THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE KING, PART II: Saved to Serve - Philippians 2:25-30

 

THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE KING, PART II: Saved to Serve

Philippians 2:25-30

Introduction: In the Lord of the Rings trilogy each character had a role to fulfill if the mission was to succeed. In God’s story, Epaphroditus was not a Paul, or even a Timothy, but he was a faithful servant… In the “Fellowship of the King” we all have a role to fulfill,  a contribution to make to the unfolding plan of God.  We are a team – each of us unique, different, and gifted, to complement one another and to serve together in God’s mission. Remember, “He saved you on purpose, for a purpose.” You were created by God and uniquely gifted to fulfill a specific and important role in His mission in the world. God uses ordinary people like us in the extraordinary program of building His church. We won’t be Paul, or Timothy, or Epaphroditus for that matter. But we can be the faithful follower God created us to be, humbly serving Christ in the place He has strategically placed us. There will be a cost, but joy comes in the morning!

       As we read the passage we’ll see that Epaphroditus was sent by the Philippians to minister to Paul in his imprisonment. Part of what Paul is doing in this letter is thanking them for their partnership in the Gospel from the beginning. He alluded to that in the first chapter (1:5), here in this context (2:25) and will elaborate a bit more toward the end of the letter. We see in Philippians 4:15-19,

¹⁵ And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.  ¹⁶ Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.  ¹⁷ Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.  ¹⁸ I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.  ¹⁹ And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

They had been supporting Paul in his ministry seemingly from his time with them in Acts 16. In his current imprisonment, their representative, Epaphroditus, brought their gift to Paul, at the cost of his health. We don’t know what happened, but in the midst of his mission he fell sick and nearly died. And now, having recovered, he was distressed that the Philippians had heard and were concerned for his welfare. Therefore Paul determined to send him back to the Philippians, apparently carrying this letter.

The Maine* Idea: A balanced, faithful Christian life may bring hardship, but it will bring joy!

I. A balanced and Faithful Servant of Christ (25). Notice the series of titles that Paul uses to describe Ephaphroditus…

²⁵ I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need…

      Here Paul points to Epaphroditus, another example of a spiritual servant, one who had come from the church in Philippi. He wasn’t an apostle like Paul, we don’t know if he served as an elder like Timothy, perhaps he was a deacon, but whether or not he held an official position, he was one who was trusted and respected both by the Philippian church and by Paul.  Ray Prichard suggests…

Epaphroditus was a leader in the church at Philippi who was sent by the church with a gift for Paul. His name is not mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament. He doesn’t seem to have been a preacher in the usual sense of the word. He fits more into the mold of a deacon—a godly layman willing to serve, willing to go, and willing to risk everything for the cause of Christ.

“Comfort” and “Security” are things that most people value highly, and not many are willing to sacrifice – to take a personal risk – even for the sake of the Kingdom. Notice the titles of a Christian that Paul uses to describe Epaphroditus, I don’t think we see a descriptive series of titles like this anywhere else in a single verse of Scripture…

       “My brother” – Paul is not looking upon Epaphroditus not merely as a church acquaintance, but as family, as his “brother.” And we are a family! Look to your left and to your right – God says they are your family. Look ahead a couple of pews and across the aisle – you are surrounded by brothers and sisters!  The comment was made Wednesday night in our Bible Study and Prayer time that this is the key to thinking of the needs of others, of counting them more important than yourself. Who would you lay down your life for? If you are married, for your spouse. If you have children, you would give your life to save theirs. You willingly sacrifice your comfort to help them. If we get it in our head, and in our heart, that we are brothers and sisters, then we will more easily not only look out for our own interests, but also for the interests of others.

       Paul also calls Epaphroditus his “fellow worker” or “co-worker.”  We serve together – VBS was an example of that in the past – team ministry – some tell Bible stories others helped with crafts – some did games with the kids others helped to give them snacks – We missed it this year, but it will be back! Whether in outreach or encouraging one another, we are here in this world because God has chosen to include us in his mission.

       Likewise, Epaphroditus is called Paul’s “fellow soldier” – this term reminds us that we are in a spiritual battle – we wrestle against spiritual forces of wickedness in high places – we have an adversary, the Devil, who is going about like a roaring lion seeking who he may devour - but we are reminded also as David said, “The Battle is the Lord’s!” As Paul said elsewhere, Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world! And, If God be for us, who can stand against us?

       “your messenger” – one sent with a mission, with authority, representing the church. This is the word apostolos¸ from which we get our English word, “apostle.” When used of Paul and the twelve it has a technical meaning, they were “apostles of Jesus Christ.” They were sent and commissioned by Him, and so they represented Him and brought His word to the early church. They were his authorized representatives. Epaphroditus was not an apostle in that technical sense, but here is called a “messenger,” an authorized representative, of the Philippian church. He brought gifts, and ministered to Paul as the representative of the church.

       “…the one who ministered to my need…” He was also sent as a “minister”, a “servant” to minister to the needs of Paul.  This word “servant” is one that appears only five times in the New Testament, but was consistently used in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, to speak about the priestly service of the Levites and priests. It is a “spiritual service of worship.” From this Greek word we get the English word, “liturgy.” Paul viewed Epaphroditus’ help to him as a spiritual service, and act of worship, essentially serving God by serving others. We can easily forget how important it was to Paul to have friends help him during his four years of imprisonment, two years in Caesarea followed by two more years in Rome. Besides the physical needs of sufficient food, clothing and the like, the emotional support of knowing that someone is there, watching out for you to the best of their ability no doubt was a great comfort.

