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Philippians Chapter Two

 
Chapter Two General Review
 
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
 
1) To appreciate the importance of unity, and how it can be maintained
 by following Jesus' example of humility
 
2) To understand what is involved in "shining as lights in the world"
 
SUMMARY
 
The first chapter included an exhortation to stand fast in one spirit,
with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel (1:27). 
Paul continues with the call for unity, providing reasons why we should
desire unity, the nature of our unity, and attitudes necessary to 
maintain unity (1-4). Stressing the need for humility and sacrificial 
service towards others, Paul appeals to the example of Christ and
expounds upon how far Christ was willing to go to save us (5-11).
 
He continues with another exhortation to "shine as lights in the world"
as they work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. Doing 
all things without complaining and arguing, while holding fast the word
of life, they will prove themselves to be children of God in the midst
of a crooked and perverse generation. This will also prove to Paul 
that his labors have not been in vain, and any persecution he endures 
is viewed as a sacrifice in the service of their faith and a cause for
mutual rejoicing (12-18).
 
He then writes of his plans pertaining to Timothy and Epaphroditus. He
will send Timothy shortly, that he might know of their condition. But 
Epaphroditus is coming at once in order to set their hearts at ease
about Epaphroditus' brush with death due to a recent illness. (19-30)
 
OUTLINE
 
I. EXHORTATION TO UNITY (1-11)
 
 A. THE MOTIVATION FOR UNITY (1)
 1. The consolation we have in Christ
 2. The comfort found in love
 3. The fellowship we have in the Spirit
 4. The affection and mercy we can enjoy
 
 B. THE NATURE OF UNITY (2)
 1. Being of like mind, having the same love
 2. Of one accord, of one mind
 
 C. ATTITUDES FOR MAINTAINING UNITY (3-5)
 1. Do nothing through selfish ambition or conceit (3a)
 2. With lowliness of mind let each one esteem others better than
 himself (3b)
 3. Be concerned for the interest of others (4)
 4. Let the mind that was in Christ be in you (5)
 
 D. JESUS AS AN EXAMPLE OF UNSELFISH HUMILITY (6-11)
 1. Though He was Deity, He was willing to come in the likeness of
 man (6-7)
 2. As a man He humbled Himself in obedience to the point of dying
 on the cross (8)
 3. Therefore God highly exalted Him so that at His name all
 should bow and confess Him to be Lord (9-11)
 
II. EXHORTATION TO SHINE AS LIGHTS IN THE WORLD (12-18)
 
 A. BY WORKING OUT THEIR OWN SALVATION (12-13)
 1. Doing so with fear and trembling (12)
 2. Remembering that God is at work in them (13)
 
 B. AS CHILDREN OF GOD WITHOUT FAULT (14-16)
 1. Doing all things without murmuring and complaining (14)
 2. Blameless and harmless in the midst of a crooked and perverse
 generation (15)
 3. Holding fast the word of life, so that Paul may rejoice in the
 day of Christ (16)
 
 C. VIEWING PAUL'S PERSECUTION AS A REASON TO REJOICE (17-18)
  1. He views it as a "sacrifice", offered in the service of their
 faith (17a)
 2. For this he is glad, and calls upon them to rejoice with him
 (17b-18)
 
III. PLANS INVOLVING TIMOTHY AND EPAPHRODITUS (19-30)
 
 A. TO SEND TIMOTHY SOON (19-24)
 1. That Paul might be encouraged when he learns of their 
 condition (19)
 2. His commendation of Timothy, as one who seeks the things of
 Christ, and who serves with Paul in the gospel as a son with
 his father (20-22)
 3. He will be sent at once, as soon as Paul knows how things will
 go with him, and he himself hopes to come shortly (23-24)
 
 B. TO SEND EPAPHRODITUS AT ONCE (25-30)
 1. Because of his longing for them and his distress when they
 heard he was sick (25-27)
 2. So he is coming that they might rejoice, and Paul himself will
 be less sorrowful (28)
 3. Therefore receive him in the Lord with all gladness, and hold
 such men in high esteem for their sacrificial service to 
 Christ and others (29-30)
 
