --> 00:22:53.639 of the holy God 00:22:53.639 --> 00:22:54.679 of the universe. 00:22:55.839 --> 00:22:56.500 Do we live 00:22:56.500 --> 00:22:57.039 with that kind 00:22:57.039 --> 00:22:57.879 of earnestness 00:22:57.879 --> 00:22:59.240 and gravitas? 00:22:59.819 --> 00:23:00.579 Are we working out 00:23:00.579 --> 00:23:01.200 the implications 00:23:01.200 --> 00:23:02.000 of who God is 00:23:02.000 --> 00:23:02.579 and what Christ 00:23:02.579 --> 00:23:03.119 has done 00:23:03.119 --> 00:23:04.559 in our everyday lives, 00:23:04.619 --> 00:23:05.419 in our workplaces? 00:23:05.819 --> 00:23:06.740 Does the story 00:23:06.740 --> 00:23:07.139 of Jesus 00:23:07.139 --> 00:23:08.019 have any bearing 00:23:08.019 --> 00:23:08.799 on how we manage 00:23:08.799 --> 00:23:09.439 our staff? 00:23:09.939 --> 00:23:10.500 Does the story 00:23:10.500 --> 00:23:11.200 of Jesus 00:23:11.200 --> 00:23:12.539 have any bearing 00:23:12.539 --> 00:23:14.480 on how we develop 00:23:14.480 --> 00:23:15.119 or pursue 00:23:15.119 --> 00:23:15.720 or market 00:23:15.720 --> 00:23:16.379 that product 00:23:16.379 --> 00:23:17.460 or in our relationships? 00:23:18.059 --> 00:23:19.019 How we go into 00:23:19.019 --> 00:23:20.139 our relationships 00:23:20.139 --> 00:23:20.980 with our spouses, 00:23:21.179 --> 00:23:21.879 our children, 00:23:22.299 --> 00:23:22.799 our parents, 00:23:22.879 --> 00:23:23.339 our neighbors? 00:23:24.339 --> 00:23:25.599 How are we showing up 00:23:25.599 --> 00:23:26.519 every day 00:23:26.519 --> 00:23:28.119 as people 00:23:28.119 --> 00:23:28.819 who have been saved 00:23:28.819 --> 00:23:30.099 by and united 00:23:30.099 --> 00:23:31.599 to the divine 00:23:31.599 --> 00:23:32.539 suffering servant 00:23:32.539 --> 00:23:33.179 and Lord, 00:23:33.619 --> 00:23:34.419 Jesus Christ? 00:23:34.420 --> 00:23:37.539 How are we showing up? 00:23:38.539 --> 00:23:39.259 Are we showing up 00:23:39.259 --> 00:23:40.140 as servants 00:23:40.140 --> 00:23:41.279 of the suffering servant 00:23:41.279 --> 00:23:42.880 or are we showing up 00:23:42.880 --> 00:23:44.160 as those 00:23:44.160 --> 00:23:44.900 who are living 00:23:44.900 --> 00:23:45.940 unworthy 00:23:45.940 --> 00:23:47.160 of the gospel, 00:23:47.320 --> 00:23:47.720 unworthy 00:23:47.720 --> 00:23:48.580 of the citizenship 00:23:48.580 --> 00:23:49.800 that he has granted 00:23:49.800 --> 00:23:50.820 to us in Christ? 00:23:52.740 --> 00:23:53.160 Alright. 00:23:53.700 --> 00:23:54.620 So, you know, 00:23:54.720 --> 00:23:55.519 I've totally 00:23:55.519 --> 00:23:56.320 not budgeted 00:23:56.320 --> 00:23:56.940 my time well 00:23:56.940 --> 00:23:57.519 with these first 00:23:57.519 --> 00:23:58.000 two verses 00:23:58.000 --> 00:24:00.539 and we won't have 00:24:00.539 --> 00:24:01.259 time to go 00:24:01.259 --> 00:24:02.099 verse by verse 00:24:02.099 --> 00:24:02.539 through the rest 00:24:02.539 --> 00:24:03.259 of this passage. 00:24:04.019 --> 00:24:04.440 But I want you 00:24:04.440 --> 00:24:04.920 to look with me 00:24:04.920 --> 00:24:05.640 at verse 14 00:24:05.640 --> 00:24:06.940 to see how Paul 00:24:06.940 --> 00:24:07.740 commands that we 00:24:07.740 --> 00:24:08.460 show up 00:24:08.460 --> 00:24:10.440 in our day-to-day lives, 00:24:10.759 --> 00:24:11.660 how we work out 00:24:11.660 --> 00:24:12.160 our salvation 00:24:12.160 --> 00:24:12.720 with fear 00:24:12.720 --> 00:24:13.700 and trembling. 00:24:14.359 --> 00:24:15.220 This is what it looks 00:24:15.220 --> 00:24:15.759 like when God 00:24:15.759 --> 00:24:16.579 is at work in us 00:24:16.579 --> 00:24:17.019 to will 00:24:17.019 --> 00:24:17.940 and to act 00:24:17.940 --> 00:24:18.420 in fulfillment 00:24:18.420 --> 00:24:19.200 of his good purposes. 