       We have great nurses hear in the US to watch over the needs of patients, a few right here in our church. In Brazil, if you go to a hospital, especially a public hospital, there had better be someone there with you to minister to your needs, to take care of you and watch out for your interests. By the way, that is also true if you are a prisoner. We’ve heard that in some South American prisons the prisoners won’t get soap or medicine, or even clothing, unless a friend or family member brings it to them. It seems that might have been the situation in the Greco-Roman world of the first century. Without an Epaphroditus, a prisoner would have little hope. The good news for believers: God has a plan that He is working out in history, and by grace you are a part of it. A balanced, faithful Christian life may bring hardship, but it will bring joy!

II. Faithful servants will share in the suffering of Christ (26-27, cf. 30).

  ²⁶ …for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill.  ²⁷ Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow… ³⁰ for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.

       “he was longing for you…”  We sometimes forget that these biblical names in the narrative of Scripture represent real, historical people.  They had feelings, they had family and friends.  There were no international flights, no internet, etc…  To be separated for weeks or months, meant something… Epaphroditus went, and even extended his time with Paul, and it seems, became very sick and nearly died.  Many of you have traveled internationally, as have we. If you are going to certain areas of the world, particularly tropical countries and countries of the third world, you are required to take various vaccinations against diseases to which you have not had the chance to build an immunity. We had to get several before going to Brazil. Epaphroditus had not such prophylaxes available to him. In addition, it was an 800 mile trip from Philippi to Rome, which itself could have brought danger to his life, yet he went. Look out not only on your own personal interests, but also the interests of others. He made it to Paul, but at some point fell desperately sick.

       Notice the kind of person he was: it wasn’t his own discomfort or suffering that bothered him, but the fact that he knew they – the Philippians – were worried about him.  His love for his church family was such that he wanted to travel to be with them so that he could relieve their concerns, he  “…was distressed because you had heard he was sick…” Think about that – Epaphroditus was distressed that they were worried about him… Usually we like a little attention and sympathy when we are sick! He did not want them to worry, he wanted to alleviate their concerns.

     “…He was ill to the point of death…” (27; cf. v.30, 2:8). The phrase “Near to death” appears only here in the NT, but the parallel phrase in v.30, “…he nearly died…” occurs twice in the NT, here, and in 2:8. There it is referring to the death of Christ, “...he became obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross…” It is such a rare phrase, only occurring in these two verses right in this near context, that it is hard not to see an intentional parallel by Paul between the death of Christ, and the “near death experience” of his faithful servant Epaphroditus. He had the attitude of Jesus, and was obedient, and it nearly cost him his life.

       Jesus spoke quite a bit to His followers about the cost of discipleship. If you want to be his disciple, “…take up your cross, and follow…” They knew what Jesus was saying. The cross was not a religious symbol, it certainly wasn’t a piece of jewelry. It was an emblem of suffering and shame. It was where condemned criminals were put to death, in a most humiliating and tortuous way. In the upper room Jesus warned his disciples of the hatred of the world, He said in John 15:18-20,  

¹⁸ "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.  ¹⁹ If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.  ²⁰ Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.

And so John said in I John 5:13, “Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.” If the world hated Jesus, it will likewise hate His followers. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world!” That points to the Maine* Idea in our passage: A balanced, faithful Christian life may bring hardship, but it will bring joy!

III. We should rejoice in the faithful service of others (28-30).

²⁸ I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious.  ²⁹ So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men,  ³⁰ for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.

       “Receive him then in the Lord with all joy…”  Paul is commending Epaphroditus to them as a proven faithful worker.  He is urging them to receive him back joyfully. The theme of “joy” again! He is calling them to rejoice in God’s blessing, your friend is healed, and he is back with you! It strikes me that we naturally, in the midst of a crisis, cry out to God for help. Peter walking on the water, sees the waves and begins to sink. Lord save me! No time to think, it’s the reaction of faith in a moment of need. Yet it seems easier to forget to give thanks and rejoice in God’s answers! Ten lepers healed, only one returns to give thanks. Too often I have been one of the nine. And you? Of Epaphroditus Paul said...

      “…hold such men in high regard…”  There should be a bond, Christian love, a mutual respect, in the “Fellowship of the King.” God himself has put this team together.  Not that he needs us, but he has chosen to use us!  That means we should respect one another. God saw the value, the importance, of each one of us. We have value because God values us! Ray Pritchard asked how many would respond to a position advertised like this:

Wanted: Understudy for well-traveled but trouble-prone missionary. Must be able to suffer illness and hardship without complaining; to travel to distant countries and be separated from your loved ones for long periods of time; to teach and be taught; to evangelize, organize, and be flexible when nothing goes right. Must put up with low pay, long hours, high stress levels, and intense opposition. Often attacked, occasionally stoned, beaten weekly, frequently arrested. Interested applicants should contact the Apostle Paul.

Maybe the Pulpit Committee should try that – that would bring a pile of resumes! I don’t think so! But you want to find a servant, a shepherd who will love the people.

       Note that phrase in verse 30—"risking his life.” The Greek verb means “to expose oneself to danger, to risk, or to gamble.” It was used of people who spoke up for their friends at the risk of their own safety and security. During the time of Constantine – there arose societies of Christian men and women who called themselves “The Parabolani,” meaning “the riskers” or “the gamblers.” They ministered to the sick, the imprisoned, and the outcasts. They saw to it that martyrs received honorable burial. One writer notes that in A.D. 252

…the city of Carthage had a terrible plague and the heathen were so frightened of the germs that were in the bodies of the dead that they literally bagged them somehow and hurled them out of the city, not wanting to touch them for burial.  Cyprian the Christian bishop gathered the congregation of the believing church together and the church members took their bodies and in a gracious act of human kindness buried the dead bodies of the plague-stricken people.  And according to the historians as well, they nursed even the sick people, coming close enough to them to touch them in that plague-infested city, risking their lives to save some in the city and God used them as a tremendous potential, as a tremendous force really to reach people for Christ because of their love.