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
 
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
 - Exhortation to unity (1-11)
 - Exhortation to shine as lights in the world (12-18)
 - Plans involving Timothy and Epaphroditus (19-30)
 
2) What four things should serve as a motivation for unity? (1)
 - The consolation we have in Christ
 - The comfort found in love
 - The fellowship we have in the Spirit
 - The affection and mercy we can enjoy
 
3) What should be the nature of our unity? (2)
 - Being of like mind, having the same love, of one accord, of one
 mind
 
4) What four things are necessary to maintain unity? (3-5)
 - Do nothing through selfish ambition or conceit
 - With lowliness of mind let each one esteem others better than
 himself
 - Be concerned for the interest of others
 - Let the mind that was in Christ be in you
 
5) What is said about Christ that proves Him to be a prime example of
 humility? (5-8)
 - Though in the form of God, He did not consider it "robbery" to be
 equal to God
 - Made Himself of no reputation, becoming a servant and coming in
 the likeness of men
 - He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of dying on
 the cross
 
6) Having been highly exalted, what should every person do at the name
 of Jesus? (9-11)
 - Every knee should bow
 - Every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the 
 glory of God the Father
 
7) What did Paul want his beloved brethren to do in his absence? (12)
 - To work out their own salvation with fear and trembling
 
8) What is said about God working in the Christian? (13)
 - He works in us both to will and to do for His good pleasure
 
9) What two things are necessary if we are to be children of God 
 without fault, harmless and blameless, shining as lights in the 
 world? (14-16)
 - Do all things without murmuring and disputing
 - Hold fast the word of life
 
10) How did Paul view his imprisonment? (17)
 - As being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and 
 service of their faith
 - As a reason to be glad and rejoice
 
11) What two things are said about Timothy? (20, 22)
 - Paul had no one like-minded, who would sincerely care their state
 - He had proven character, having served with Paul in the gospel as
 a son with his father
 
12) How does Paul describe Epaphroditus? (23)
 - A brother, a fellow worker and fellow soldier, their messenger,
 and the one who ministered to Paul's need
 
The Unity That Produces Joy (2:1-4)
 
INTRODUCTION
 
1. At this point in his epistle to the Philippians, Paul is exhorting
 his brethren in regards to Christian living
 
2. In the previous section, we noticed that he encouraged them to
 manifest "Conduct Worthy Of The Gospel" (1:27-30)
 
3. In our text for this study, Paul exhorts them to manifest "The Unity
 That Produces Joy" (2:1-4)
 
4. In doing so, Paul describes three aspects of such unity:
 a. The MOTIVATION for having unity that produces joy (1)
 b. The NATURE of unity that produces joy (2)
 c. The ATTITUDES required for unity that produces joy (3,4)
 
[As we begin, let's carefully consider Paul's description of...]
 
I. THE "MOTIVATION" FOR HAVING UNITY THAT PRODUCES JOY (1)
 
 A. DO WE NOT HAVE ANY "CONSOLATION IN CHRIST"?
 1. When Paul says "if there is any consolation...", he is not
 doubting that there is
 a. This is a common use of the conditional "if...then" where
 given the reality of the "if" clause, "then" a point should
 naturally follow
 b. For example, consider Ga 3:29...
 1) Where Paul wrote "If you are Christ's, then..."
 2) The "if" does not suggest doubt that they could be
 Christ's for in the previous verse he said that they
 were!
 c. In such cases, the "if" means the same thing as "since"
 2. Indeed, there is MUCH consolation (comfort) to be found in
 Christ!
 a. As expressed to the brethren at Thessalonica, there is
 consolation from Christ in "every good word and work"
 - 2 Th 2:16-17
 b. And as written to the Corinthians, such consolation abounds
 even in the midst of tribulation - 2 Co 1:3-5
 
 B. DO WE NOT HAVE ANY "COMFORT OF LOVE"?
 1. Do we not enjoy any comfort that comes from love?
 2. Does not the love that comes from God, Christ, the Holy Spirit,
 and even our brethren provide any comfort? - again, cf. 2 Co
 1:3-5
 3. Indeed, it does to those who will receive it!
 