00:24:19.339 --> 00:24:20.059 Verse 14 says, 00:24:20.180 --> 00:24:21.019 do everything 00:24:21.019 --> 00:24:22.640 without grumbling 00:24:22.640 --> 00:24:24.180 or arguing. 00:24:24.839 --> 00:24:25.019 Okay? 00:24:25.259 --> 00:24:26.079 A tough one, right? 00:24:26.079 --> 00:24:26.619 Who of us 00:24:26.619 --> 00:24:27.220 can stand up 00:24:27.220 --> 00:24:27.699 to this? 00:24:29.000 --> 00:24:29.879 And notice the command 00:24:29.879 --> 00:24:30.519 here isn't 00:24:30.519 --> 00:24:31.839 thou shalt not grumble 00:24:31.839 --> 00:24:33.339 or thou shalt not argue. 00:24:33.419 --> 00:24:34.240 The command is 00:24:34.240 --> 00:24:35.599 do everything 00:24:35.599 --> 00:24:37.079 without grumbling 00:24:37.079 --> 00:24:37.559 or arguing. 00:24:37.679 --> 00:24:38.759 This is a totalizing 00:24:38.759 --> 00:24:39.179 command. 00:24:39.339 --> 00:24:40.259 Paul's divinely 00:24:40.259 --> 00:24:41.220 inspired words here 00:24:41.220 --> 00:24:42.019 are laying a claim 00:24:42.019 --> 00:24:42.539 on the whole 00:24:42.539 --> 00:24:43.099 of our lives. 00:24:43.199 --> 00:24:44.119 Everything we do 00:24:44.119 --> 00:24:45.119 and he is commanding 00:24:45.119 --> 00:24:45.879 the whole manner 00:24:45.879 --> 00:24:46.879 of our lives. 00:24:47.460 --> 00:24:48.119 We are to do 00:24:48.119 --> 00:24:48.980 everything 00:24:48.980 --> 00:24:50.599 as obedient servants 00:24:50.599 --> 00:24:50.960 of Christ. 00:24:51.059 --> 00:24:51.779 Everything we do 00:24:51.779 --> 00:24:52.839 falls under the umbrella 00:24:52.839 --> 00:24:53.919 of the working out 00:24:53.919 --> 00:24:54.659 of our salvation. 00:24:55.139 --> 00:24:55.980 And we are to work 00:24:55.980 --> 00:24:56.819 out that salvation 00:24:56.819 --> 00:24:57.819 with fear 00:24:57.819 --> 00:24:58.380 and trembling 00:24:58.380 --> 00:24:59.759 but without 00:24:59.759 --> 00:25:00.559 grumbling 00:25:00.559 --> 00:25:01.220 and arguing. 00:25:01.860 --> 00:25:02.279 So that, 00:25:02.400 --> 00:25:03.019 verse 15, 00:25:03.620 --> 00:25:04.200 you may become 00:25:04.200 --> 00:25:05.240 blameless and pure 00:25:05.240 --> 00:25:06.240 children of God 00:25:06.240 --> 00:25:06.940 without fault 00:25:06.940 --> 00:25:07.480 in a warped 00:25:07.480 --> 00:25:08.360 and crooked generation 00:25:08.360 --> 00:25:09.460 among whom 00:25:09.460 --> 00:25:10.099 you will shine 00:25:10.099 --> 00:25:10.759 like stars 00:25:10.759 --> 00:25:11.360 in the sky 00:25:11.360 --> 00:25:12.220 as you hold 00:25:12.220 --> 00:25:12.620 firmly 00:25:12.620 --> 00:25:13.360 to the word 00:25:13.360 --> 00:25:14.059 of life. 00:25:14.759 --> 00:25:15.079 And you know, 00:25:15.120 --> 00:25:15.980 this is another sermon 00:25:15.980 --> 00:25:16.900 in and of itself 00:25:16.900 --> 00:25:17.940 about grumbling 00:25:17.940 --> 00:25:18.579 and arguing 00:25:18.579 --> 00:25:19.279 but good thing, 00:25:19.360 --> 00:25:19.500 you know, 00:25:19.539 --> 00:25:20.079 American Christians 00:25:20.079 --> 00:25:20.620 don't struggle 00:25:20.620 --> 00:25:21.240 with that, right? 00:25:22.440 --> 00:25:23.759 But my question is, 00:25:23.759 --> 00:25:24.860 of all the things 00:25:24.859 --> 00:25:26.240 that Paul could have 00:25:26.240 --> 00:25:27.959 named as antithetical 00:25:27.959 --> 00:25:29.459 to Jesus' way, 00:25:30.579 --> 00:25:31.879 why does he say 00:25:31.879 --> 00:25:32.519 do everything 00:25:32.519 --> 00:25:33.139 without grumbling 00:25:33.139 --> 00:25:33.619 and arguing? 00:25:34.779 --> 00:25:35.519 Why not like 00:25:35.519 --> 00:25:36.419 do everything 00:25:36.419 --> 00:25:37.919 and don't murder, 00:25:38.619 --> 00:25:39.619 don't rape, 00:25:39.859 --> 00:25:40.419 don't steal, 00:25:41.000 --> 00:25:41.479 do everything 00:25:41.479 --> 00:25:42.099 without hating 00:25:42.099 --> 00:25:42.719 and fighting? 