Living in light of Christ

Philippians 2:12-18

Big Idea:  4 ways a Christian should respond to the person and work of Jesus

#1 Grow through God-Empowered Effort (v. 12-13)

“This fear is self-distrust; it is tenderness of conscience; it is vigilance against temptation… It is taking heed lest we fall; it is a constant apprehension of the deceitfulness of the heart, and of the insidiousness and power of inward corruption”

• Kenneth Wuest, Wuest’s New Testament Word Studies

What are the tools I use, and what does God use, to create the masterpiece?

• Our tools:  Reading and obeying the Word of God, a deep prayer life of communion with God, corporate worship, Church community
• God’s tools:  All of the above + life events he brings you through – including suffering! Your relationships, your personality, skills and spiritual gifts

What prevents Christians from exerting God empowered effort to create a masterpiece of their lives?

1. Thinking it’s all our work that creates the masterpiece
2. Ceasing to work since “God is working in us”
3. Forgetting that effort produces maturity, not merely “time” in the faith

What is the masterpiece God wants to make out of your life?

• God wants to create in you a unique expression of the image of Christ

#2 Be a non-complaining child of God (v. 14-15)

Application

1. Look to thank and encourage others
2. Respond to struggles or suffering without bitterness
3. Serve with a glad heart
4. Silence conspiracy theorists and vocal critics by supporting your church leadership

#3 Shine in the world by clinging to the Word (v. 15-16)

Application

1. Seek to know the gospel from every possible angle
2. Cling to the Word of Life by reading the Bible every day

#4 Rejoice in lives offered to God (v. 16-18)

“the drink offering was the accompaniment of a larger sacrifice; it was the small thing which brought a major offering to completeness.’  Paul seems to be saying, therefore, that if he had to die, he would be happy to regard it as ‘the finishing touch’ to their lives of service and sacrifice”

• J Alec Motyer, The Message of Philippians