 C. DO WE NOT HAVE ANY "FELLOWSHIP OF THE SPIRIT"?
 1. Indeed, all who have been baptized into Christ has received the
 gift of the Holy Spirit - Ac 2:38-39; 5:32
 2. As the church (the temple of God), the Spirit dwells in us 
 - 1 Co 3:16
 3. Even our individual bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit 
 - 1 Co 6:19
 4. Not only by the Spirit have we all been baptized into one body,
 but have all been made to drink of the one Spirit - 1 Co 12:13
 cf. Jn 7:37-39
 5. Indeed there is a true "communion of the Holy Spirit" available
 for Christians - 2 Co 13:14
 
 D. DO WE NOT HAVE ANY "AFFECTION AND MERCY"?
 1. There is the "affection" that comes from Jesus and from other
 brethren - e.g., Ph 1:8
 2. There is the "mercy" that comes from our loving Father in
 heaven - Ep 2:4-7
 
[Enjoying all these benefits, should they not serve to encourage us to 
have "The Unity That Produces Joy"? It certainly moved Paul to write 
and encourage the Philippians toward this "unity"!
 
But exactly what kind of unity is it that produces joy...?]
 
II. THE "NATURE" OF THE UNITY THAT PRODUCES JOY (2)
 
 A. IT INVOLVES "BEING LIKE-MINDED"...
 1. Which means to "think the same thing"
 2. That this is a necessary quality of unity is evident from
 Paul's comments in 1 Co 1:10
 
 B. IT INVOLVES "HAVING THE SAME LOVE"...
 1. This is a natural consequence if we are first "like-minded"
 2. Having the same love, we will love:
 a. The same things, in matters pertaining to Christ and His
 church!
 b. One another with the same kind of love
 1) Our love for one another will be of the same kind: 
 sincere, fervert, and from a pure heart - 1 Pe 1:23
 2) Our love for one another will be mutual, not one-sided,
 as is often the case
 
 C. IT INVOLVES "BEING OF ONE ACCORD"...
 1. Literally, "of one soul; having your souls joined together"
 2. It suggests acting together as if ONE soul is driving them
 3. Therefore, working together in complete harmony, not as
 separate entities going our separate ways
 
 D. IT INVOLVES BEING "OF ONE MIND"...
 1. The NASV says "intent on one purpose"
 2. Not only working together outwardly, but inwardly, having the
 same purpose and intentions
 
[When such conditions exist in a local congregation, then "The Unity 
That Produces Joy" will be fully experienced!
 
But what are the attitudes required for having such unity?]
 
III. THE "ATTITUDES" REQUIRED FOR THE UNITY THAT PRODUCES JOY (3,4)
 
 A. "LET NOTHING BE DONE THROUGH SELFISH AMBITION OR CONCEIT"...
 1. First, it is necessary to point out those attitudes we should
 NOT have!
 2. Possessing these attitudes will destroy unity
 a. For both involve "self-centered" attitude
 b. Rather than a "Christ-centered" attitude
 3. Therefore, it is required that we rid ourselves of:
 a. The DESIRE FOR EXALTING SELF ("selfish ambition")
 b. The IMPROPER ESTIMATION OF SELF ("conceit")
 4. In place of these, we should substitute...
 
 B. "LOWLINESS OF MIND"...
 1. In other words, humility
 2. This will effectively replace the problem of "conceit"
 3. Humility should be easy to maintain if we remember our own
 faults
 
 C. "LET EACH ESTEEM OTHERS BETTER THAN HIMSELF"...
 1. This should be easy for us to do...
  a. For we are aware of our own defects, but we do not have the
 same clear view of the defects of others
 b. We can only see their OUTWARD conduct; in our case, we can
 look WITHIN
 c. We see our own hearts, with all its faults; we cannot so
 look into the hearts of others
 2. In writing to the brethren at Rome, Paul exhorted them to outdo
 one another in this regard - "in honor giving preference to one
 another" - Ro 12:10b
 
 D. "LOOK OUT...FOR THE INTERESTS OF OTHERS"...
 1. This attitude eliminates the problem of "selfish ambition"
 2. It is the attitude of MATURITY, and was the attitude of Christ!
 - Ro 15:1-3
 3. So it should be the attitude of every Christian!
 