What are we willing to risk for Christ? Are we willing to take ourselves out of our comfort zone for the sake of the gospel? Or as Paul would say, will we “consider others as more important than ourselves”? Epaphroditus did that, do we? Will we?

What is God saying to me in this passage? The Maine* Idea: A balanced, faithful Christian life may bring hardship, but it will bring joy!

What would God have me to do in response to this passage? God has made us for community and gifted each of us! He has sovereignly and strategically placed us where we are. He will use us to encourage one another in the faith, as together we carry out His mission in the world, starting right here on this peninsula.

       Have we truly offered ourselves as a "living sacrifice" to God? One way we do that is to consider others more important than ourselves, and to do what is best for them. You would do that for your children. We would do it for our spouse. Love one another is not a suggestion, Jesus called it a “new commandment!” It is not an emotion, but a choice, a commitment to think of others. By this men will know that we are His disciples. Are you willing to allow God to use you, to stretch you, perhaps even to sacrifice some of your comfort or security for the sake of the kingdom?  Do we have concern for the spiritual condition of others to the extent that we will love them enough to try to meet their needs and help them find joy in the Lord? In light of what Jesus did for us, how then should we live? AMEN.

THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE KING, PART 1: A Son and a Servant - Philippians 2:19-24

 

THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE KING, PART 1: A Son and a Servant

Philippians 2:19-24

Introduction: Do you remember the epic trilogy; The Lord of the Rings?  In the battle of good against evil a team was assembled to strike a blow against the forces of darkness and cast the ring into the fires of Mordor.  In that epic each one who had a part in the fellowship had a role to fulfill. They were all different, but they were all needed and had a part in the unfolding story. Instead of “The fellowship of the ring,” a title for our next two sermons could be: “The fellowship of the King,” let’s call this part 1, where Paul speaks of Timothy, “A Son and a Servant.” Of course, Jesus is our king. 

       Jesus came as a servant, gave his life for us, and was exalted to the right hand of the father!  We’ve seen Paul’s humility as he just minimized his own importance in the unfolding plan of God by referring to himself as a “drink offering” about to be poured out over the sacrificial faith of the Philippians. He viewed their sacrifice as more important than his own. He now points to two co-workers, colleagues in ministry and brothers in the faith. They had different roles, but each was important in the story that God was writing in history. And each of us who know Christ has been saved for a purpose. 

        In the “Fellowship of the King” we all have a role to fulfill, a contribution to make to the unfolding plan of God.  We are a team – each of us unique, different, and gifted, to complement one another and to serve together in God’s mission. A dear brother of ours, now with the Lord, would often say, “He saved you on purpose, for a purpose.” You were created by God and uniquely gifted to fulfill a specific and important role in His mission in the world. God uses ordinary people like us in the extraordinary program of building His church. If you know Him, you have a part in that mission!

       This week and next we’ll look at two ordinary men, who exemplified faithful Christian living, lives lived in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ (1:27). We’ll see that God uses ordinary people in His mission in the world. Next week we’ll consider Epaphroditus, who seems to be the one who carried this letter to the Philippians on Paul’s behalf. For today, we'll look at Timothy, one who Paul calls his “son in the faith.” Let’s remind ourselves of a little background…

        Timothy was a native of Lystra in the province of Galatia.  His mother Eunice was Jewish and his father was a Greek and possibly an unbeliever.  Since Paul calls him several times his “true son in the Lord” though it doesn’t seem that Paul led him to the Lord, he certainly had a hand in discipling him and leading him deeper in his faith, and mentoring him for the ministry. It could be that they met during Paul’s first missionary journey when he brought the gospel to Lystra for the first time (Acts 14:6-23). Both his mother and his grandmother were believers and had instructed Timothy in the Scriptures (2 Tim 3:15). Paul here commends him to the Philippians. Let’s read the text in the ESV translation…

¹⁹ I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.  ²⁰ For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.  ²¹ They all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.  ²² But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.  ²³ I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me,  ²⁴ and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also. 

As we consider the example of Timothy, let’s consider…

The Maine* Idea: God desires each of us to have the attitude of Jesus, serving others, and so becoming a disciple who makes disciples, as we carry out His mission in the world.

I. God wants us to have the attitude of Jesus: Timothy, like Paul, had a servant’s mind (19-21).  Since we have spread our study in Philippians out over a few months already, it is easy to forget that this is a letter, and every detail must be considered in the context in which it is given. Paul had just spoken of his own situation in which he was willingly, if necessary, to lay down his life if that was the will of God.  Just before that he pointed to the example of Jesus himself, the one who existed in the form of God, and willing took the form of a servant. Before giving the example of Jesus he had urged the Philippians to unity, joy, and to living a life worthy of the Gospel (1:27).  How should we live as followers of Jesus? He now points to his friend and “son in the faith,” Timothy as a trustworthy example of the attitude of a servant. Look again at 2:19-21…

¹⁹ I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.  ²⁰ For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.  ²¹ They all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

       Timothy was someone Paul could trust to serve faithfully and to bring back a trustworthy report of the status of the church in Philippi.  He was sending Timothy to encourage them, know his genuine concern for them, and also so that Paul himself could be encouraged by hearing of them.

       Timothy had a servant’s mind, like his teacher Paul, like his Lord Jesus.  “Like minded” is literally “single-souled”, some translations say “kindred spirit.” They were certainly “on the same page” when it came to life and ministry! Paul could send Timothy with confidence as his representative – he would unquestionably serve for the good of the Philippians and for the glory of Christ.  By the way, remember how Paul started this letter, “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus…” Normally the writer of a letter would identify himself in the opening words, here Paul includes Timothy as essential a “co-writer.” As we have actually read the letter, we’ve seen Paul speaking in the first person singular, “I”, “my”, etc. He is the writer. He even refers to Timothy in the third person, as he does here. Paul, from verse 1, wanted to affirm to the Philippians that Timothy was truly a kindred-spirit, someone that Paul viewed as a partner in the ministry, as his spiritual son.

