Recently Pastor A has been highlighting Philippians 2:15, “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.” He’s driving home the point that Christian growth is necessary and expected. What he’s been talking about is sanctification, “a progressive work of God and man that makes us more and more free from sin and more like Christ in our actual lives.” Philippians 2:15 falls within the context of 2:12–18. It will be helpful for us to explore how this passage relates to the immediate context. We’ll take a look at the first part of this passage this week.
1. Work Out Your Salvation (Philippians 2:12–13) “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, 13for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
1. What does it mean to “work out your own salvation”? Sanctification
2. How (or in what manner) are you to “work out your own salvation”?
3. How are you able to “work out your own salvation”? What does this tell you about your growth in Christ? Who should receive the glory for your sanctification?
4. According to this passage, who benefits from your growing in Christlikeness? Does this surprise you? Why or why not?
2. Do All Things… (Philippians 2:14–15) “Do all things without grumbling or questioning, 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.”
1. What does it mean to “Do all things without grumbling or questioning”? Keep the context in mind. How does doing “all things without grumbling of questioning” relate to working out your salvation? Does this limit “all things”? Now how would you answer the first part of this question?
2. For what reason or purpose are we to “Do all things without grumbling or questioning” with regard to our sanctification? According to this passage who benefits from your sanctification?
3. How does your sanctification relate to your Christian witness?
Application
1. One of the illustrations Pastor A used was of a oil lamp. He described how our sanctification is like a lamp. It needs oil to burn, so that one may shine as a light in this crooked and twisted generation. The thing is, sometimes our oil runs low, sometimes to the point that it seems in danger of running out. However, Isaiah 42:3 tells us, “a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench.” This is greatly reassuring. Even when our faith seems at it weakest, when we are struggling with sin, Jesus does not snuff us out. He ignites the spark and fans the flame. You may ask ‘Why doesn’t Jesus quench our wick?’ 17th century puritan, Richard Sibbes, provides the following answer: “First, because this spark is from heaven: it is his own, it is kindled by his own Spirit. And secondly, it tends to the glory of his powerful grace in his children that he preserves light in the midst of darkness, a spark in the midst of the swelling waters of corruption.” Take comfort that no matter how dark things get, no matter how much you struggle, for his own glory Jesus will not let your light be snuffed out, but he will rekindle it.
2. Take time this week to look at your own heart, particularly the areas you may be weak in your walk with the Lord, places where your oil is low. Repent and the ask the Lord to fill you up with his Spirit and give you the strength to grow in the grace and knowledge of him.