CONCLUSION
 
1. These attitudes are essential if we are going to have "The Unity That
 Produces Joy"!
 
2. This is not to suggest that these attitudes ALONE will bring about
 such unity...
 a. For "The Unity That Produces Joy" comes only when it it is unity
 based upon the truths Jesus taught
 b. These attitudes without that truth will only produce a false sense
 of joy
 c. But without these attitudes, holding to the truth itself will not
 give us the joy we seek!
 
Therefore, let us "fulfill our joy" by making sure that we manifest
these attitudes as we attempt to live according to the truth that is in
Jesus!

The Mind Of Christ (2:5-11)
 
INTRODUCTION
 
1. In verses 1-4 of this second chapter, Paul wrote about "The Unity
 That Produces Joy", in which he described:
 a. The MOTIVATION for having this unity
 b. The NATURE of this unity
 c. The ATTITUDES necessary to have this unity
 
2. In describing the latter, he called upon the Philippians to:
 a. Do nothing through selfish ambition or conceit
 b. Have lowliness of mind in which they esteem others better than
 themselves
 c. Look out for the interests of others, and not only those of their
 own
 
3. In verse 5, Paul continues to exhort them to have "this mind" (the
 attitudes of verses 3-4), pointing out that this is also the "mind of
 Christ"
 
4. In the following verses (6-11), Paul elaborates on the "mind of
 Christ" (or the attitude of Christ), which will serve as the focus of
 this particular study...
 
[First, note that "The Mind Of Christ"...]
 
I. LACKED SELFISH AMBITION OR CONCEIT (6)
 
 A. PRIOR TO HIS INCARNATION...
 1. Jesus was "in the form of God"
 a. That is, "He existed as essentially one with God" (Vincent's
 Word Studies)
 b. This is in accord with what we read in Jn 1:1-3
 2. He was also "equal with God"
 a. Again notice Jn 1:1
 b. He certainly shared similar glory with the Father (Jn 17:5),
 something the Father refused to share with any created being
 (cf. Isa 42:8)
 
 B. YET CHRIST DID NOT CONSIDER SUCH EQUALITY "ROBBERY"...
 1. Literally, "a thing to be grasped"; that is, something to be
 laid hold of, and retained jealously
 2. The "glory" of equality with God which Christ enjoyed from
 eternity was not something He felt like He HAD to cling on to
 3. A true demonstration of a lack of selfish ambition and conceit
 on the part of our Lord!
 
 C. DO WE HAVE "THE MIND OF CHRIST"?
 1. Do we consider our "standing" before others (whatever that may
 be) something to be held on to?
 2. Do we consider ourselves more important than others, and
 consider that distinction something to be preserved at all
  costs?
 -- IF SO, THEN WE LACK "THE MIND OF CHRIST"!
 
[As we continue to read on in our text, we see also that "The Mind Of 
Christ"...]
 
II. LOOKED OUT FOR THE INTERESTS OF OTHERS (7-8)
 
 A. WHEN CHRIST BECAME FLESH...
 1. He "made Himself of no reputation"
 a. Some versions say "emptied Himself"
 b. He divested Himself of the "glory" He had with the Father 
 - cf. Jn 17:5
 2. He took upon Himself "the form of a servant"
 a. He did not come as a "king", "nobleman", etc.
 b. But as the lowly son of a simple carpenter
 3. He came "in the likeness of men"
 a. As such, He could experience their temptations and
 sufferings - He 2:14,17-18; 4:15; 5:7
 b. In other words, though deity, He was truly "man" (not some
 sort of "superman")
 4. He "humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death,
 even the death of the cross"
 a. Consider He 5:8
 b. Though in every way a man like you or me (while still the
 Son of God), He humbled Himself and obediently suffered and
 died on the cross!
 -- WHY DID JESUS DO ALL THIS?
 
