Philippians 2.12-21 (text below)
Aim: To seek NOT my “own” things but the things which are Christ’s
Subject Sentence: Seek what is Christ’s and not my own.
I. WORK OUT!!! With the ENERGY He has put in me!
Work out (do/work/perform/cause) my salvation (rescue or safety physically or morally) with fear and trembling, knowing that it is God that is working (ENERGIO – providing ENERGY to be fervent/effectual/doing/showing forth) in ME to both WILL (decide) and to DO (ENERGIO – put ENERGY into!) His good pleasure (accomplish what delights HIM in our lives – the things that are GOOD!)
Application questions:
Am I WORKING OUT what He is working in ME to do – He has given me ENERGY to do things that are GOOD and what DELIGHTS Him – am I putting forth the ENERGY He has given me to be fervent, effectual, DO, and show forth His ways in my life today??!!
WORK IT OUT – am I working it out with fear and trembling, knowing I WILL give account if I let His energy lay waste?
II. Do all things without murmuring and disputing, holding forth the Word of life.
Appplication questions:
Am I irreproachable and innocent?
Do I hold forth, paying attention to, the LOGOS of ZOE – the Word of LIFE –
being a DOER of the Word and not just a hearer? It isn’t doing any good just because He provided the energy to do good things if I don’t PUT FORTH the energy to accomplish those things in my life!!!
III. Offer yourself for the sacrifice and service of others’ faith – care for the state of others, seeking the things that are Christ’s.
Application questions:
How do I seek the things which are Christ’s and help others’ faith and state?
What TANGIBLE things am I doing TODAY for others and their furtherance of faith, which is actually seeking the things which are Christ’s heart?
“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye 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. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me. But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.”
(Phil 2:12-21 KJVS)
