Working Out - God's Way!

Both the message above and the commentary shown below
Are inspired by God and delivered by Pastor Tom Jones

The book of Philippians is not simply about the way God puts the believer's life in order, but what comes out of that order. Ultimately it is thinking and acting like Christ.

If you possess a mind set on doing, thinking and being like Christ, that mindset strengthens you.

Philippians 2:12-16

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹² So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; ¹³ for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
¹⁴ Do all things without grumbling or disputing; ¹⁵ so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, ¹⁶ holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.

1 Timothy 4:7-16 gives us an excellent understanding of how to look at today's passage of scripture. He goes on to remind Timothy that using your gifts requires an effort so that others may see your progress.

1 Timothy 4:7-16

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

⁷ But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; ⁸ for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. ⁹ It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance.¹⁰ For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.
¹¹ Prescribe and teach these things. ¹² Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. ¹³ Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. ¹⁵ Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. ¹⁶ Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.

Today's passage from Phlippians 2:2-16 presents us with this theme:

The proof of God's work in our salvation.

God's work affects our will and motivation and moves us toward an obedient live.

Verse 13:

Philippians 2:13

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹³ for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

1 Corinthians 1:30 is maybe my favorite verse among the salvation scriptures in the Bible.

1 Corinthians 1:30

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

³⁰ But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption.

Our humility, our character and attitude toward others are the proof that his salvation works.

We validate his work in us by being blameless and innocent children in this world.

Verses 15 & 16:

Philippians 2:15-16

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹⁵ so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, ¹⁶ holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.

"Blameless" is the state of not having sinned against others.

(hamartia)

"Innocent" is living life reduced to simplicity...not complex.

Our obedience stands in stark contrast to the behavior of the world.

The perverse world in which we live stands directly opposed to the way the world is supposed to operate.

Jesus said,

"If someone wants you to go with him one mile, go with him
____________"
(click here for the answer)

Jesus said, 

"Don't forgive your brother seven times, forgive him
____________"

(click here for the answer)

Jesus said,

"When you did it to the least of these, my brothers,
____________"

(click here for the answer)

1 Peter 1:13-19

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹³ Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ¹⁴ As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, ¹⁵ but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; ¹⁶ because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

¹⁷ If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; ¹⁸ knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, ¹⁹ but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.

message from

Fair Park Community Church at 8858 W Schlinger Avenue in Milwaukee, WI 53214

We're located just west of Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis, Wisconsin

(414) 778-1706

Services are at 10:15 every Sunday, so stop on by!