00:25:44.099 --> 00:25:44.379 Well, 00:25:44.419 --> 00:25:45.259 if you are an astute 00:25:45.259 --> 00:25:46.919 reader in Philippi, 00:25:46.979 --> 00:25:47.399 you would catch 00:25:47.399 --> 00:25:47.859 a connection 00:25:47.859 --> 00:25:48.759 Paul is making here 00:25:48.759 --> 00:25:49.279 when he uses 00:25:49.279 --> 00:25:49.779 the words 00:25:49.779 --> 00:25:50.439 grumbling, 00:25:50.699 --> 00:25:51.259 arguing, 00:25:51.259 --> 00:25:52.160 warped 00:25:52.160 --> 00:25:52.440 and crooked 00:25:52.440 --> 00:25:53.000 generation 00:25:53.000 --> 00:25:54.119 and shining 00:25:54.119 --> 00:25:54.619 like stars 00:25:54.619 --> 00:25:54.980 in the sky. 00:25:55.039 --> 00:25:55.720 He's actually 00:25:55.720 --> 00:25:56.259 alluding 00:25:56.259 --> 00:25:57.740 to Israel 00:25:57.740 --> 00:25:58.720 in the wilderness. 00:25:59.879 --> 00:26:00.240 In Exodus 00:26:00.240 --> 00:26:01.019 chapter 16 00:26:01.019 --> 00:26:01.440 and 17, 00:26:01.519 --> 00:26:01.759 the people 00:26:01.759 --> 00:26:02.039 of Israel 00:26:02.039 --> 00:26:02.579 are characterized 00:26:02.579 --> 00:26:03.700 by just that, 00:26:03.819 --> 00:26:04.160 grumbling 00:26:04.160 --> 00:26:05.180 and arguing. 00:26:05.359 --> 00:26:05.980 And in Deuteronomy 00:26:05.980 --> 00:26:06.619 chapter 32, 00:26:06.740 --> 00:26:07.680 Moses rebukes 00:26:07.680 --> 00:26:08.579 the people of Israel 00:26:08.579 --> 00:26:09.599 for being a crooked 00:26:09.599 --> 00:26:10.279 and twisted 00:26:10.279 --> 00:26:11.200 generation. 00:26:12.079 --> 00:26:12.740 And then hundreds 00:26:12.740 --> 00:26:13.519 of years later, 00:26:13.740 --> 00:26:14.599 the prophet Daniel, 00:26:15.000 --> 00:26:15.839 he prophesies 00:26:15.839 --> 00:26:16.420 that even though 00:26:16.420 --> 00:26:17.140 the people of Israel 00:26:17.140 --> 00:26:17.720 have strayed 00:26:17.720 --> 00:26:18.460 again and again 00:26:18.460 --> 00:26:18.840 and again 00:26:18.840 --> 00:26:19.480 as grumbling, 00:26:19.860 --> 00:26:20.519 argumentative 00:26:20.519 --> 00:26:21.880 and crooked people, 00:26:22.059 --> 00:26:22.799 God would still 00:26:22.799 --> 00:26:23.559 one day redeem 00:26:23.559 --> 00:26:24.180 some of them 00:26:24.180 --> 00:26:25.579 and make them shine 00:26:25.579 --> 00:26:26.480 like stars 00:26:26.480 --> 00:26:27.200 in the sky. 00:26:27.279 --> 00:26:27.980 So basically, 00:26:28.720 --> 00:26:29.579 Paul is using 00:26:29.579 --> 00:26:30.660 the ancient Israelites 00:26:30.660 --> 00:26:32.720 as a negative example 00:26:32.720 --> 00:26:33.880 of grumbling 00:26:33.880 --> 00:26:34.600 and arguing, 00:26:34.700 --> 00:26:35.840 as an opposite example 00:26:35.840 --> 00:26:36.740 to Jesus 00:26:36.740 --> 00:26:37.720 in the Christ. 00:26:37.779 --> 00:26:38.539 And Paul is basically 00:26:38.539 --> 00:26:39.680 laying out two ways 00:26:39.680 --> 00:26:40.079 to live. 00:26:40.480 --> 00:26:41.620 The pure and blameless 00:26:41.620 --> 00:26:42.380 Jesus way 00:26:42.380 --> 00:26:43.019 of humility, 00:26:43.500 --> 00:26:43.840 service, 00:26:44.160 --> 00:26:44.519 obedience, 00:26:44.920 --> 00:26:45.180 fear, 00:26:45.299 --> 00:26:45.759 and trembling, 00:26:45.900 --> 00:26:46.579 a way that will 00:26:46.579 --> 00:26:47.220 bring light 00:26:47.220 --> 00:26:48.079 and bear witness 00:26:48.079 --> 00:26:48.720 in our dark 00:26:48.720 --> 00:26:49.659 and twisted generation 00:26:49.659 --> 00:26:51.339 or the crooked 00:26:51.339 --> 00:26:52.559 wilderness way 00:26:52.559 --> 00:26:53.619 of grumbling 00:26:53.619 --> 00:26:54.439 and arguing 00:26:54.439 --> 00:26:56.179 the way that we 00:26:56.179 --> 00:26:57.539 experience in this world 00:26:57.539 --> 00:26:58.519 every day, 00:26:58.819 --> 00:26:59.079 right? 