       Paul’s concern for the Philippians has been evident in this letter, and here he makes the point that Timothy too was genuinely concerned for them. This younger disciple is deeply concerned for the spiritual good of the Philippians. He really has a genuine, heartfelt concern for the Philippians, there was not fake or superficial about it. Rather, Paul says, Timothy is filled with a genuine, authentic concern for them. The word “concern” used here here can be either negative or positive. In some contexts, have the sense “be anxious, worry” (see for example Phil 4:6). According to Steven Lawson,

"Concerned" carries a specific meaning, because it indicates having strong feelings for something or someone. It conveys deep emotions, and it can be used either negatively or positively. It is used in the negative sense later in this letter when Paul writes, "Be anxious for nothing" (4: 6).

Concern is good, it is legitimate, it is normal as we live and serve in this fallen world. But “worry” is forgetting that God is with us always, even in the hard and challenging moments of life. It is to doubt His providence and his care. Be anxious for nothing! Timothy was concerned for others, he thought about the needs of the Philippians. It seems that could not be said of all of Paul’s companions – some were more focused on their own interests, and not so interested in what was best for others. Not all are spiritually at the same level of maturity. Paul could commend Timothy. God desires each of us to have the attitude of Jesus, serving others, and so becoming a disciple who makes disciples, as we carry out His mission in the world.

II. God has a plan for discipleship: We see that in Timothy as he was mentored for ministry (v.22). Timothy was not an unknown character to Paul or to the Philippians.  They knew his testimony, they understood where he came from.

²² But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 

       He had proven character, the implication is that he was not a new believer. He had been walking with God long enough for people to have seen his testimony in thick and thin, in good times and in hard times. When you first believed, were some people waiting to see if this was real, or a passing fad? I believe that was the case in my family!  Remember how Paul and Timothy began to serve together, we have the story in Acts 15:36 - 16:2 at the beginning of the second missionary journey. Let’s read it in the ESV…  

³⁶ And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are."  ³⁷ Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark.  ³⁸ But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.  ³⁹ And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus,  ⁴⁰ but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.  ⁴¹ And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.  ^ESV Acts 16:1 Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek.  ² He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium.

       There was a question about the faithfulness of John-Mark that brought a division between Paul and Barnabas. But as he and Silas went through Asia Minor, God added to their team a young disciple named Timothy. He would prove to be a co-worker that Paul could rely on through thick and thin. Timothy had served with Paul as a son might for a time work with his father, learning his trade, like an apprentice. That was the norm in the ancient world in terms of learning a trade. In times past that was also how many were trained for ministry – being mentored by an experienced pastor. [There is no way that a couple of semesters of Bible college should trump decades of personal Bible reading and involvement in the local church.  You can have the letters after your name, but what matters most is knowing God through his Word.  We should all be students of the Word!]. Through your own devotional reading of the Bible over the years, from the accumulation of sermons you have heard and Bible studies you have participated in, you are learning and growing in your knowledge of the Word.

       As we learn to know Jesus better, I think we start to more consistently think God’s thoughts after Him. Remember, He is working in us both to will and to work for His good pleasure. God desires each of us to have the attitude of Jesus, serving others, and so becoming a disciple who makes disciples, as we carry out His mission in the world.

III. God entrusts each of us with a role in His mission: Timothy is an example of that, he was given a servant’s assignment (23-24). Paul had full confidence in Timothy. He was available and faithful, and God prepared him, He was at work in Him, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Ultimately the Lord of the harvest sends him forth into the harvest field!

²³ I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me,  ²⁴ and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also. 

       “Therefore [because of his proven character] I hope to send him…” By the way, we are all sent! Some overseas, some to families, workplaces, our neighborhoods. This year we missed our VBS outreach. We’ve all felt more isolated these last few months. This too will pass. God will open doors, the mission continues, and children’s ministry will be an important part of that. Is God raising up workers from among us? Remember, no one can do everything, but everyone can do something. We are the local manifestation of the body of Christ – according to His word, He will gift each of us.

       Later Paul will say of Timothy and Epaphroditus, “…hold such men in high regard…”  Haven’t you had people in your life that consistently reflected Christ? You just knew there was something real about them, something authentic. You knew they were interested in you and cared about you. As a believer, you are drawn to them, you respect them, you listen to what they say. There should be a bond, Christian love, a mutual respect, in the “Fellowship of the King.” God himself has put this team together, and He will continue to refine it for His purposes.  Not that he needs us, but amazingly he has chosen to use us!  Ordinary people, but our extraordinary God has chosen to use us in His worldwide mission! That means we should respect one another. We have value because God values us!

What is God saying to me in this passage? Let’s value each other, “…hold such… in high regard…”  There should be a bond, Christian love, a mutual respect, in the “Fellowship of the King.” God himself has put this team together.  Not that he needs us, but he has chosen to use us!  That means we should respect one another.  God has made us for community and gifted each of us! He will use us to encourage one another, and to build each other up, equipping us for the mission. That’s the Maine* Idea:  God desires each of us to have the attitude of Jesus, serving others, and so becoming a disciple who makes disciples, as we carry out His mission in the world.

What would God have me to do in response to this passage? Do you have the attitude of Jesus, who humbled himself, and took the form of a servant? How do you know if have the attitude of a servant? How do you act when someone treats you like one?! It begins with our response to God, offering ourselves to Him out of thanksgiving for all He has done for us in Jesus. Are you willing to allow God to use you, to stretch you, perhaps even to sacrifice some of your comfort or security for the sake of the kingdom?

