"Model Servants”
REVIEW
Paul’s letter to the Jesus followers living in a Greek city called Philippi contains the necessary ingredients of a life of “Maintaining the Joy of the Lord No Matter What”. The first ingredient is found in the first chapter where Paul calls us to adopt the
I. ADOPT THE RIGHT AXIS -- SUPERIOR PERSPECTIVE
The Exaltation of Christ in Everything – Passion for Praising Jesus
Make sure our life revolves around the superior life perspective of exalting Christ in everything.
II. MAINTAIN THE RIGHT ATTITUDE -- SUPERIOR PATTERN OF LIVING
Humble Obedience modeled by Jesus – Pleasing Jesus
A. Jesus modeled humble obedience
B. Application of the call to humble obedience
Paul used the example of Jesus’ humble obedience as the model for us to follow.
Have this mind-set (thinking) in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, Philippians 2:5
ARGUMENT
Maintain the mindset of humble obedience demonstrated by Jesus.
Continue to obey as you have been obeying by working out your salvation with a marked seriousness.
Doing so will cooperate with what God is now continually doing in you.
He is continually doing a work on the inside to bring you a point of not only doing what pleases Him but desiring to do what pleases Him.
This working out of your salvation includes living without grumbling or disputing.
Such a life clearly shines like a light in a dark world, demonstrating the magnitude of God’s transforming work as we hold forth the word of life as blameless and innocent children of God.
If you live like this I will have cause to glory when Jesus returns because my hard work and toil proved not to be in vain.
Paul’s application is humbly obeying God which may include serving people.
There are two primary instructions in this passage. Everything else flows out of the two commands. Both commands call for on-going attention. (Present tense verbs)
• Work out your own salvation.
• Do all things without grumbling or disputing.
1. Mandate #1 Work out your own salvation (obey).
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13
a) Mandate “work out your own salvation”
What we can say for sure about this passage is that it does not say work FOR your salvation. God grants salvation as a free gift. It comes with unimaginable capabilities and potential both here and hereafter. It is up to us to “work out” what God has put in. The key to “working out our own salvation” or wholehearted obedience is the fact that God is at work IN US to bring us to the point of not only DOING what pleases Him but DESIRING to do what pleases Him.
Our part is faith – trusting Him to do in us what we cannot do on our own.
O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit (salvation) by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected (sanctification) by the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— Galatians 3:1-5
God grants the belief to believe for salvation yet we must believe.
God grants faith to believe Him for sanctification, yet we must obey.
Peter combines the God and man sides of our salvation.
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith (work out your salvation) with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 2 Peter 1:3-7
b) Manner
“work out your salvation with FEAR AND TREMBLING.”
True faith calls for a commitment to Christ with a strong seriousness. Living out the life God grants is serious business. We should hold our salvation to be a serious calling that requires continual attention and exercise. The SECOND qualifying phrase actually offers greater understanding to the phrase “work out your own salvation.”
as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,
c) Motive – cooperate with God’s work in us
FOR (motivation) it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13
God constantly invests in our life to bring about two things.
One: that we will work for His good pleasure (obey).
Two: that we will desire it.
This call to work out our salvation naturally flowed into a second mandate.
What truly pleases God is wholehearted, unquestioning obedience out of a desire to please God.
2. Mandate #2 Do ALL things without grumbling or disputing.
I used to think that this had to do with life in general. On closer inspection of the context, I think it primarily applies to our attitude related to obeying and pleasing God. How do we really feel about the things God calls us to do? What is our attitude when God challenges us with difficult circumstances and people? There are two reactions that generally crop up; grumble and argue.
GRUMBLING
to grumble because of disappointed hopes, expression of dissatisfaction, discontentment
The example that arises prominent in Paul's memory was the Israelites in the wilderness.
"Let us stop grumbling like some of them and were destroyed by the destroyer." I Corinthians 10
On their way to the fulfilment of God’s Promised Land, these people continually grumbled about their circumstances. They complained and argued with God. God called them “stiff-necked” people. When God calls us to count it all joy or rejoice when unexpected difficulties arise we generally find ourselves, at least at first, grumbling, and disputing; “Why me!” On our way to the glories of a promised rest our faith sometimes lapses and we grumble. If not grumbling, we try to bargain with God or question God.
DISPUTING
Doubt, evil, negative thinking, wrong thinking, questioning, argumentation
Follow Job’s journey to humble obedience out of demandingness and disputing.
Here is where he finally ended up.
Then Job replied to the LORD: “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. You said, ‘Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.’ I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.” Job 42:1-6
The writer of Psalm 73 traveled a similar journey.
Behold, the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches. All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence. For all the day long I have been stricken and rebuked every morning. Psalm 73:12-14
When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you. Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:21-26
To grumble or argue with God is to question His plan and person. Grumbling and disputing arises from a place of pride and rebellion. If we really believe that God works ALL thing together for His glory and our good, we would automatically mind this mandate. We would see whatever happens as a means to our maturity. Rather than grumble and argue we would praise and humbly obey. Paul not only praised God but rejoiced at his difficult circumstances. Without faith it is impossible to please Him. Hebrews 12:6
Paul urges the Philippians to a wholehearted obedience; a serious intentional working out of their salvation in life. It is another way of saying walk worthy; live godly.