00:27:00.119 --> 00:27:01.619 And why Paul singles out 00:27:01.619 --> 00:27:02.279 the grumbling 00:27:02.279 --> 00:27:03.039 and arguing 00:27:03.039 --> 00:27:03.659 of Israel 00:27:03.659 --> 00:27:04.259 in the wilderness 00:27:04.259 --> 00:27:04.960 is not so much 00:27:04.960 --> 00:27:05.639 that grumbling 00:27:05.639 --> 00:27:06.199 and arguing 00:27:06.199 --> 00:27:06.960 are the worst 00:27:06.960 --> 00:27:08.000 imaginable sins 00:27:08.000 --> 00:27:09.019 that one could commit 00:27:09.019 --> 00:27:09.579 but because 00:27:09.579 --> 00:27:10.679 of the hearts 00:27:10.679 --> 00:27:12.159 from which grumbling 00:27:12.159 --> 00:27:12.839 and arguing 00:27:12.839 --> 00:27:13.500 come from. 00:27:14.579 --> 00:27:14.799 You see, 00:27:14.919 --> 00:27:15.980 the sin of grumbling 00:27:15.980 --> 00:27:17.179 isn't simply about 00:27:17.179 --> 00:27:18.039 breaking the thou shalt 00:27:18.039 --> 00:27:18.759 not grumble 00:27:18.759 --> 00:27:19.259 rule, 00:27:19.519 --> 00:27:19.819 all right? 00:27:20.279 --> 00:27:21.019 And my children, 00:27:21.279 --> 00:27:21.480 like, 00:27:21.539 --> 00:27:22.099 they break that 00:27:22.099 --> 00:27:22.700 all the time, 00:27:22.740 --> 00:27:22.920 right? 00:27:23.960 --> 00:27:24.559 But you know, 00:27:24.639 --> 00:27:25.259 when my daughters 00:27:25.259 --> 00:27:25.740 grumble, 00:27:26.139 --> 00:27:27.339 especially when I ask 00:27:27.339 --> 00:27:27.940 them to do things 00:27:27.940 --> 00:27:28.440 that they're not 00:27:28.440 --> 00:27:29.159 excited about, 00:27:29.779 --> 00:27:30.519 what do I tell them? 00:27:30.879 --> 00:27:31.559 Stop grumbling? 00:27:31.980 --> 00:27:32.339 Well, yeah, 00:27:32.460 --> 00:27:33.599 I do say that a lot. 00:27:33.980 --> 00:27:35.279 But the best version 00:27:35.279 --> 00:27:36.700 of me says, 00:27:37.420 --> 00:27:37.639 hey, 00:27:38.500 --> 00:27:39.359 you gotta trust me, 00:27:39.519 --> 00:27:40.339 you gotta trust mommy, 00:27:40.980 --> 00:27:41.480 you gotta trust 00:27:41.480 --> 00:27:42.460 what I'm telling you 00:27:42.460 --> 00:27:42.839 to do. 00:27:43.019 --> 00:27:43.980 This is for your good, 00:27:44.879 --> 00:27:45.619 it's for the good 00:27:45.619 --> 00:27:46.219 of the family, 00:27:46.959 --> 00:27:48.559 it's better for our world, 00:27:49.339 --> 00:27:50.139 and if you keep 00:27:50.139 --> 00:27:51.359 insisting on doing 00:27:51.359 --> 00:27:51.939 otherwise, 00:27:52.639 --> 00:27:53.819 you're gonna regret it. 00:27:54.619 --> 00:27:54.819 See, 00:27:54.919 --> 00:27:56.199 the grumbling of Israel 00:27:56.199 --> 00:27:57.399 was so twisted 00:27:57.399 --> 00:27:58.239 because it reflected 00:27:58.239 --> 00:27:59.179 their entitlement 00:27:59.179 --> 00:28:00.679 and their defiance 00:28:00.679 --> 00:28:01.459 of the authority 00:28:01.459 --> 00:28:01.799 of God, 00:28:01.859 --> 00:28:02.579 their lack of faith 00:28:02.579 --> 00:28:03.219 in His goodness 00:28:03.219 --> 00:28:04.479 and His promises. 00:28:04.739 --> 00:28:05.519 It came from a place 00:28:05.519 --> 00:28:06.239 of them thinking 00:28:06.239 --> 00:28:07.259 they deserved better 00:28:07.259 --> 00:28:08.699 and that they also 00:28:08.699 --> 00:28:09.559 knew better 00:28:09.559 --> 00:28:10.319 than God. 00:28:10.319 --> 00:28:11.359 God, 00:28:11.799 --> 00:28:12.599 staying in Egypt 00:28:12.599 --> 00:28:13.240 as slaves 00:28:13.240 --> 00:28:13.720 would have been 00:28:13.720 --> 00:28:14.399 so much better 00:28:14.399 --> 00:28:14.960 than wandering 00:28:14.960 --> 00:28:15.539 in the wilderness 00:28:15.539 --> 00:28:16.359 with you, 00:28:16.779 --> 00:28:17.659 having to trust you 00:28:17.659 --> 00:28:18.460 every day 00:28:18.460 --> 00:28:19.639 for our daily bread. 