       Are our plans subject to God’s revision? Do we submit all of our plans (our travel plans, our business plans, even our daily "to do" list) to the sovereign will of God, or do we just press forward in presumption, assuming that we are in control of our life? God get’s the last word!  I had a Jewish student who like to say, “Man plans, and God laughs.”

       If the Lord wills we’ll gather here next week! Remember, as we share the Lord’s Table together in a few minutes, we again show forth the Lord’s death until He comes. He is returning! We should commit to faithfully living a life worthy of the Gospel of Christ. Consider what Jesus did for us, by taking the form of a servant… and becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a Cross. In view of what Christ has done for us, how should we then live? Are we willing to think about the needs of others before ourselves? We can only do that if God is working in us.      AMEN.

Shine Christian, Shine! (or, “God’s Cure for Spiritual Myopia”) Philippians 2:14-18

 

Shine Christian, Shine!

(or, “God’s Cure for Spiritual Myopia”)

Philippians 2:14-18

Introduction: Our granddaughter just recently got glasses. For some time we had noticed her squinting to see things in the distance. She was hesitant about the idea of glasses at first, but when she put on her new glasses, she just couldn’t stop smiling! She said, “Everything looks so clear!” Myopia is a common eyesight problem, and figuratively speaking, it is common in the Christian life as well. We can get so distracted by the struggles of life in a fallen world that are right in front of us, that we can easily lose sight of the bigger picture. Paul used that imagery as he prayed for the Ephesians,

¹⁶ I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,  ¹⁷ that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,  ¹⁸ having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,  ¹⁹ and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might  ²⁰ that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places…

Paul is praying for God to cure the spiritual myopia of his readers, that they might see more clearly the greatness of the salvation they have in Christ. The ESV translation of our passage for today, Philippians 2:14-18, reads as follows:

¹⁴ Do all things without grumbling or questioning,  ¹⁵ that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,  ¹⁶ holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.  ¹⁷ Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.  ¹⁸ Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

The Maine* Idea: As we recognize God’s work in us, and begin to grasp our part in His plan, it gives a perspective that allows us to have joy that goes beyond circumstances. That attitude will be noticed by the world. So…

I. Stop Whining: Do everything without complaining or arguing (2:14-15a)! These verses spell out some implications of how we can begin to work out our salvation with fear and trembling…

¹⁴ Do all things without grumbling or questioning,  ¹⁵ that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation…

       First what we shouldn’t do: murmur and question (v.14). Another translation says, “Do all things without complaining and disputing..”  In hearing that phrase, if you are familiar with the Old Testament, your mind may go immediately to Jews in the wilderness, Exodus 16:6 ff.

⁶ So Moses and Aaron said to all the people of Israel, "At evening you shall know that it was the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt,  ⁷ and in the morning you shall see the glory of the LORD, because he has heard your grumbling against the LORD. For what are we, that you grumble against us?"  ⁸ And Moses said, "When the LORD gives you in the evening meat to eat and in the morning bread to the full, because the LORD has heard your grumbling that you grumble against him- what are we? Your grumbling is not against us but against the LORD."  ⁹ Then Moses said to Aaron, "Say to the whole congregation of the people of Israel, 'Come near before the LORD, for he has heard your grumbling.'"

I guess you get the idea: they grumbled! The Psalmist characterized the attitude of the people during the wilderness wandering in Psalm 78:40-41,   

⁴⁰ How often they rebelled against him in the wilderness and grieved him in the desert!  ⁴¹ They tested God again and again and provoked the Holy One of Israel.

We can think of the nation in the wilderness as an example of complaining against God, but we dare not stop there. Think about how easily we can fall into “complaint mode.” We too easily start complaining or grumbling about even little inconveniences we ourselves experience… I remember reading of a lady who walked into a major department store, and

…suddenly the lights started flashing, whistles were blowing and people came up to her with lights and cameras. She was the one millionth customer in the store! An interviewer explained what was happening, and asked her why she came to the store that day. With an embarrassed look, she said, “I was on my way to the complaint department!”

Oh well! As I read that I thought of how the Scripture says we are “living letters, seen and read of men…” Let’s not be a letter of complaint!

       Even in writing this letter, Paul is an example of not grumbling, of having joy that goes beyond his circumstances: remember, he is in prison!  Rather than grumbling and complaining about his situation or moaning about his adversaries, Paul is expressing his faith and urges the Philippians to live in the joy that can be theirs in Christ.  Remember he just pointed to Jesus as our example of humble service (2:3-8).  Jesus fulfilled to prophecies of Isaiah 53:7, “He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth.” 

       Paul gives at least one reason to live differently: our life is a testimony “…that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault…” (15). Our conduct is a testimony to the world. How we react under pressure says something about the reality of our faith!  One translation captures the sense here when it says “That you may prove yourselves to be…” Our attitude under pressure speaks!

      “…in the midst  of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world…”  The phrase “crooked and perverse generation” echoes the language of Deuteronomy 32:5 where God is describing the stubborn and sinful nation after 40 years in the wilderness,

³ For I will proclaim the name of the LORD; ascribe greatness to our God!  ⁴ "The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.  ⁵ They have dealt corruptly with him; they are no longer his children because they are blemished; they are a crooked and twisted generation.  ⁶ Do you thus repay the LORD, you foolish and senseless people? Is not he your father, who created you, who made you and established you?