 B. HE DID IT ALL FOR THE SAKE OF OTHERS!
 1. He became man, humbled himself as a man, was obedient, and then
 died on the cross...because it was in our own best interest!
 2. He did it, to bear OUR reproach - cf. Ro 15:1-3; Isa 53:4-6
 3. Yes, He was looking out for OUR interests!
 
 C. DO WE HAVE "THE MIND OF CHRIST"?
 1. We do, if we are looking out for the interests of others
 2. We do, if we are willing to humble ourselves, even sacrifice
 ourselves if it be in the best interests of others - cf. 1 Jn
 3:16
 
[Such is "The Mind Of Christ", one of humility and service to others; 
but it is also one that is...]
 
III. HIGHLY EXALTED BY GOD (9-11)
 
 A. IN THE CASE OF JESUS...
 1. He is a good example of the Scriptural maxim: "He that humbles
 himself shall be exalted"
 2. For God has highly exalted Jesus in two ways:
 a. In the PRESENT - by giving Him "the name which is above
 every name" (the name by which men must be saved - Ac 4:12)
 b. In the FUTURE - that at His name "every knee should bow...
 that every tongue should confess" He is Lord! - Re 5:11-14
 
 B. BUT ALSO IN OUR CASE...
 1. Those who possess "The Mind Of Christ" will participate in that
 great future exaltation of Christ! - Ro 8:16-18; 2 Th 1:10-12
 2. Isn't this a wonderful motivator for us to have "The Mind Of
 Christ"?
 
CONCLUSION
 
1. We have seen in this passage that "The Mind Of Christ" involves...
 a. Humility
 b. Obedience
 c. Sacrifice
 d. Great Reward
 
2. Do we possess "The Mind Of Christ"? We should, for it is the "key"
 to:
 a. The unity that produces joy!
 b. One day sharing in "glory" together with Christ!
 
3. As Christians, let's be diligent to manifest "The Mind Of Christ" in
 our relationship to God and to each other
 
If you are not a Christian, why not begin possessing "The Mind of
Christ" by following His example of humble obedience to the Will of God?

Work Out Your Own Salvation (2:12-18)
 
INTRODUCTION
 
1. One of the things that interests me about Paul's writings is that he
 is intensely practical
 
2. He always relates...
 a. Doctrine and duty
 b. Creed and character
 c. Faith and life
 ...to him, these are inseparable!
 
3. So it is now, that having described the example of Christ, he bases
 upon that example his exhortation to earnest endeavor towards
 spiritual progress (Ph 2:12-18)
 
4. In this passage, Paul exhorts Christians to "Work Out Your Own
 Salvation"; in this lesson, there are several observations I would
 like to make concerning what this involves
 
[First, consider that as you "Work Out Your Own Salvation" that...]
 
I. THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF OBEDIENCE (12a)
 
 A. THAT DONE ONLY IN THE PRESENCE OF OTHERS...
 1. This is a very common form of obedience
 a. Done only when others are around
 b. Because we fear what others might think if we don't behave a
 certain way
 2. Yet Paul did not want the Philippians' obedience to be of this
 sort
 a. For then it would only be what he calls elsewhere
 "eye-service" - cf. Co 3:22
 b. Their faith would then be an "environmental faith" (a faith
 which is active only if the environment is conducive to it)
 
 B. THAT DONE IN THE ABSENCE OF OTHERS...
 1. This is the proper form of obedience
 a. Done to please God, conscience, and no one else!
 b. This type of obedience remains faithful no matter what
 others do or think
 2. It is this type of obedience...
 a. That Paul hoped for in the lives of his beloved friends
 b. That we should render in our service to the Lord and His
 cause
 
[Secondly, we should also bear in mind that as you "Work Out Your Own
Salvation"...]
 
