2022.05.22 - A Life Of Personal Obedience

Opening Statement: Personal obedience can be a challenge, especially when we feel tempted to believe that we stand to lose more through our obedience than we might gain. However, obeying God is essential to pleasing Him—not just in times of temptation, but at all times. I) Work out your salvation (12-13) A lot of people find these verses confusing because they go, “Wait a second. I thought I was saved by faith in Jesus, not works? What is this working out my salvation? And who’s supposed to do the working here? Is it me or is it God?” Well, let’s take a closer look at these verses and see what they mean. There are three important principles in these two verses: A) You can’t work out what you don’t already have Philippians 2:12 is not talking about working to earn your salvation. It is talking about working out your salvation in obedience to God. You can’t work out what you don’t already have. Faith comes first, then obedience. B) Don’t take the working out of your salvation lightly Salvation is not only something you receive, but something you do. Working out your salvation means obedience. You need to work out your salvation with an attitude of awe and respect towards the God who saved you. Don’t take the working out of your salvation lightly. C) It won’t work out unless God is already working in Remember, God is the one who began this good work in you, and he is the one who will carry it on to completion. (Philippians 1:6) In fact this is the reason you are to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, because God is working in you. II) Back up your witness with your life (14-16) What’s the old saying? “Your actions speak so loudly I cannot hear what you are saying.” Personal obedience is an essential part of your gospel witness. You must back up your witness with your life. A) No complaining or arguing (14) And Paul starts with a doozy here: no complaining or arguing. Not do some things without complaining or arguing. Not do most things without complaining or arguing. Do everything without c