Paul deliberately uses the same pair of words that were used to describe the Jewish nation. He is not describing the Philippians with that language, but now, as a part of His church, a mixed church composed of Jews and Gentiles, he is describing the hard hearts they are encountering in the world around them. This is no news flash that will shock you: The world is a bad place.  You can try to hide from it or deny it or ignore it, but we are living in the midst of a “crooked and perverse generation…”  Violence, war, suffering,  sickness, injustice and immorality… it never seems to end.   There was once an understanding of eschatology that has almost died out today called postmillennialism.  The idea was that the influence of the church would gradually increase until finally a “golden age” was ushered in, which would continue for a thousand years until Christ returned to inaugurate the eternal state.  I don’t know of any theologians who hold that view today.  History has shown us and Scripture confirms that things are getting worse, not better.  In the last days, perilous times will come… God has us in the world because He has given us a mission.  We are to be salt and light, living like children of the King, citizens of heaven. We are to look for every opportunity to proclaim the Good News of salvation by Grace alone through Faith alone, in Christ alone. As we recognize God’s work in us, and begin to grasp our part in His plan, it gives a perspective that allows us to have joy that goes beyond circumstances. That will be noticed by the world. So, stop whining, and...

II. Start Shining: Jesus said you are the light of the world (15b-16a)!

“…among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life…”

       In our position we are called to “…shine as lights in the world…”  Jesus used similar imagery in the Sermon on the Mount when He said in Matthew 5:14-16,  

¹⁴ "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  ¹⁵ Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

God gets the glory when we hold fast to His word, and when we hold it forth to the nations. Light dispels darkness. Light exposes what was hidden in the shadows.  Light leads the way. We shine as lights to the degree that we point people to JESUS, the One who is THE Light of the world (John 8:12, cf. 9:5). If He is the light, how can we be described as “shining lights”? The moon shines in the night sky because it reflects the light of the sun.  Without that reflected light the moon would become lost against the darkness of space.  The believer in Christ shines as light in the world only because of the reflection of Christ’s light.  Without that reflected light, the believer becomes lost in the darkness of the world and sin.

       “…holding fast the word of life …” Some translations say, “holding forth the word of life…” Both ideas are true: we hold it fast, and we should hold it forth, since it is the Word of Life. By the way, it seems in the context that Paul intends us to understand the participle, “holding” in the instrumental sense. We shine in the world “BY holding fast/forth the Word…” Perhaps you have memorized Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”  Paul said in Romans 10:17, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ…” It is the Word of Life because it brings life, as we read in 1 Peter 1:23, “…for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.” God has spoken life by His word! And through the Word we recognize God’s work in us, and begin to grasp our part in His plan. So, it gives a perspective that allows us to have joy that goes beyond circumstances. That attitude will be noticed by the world. So 1) stop whining, 2) start shining, and 3…

III. Try Aligning your perspective with God’s: And so find “Big Picture” Joy (16b-18)!

…so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.  ¹⁷ Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.  ¹⁸ Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

       Notice how our passage today started in v.14 talking about not complaining, and it ends in these verses, referring once again to rejoicing in the Lord. He begins here by alluding to a future joy (2:16) “…so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain…” Paul points ahead to a future joy that will be his ‘in the day of Christ…” because of the perseverance of the Philippians.  Remember the reference back in 1:6, “I am confident… that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion in the day of Christ…” They are his crown!  What greater joy could there be than to see one you have loved and encouraged and discipled in the faith standing firm and growing in their relationship with Christ.  John said in v.4 of his third Epistle, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” The promise that God has a plan of which are a part, and that this story is moving to a climax should encourage us who know Him. Yes, the world closes its eyes, but the truth is that Jesus is coming back. For us, that is Good News!

       Because we live in the light of the Word of God, we live in the sure hope of the return of Christ. Peter warned that mockers will ask "Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation" (2 Pet 3:4).  For our part he goes on to say: “…what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,  ¹² looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God…” (2 Pet 3:11-12).  Believe it or not, ready or not, He is coming!  The sure future that we have in Christ is something that can encourage us and give us strength to persevere and yes, even be joyful in the midst of difficult times. Now, we weep, but our sorry will be turned to joy! Jesus wins! But Paul’s faith was not simply based on the future hope of new life in the new heavens and the new earth.  For us the future is present, we have, now… already… eternal life.

       So, we have a sure joy in the future, and because it is sure, we have joy here and now (2:17,18). Listen to Paul’s words again, “…Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.  ¹⁸ For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.” Remember Paul’s perspective: “To live is Christ, to die is gain…”!

       It is not only then and there that Paul will have joy.  He is in Christ, here and now. “Rejoice with you” is a compound form of the work “rejoice” that keeps appearing in this letter. This compound form speaks of “a deep mutuality of purpose and feeling.” Rejoicing together! The same word was used by Luke in describing the relatives of Elizabeth “rejoicing” with her over the birth of John the Baptist (Lk 1:58). Jesus used it of the one who “rejoiced” with friends over finding his sheep (Lk 15:6).

       God’s perspective gives joy, as we align our perspective with the big picture, we start thinking more like Jesus, God’s thoughts stir our love for Him, causing it to well up in our hearts and to overflow. That seems to be the perspective in Psalm 63:1-7,

O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.  ² So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.  ³ Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.  ⁴ So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.  ⁵ My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,  ⁶ when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night;  ⁷ for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.

Joy that goes beyond the moment. Paul uses the language of Scripture to refer to his experience of sacrifice as a priest pouring out the drink offering (Num 15:1-10). From Paul’s perspective the larger, more significant sacrifice is “their faith.” If his life is to be given, it is a small thing in the light of eternity compared to his joy in the Lord.

What is God saying to me in this passage? What’s the Maine* Idea? I) Stop whining, let the trials of life remind you this is why Jesus came! Instead rejoice in what God has done for you in Jesus. Stop whining, and II) Start shining, holding fast the Word of life, and holding forth the Word which is a light to our path, and a lamp to our feet, and dare we say, a lighthouse to the nations! Stop whining, start shining, and III) Try aligning your perspective with God’s. As we recognize God’s work in us, and begin to grasp our part in His plan, it gives a perspective that allows us to have joy that goes beyond circumstances. The world will notice.  Do you see clearly now?