00:28:20.700 --> 00:28:21.500 We grumble 00:28:21.500 --> 00:28:22.139 because we don't 00:28:22.139 --> 00:28:23.399 trust God's word 00:28:23.399 --> 00:28:24.980 and His ways. 00:28:26.240 --> 00:28:27.039 Paul is saying, 00:28:27.179 --> 00:28:27.339 no, 00:28:27.460 --> 00:28:28.019 verse 16, 00:28:28.139 --> 00:28:28.759 hold firmly 00:28:28.759 --> 00:28:30.000 to God's word of life 00:28:30.000 --> 00:28:31.119 instead. 00:28:31.659 --> 00:28:32.079 Hold firmly 00:28:32.079 --> 00:28:32.460 to His word, 00:28:32.539 --> 00:28:32.899 believe it, 00:28:32.980 --> 00:28:33.379 trust it, 00:28:33.399 --> 00:28:33.839 it's good, 00:28:33.919 --> 00:28:34.439 it's true, 00:28:35.019 --> 00:28:35.879 especially as those 00:28:35.879 --> 00:28:36.460 who believe 00:28:36.460 --> 00:28:37.500 that Christ is risen, 00:28:37.659 --> 00:28:38.419 especially as those 00:28:38.419 --> 00:28:38.839 who believe 00:28:38.839 --> 00:28:39.159 that yeah, 00:28:39.240 --> 00:28:40.259 Christ did suffer 00:28:40.259 --> 00:28:40.720 the wilderness 00:28:40.720 --> 00:28:42.299 experience of obedience 00:28:42.299 --> 00:28:43.319 unto death on a cross, 00:28:43.680 --> 00:28:44.859 but God exalted Him, 00:28:44.940 --> 00:28:45.619 that's the gospel, 00:28:46.220 --> 00:28:47.339 that's the word of life 00:28:47.339 --> 00:28:48.379 that you must hold 00:28:48.379 --> 00:28:49.000 firmly to. 00:28:49.140 --> 00:28:50.279 God exalted Christ 00:28:50.279 --> 00:28:51.440 and He will exalt 00:28:51.440 --> 00:28:52.859 His sons and daughters 00:28:52.859 --> 00:28:53.440 as well. 00:28:54.279 --> 00:28:55.539 And in verses 16 to 18, 00:28:55.660 --> 00:28:56.559 Paul talks about 00:28:56.559 --> 00:28:57.039 how this is 00:28:57.039 --> 00:28:57.900 His ultimate boast, 00:28:58.000 --> 00:28:58.640 this is what He wants 00:28:58.640 --> 00:28:59.180 for everyone, 00:28:59.279 --> 00:28:59.859 the whole church, 00:29:00.359 --> 00:29:01.359 everyone that He is 00:29:01.359 --> 00:29:02.160 sacrificing for, 00:29:02.279 --> 00:29:02.940 laboring for, 00:29:03.000 --> 00:29:03.759 ultimately He wants 00:29:03.759 --> 00:29:05.460 their joy in Christ 00:29:05.460 --> 00:29:06.619 at the last day. 00:29:07.839 --> 00:29:08.559 And then He closes 00:29:08.559 --> 00:29:09.339 with two more 00:29:09.339 --> 00:29:10.279 positive examples, 00:29:10.419 --> 00:29:10.559 okay, 00:29:10.599 --> 00:29:11.319 of people living 00:29:11.319 --> 00:29:12.139 as citizens 00:29:12.139 --> 00:29:12.839 of the gospel 00:29:12.839 --> 00:29:13.539 having the same 00:29:13.539 --> 00:29:14.279 mindset as Christ, 00:29:14.599 --> 00:29:16.240 Timothy and Epaphroditus. 00:29:16.839 --> 00:29:17.480 And this could be 00:29:17.480 --> 00:29:18.699 another sermon too, 00:29:18.799 --> 00:29:19.459 but just very briefly, 00:29:19.539 --> 00:29:20.720 look at how He describes 00:29:20.720 --> 00:29:21.720 Timothy in verse 20. 00:29:22.439 --> 00:29:23.379 I have no one else 00:29:23.379 --> 00:29:23.899 like Him 00:29:23.899 --> 00:29:24.839 who will show 00:29:24.839 --> 00:29:25.720 genuine concern 00:29:25.720 --> 00:29:26.799 for your welfare. 00:29:27.339 --> 00:29:28.359 For everyone looks 00:29:28.359 --> 00:29:29.779 for their own interests, 00:29:29.879 --> 00:29:30.000 right, 00:29:30.039 --> 00:29:30.559 that's that whole 00:29:30.559 --> 00:29:31.119 warped and crooked 00:29:31.119 --> 00:29:31.500 generation, 00:29:31.619 --> 00:29:32.799 everyone looks out 00:29:32.799 --> 00:29:33.859 for their own interests, 00:29:34.379 --> 00:29:36.139 not those of Jesus Christ. 00:29:36.199 --> 00:29:36.799 We are called to be 00:29:36.799 --> 00:29:37.359 a different kind 00:29:37.359 --> 00:29:37.939 of generation 00:29:37.939 --> 00:29:39.259 with a different 00:29:39.259 --> 00:29:40.079 kind of citizenship. 00:29:41.599 --> 00:29:41.899 Paul says, 00:29:42.019 --> 00:29:42.619 but you know that 00:29:42.619 --> 00:29:43.959 Timothy has proved 00:29:43.959 --> 00:29:45.240 himself to be different, 00:29:45.539 --> 00:29:45.799 right? 