Philippians 2:12-18

Philippians 2:12-18

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Lights in the World

¹² So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. ¹³ For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose. ¹⁴ Do everything without grumbling and arguing, ¹⁵ so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world.¹⁶ Hold firmly to^[a] the message of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn’t run or labor for nothing. ¹⁷ But even if I am poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. ¹⁸ In the same way you should also be glad and rejoice with me.

Questions:

1.       We must obey the Lord.  When our parents ask us to obey them, we should, even if they aren’t around.  Paul is making sure that the people of Philippi obey the Lord even though he isn’t with them.  Why is it important to obey when no one is looking?

A.     You want to be obedient to the Lord.  You shouldn’t need a pastor, or parent to teach you everything, and to be there all the time telling you how to live.  You need to take ownership of your Christian walk.

2.      How do we work out our own salvation?

A.     By reading the Bible. Praying to God for wisdom, listening to God, obeying His commandments. 

3.      How is God working in us?

A.     He is perfecting His masterpiece to be perfect.  We are His masterpiece

4.      In verse 17 Paul says, “Even if I’m poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.”  Why does he say that

A.     Even if Paul dies he knows he would die because he teaches the word of God.  He knows he will be in heaven with God and that he would be an example to others.

5.      How can we do everything without grumbling?

A.      Ask God for help, it’s not easy, but can be done.  Pray for help, pray that he would soften your heart.