WORKING OUT WHAT GOD IS WORKING IN
Have you ever seen examples of health, fitness, success, and achievement in people and want that but don’t have the knowledge or motivation to get there? Perhaps the thing most difficult about a good example is its inability to accomplish the same achievements in our own lives.
“Admiration for a great person can inspire us, but it cannot enable us. Unless the person can enter into our own lives and share his skills, we cannot attain to his heights of accomplishment. It takes more than an example on the outside; it takes power on the inside.” Wiersbe, Be Joyful, p 69.
This can be the same in our Christian walk. Paul has just presented Jesus Christ as our great example in the exercise of humility and service. We read it, and we agree with it, but how do we go about practicing it? We all want to be holy and loving like Christ, but attaining this can seem like we are reaching for the stars. The reality is the knowledge, power, and motivation has been provided. God is working in us; we just have to be aware of His work in us and how to work it out.
V. 12-13
V. 12a
Planting and pastoring a church requires a spiritual leader to be present. Paul had effectively discipled and taught the people what it looks like to be a follower of Christ. Now, in his absence, it’s all the more important that they put into practice what they had learned from him.
Their calling is to obey not just because he is around, but because obedience is a fitting response to God. -FLBC, p 1105
V. 12b
Paul is not suggesting that an individual's justification before God requires some kind of supplemental labor to make it effective. Moreover, it should be noted that the word "salvation" (soteria) carried with it three distinct senses. There is a past dimension to salvation: justification–when an individual is declared righteous because of one's faith in Christ and is moved from being under the dominion of sin to a position of reconciliation with God. There is a future dimension to salvation: glorification–when God's full purposes in reconciliation are fulfilled at the second coming of Christ. But there is also a present dimension to salvation: sanctification–the process by which an individual grows and conforms more and more to the image of Christ. -FLBC, p 1105
“Work hard to show the results of your salvation” was a call to actively participate with God, not for salvation or justification, but in the sanctification process.
“Obeying God with deep reverence and fear” or with “Fear and Trembling.” In view of God’s holiness and in view of His mercy or sacrificial love to save you…obey and live out in the following areas of your life (v.14-18).
“This phrase stresses reverent awe before a holy God. Proverbs 9:10 reminds us, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” Such fear is not terror of rejection, for “there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1), but it is a sober awareness that we serve a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:28-29). Paul urges believers to “perfect holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1), treating discipleship as weighty and glorious business.” -Berean Study Bible
A life truly saved will have the attitude of gratitude and a respect or fear of God, who is Holy and calls for holiness in us.
This verse is similar to Paul’s prayer in 1:11: “May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.” May our cooperation and working out our saved life look more like Christ.
V. 13
Verse 13 is one of the few verses in the Bible that point to what God is doing in our hearts and minds from salvation on. God is working in you and me, giving us the desire and power to do what is right. The work is done by God through the Holy Spirit. The desire or motivation, and power are from the Holy Spirit.
Without the Spirit at salvation, we are not born of the Spirit. Apart from the Holy Spirit, we can’t possibly obey and grow. If we don’t have the Spirit, we won’t be responsive to God and want to follow His commands. But thank God, all who believe are reborn and given a new heart and the Spirit.
Ezekiel 36:26-27 And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.
John 1:12-13 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
V. 14-16
Paul appeals to this evidence of salvation being worked out in everyday life by calling the people to live noticeably different lives in their society. Three virtues are mentioned: life without complaining and arguing, live holy and honest lives that shine in a dark and crooked world, and hold firmly to the word of life.
The term "complaining" refers to a spirit of discontent or grumbling. In the context of the Israelites' journey in the wilderness, complaining was a significant issue (Exodus 16:2-3, Numbers 14:27). -Berean Study Bible. This could also be complaining about one another.
"Arguing" involves disputes or contentions that can lead to division. The Greek word used here (διαλογισμός) can also imply internal reasoning or questioning, which can manifest as outward disputes. Paul is addressing the need for unity and peace within the church. - Berean Study Bible
“Live clean, innocent lives…shining like bright lights or stars.” This is a call to be holy and pure, privately and publicly. Living holy and avoiding complaining and arguing serve like shining stars in a dark world, showing the way to Christ. Paul certainly has in mind here:
Daniel 12:3 Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.
V. 16
“Hold firmly to the word of life” or “As you hold forth the word of life.” Holding to the word fastly or firmly in how we live, but also holding it forth in the darkness to shine the gospel for the world to hear and see through our lives.