II. IT INVOLVES THE WORKING OF BOTH MAN AND GOD (12b-13)
 
 A. MAN HAS A ROLE TO PLAY IN HIS SALVATION...
 1. He must "work out" his salvation
 a. As Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost - Ac 2:40
 b. And also wrote later to Christians - 2 Pe 1:10
 -- Therefore man is not totally passive (or helpless) when it
 comes to his salvation!
 2. He must also have "fear and trembling" in working out his
 salvation
 a. There is a place for the right kind of fear in the life of a
 Christian
 1) The "fear of the Lord" is the beginning of knowledge
 - Pr 1:7
 2) The "fear of the Lord" will cause one to hate evil
 - Pr 8:13
 3) The "fear of the Lord" will prolong life - Pr 10:27
  4) The "fear of the Lord" provides strong confidence and is
 a fountain of life - Pr 14:26-27
 5) The "fear of the Lord" prompts one to depart from evil
 - Pr 16:6
 6) The "fear of the Lord" leads to a satisfying life, and
 spares one from much evil - Pr 19:23
 7) The "fear of the Lord" is the way to riches, honor, and
 life! - Pr 22:4
 b. Prompted by the "fear of the Lord" to hate evil, depart from
  it, and turn to God where they will find wisdom, life and
 honor, they will also come to find that love which dispels
 any improper kind of "fear" - cf. 1 Jn 4:17-18
 c. But many never experienced such love from God because they
 have not had the "fear and trembling" in the first place!
 
 B. BUT GOD IS ALSO VERY MUCH INVOLVED IN OUR SALVATION!
 1. Notice that Paul writes "for it is God who works in you"
 a. We are not alone in our efforts to serve God
 b. God is always there to help us along
 2. In what way does God "work" in us? Paul identifies two ways:
 a. "to will" - God helps us in our desire and motivation to do
 His will
 b. "to do" - He works right along together with us!
 3. This does not deny that man is a free moral agent...
 a. Paul has already said to "work out your own salvation"
 b. But when we offer ourselves in service to God, He becomes
 our partner, our "co-pilot" - cf. He 13:20-21
 1) At our conversion, He begins a new work in us, and
 intends to complete it - cf. Ph 1:6
 2) Through His indwelling Spirit and Son, He gives us
 whatever strength we need - Ep 3:16; Ph 4:13
 3) So that, whatever we may become in the Lord, it is by His
 grace! - 1 Co 15:10
 c. Unfortunately, many Christians hinder God's work in them by
 their lukewarm attitude (or is it their lack of faith in
 God?)!
 d. God can work (and is willing!), but only if we let Him!
 4. Knowing that God is at work IN us, this ought to provide
 further motivation to work OUT our salvation!
 
[As we read on, we learn that one is to "Work Out Your Own Salvation"...]
 
III. DOING SO WITHOUT MURMURING AND DISPUTING (14)
 
 A. MURMURING WAS THE DOWNFALL OF ISRAEL...
 1. Notice 1 Co 10:10-12
 2. This can also be a problem among many Christians today whenever
 they face hardships
 3. But we are told that God is ever ready to help us (1 Co
 10:13), and that He is in us both to "will" and to "work"
 (Ph 2:13), so why complain?
 4. Rather, rejoice for the opportunity such "tribulations" give us
  to develop spiritually! - Ro 5:3-5; Ja 1:2-4
 
 B. DISPUTING OFTEN FOLLOWS MURMURING...
 1. Those who murmur are likely to be the same ones who begin
 disputing with others
 2. All it accomplishes is ill will, and in many cases, unnecessary
 division
 3. Shall we dare destroy the unity for which Christ died on the
 cross to attain?
 
[We need to heed Paul's exhortation to "Work Out Your Own Salvation"...]
 
