John Carter – May 21, 2017 – Philippians 2:12-18
When Living in the Shadow of Our Humble Savior

{Sermon Manuscript}

Introduction

Often when studying the Bible, we are only looking for how the text applies to us individually. And for good reason. The Bible does apply to us individually. However, at times we do this to the neglect of the communal nature of the scriptures, our relationship with God and even our salvation. The reality is, Christ did not die for an individual. He died for his corporate people. From the very beginning, God has had his eye on his people and even Heaven is filled with countless people and creatures who join in declaring the Glory of God. If we are to properly understand the text of Philippians 2:12-18 then we must do it with our sights set on the community of God; not just ourselves. As we move through this text the importance of the communal aspect of this text should become evident.

Before we jump into our main text we need to understand what is preceding verses 12-18. In verses, 1-5 Paul is calling for a deep, deep humble unity of the church at Philippi. In verses, 5-8 Paul bases this call on the humble obedience of Jesus, the Son of God, in his willful and obedient death at the loving command of  God the Father. This leads Paul to pen a glorious Hymn in verses 9-11 declaring the glory of the Son and the eternal worship that he will receive. Three things we need to grab from Philippians 2:1-11 it that (1) Paul is calling an entire local church to humility, because (2) Jesus Christ is Humble, and therefore (3) the natural response of the Church will be to forever join in the eternal praise of the worthy Father and Son through the power of the Spirit.

This leaves us in a spot of awe and wonder to ask, how are we, the church of God, to live in the shadow of our humble Savior? I believe Paul has told us how to do this. So I hope by the power of the Holy Spirit to help us see clearly the answer in Philippians 2:12-18.

Philippians 2:12-18[1]

¹² Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, ¹³ for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

¹⁴ Do all things without grumbling or disputing, ¹⁵ that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, ¹⁶ holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. ¹⁷ Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. ¹⁸ Likewise, you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

If we pause and reflect on this text I think we can see this text come together to answer our question, how are we to live in the shadow of our humble Savior? The answer is simply put we do it together.

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, (v12)

Look at the words “beloved”, “you” and “your”. We don’t easily see this in our modern English Bibles, but these are all plural forms of you. The ‘you’ is not an individual, but individuals. The Letter to the Philippians was written to the church in Philippi. It was to be read in the public worship gatherings. So it makes sense that Paul would address the body of Christians as a group. That is why it is important that we do not forget that this text is written to a body of believers, not individuals. Because if we forget that then we will begin to lose the continuity of this passage and the unity of the letter overall.

We can see very clearly that Paul loves this church. He calls them his beloved. Not a romantic term, but a tender phrase used for those you love and care deeply about. Paul’s coming commands are not loveless but filled with a deep love for those whom he is commanding. And what he is commanding may be very hard to hear. We will break the command of verse 12 into three parts.

FEAR AND TREMBLING

Often I have heard that Biblical fear is to be understood as reverence. But I think that too often this is done to soften the wrath of God. And ultimately this is a disservice to who God is, not clarity. For example, if you have ever been to the Grand Canyon you would be silly to diminish the fear and trembling you feel as you peer over the edge that is on average one mile above the canyon floor. The Grand Canyon demands fear. But that fear does not stop me from going. That fear does not stop me from loving and enjoying the beauty of the canyon. Rather, that fear keeps me from stupidity or any other foolish behavior. But only the person in danger of falling off the edge is unable to appreciate the same beauty the person firmly planted can clearly see. This is because fear in its proper context coincides with the importance of the circumstances (see also: Philippians 3:7-11).

