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It is God who works in you

Text: Text : Philippians 2:12-18
25 May 2008

(I) THE ENTIRETY OF GOD’S WORK IS ASTONISHINGLY COMPREHENSIVE

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;” Philippians 1:6

1. It has both a beginning and a definite end

2. The nature of the Lord’s work is that it is extremely good

3. We can have every confidence in His work in us

(II) THE ENERGISING POWER OF GOD’S WORK

1. God as the energiser

“For it is God who works in you…” Philippians 2:13

2. God enables

a) Energise the will of man

“…both to will…” Philippians 2:13

b) Energise the actions of man

“…and to do for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13

(III) THE EXPRESSIONS OF GOD’S WORK

1. The explanation of “work out your salvation”

“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;” Philippians 2:12

a) What it is not

i) It is not about obtaining salvation through works

ii) It goes against our understanding of grace

b) What it is

i) It is the expressions of the work of God in our lives

ii) Cannot assume that we are saved unless these expressions are “worked out”

2. The expressions of the Lord’s Work

a) Conduct worthy of the gospel. ( Philippians 1:27 )

b) Not afraid to suffer for the Lord ( Philippians 1:29 )

c) Peace with each other ( Philippians 2:1-4 )

d) Cultivating the mind of Christ ( Philippians 2:5-11 )

3. Ensuring the work of God continues in our lives

a) Check our own salvation in the Lord

“…work out your own salvation…” Philippians 2:12

b) Be obedient to the Lord

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed…” Philippians 2:12

c) Consistency

“…not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence…” Philippians 2:12

d) Reverence for the Lord

“…with fear and trembling” Philippians 2:12