00:29:46.419 --> 00:29:47.079 This guy Timothy, 00:29:47.240 --> 00:29:48.099 he genuinely cares 00:29:48.099 --> 00:29:48.559 about you, 00:29:48.619 --> 00:29:49.419 he genuinely cares 00:29:49.419 --> 00:29:49.919 about the things 00:29:49.919 --> 00:29:50.299 of Christ 00:29:50.299 --> 00:29:51.679 more than himself. 00:29:52.799 --> 00:29:54.099 And then in verse 29, 00:29:54.259 --> 00:29:54.379 look, 00:29:54.459 --> 00:29:55.119 Paul says to honor 00:29:55.119 --> 00:29:56.019 people also like 00:29:56.019 --> 00:29:56.799 Epaphroditus, 00:29:57.139 --> 00:29:57.379 who, 00:29:57.539 --> 00:29:58.299 verse 30 says, 00:29:58.500 --> 00:29:59.419 almost died 00:29:59.419 --> 00:30:00.519 for the work of Christ, 00:30:00.579 --> 00:30:00.699 right? 00:30:00.699 --> 00:30:01.959 He risked his life 00:30:01.959 --> 00:30:02.959 for the things of God, 00:30:03.039 --> 00:30:03.539 for the things 00:30:03.539 --> 00:30:04.299 that exalt Christ. 00:30:04.299 --> 00:30:05.779 Another Christ-like example 00:30:05.779 --> 00:30:06.819 in real life, 00:30:07.119 --> 00:30:07.700 in the flesh, 00:30:07.960 --> 00:30:08.480 in the church. 00:30:08.659 --> 00:30:09.259 And the point is, 00:30:09.339 --> 00:30:10.799 we all have our roles 00:30:10.799 --> 00:30:12.220 and it is all 00:30:12.220 --> 00:30:13.379 in service of Christ. 00:30:13.899 --> 00:30:14.779 We all have 00:30:14.779 --> 00:30:15.399 an opportunity 00:30:15.399 --> 00:30:16.500 and a calling 00:30:16.500 --> 00:30:17.180 and a command 00:30:17.180 --> 00:30:18.419 to live like Christ, 00:30:18.539 --> 00:30:19.839 carrying on God's work 00:30:19.839 --> 00:30:20.559 in the world, 00:30:20.639 --> 00:30:21.779 whether as a teacher 00:30:21.779 --> 00:30:22.579 or an apologist, 00:30:23.000 --> 00:30:23.940 an assistant pastor 00:30:23.940 --> 00:30:24.940 and evangelist 00:30:24.940 --> 00:30:25.419 like Timothy, 00:30:25.559 --> 00:30:26.859 or as just a messenger 00:30:26.859 --> 00:30:28.220 and a care package 00:30:28.220 --> 00:30:28.960 transporter 00:30:28.960 --> 00:30:30.299 like Epaphroditus. 00:30:30.960 --> 00:30:32.200 Regardless of what we do 00:30:32.200 --> 00:30:33.200 or what happens to us, 00:30:33.200 --> 00:30:34.000 God sees 00:30:34.000 --> 00:30:35.120 and God honors 00:30:35.120 --> 00:30:35.900 such people, 00:30:36.019 --> 00:30:36.779 just as he honored 00:30:36.779 --> 00:30:37.720 and exalted Jesus, 00:30:38.100 --> 00:30:39.000 risen and ascended 00:30:39.000 --> 00:30:39.779 into heaven. 00:30:40.900 --> 00:30:42.279 So just to tie all this up, 00:30:42.319 --> 00:30:43.200 the question is, 00:30:44.279 --> 00:30:44.900 will we 00:30:44.900 --> 00:30:45.819 or won't we 00:30:45.819 --> 00:30:46.299 pursue 00:30:46.299 --> 00:30:47.500 this life 00:30:47.500 --> 00:30:48.279 of honor 00:30:48.279 --> 00:30:49.680 and work out 00:30:49.680 --> 00:30:50.299 our salvation 00:30:50.299 --> 00:30:50.940 with fear 00:30:50.940 --> 00:30:51.779 and trembling 00:30:51.779 --> 00:30:52.539 and ultimately 00:30:52.539 --> 00:30:54.700 with life-giving service? 00:30:55.400 --> 00:30:56.279 Timothy and Epaphroditus 00:30:56.279 --> 00:30:56.940 had no idea 00:30:56.940 --> 00:30:57.440 that they were going 00:30:57.440 --> 00:30:58.000 to end up 00:30:58.000 --> 00:30:58.779 in this record 00:30:58.779 --> 00:30:59.480 that we'd be reading 00:30:59.480 --> 00:31:00.819 about 2,000 years later, 00:31:00.819 --> 00:31:01.939 honored 00:31:01.939 --> 00:31:03.879 as Christ-like servants 00:31:03.879 --> 00:31:04.960 in the gospel? 00:31:06.599 --> 00:31:07.879 What will be our stories? 00:31:08.200 --> 00:31:08.279 Right? 00:31:08.460 --> 00:31:09.019 I think of that 00:31:09.019 --> 00:31:09.759 Hamilton song, 00:31:09.859 --> 00:31:10.220 Who Lives, 00:31:10.299 --> 00:31:10.599 Who Dies, 00:31:10.639 --> 00:31:11.439 Who Tells Your Story. 