WORKOUT YOUR SALVATION

For those of us who reject a salvation that is based on our good—please let’s do the best we can to not shout out all the Bible passages (many written by Paul) to let us know that “by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works” (Ephesians 2:8-9). And I agree with that, but before we cast off this verse of works, let’s take it at face value for a moment. The working that Paul is speaking of here is a very clearly a laborious work. Not something that is easily done by the faint of heart. But we must also see that this is not the work that results in salvation, but the work that proceeds from salvation. I love how one commentator put it, “The Philippians are exhorted to carry their salvation to its ultimate conclusion, namely, Christlikeness. The salvation spoken of here is not justification, but sanctification, victory over sin and the living of a life pleasing to the Lord Jesus” (emphasis mine)[2]. This is diligent work that proceeds from a certain and secure salvation and results in our sanctification, not our justification.

YOUR SALVATION

Although Paul addresses the people in the plural he mentions their salvation in the singular. This gives evidence that although we are all each individually saved, our faith is not private and limited to our own experience. Tony Merida of Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, NC rephrases the verse like this, “so, work out your own salvation—and do so with brothers and sisters in the context of the local church”[3]. It is true, you do not need to go to church to be saved. But if you willfully neglect the visible body that Christ died for, you’re probably not a Christian (1 John 4:20; 5:2).

for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (v13)

For those who have been holding their breath since “work out your salvation”, you can breathe now. Paul finishes his thought. Despite our best efforts to work out our salvation, it will never be good enough. But the good news is found here in verse 13. You are not the one working. God is! Psalm 127:1 says, “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” Oh, beautiful day. God is working in us. We are not left alone to do the monumental work of sanctification. What we do will succeed because God is the one doing the work. A commentator says it like this,

“In verse twelve, we have human responsibility, in verse thirteen, divine enablement, a perfect balance which must be kept if the Christian life is to be lived at its best. It is not a ‘let go and let God’ affair. It is a ‘take hold with God’ business. It is a mutual co-operation with the Holy Spirit in an interest and activity in the things of God. The saint must not merely rest in the Holy Spirit for victory over sin and the production of a holy life. He must in addition to this dependence upon the Spirit, say a positive NO to sin and exert himself to doing the right.”[4]

Another commentator reminds us that “we must work out our salvation every day by the grace of God.”[5] The Christian is not God, but neither is the Christian lazy. For it was the “joy set before” Christ (Hebrews 12:2), that he bore the cup of wrath for our benefit and his glory. We lose too many battles with sin because we lose focus on how important God’s work of salvation is. It’s so important that he, himself, works and wills for good! When we sin, our gut response should be, “Christ didn’t die for this!”[6] He didn’t die for us to revive the old man. But neither did he give us life to let us fail either. He gains no joy from our failure. God will not only do the work. His work will also be good.

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, (v14)

I would like to remind us that we are looking at this text to find an answer to a question.

Question: How are we to live in the shadow of our humble Savior?

Answer: We do it together.

This is made painfully clear in verse 14. Here is a clear command to put away the bitterness of the tongue that often surfaces as grumbling and disputing. This is a form of bitterness that requires two or more to accomplish. Who do we grumble against? Each other. Who do we dispute with? Each other. Why? Because “we can’t live up to the expectations of other all of the time.”[7] We fail each other. And this is not good. But neither is grumbling. Consider the grumbling and disputing of the Israelites in the wilderness. It was regular and usually unwarranted. But what was Moses’ response? “Your grumbling is not against us but against the LORD” (Exodus 16:8). Our sinful reaction to that is, ‘praise God I’m not like those disobedient Israelites.’[8] Then we learn in the first letter to the church at Corinth that “these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction” (1 Corinthians 10:11). In other words, we may be grumbling against each other, but if we pause for a moment and consider the testimony of the word of God, our grumbling in truly against God.

