Philippians 2:12-13
"Cooperation With God’s Operation"
Gospelcom Bible Gateway
"12Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now 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 do for His good pleasure.
INTRODUCTION:
Any activity in life where there are two parties involved demands cooperation. Marriage requires two people who will collaborate together to ensure that they adjust to each other and respect each other. Corporate business requires cooperation, as does a team sport. Christianity is no exception. Following Christ is not a unilateral endeavor where we sit and watch. Nor is it something we single-handedly work hard to attain. Once we’re saved we must cooperate!
INTRODUCTION:
1. Are you a bumper sticker Christian?
2. Following Jesus is not just a decision, it is cooperation with God's operation.
3. You have been given a brand new heart by God and this requires a certain amoun of cooperation with the operation that God has done in your life.
4. Ceasing to grow and to cooperate with God's work in your life causes a stoppage of growth in your life.
4. GK Chesterton opnce said, "The Christian faith has not been tried and been found wanting it's been found difficult and left untried."
I. The Pattern of Cooperation
A. Therefore - three times this has been used (1, 9, 12)
1. Tying a thought a thought in chapter 1 to chapter 2
2. Talking about Jesus humblling Himself
3. Paul is exceeding practical
4. All theology ought to lead to practicality. All doctrine ought to lead to deeds
B. Practical application oin 12 & 13
1. Theological truths always lead us to a practical application of the truth
2. The Philippians have always obeyed in Paul's presence.
3. Much more in his absence should they obey.
C. We don't have Paul in our church today but in the same way we have The Scripture, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit
D. Our pattern of cooperation is Jesus Christ.
E. The test is when all of the "props" are gone and one is left with total accountability before God.
F. As a mentor and discipler we will "ween" people off of us and onto total dependence upon God.
G. Great description of a beleiver-v12
II. The Process of Cooperation
A. It’s Our Responsibility
1. Work out your salvation
a. This is not "God helps those who help themselves"
b. Ben Frankiln said this not the Bible
c. The Bible does say, "God helps the helpless "
d. Most people have trouble with the concept of grace
e. A lot of people think it is too simple to except God's salvation and that they need to work at salvation
2. These are post-salvation people not pre-salvation audience
1. He does not save work "for", "towards", or "at" your salvation
2. work out = "katagadzomai"
a. to work out something out until it is solved or completed
b. Mmining out ore in the mountain.
c. Working a field
3. Takes the cooperation of the musician to play the music that the composer has written
4. Carry to completion your salvation to it's ulimate goal = (Romans 8) The image of His Son
5. Work out what God has worked in
B. It’s in Our Own Personality
1. We have our own salvation and relationship with the Lord.
2. You have your own way of doing things in the Lord
3. Please refrain from being a "cookie-cutter" Christian
4. Be yourself
C. It Requires Our Humility
1. Fear and trembling
a. This is a healthy reverence
b. This is a sensitized, tender conscience before God
c. A nervous and trembling anxiety to do right
d. We love Him and respect Him so much that we are afraid of displeasing Him
2. The knowledge of what we will become (the image of God) ought to cause us to have this in our lives
III. The Power for Cooperation
A. God’s Power Enables Our Desire
B. God’s Power Enables Our Deeds
C. God’s Power Enables Our Destiny
APPLICATION:
1. What is the difference between salvation by God’s grace apart from your works and Working out your own salvation? What is God’s part to your Christian life and what is your part?
2. What desires has God given to you that you can verify with scripture? How are you acting on this God-given vision?
MEMORY VERSE FOR THIS WEEK:
Philippians 2:12-13
"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now 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 do for His good pleasure."