Work It Out pt. 2

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Paul calls us in Phil. 2:12 to work out our salvation.

To work out (i interpret) means to stay active. If we are to stay active in our physical bodies and stay fit in our physical bodies then that means we have to exercise and work out often, maybe even everyday. They same is true for our spiritual lives. If we are to be growing towards Jesus Christ everyday, then there are certain things I need to do everyday to stay active and in good spiritual shape. Paul is challenging us to move from child/adolescent spirituality into adult spirituality. In the next 6 verses we find ways to grow in our christian faith...

Philippians 2:12-13

-Obedience

-God works in you so that you can work out your salvation. God gives us the ability to know, understand, and obey His Word.

Philippians 2:14-15a

-No complaining

-It doesn't matter how mean someone is or how bad your day is going, that does not give you a reason to complain, argue, and fight with the people around you. It does however give you the right to forgive, love, and move on.

-We have selective grace sometime...we only show grace on the people that we want to but not everyone. Grace knows no boundaries.

Philippians 2:15b-16

-Being A Light

-We are to shine like stars in the universe. Jesus said that we are the Light Of The World. Our lives should direct people towards Jesus Christ.

-Light is a source of life. John 10:10, Jesus came to give abundant life.

-Light is a source of safety. Psalm 23:4, I will fear no evil because you are with me.

-Light is a source of direction. Jeremiah 29:11, God has a purpose for our lives.

Philippians 2:17

-Being Poured Out

-We are put on earth to serve and to bless other people

-Jesus first, Others second, Yourself third

Philippians 2:18

-Rejoice in ALL Things

-Make a decision everyday to rejoice no matter what life throws at you that day.

We wants to change our lives from the inside out. God works in you so that you can work out.

Work It Out

This Sunday morning I will be preaching at the 8:45 (goodnight nurse that's early) service at Foster St. Wesleyan (we also have a 10 and 11:30 service in case you were interested). The staff has been going through the book of Philippians for our sermon series the past few weeks. This week I will be speaking from Phil. 2:12-18. Interesting section of Philippians. My main focus for this sunday is how to "work out" our salvation.

1-What does that mean?

2-How do I do it?

(for the sake of not giving everything away for sunday morning, just in case someone actually reads this... here is a hint of our message)

I love playing basketball, working out, running, and being active. I used to like it much more than i do today. After a back injury it makes doing these things a little more of a task than pure enjoyment. But i remember someone saying years ago that if you dont use your muscles you lose them. So I try as much as possible to use'em so i wont lose'em.

The same is true for our spiritual lives. To workout our salvation is the same as working out your body. If you don't obey God and use the gifts and talents and blessings that God has given you, then you are in danger of losing them. We are called to grow in our faith, trust God more, let God change us more. We are not made to be stagnate believers. We are made to grow closer and closer to Christ until our final breath on earth. In this passage I believe there are 5 ways to "work out" your salvation.

BE HERE SUNDAY MORNING TO HEAR THE REST

(or i may post it monday morning.)

stay HUMBLED

stay FOCUSED

love GOD

love PEOPLE