IV. SO YOU CAN SHINE AS LIGHTS IN THE WORLD (15-16)
 
 A. TO SHINE AS LIGHTS, WE MUST BE CHILDREN OF GOD WITHOUT FAULT...
 1. Which is possible only if we "become blameless and harmless"
 2. Which requires doing all things "without murmuring and
 disputing"
 3. Which can only happen if we allow God to "work in" us as we
 "work out" our own salvation; in other words...
 a. Allow God go forgive us in obedience to the gospel
 b. Allow God to strengthen us through His Word and prayer
 c. Allow God to change us in conformity to His Will
 
 B. TO SHINE AS LIGHTS, WE MUST BE "IN THE MIDST" OF CROOKED AND
 PERVERSE GENERATION...
 1. Lights are valuable only if they are used to dispel darkness
 - cf. Mt 5:14-15
 2. Though we are to "be separate" from the world (2 Co 6:14-18),
 we must "not isolate" ourselves from it - cf. Jn 17:15,18;
 1 Co 5:9-11
 3. We must associate with those in the world in order to be a
 positive influence
 
 C. TO SHINE AS LIGHTS, WE MUST "HOLD FAST" THE WORD OF LIFE...
 1. Some translations read "hold forth"
 2. Certainly we should do both...
 a. "hold fast" the Word of life (by our study and obedience to
 it) - 2 Ti 2:15
 b. "hold forth" the Word of life (by offering it to those in
 the world) - Mk 16:15
 3. In both ways, we are to be like "The Statue Of Liberty"
 a. Showing the way
 b. Offering hope to those in need
 
[Acting as "lights in the world", we bring great joy to those who taught
us the Word of God (16).
 
Finally, Paul writes that as you "Work Out Your Own Salvation", it
should include...]
 
V. REJOICING IN YOUR SACRIFICES (17-18)
 
 A. WE MAY BE CALLED UPON TO SACRIFICE OURSELVES...
 1. It may be in service to our own faith, or in the service of the
 faith of others
 2. It may be a sacrifice of time, energy, money, or even life
 itself
 3. But it is for a good cause, and this is how Paul viewed his
 possible execution for the cause of Christ
 
 B. SUCH SACRIFICES CAN BE AN OCCASION FOR GLADNESS AND REJOICING!
 1. This is how Paul viewed it
 2. For he knew his sacrifices were in the cause of saving others
 3. And he knew that their salvation would ultimately bring him
 greater joy at Christ's coming - cf. 1 Th 2:19-20
 4. Does not the prospect of seeing each other in the presence of
 the Lord at His coming...
 a. Make any sacrifice for one another worthwhile?
 b. Constitute good reason to be glad and rejoice in sacrificial
 service?
 
CONCLUSION
 
1. Such are some of the things involved in the salvation God offers
 
2. Are they included in YOUR efforts to "Work Out Your Own Salvation"?
 
3. As someone has suggested: "Work as though it all depended upon you,
 but pray as though it all depended upon God"
 
4. Indeed we should, for as we work out our salvation, it is God who is
 working in us!
 
Are you doing YOUR part?

"SHINING AS LIGHTS IN THE WORLD"
 
 In The Midst Of A Crooked And Perverse Generation (Ph 2:12-16)
 
INTRODUCTION
 
1. A grave concern to any thoughtful Christian is how quickly our
 society is changing, and clearly for the worse
 
2. As some theologians would describe it, we now live in a
 "post-Christian culture"
 a. This simply means that the old norms once held true are no longer
 accepted by the majority
 b. For example, people as a majority once believed in God, that the
 Bible was the Word of God, and that Jesus was the Son of God; but
 such is no longer the case
 c. The majority no longer accepts certain basic principles of
 morality taught in both the Old and New Testament, even ridiculing
 those people who do as "old-fashioned" and "un-enlightened"
 
3. That we live in a "post-Christian culture" is true both socially and
 religiously
 a. Socially, in that divorce, remarriage, living together without
 marriage, and homosexuality are now commonly accepted as
 "alternative lifestyles"
 b. Religiously, in that women in the role of church leadership,
 homosexual ministers, and various forms of "new age" religions are
 now accepted by many
 
4. How are Christians to react to this change in our society?
 a. What can we do to change the direction in which our society is
 heading?
 1) Should we form "political action committees" and try to change
 it using the organizational powers of the church?
 2) Should we resort to boycotts, picketing, or other forms of
 "economic blackmail"?<