Introduction:
Our Heavenly Father wants everyone to be saved.
(I Timothy 2:3-4) “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” NKJV
Yet most seem unconcerned about their eternal destiny. In our text, Paul urges and exhorts his beloved brethren to make every effort to maintain their personal salvation – their deliverance from guilt and the consequences of sin.
Text: Philippians 2:12-18 urge us to attain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and maintain it until death.
Body:
- The Need for Obedience
- Philippians 2:12 “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;” NKJV
- “Therefore” – Just as Jesus’ humility led Him to become obedient to death, our obedience to Jesus will lead to our salvation from spiritual death. These christians needed to be as faithful in Paul’s absence as they were while he was with them. Maybe even more so! He encourages them [present tense] to continue to work out their salvation – to carry out to the very end. They could lose it if not careful. “Once saved, always saved” is a false and soul-damning teaching. Christ offers the gift of salvation. Man must reach out and obtain it. He obtains it by obedience, not by “faith alone.” The only kind of faith that saves is an obedient one. (James 2:24) “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” NKJV “Own salvation” – I cannot be saved for you, and you cannot be saved for me. It is something that I must personally do. I can’t be saved by proxy. We can’t hire out our duty! “Fear and trembling” – Earnest anxiety and caution It is a type of caution that doesn’t trust oneself to carry out all of God’s requirements but does all he possibly can to fulfil his duty. (Take heed lest ye fall.) Indeed, there exists a vital need for man’s obedience.
- The Need for God Philippians 2:13 “for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” NKJV After stressing man’s role in his salvation, he now emphasized God’s part in man’s salvation. “Man can ‘work out’ only if God works in.” God’s part is infinitely more important than man’s. But man’s part is still necessary. “Works in you” – Supplies the energizing or the power Result? We determine to follow God and thus obey Him. This satisfies God’s purpose and meets His approval. Also, Hebrews 13:20-21 “Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” NKJV
- The Need for A Pure Life
- Philippians 2:14-18 “Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or laboured in vain. 17 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.” NKJV
- Verse 14 “No complaining and disputing” – Wrong attitude This was not the mind of Christ. Complaining is a Greek work that sounds like buzzing of bees. Constant noise – murmuring – like much whispering The Children of Israel who complained were “destroyed by the destroyer.” (I Corinthians 10:10) “nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents;” NKJV Disputing – Arguing and debating, probably with God Example: “I know your word says, but I think. . .”
- Verse 15 Blameless and harmless – The purpose of not complaining and murmuring so you may become blameless, harmless, and children of God without fault. Free from fault, deserving no rebuke; Pure, sincere. By living a life free from blame and possessing a character of holiness, we can become examples to a world which is wicked, corrupt, and depraved. Christ Himself said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) NKJV
- Verse 16 Holding fast – Probably holding forth the word of life and fits with the previous verse. Lighthouses provide illumination so those on ships can be saved from perilous waters and rocks. Christians are to faithfully proclaim the Word of God to all who will listen. The Word of God protects from the lake of fire and brimstone; it gives life. . . (John 6:63) “It is the Spirit who gives life, the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” NKJV Obeying it is the only means of obtaining salvation. Their faithfulness to the end would be a great cause of rejoicing for Paul. His labours, on their behalf, would not have been in vain.
- Verses 17-18 Sacrifice and Service – The Philippians’ faith had produced lives of sacrifice and service for their Saviour. Paul sees the possibility that his blood might be poured out as an offering upon their sacrifices. Even so, he would gladly die for his Master! What an attitude!
Conclusion:
God wants you to be saved. He offered up His Son on the cross as a sacrifice for mankind’s sins. Obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, by having a penitent faith, which leads you to confess His name and be baptised. Then, continue to work out your salvation by leading a pure life before God.
Lesson is brought to you by: Bro Petras