What would God have me to do in response to this passage? Joy in serving Jesus, a joy that goes beyond the circumstances of the moment is at the heart of this letter. The Jews in the wilderness complained against God… and so have we, haven’t we? It may have been in the form of complaining about politics, or restrictions, but did any of this surprise God?  If we question His providence, if we complain about the circumstances that we are facing in this fallen world, it can sound like we are headed to the complaint department. Against whom are we complaining? Whatever you are facing, God has got this, you can trust Him. He will use it for our good, and for His glory. Let’s let the hard things of life remind us that this is why Jesus came. Let them cause you to press in close to God, and to trust Him. Rejoice in the Lord always!  Amen.

Willing, Working, and the Sovereignty of God (or, “How should we then live?”) Philippians 2:12-13

 

Willing, Working, and the Sovereignty of God

(or, “How should we then live?”)

Philippians 2:12-13

Introduction: There is a famous story about Earl Weaver when he managed the Baltimore Orioles… Outfielder Pat Kelley had come to faith in Christ and told Weaver that he had learned to walk with God.  Weaver replied, “I’d rather have you walk with the bases loaded!”  The Christian life is incomprehensible to those who don’t know the Lord (1 Cor 2:14). What does it mean to walk with God? It’s a lifelong process of learning and growth for we who strive to do that!  For Paul theology is always practical – it should make a difference in how we live. What we have in our head, has to make its way to our heart, and then to our hands and our feet. In our context in Philippians, Paul has just pointed to Jesus in his self-humiliation and exaltation as our example: “Have this attitude in yourselves which is yours in Christ Jesus…” Jesus, the sinless, perfect Son of God, is our example of a humble spirit and the attitude of a servant, C.S. Lewis well said that “humility is not thinking less of yourself, it Is thinking of yourself less.” Jesus is our “model” of looking out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others. But there is no way that we are going to come close to his level of obedience.  The Christian life is not difficult, it is impossible if we are trying to live it in our own strength!  The good news: God is working in us!  We can “work out” our salvation, with fear and trembling, because God is at work “in” us, giving us the will, and the ability, to live a life that is pleasing to Him. We work it out – God works in us. If the question is, as I had it in the alternative sermon title which I borrowed from the book written by Francis Schaffer, How shall we then  live?  The answer Paul gives us, under God’s inspiration is…

The Maine* Idea: God is pleased as we obediently work out the implications of our salvation in our Christian lives, trusting in His plan and empowered by His presence even as He works in us.  

I. Human Responsibility: Recognize the Powerful Presence of God as you strive to live your life in humble, reverent recognition of His sovereign hand (2:12). Before talking about God working salvation “in” us, Paul implores the Philippians to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. How many of you like to “work out”? As we look at these two verses, let’s think of the Christian life as a spiritual “work out.”

“¹² Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling…”

       With the word “therefore” Paul again draws a logical connection with what he has already said… Remember the context, “So then…”  In light of what has come before: In view of the fact that God has given us abundant reason to trust him, in light of the example of Jesus in humbling himself and obediently carrying out the Fathers plan 2:5-8), and in view of his exaltation to the throne at the Father’s right hand (9-11), and even back to 1:27 when Paul said, “…Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ…” In fact, if you take a pencil and start in 1:27 right down to 2:11, just underline the imperatives, the commands, that Paul gives… Let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel (1:27); complete my joy by being of the same mind (2:2); Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit; in humility count others more significant than yourself (3); look out not only for your own interests, but for the interests of others (4); have the attitude of Jesus, who took the form of a servant (5). We are called to “Work out our salvation with fear and trembling…” Is this “working out” of our salvation a contradiction to the Gospel of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone?

       Before we look at the admonition Paul is making, let me mention again the way Paul addresses the church… “Therefore my beloved…” The heart of Paul for his people is evident, is it not? He is speaking to brothers and sisters in Christ who he knew and loved. Remember that this is, at its core, a letter of friendship, and the love of the brethren that he urges the Philippians to excel in is also modeled in Paul’s life. Remember the words of Jesus, and how they are reflected so often in the apostolic writing… “By this men will know you are my disciples, if you love one another.” And so, he is not ordering the Philippians in his apostolic authority, but urging them to obedience, to working out their salvation, as a beloved brother in Christ. This then, is how to live!

       You might think, “Wait a minute, I thought salvation was by grace, God’s unmerited favor, what’s all this about work?” Aren’t we undercutting the Gospel? Know that Paul is not saying that we should work for our salvation.  The Bible is very clear that there is nothing we can do to earn eternal life.  We can’t work our way into heaven.  Eternal life is a free gift from God. For example, Paul said in Rom 6:23…

The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord… (NASB).

       That is crystal clear. Eternal life is not earned or deserved, it is a free gift.  Likewise, he wrote in Ephesians 2:8,9…

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourself, it is a gift of God, not as a result of works, that no one may boast…

       So, we certainly do not work “for” our salvation! Rather, we are to “work out our salvation” in the sense that we are to live out the implications of being a saved person, God’s child, forgiven, not yet perfect, but changed, carrying out our part in Christ’s mission in the world. We see the interplay between God working in us, and our responsibility to live our lives in obedience to Him. “How’s your workout going?”

In other words, we are saved “unto” obedience.  I Peter 1:2 says, “…who are chosen  ² according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood…”  Paul writes in Eph 2:10 that “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God ordained beforehand that we should walk in them…” A changed, transformed life is characteristic of biblical Christianity.  James 2:17 says that “…faith, if it has no works, is dead being by itself…”  A changed life, conduct that is characterized by a growing obedience to Jesus is normal, healthy Christianity. This kind of change comes from the inside out, it results from God giving us a new heart.  I like the way John Ortberg put it: "Spiritual growth doesn't mean a life of doing what I should do instead of what I want to do. It means coming to want to do what I should do." We start to think more like Jesus.

