I continue my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Today I focus on Philippians 2:12-18 where Paul exhorts us to follow Christ's example to be humble. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: V13: God works in the hearts and lives of believers to "will and to work for his good pleasure." Will is defined as a transitive verb where action is ordered, decreed or ordained. As such the text shares that in the hearts and minds of believers, God renews our mind (Romans 12:2, Ephesians 4:23), and it is implied that this is how God wills and works through our spiritual disciplines (prayer, corporate worship, fellowship with other believers, daily study of His Word, etc.) and the Holy Spirit. This raises a key question whether free will exists or not, and on this topic I would encourage you to explore this interview with John Piper on DesiringGod.com.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: Given how Christ has ascended to sit at the right hand of God and reigns over all (vv9-11), Paul exhorts us (v12) to "work out" our salvation "with fear and trembling." Such a pursuit implies reverent fear of fear of God that drives us into His arms and to abide in Him lest we fall away or not please Him for being lukewarm (Revelation 3:16). See this interview with John Piper on DesiringGod.com for how fear of God acts as a preservative against sin. Since the Fall (Genesis 3), people are prone to seek their own selfish desires and it is only through the process of sanctification where God aligns our desires with His. As such we are prone to grumble and complain - and Paul shares in v14 that we should not. If we pursue Him, His ways and desires, then we should not grumble and complain that He wills and works in our hearts to do things that please Him. Paul's hope is that v15 we act in such a way that we are a light to others (in a dark world) that we draw them closer to Christ. V16a: He shares how "holding fast to the word of life" - scripture - equips us to be a light. v16b-18: pursuit is not run in vain but is done with a glad heart where we rejoice in the pursuit.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid grumbling and complaining. Claim the promise that God works in our hearts and lives to align our thoughts and ways with Him, allowing us to be seen as righteous in His eyes and to rejoice and be glad living for Him. Follow the example of Paul who allowed himself to be poured out as a living sacrifice for Him. Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, hold fast to the word of life, and be a light to others.
My Prayer: Father God, thank You for my salvation, for working in my heart and life, and for the mercies that never cease and are new every morning. I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