(Philippians 2:16) pictures believers extending God’s life-giving message like a torch into a dark world (Philippians 2:15).– The “word” is the gospel that imparts eternal life (John 1:1–4; 1 John 1:1–2).– Holding it “forth” means both clinging to it personally (Psalm 119:105) and offering it publicly (Matthew 5:14–16; Acts 13:47). -Berean Study Bible
V. 17-18
Paul viewed himself as being poured out like a drink offering on behalf of the Philippians (v. 17). But instead of sorrow, he rejoiced. “Poured out” is from the Greek word spendomai, used of a drink offering given as a sacrifice to God.
“...just like your faithful service is an offering to God.” Paul used the same word for sacrifice (thysia) in Romans 12:1, where the sacrifice the believer or priest in the Old Testament offers is his body.
“Service” (leitourgia) is the same word translated “ceremonies” in Hebrews 9:21 (cf. Phil. 2:25, 30). This means that the work the Philippians did for God was considered an act of worship. Lightner, R. P. (1985). Philippians. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 656). Victor Books.
Rather than being discouraged about his circumstances, Paul had great joy!
V. 19-30
Paul commends two men who have become faithful servants who have given their lives for the gospel and for the interest of others.
Timothy has proven His genuine love and care for the church and for the gospel by serving faithfully with Paul.
Epaphroditus was a church member of Philippi sent to bring Paul encouragement and a financial gift for ministry. Paul calls him, “true brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier.” On his journey and time with Paul, Epaphroditus almost died from a sickness. Epaphroditus risked his life for the work of Christ.
These two serve as exemplary models of the humble service of Christ, which we learned about in our previous scripture.
Application:
God works in, and we work out
The verb “work out” carries the meaning of working out to full completion, like a math equation. Or working a field to get the greatest harvest possible. The goal of working out what God is working in is to become more like Christ. To be conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). Knowing God’s goal, knowing Jesus, and knowing the Word helps us know the direction the Spirit is going in. When we know God’s direction is the Word, and the Word is the way of the Spirit, we know what to think, speak, and do. We work out what God is working in.
It is not by imitation first, but by incarnation (Imitation is still applicable but we need the incarnational presence of Christ in us, first).
“Too many Christians try to obey God from pressure on the outside, and not power on the inside.” Warren Wiersbe, Be Joyful, p 73.
God has worked a new mind and new heart in us by giving us His Spirit to help us think and act differently.
Romans 8:1-14 NLT (Big Slides)
Here’s an example of it looks like to work out our salvation…
Romans 6:12-14 Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. 13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. 14 Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.
Cross reference: Galatians 5:13-26
Check our hearts and attitudes, choosing holiness, holding forth the Word of life, the gospel, and offering our lives as living sacrifices (Timothy and Epaphroditus).
God doesn’t just give us the desire to be holy, He also gives desire to do His work
Giving us the desires to do what pleases Him isn't just about Holy behavior; it’s also about doing His will and work on earth. It’s about being willing vessels that serve God and go on everyday missions to participate in His will on earth.
Example Paul, Timothy, Epaphroditus, the church
On Epaphroditus, Wiersbe said, "What a tragedy it would be to go through life and not be a blessing to anyone.”
God is more concerned with the worker than the work
God wants to work in us before He will work through us.
God took 40 years to bring Moses to the place where he could lead the people of Israel. As Moses tended sheep during those 40 years, God was preparing him to shepherd his people out of slavery and into the promised land.
God prepared David to slay a giant by working faith and courage in him by slaying a lion and a bear, first.
When the worker is right, the work will be right.
Stop thinking you can live out salvation by human effort. Stop striving without fellowship with God. Stop striving against and resisting the Spirit’s work in you. There is no joy in striving on human effort, just exhaustion. However, when we surrender and submit to the way of faith in Christ, we experience joy. Jesus said, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” Seeking, depending on, and following Jesus is everything you need. From there, you’ll be who you need to be for everything else. In short, surrender striving and live out of the abiding.
Discussion
What is one thing from the message that resonated with you?
Wiersbe said, “Admiration for a great person can inspire us, but it cannot enable us.” How does this idea relate to our walk with Christ?
What does it mean to “work out your salvation” in your daily life?
Philippians 2:13 says God gives both the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. How have you experienced that in your own life?
Where in your life do you find yourself striving in your own strength instead of abiding in Christ?
What additional notes did you make during the sermon?
What can we pray for regarding the sermon? Do you have any prayer needs?
The most important decision you will ever make!
If you’re ready to trust in Jesus for salvation and eternal life, we encourage you to process this decision with a strong believer and when you’re ready, say a simple prayer like this from your heart: Dear God, I acknowledge and admit I have sinned. I see my need for Jesus Christ. I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I believe I am forgiven and cleansed of my sin by His death. I also believe I have eternal life because of His resurrection from the dead. I repent, I turn away from my old ways and I choose to live my life to worship you and follow Jesus, Amen!
We would love to know if you decided to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Let us know here.
Pray Together
We hope you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!