“Fear and trembling” are almost always used together in the New Testament in contexts that speak of God’s sovereignty, or of his holiness and power.  It does not mean that we are to be “fearful” of God, rather it implies a deep reverence and respect for the majesty and holiness of God. So, we are not to live out our Christian life arrogantly or presumptuously, but rather with a “humble reverence.”  Why? V. 13 goes on to give the reason, God is working in us! Remember the Maine* Idea: God is pleased as we obediently work out the implications of our salvation in our Christian lives, trusting in His plan and empowered by His presence as He works in us. So we see human responsibility, connected amazingly, interwoven in these two verses, with…

II. Divine Sovereignty: We live the Christian life in humble reverence of God, recognizing His work in us, as we strive to live out His good purpose for our lives (13).  “…for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure…” 

       Why should our striving to live the Christian life, learning and growing in our walk of faith be “with fear and trembling…”? For [that is, “for this reason”] it is God who works in you… How great is our God!  We need to live our lives in humble, reverent recognition of the sovereign hand of God. Here Paul gave the explanation of why our striving to grow in faith and faithfulness is carried out with “fear and trembling,” we recognize that our mighty God, the majestic Creator of the universe, is working in us to shape our will, and to energize and equip us to do His work.

       Think of it, the One who shook the mountain with His presence when He gave Moses the Ten Commandments, the One who parted the Red Sea, who sent fire to consume the sacrifice of Elijah on Mount Carmel. The One who hurled a storm after Jonah when He thought he could run from God’s presence, and then sent a great fish to swallow him alive and give him a three day “sea-taxi” ride back to the beach. He is the God who raised up kings and kingdoms and who brought them down, who spoke through the prophets and in these last days has spoken in the Son, THIS God, the One true God, knows you, and is with you, and is working in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure! Does that stir some fear and trembling in you? What a mighty God we serve! I thought of the story of David and his men, carrying the arc back to Jerusalem. Do you remember this scene in 2 Samuel 6:2-9,  

² And David arose and went with all the people who were with him from Baale-judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the LORD of hosts who sits enthroned on the cherubim.  ³ And they carried the ark of God on a new cart and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. And Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were driving the new cart,  ⁴ with the ark of God, and Ahio went before the ark.  ⁵ And David and all the house of Israel were making merry before the LORD, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals. [A big celebration! What could possibly go wrong?] ⁶ And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled.  ⁷ And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God.  ⁸ And David was angry because the LORD had burst forth against Uzzah. And that place is called Perez-uzzah, to this day.  ⁹ And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and he said, "How can the ark of the LORD come to me?"

God is that holy, that transcendent, that awesome. He could only be approached in the ways He ordained and allowed. That same God, because of Jesus, is present, working in us. Paul admonished the Corinthians to live differently when he said “Don’t you know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”  The presence of the holy, all powerful, creator of the universe should cause us to tremble!   Here he goes even further; God is not only with us and in us, he is purposefully working in us, “…both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Does that astound you, that God finds pleasure in us, as he is working in us? As he sees us responding to Jesus’ example, loving Him and loving others, striving to learn and grow in obedience, putting off our old self with its passions and desires, and more and more conforming our attitude to the mind of Christ, He finds pleasure in us!

       The miracle is that as God is working in us, he will also work through us!  As his plan is unfolding on the stage of human history, he has chosen to include us in his story!  God has worked salvation in us, now “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling…”

What is God saying to me in this passage? The Maine* Idea in these two verses is that God is pleased as we obediently work out the implications of our salvation in our Christian lives, trusting in His plan and empowered by His presence even as He works in us.  

What would God have me to do in response to this passage? I know that one erroneous conclusion that people sometimes draw from the doctrine of grace is that we don’t really have anything we need to “do” once we believe, as though we are just along for the ride. Sometimes we hear the expression, “let go and let God.” I am quite sure that early in my Christian life, I probably led some people astray when they started talking about their favorite sin, with the proviso, “I am not going to give up x-y-z…” I think I told more than one person, “Just believe in Jesus, he’ll take care of changing what needs to change.” What that person was really saying is, “I don’t want to repent, my sin is too important to me.” And I gave them permission, as though believing and repenting were not really two sides of the same coin! If you believe, really, you will repent. I should have said, “Do you really believe that Jesus is who he claimed to be? Don’t you think He gets to make the rules?” Listen to what Paul will say in chapter 3:8-14…

I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ  ⁹ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith-  ¹⁰ that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,  ¹¹ that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.  ¹² Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.  ¹³ Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,  ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

That doesn’t sound like coasting does it? The New Testament clearly teaches the doctrine of Grace. Yet the recognition of God’s sovereign, gracious work demands a response. Listen to John 3:36, in the NASB translation, "He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." Some English translations are ambiguous, but two different Greek words are used. Belief is not contrasted with unbelief, but rather belief is contrasted with not obeying! The implication is that if we truly believe, we will obey, and if we are not obeying, we may not be truly believing! And so, the Bible is full of commands, imperatives. And they are frequently connected: in view of what you have in Christ, considering what God has done for you based on no merit of your own, walk worthy of the calling with which you have been called. In other words, “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling…” Or, as Paul told the Ephesians, “For by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God. Not as a result of works that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, unto good works, which God before ordained that we should walk in them…” Beloved, as you have always obeyed God’s word, “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work, for His good pleasure…”   You may never walk with the bases loaded, but because God is in you, you can learn to walk with God, AMEN.