00:31:11.480 --> 00:31:12.220 How will they tell it? 00:31:13.299 --> 00:31:14.159 I have another slide 00:31:14.159 --> 00:31:14.779 that I want to share. 00:31:14.879 --> 00:31:15.599 It's my last slide. 00:31:15.759 --> 00:31:16.460 It's something 00:31:16.460 --> 00:31:17.319 that's really stuck with me 00:31:17.319 --> 00:31:18.319 over the past couple years. 00:31:19.200 --> 00:31:20.079 It was written 00:31:20.079 --> 00:31:20.980 by David Brooks. 00:31:21.119 --> 00:31:22.720 He's a recently converted 00:31:22.720 --> 00:31:23.700 New York Times writer. 00:31:24.159 --> 00:31:24.740 He wrote this book, 00:31:24.839 --> 00:31:25.419 The Second Mountain. 00:31:25.559 --> 00:31:26.980 I highly recommend it. 00:31:27.019 --> 00:31:27.599 The Second Mountain, 00:31:27.679 --> 00:31:28.939 The Quest for a Moral Life. 00:31:28.940 --> 00:31:30.559 And he basically says 00:31:30.559 --> 00:31:31.080 that there are 00:31:31.080 --> 00:31:32.180 First Mountain people 00:31:32.180 --> 00:31:33.299 and there are 00:31:33.299 --> 00:31:34.200 Second Mountain people. 00:31:34.500 --> 00:31:35.400 Or another way he puts it 00:31:35.400 --> 00:31:36.059 is that there are 00:31:36.059 --> 00:31:37.380 resume virtue people 00:31:37.380 --> 00:31:39.799 and eulogy virtue people. 00:31:40.779 --> 00:31:41.799 Resume virtue people 00:31:41.799 --> 00:31:43.360 focus on individual achievement, 00:31:43.580 --> 00:31:44.220 career, wealth, 00:31:44.259 --> 00:31:45.019 and personal happiness. 00:31:45.140 --> 00:31:45.620 They're motivated 00:31:45.620 --> 00:31:46.880 by external validation 00:31:46.880 --> 00:31:48.460 and societal expectations. 00:31:48.700 --> 00:31:49.960 Their values are success, 00:31:50.340 --> 00:31:50.600 status, 00:31:50.759 --> 00:31:51.720 and personal pleasure. 00:31:52.059 --> 00:31:52.720 And their approach 00:31:52.720 --> 00:31:53.180 to the world 00:31:53.180 --> 00:31:53.860 is self-centered 00:31:53.860 --> 00:31:55.480 and focused on individual goals 00:31:55.480 --> 00:31:56.059 and achievements. 00:31:56.920 --> 00:31:58.320 But eulogy virtue people, 00:31:58.319 --> 00:31:59.299 they focus on meaning, 00:31:59.839 --> 00:32:00.220 purpose, 00:32:00.619 --> 00:32:01.000 commitment, 00:32:01.200 --> 00:32:01.720 and contributing 00:32:01.720 --> 00:32:02.579 to something larger 00:32:02.579 --> 00:32:03.240 than themselves. 00:32:04.119 --> 00:32:04.740 They're motivated 00:32:04.740 --> 00:32:05.319 by a desire 00:32:05.319 --> 00:32:06.279 for deeper fulfillment 00:32:06.279 --> 00:32:06.980 and connection. 00:32:07.799 --> 00:32:09.039 Their values are community, 00:32:09.519 --> 00:32:10.500 service, love, 00:32:10.579 --> 00:32:11.319 and moral joy. 00:32:11.419 --> 00:32:12.000 And their approach 00:32:12.000 --> 00:32:13.119 is others-centered 00:32:13.119 --> 00:32:14.059 and focused on 00:32:14.059 --> 00:32:14.919 building relationships 00:32:14.919 --> 00:32:17.039 and making a positive impact. 00:32:17.139 --> 00:32:18.619 Now you can easily guess 00:32:18.619 --> 00:32:19.319 the kind of person 00:32:19.319 --> 00:32:21.019 David Brooks suggests 00:32:21.019 --> 00:32:21.779 we become. 00:32:22.779 --> 00:32:24.220 But the more important question 00:32:24.220 --> 00:32:25.859 is will we? 00:32:25.859 --> 00:32:27.559 And how? 00:32:28.699 --> 00:32:29.639 Will we and how? 00:32:30.579 --> 00:32:31.479 So God's word to us 00:32:31.479 --> 00:32:31.859 this morning 00:32:31.859 --> 00:32:32.859 is to consider Timothy, 00:32:33.039 --> 00:32:34.079 is to consider Paphroditus, 00:32:34.179 --> 00:32:35.119 consider ancient Israel, 00:32:35.419 --> 00:32:36.500 consider all the people 00:32:36.500 --> 00:32:37.459 you most abhor 00:32:37.459 --> 00:32:38.500 and all the people 00:32:38.500 --> 00:32:39.339 you most admire, 00:32:39.479 --> 00:32:40.119 and then above all 00:32:40.119 --> 00:32:40.979 consider the life, 00:32:41.279 --> 00:32:41.539 death, 00:32:41.659 --> 00:32:42.899 and resurrection of Jesus 00:32:42.899 --> 00:32:43.979 and ask yourselves, 00:32:44.819 --> 00:32:45.919 what kind of person 00:32:45.919 --> 00:32:47.179 do I want to be? 00:32:48.500 --> 00:32:49.699 And what kind of life 00:32:49.699 --> 00:32:51.299 do I want to live? 00:32:52.019 --> 00:32:53.719 What is my ultimate salvation? 