The Word Without Blemish

The Lord Has Come – He Shines Through You

(Philippians 2:12-16, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, November 24, 2019)

[12] 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, [13] for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

[14] Do all things without grumbling or disputing, [15] 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, [16] 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.

What role has God planned for obedience in our lives? Could we ever be saved by our works? Why not? Are works then irrelevant to our salvation? Why do works matter?

Obedience and Salvation

Why did Jesus come? The humiliation and exaltation of Jesus as seen in Phil. 2

Christ's obedience is our salvation. If we could have done it, the cross would be useless.

Yet Paul's call to the Lord's beloved church in Philippi: Obey

Obedience is the outworking of God's salvation in the Lord's children.

Why the Fear and Trembling? (See Mark 16:8 for another example of trembling.)

The I-Am is at work in you

Both to will and to work

For his good pleasure

What does it look like to have God shine through us?

Do all things without grumbling or disputing (See 4:2)

Blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish (See 1 Peter 1:19, sacrifice)

In the midst of a crooked and twisted generation (See Acts 20:30 and watch out)

Among whom you shine as lights in the world (luminaries on Christmas Eve)

Holding fast to the word of life... (See 1 Timothy 4:16, keep a close watch on)

What should grace look like in us? Case in point: Philemon and Onesimus

(More on the rest of verse 16 next week—The example of Paul)

THE POINT: Jesus saved us by his obedience. He shines through us by ours.

Applying these verses:

1. It is the Word that shows us Jesus and obedience. Don't let it run away from you.

2. Confusing our obedience with his dishonors the Lord and disturbs our assurance.

3. Ignoring the duties of grace diminishes our joy. Closing illustration: Jan Manson

Old Testament Reading—Psalm 119:137-144 – Righteous are you, O LORD, and right are your rules.

New Testament Reading—Romans 9:19-33 – Righteousness that is by faith and not based on works