Some additional thoughts on this grumbling:

• The word for grumble (murmur) is an Onomatopoetic[9] A word that is what it sounds like. (Honk, Duh, Grr, etc.)
• Grumbling and disputing quickly becomes gossip.
• It has that awkward conversation feel of, “What’s going on here!” “Nothing.” {S}
• A Christian complaining is as silly as a man complaining his car broke down on a block away from receiving an inheritance of an entire fleet of cars.[10]
• Just because the Disciples has their moments of Grumbling and Disputing, it doesn’t mean we should follow in their footsteps.

that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, (v15) holding fast to the word of life, (v16a)

Honestly, most of us tell others to stop grumbling and disputing because we want to be good moral people. But in all biblical honesty, biblical morality will send you to hell just as much at outright murder will (Matthew 19:16-30). We abandon such beautiful truth when we boil down not grumbling and not disputing to just being good. The issue is not only about being good. The greater issue is about the Gospel. Christian, when we grumble and complain the Gospel is at stake. More specifically our witness about the Gospel is at stake. For example, I have been told that when driving a vehicle (especially at high speeds) you can turn or you can accelerate, but you can’t do both. In a similar form, you cannot simultaneously be bitter and winsome with the Gospel message.

Coming back to the main theme, once again we see the communal nature of this verse. Paul has in mind not independent agents of the Gospel, but a family. A group of people bound together. People who are innocent. This word of innocent carries the idea of wine not watered down, or in the south sweet tea not watered down. Or even the idea of purified metal without any alloy.[11] Christian, we live among a broken, crooked and twisted generation. So why would we waste time grumbling and disputing with each other? Later in this letter, Paul writes, “I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life” (Philippians 4:2-3). Not only does Paul plead with the two women arguing to reconcile, but he also exhorts the entire church body to participate in the restoration of these two women. Why? Because the perceived worth of our very salvation is on display whether we argue or unify. The words and actions of the believer should bring life, not death. Consider when Paul encourages the church in Colossae to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:16).

The tongue was designed to preach the Gospel and to bring life. That is why it is appropriate that Paul calls believer’s lights. A commentator writes, “the word for ‘lights’ is the translation of the Greek word used for heavenly bodies such as stars. How appropriate to speak of the saints as luminaries since they are heavenly people.”[12] Shine Christian. Another commentator adds, “when one avoids complaining in the face of persecution, he or she stands out like a radiant light.  That person is saying, ‘Christ is worth it. Christ is better.’ When our language is like that instead of murmuring, it gets people’s attention.”[13] The Gospel message of the word of life needs to be heard.  Which mean we must not only hold onto the word of life but we must also hold it out for others to see and grab. Again, a commentator writes, “if we complain but try to proclaim, we become confusing to others. Let us fill our speech with gratitude and grace as we hold out the word of life to a dark world. This is a life worthy of the gospel of Christ.”[14]

so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. (v16b)

Up to this point, Paul has done an excellent job at demonstrating the theological weight of working out our salvation as a community of believers and then using our words and actions to contribute to that working out. But here Paul switches gears for a moment. He shows his cards. He has already told the church what is at stake for them, but now he plainly tells the Philippians what’s at stake for him. Namely, the reward for his hard work. In second Timothy Paul refers to the Christian walk as hard as being a soldier, a farmer or even a well-trained athlete (2 Timothy 2:3-7). It doesn’t matter what your background is, you know how difficult at least one of these activities can be. Which is why I can with the commentator when he says, “we often minister with very shortsighted goals, but Paull takes the long view. Because of this reality, he worked hard and sought to finish his race well.”[15] Believer, we need an eternal perspective. One that extends beyond the end of the week. One that primes us to endure to the end. To expend ourselves for the Gospel. If the Gospel is true, then we cannot be found as lazy stewards of the Gospel in the day of Christ. I have heard that when we stand before God in judgment we stand alone. But Paul appears to say that on the day of Judgment he will stand with the Philippians at his side and whether they stood or fell will be a reflection upon Paul. No wonder he is so intense about the communal nature of our faith. His eternal reward. Our eternal reward is irretrievably bound up in the success of those whom we have invested in.

Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. (v17)

If you’re anything like me you love the Book of Leviticus. But because most people find a slight aversion to such a peculiar book it might be easy to miss the cultural undertones of this verse. It might also be helpful to reference the HCSB, NASB or NIV for this verse. Specifically, because two features need to be seen. First, Paul is referencing being poured out as a drink-offering. According to Leviticus and Numbers, this is the final offering laid on the altar. So in effect, he is referencing working to the point of death as he labors over the Philippians. Whether that death is martyrdom or exhaustion, he is willing to go there. The next feature is what he is being poured out on. He is being poured out on the sacrifice and on the act of serving, which is their faith. To which Paul effectively says, “If this is how it ends, I’m happy about it!” Paul is happy and happy-with all of the Philippians. Glad is happy and that is what Paul is doing. He is ecstatic over the idea of seeing the Philippians succeed in the faith together.

Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me. (v18)

It is the same exact thing that Paul is calling the Philippians to be happy and happy-with each other and Paul. But to do this requires good theology. We cannot sustain joy with bad theology. Therefore, we search the scriptures for life-giving, joy-sustaining theology. For instance, we can see what Paul writes later in this same letter when he joyfully exclaims,

“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:7-11)

Can there be anything that will bring and sustain greater joy than knowing and being known by Christ?

Application & Conclusion

From the beginning of this text we have been addressing the question, how are we to live in the shadow of our humble Savior? And the answer seems to be very clear that, we do it together. This results in two very practical actions on our part.

1. Rejoice in the fact that God is working in you and in your fellow believer for Good
   Sing songs together. Smile together. Pray together. Sweat holy sweat together. Not out of dreadful obligation, but out of delightful obedience.
2. Fervently embrace and protect the unity of the visible body of Christ
   This means first your local body of believers and then also the other local bodies of believers you encounter. This does not mean we abandon doctrine for the sake of unity. Instead, we abandon pride and bitterness for the sake of unity.

Before you attempt to live out your faith in isolation, remember to live in the shadow of our humble Savior requires that we do it together.

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Hellerman, Joseph H. 2015. Philippians. Nashville TN: B&H Academic, 2015. eBook Collection (EBSCOhost), EBSCOhost (accessed May 2017).

Silva, Moisés. 2005. Philippians. n.p.: Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Academic, c2005., 2005.

 

FOOTNOTES:

[1] https://www.esv.org/Philippians+2/ accessed April 21, 2017 – All other verse quoted unless noted, are also from the ESV.

[2] 73-74 – Wuest, Kenneth Samuel. 1942. Philippians in the Greek New Testament for the English Reader. n.p.: Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1942.

[3] 109 – Merida, Tony. 2016. Exalting Jesus in Philippians. n.p.: Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Pub, 2016.

[4] 74-75 – Wuest, Kenneth Samuel. 1942. Philippians in the Greek New Testament for the English Reader. n.p.: Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1942.

[5] 108 – Merida, Tony. 2016. Exalting Jesus in Philippians. n.p.: Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Pub, 2016.

[6] This was made very clear to me in a recent John Piper Podcast – Ask Pastor John – http://www.desiringgod.org/

[7] “Complaining is a temptation for anyone in the local church because people often can’t live up to the expectations of others.” Page 111 – Merida, Tony. 2016. Exalting Jesus in Philippians. n.p.: Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Pub, 2016.

[8] Luke 18:11

[9] 75 – Wuest, Kenneth Samuel. 1942. Philippians in the Greek New Testament for the English Reader. n.p.: Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1942.

[10] John Newton Illustration – 112 – Merida, Tony. 2016. Exalting Jesus in Philippians. n.p.: Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Pub, 2016.

[11] 76 – Wuest, Kenneth Samuel. 1942. Philippians in the Greek New Testament for the English Reader. n.p.: Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1942.

[12] 76 – Wuest, Kenneth Samuel. 1942. Philippians in the Greek New Testament for the English Reader. n.p.: Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1942.

[13] 113 – Merida, Tony. 2016. Exalting Jesus in Philippians. n.p.: Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Pub, 2016.

[14] 113-114 – Merida, Tony. 2016. Exalting Jesus in Philippians. n.p.: Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Pub, 2016.

[15] 114 – Merida, Tony. 2016. Exalting Jesus in Philippians. n.p.: Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Pub, 2016.