Working Out Our Salvation Series

I love the way Paul puts it in Ephesians 4:29. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Would you repeat that first phrase out loud with me? “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths…” Nothing unwholesome from our lips; no complaining, no arguing...just words to build people up.

Now the key to do this is to fill our heart and mind with wholesome thoughts. If we fill our heart and mind with wholesome thoughts, then the words that come out of our mouth will be wholesome. Have you been able to memorize our key verse for this series yet? I hope so. It has to do with what we think about. It’s Philippians 4:8. Let’s repeat it out loud. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Verse 15 indicates when our language reflects God’s grace then we’ll stand out in the crowd. Paul describes the world around us as “crooked and depraved.” That’s graphic language. But we see this, for example, in the foul language that’s commonplace in society. I’m shocked by the vulgarity I overhear in casual conversations at Starbucks. Strange as it may seem, it was only a generation ago when “Gone With the Wind” created shock waves for recording the first curse word on film. My, oh my we have come a long way in just a few short years!

But once we begin to rid ourselves of the world’s vocabulary, once we stop the complaining and negativity, and, instead, once we begin to speak wholesome words to build people up instead of tearing them down, we will “shine like stars in the universe.” In other words, we’ll begin to stand out; people will notice the difference and our testimony will then “hold out” or declare or make known the Gospel—which is the word of life. Titus 2:8 encourages us to behave in such a way that it makes “the teaching about God our Savior attractive.” I can’t think of a more dramatic way to make the Gospel attractive then choosing to use words that are positive and encouraging.

Thus, (1) We’re to follow Christ’s example of obedience by diligently working out our salvation and (2) We’re to follow his example by using language (words) that reflect his love and grace. Finally, (3) we’re to follow Christ’s example in our attitude especially as we face suffering.

3. Our Attitude

(Read 2:17-18) At the time he was writing the Philippians Paul was under house arrest in Rome. He was held prisoner for two years not knowing if he would be released or if he’d be executed for his faith. That’s the background of verses 17&18. Paul is saying that even if he’s executed, even if his life is poured out like a drink offering, he would still rejoice and be glad.

The Jews along with other ancient religions practiced drink offerings. After placing the sacrificial animal on the altar, the priest would take wine or water and pour it either on the burning sacrifice or on the ground in front of the altar. The drink offering symbolized the aroma of the offering rising into God’s presence. Paul likens his possible death to a drink offering being poured out over the sacrifice and service of the Philippians. Whatever happens, even if he dies for his faith, Paul is glad and he rejoices. And, in verse 18, he encourages the Philippians to rejoice with him.