3. Outcome of obedience
Paul included the desired outcome of their humble God-pleasing obedience.
a) A shining testimony in a dark world
THAT you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life, 2:15-16
Paul emphasized how such a focus on pleasing God would prove themselves as blameless, innocent children of God without blemish. Such a God-pleasing absence of grumbling and disputing would shine brightly in a dark world where complaining and arguing have risen to an art form. The best witness is a God-honoring witness.
The worst witness is one accompanied by negativity. God give us the responsibility of holding fast/forth the word of life.
HOLD FORTH = Hold toward someone, Host offering refreshment, hold fast
When we fail to exercise our wonderful salvation, our capacity to shine is diminished. We don't want people to refuse to take the Word offered to them because our light is diminished by a negative attitude or hypocritical actions. The greatest damage done to the cause of Christ comes from those holding forth the word of life who don’t live it. You cannot bear testimony to your faith in Christ while at the same time grumbling and disputing concerning His work in your life.
Our standing as children of God is secured by our regeneration. After that there are two categories; blameless, innocent, without blemish OR guilty.
b) A validating testimony of fruitfulness for Paul
holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Philippians 2:16
Paul longed for evidence the time spent among the Philippians bore lasting fruit.
C. Examples of humble God-pleasing obedience
Lest we assume that such obedience was only demonstrated by the sinless Jesus, Paul cited three examples of humble God-pleasing obedience.
1. Paul’s sacrificial service 2:17-18
Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise, you also should be glad and rejoice with me. Philippians 2:17-18
Not only isn’t Paul complaining or arguing with God about his current state of suffering, he rejoices at the opportunity to suffer for the sake of Christ and the Philippians. He did not necessarily refer to martyrdom, although that was possible, but his current difficult circumstance. “even if I am being poured out” “if” high possibility “being poured out” passive present tense. The drink offering was familiar to both Jews and Gentiles. It was wine poured out either on or beside a sacrifice symbolizing the rising of the offering to God or gods. Paul put the priority or emphasis on the Philippian’s faithful sacrifice and service. His considered himself only as the drink offering poured out near the main sacrifice. (Humble obedient service)
He rejoiced at the opportunity to partner with them and calls them to join his rejoicing. Paul will again use this symbol near the actual end of his life and ministry.
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 2 Timothy 4:6
2. Timothy’s humble sacrificial service 2:18-24
At the time, Paul enjoyed the company of his young disciple Timothy and Epaphroditus who the Philippians had dispatched to minister to Paul. Paul continued to demonstrate his servant heart by his willingness to forgo Timothy’s ministry for the sake of the Philippians.
I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also. Philippians 2:19-24
Several things stand out about Timothy’s character.
? He had a kindred spirit with Paul
? He excelled above his companions in his care for others.
Paul used a term often associated with debilitating worry.
"Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' Matthew 6:31
But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; Luke 10:41
It indicated a strong feeling for something or someone to the point of being burdened. Paul had that concern for the churches he served.
Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. 2 Cor 11:28
Another striking observation directly relates to others around Paul but indirectly to Timothy. Paul called out those continually seeking their own interest rather than Christs. The disturbing things is his use of the word “they ALL”. Paul lamented something similar near the end of his life.
You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me… 2 Timothy 1:15
for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica… 2 Timothy 4:10
At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. 2Tim 4:16
In it all, he had this to say.
But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion's mouth. 2 Timothy 4:17
By implication…
? He was Christ-centered not self-centered.
? He had a proven track record of faithfulness to the ministry and Paul
Served in the furtherance of the Gospel
Served Paul like a faithful son.
Paul also offered Epaphroditus as an example of humble obedience and service.
3. Epaphroditus’s humble sacrificial service 2:25-30
I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. Indeed, he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me. Philippians 2:25-30
Paul not only was willing to share Timothy but also another minister to his needs.
What were Epaphroditus’s ministerial credentials?
? He was a believer (brother).
? He worked alongside of Paul (Fellow worker).
? He fought alongside of in the spiritual battle (fellow soldier).
? He faithfully carried out the mission for which he was sent (messenger and minister to Paul).
But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. Phil 4:18
? He deeply cared for the Philippian family.
One reason Paul sent him back was this deep concern for the Philippians. Paul used a word meaning “heavy, full of heaviness”. He was troubled because they received word that he had been sick. It appeared that he had been gravely ill to the point of death. Paul rejoiced in the fact that God took mercy on Him and restored his health.
Question: Paul did not say, “And I laid hand on him and healed him.” Paul also had concern for the “worried” Philippians and eagerly sent him back to alive their fears and bring them joy.
The Paul includes an interesting instruction.
Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard; Philippians 2:29
Why would he have to tell them to receive him with joy? He wanted to make sure they church did not get on his case for “abandoning” Paul or shirking his responsibility for ministering to Paul. The tone is wonderful in this letter. In fact, he not only told them to receive with joy, but hold them to hold him and other like him in high regard. He filled every expectation of service for Christ and to Paul even to the point of death. How do we match up to these characteristics of a faithful servant?
Benediction
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 13:20-21