00:32:53.939 --> 00:32:54.859 Is it knowing Christ? 00:32:54.859 --> 00:32:55.699 Is it knowing the God 00:32:55.699 --> 00:32:56.179 of the universe 00:32:56.179 --> 00:32:57.919 who went to the cross for me 00:32:57.919 --> 00:32:58.419 and whose spirit 00:32:58.419 --> 00:33:00.099 is still at work within me 00:33:00.099 --> 00:33:01.339 to will and to act 00:33:01.339 --> 00:33:03.099 according to his perfect purposes? 00:33:03.319 --> 00:33:04.919 God invites us this morning 00:33:04.919 --> 00:33:06.839 simply to work out 00:33:06.839 --> 00:33:08.240 what he has worked for 00:33:08.240 --> 00:33:09.199 and what he has committed 00:33:09.199 --> 00:33:11.359 to working in us. 00:33:12.500 --> 00:33:12.979 Salvation, 00:33:14.139 --> 00:33:16.279 union with God Almighty. 00:33:17.419 --> 00:33:18.419 And that's good news. 00:33:19.199 --> 00:33:19.879 It's a challenge 00:33:19.879 --> 00:33:20.799 but it's an invitation 00:33:20.799 --> 00:33:22.659 that he extends to us 00:33:22.660 --> 00:33:24.580 in love and gentleness 00:33:24.580 --> 00:33:25.840 and confidence 00:33:25.840 --> 00:33:27.560 that he will bring it 00:33:27.560 --> 00:33:28.120 to completion. 00:33:28.960 --> 00:33:29.640 Let's pray. 00:33:34.200 --> 00:33:34.820 Oh God, 00:33:34.980 --> 00:33:35.800 fill us 00:33:35.800 --> 00:33:37.660 with that fear 00:33:37.660 --> 00:33:38.160 and trembling 00:33:38.160 --> 00:33:39.120 in your presence 00:33:39.120 --> 00:33:41.100 and at the same time 00:33:41.100 --> 00:33:42.080 fill us with that joy, 00:33:42.320 --> 00:33:42.560 comfort, 00:33:42.660 --> 00:33:43.240 and security. 00:33:43.240 --> 00:33:45.700 and let us work out 00:33:45.700 --> 00:33:46.579 our salvations. 00:33:47.779 --> 00:33:48.900 Let us work out 00:33:48.900 --> 00:33:50.059 our union with Christ. 00:33:50.180 --> 00:33:51.059 Let us enjoy that. 00:33:51.180 --> 00:33:52.799 Live dynamically in that 00:33:52.799 --> 00:33:53.579 as your people 00:33:53.579 --> 00:33:56.120 so that we might be 00:33:56.120 --> 00:33:58.240 bright and shining 00:33:58.240 --> 00:33:59.160 children of God. 00:33:59.720 --> 00:34:00.359 Bearing witness, 00:34:00.480 --> 00:34:01.299 shining like stars 00:34:01.299 --> 00:34:02.160 in this dark 00:34:02.160 --> 00:34:03.920 and crooked generation, 00:34:04.059 --> 00:34:04.460 oh God. 00:34:04.960 --> 00:34:05.779 Beacons of hope. 00:34:06.579 --> 00:34:07.359 An alternative way 00:34:07.359 --> 00:34:07.859 to live 00:34:07.859 --> 00:34:09.300 for this world, 00:34:09.619 --> 00:34:10.380 this self-centered, 00:34:10.900 --> 00:34:11.500 broken world, 00:34:11.500 --> 00:34:12.019 oh God. 00:34:13.099 --> 00:34:14.340 In our union with Christ, 00:34:14.440 --> 00:34:15.340 help us to live out 00:34:15.340 --> 00:34:16.139 selflessness 00:34:16.139 --> 00:34:17.400 and sacrifice 00:34:17.400 --> 00:34:18.280 and servanthood 00:34:18.280 --> 00:34:18.980 and humility 00:34:18.980 --> 00:34:20.760 and bring glory 00:34:20.760 --> 00:34:21.320 to yourself, 00:34:21.480 --> 00:34:21.900 Lord God, 00:34:21.940 --> 00:34:22.519 as your people 00:34:22.519 --> 00:34:23.719 seek to follow 00:34:23.719 --> 00:34:24.340 their Savior, 00:34:24.880 --> 00:34:25.599 Jesus Christ. 00:34:26.199 --> 00:34:27.079 In his name we pray. 00:34:27.599 --> 00:34:27.920 Amen.