The power of God’s Word is relevant only to those who actively participate in its teachings. Here Paul illustrates this by shedding light on the necessity of our participation in the act of living out our salvation (we were saved by faith but faith is seen in our works). Paul was commending the obedience of the church in Philippi. They exemplified obedience in the presence of the preacher and while the preacher wasn’t around.
I am always at a loss when people act one way in my presence as a minister and then how they act while not in my presence. I am mystified by their actions. The people of the church of Philippi were who they presented themselves to be. Today’s society begs for so much more from individuals that some church members have difficulty walking in faith as a way of life – today’s society makes putting on airs a much easier undertaking than it should be.
Paul puts a disclaimer on how we should work out our salvation. How we act in front of others should be tempered with fear and trembling. What does that mean? Fear of the awesome power of God and trembling at the possibility of losing that power. How differently would we conduct ourselves if we really understood that we could fall short of God’s grace? Eternal security would mean more if we really looked at our salvation as something God possesses and gives to us freely. It is also something God gives but only on the condition of our obedience. Disobedience can mean the loss of that gift.
God wants to work in us. That means He is seeking our conformity to His plan. God further works in us to will and to act according to His purpose, His good purpose. To do so requires our understanding of His purpose.
Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 2 Corinthians 3:5 (NIV)
God works in us because without Him we cannot understand the complexities of salvation. The depth of all understanding comes from knowing and having relationship with God. This is why He works into us His will and His design for our actions. With God’s purpose as the goal, we have direction, competence through His will, and reason to act. God’s purpose is for the good of all mankind, and we are invited to participate.
Verse 14 reminds me of Luke Skywalker as he sits in Yoda’s little hut and complains about everything and how over anxious he was. Yoda says,
“All his life he looked away…to the future, to the horizon. Never his mind on where he was. Hmmm? What he was doing. Hmph!”
Paul says,
Do everything without complaining or arguing, Philippians 2:14 (NIV)
I wish more Christians would read this. I have known some Christians volunteers who complain about everything. They lack forgiveness and refuse to acknowledge others because of some disagreement they have or dislike for them. Everything is about them. Their minds are not on what they are doing or where they are.
My life as a Christian Education Pastor would be so much easier if I did not have to consistently intervene among people who should read verse 14 before leaving home everyday. But why is this so important?
Paul says it is so we will become blameless and pure. This means we are not seeking trouble or able to be accused of trouble. We are to be recognized as children of God and how we interact in life with others and with those in authority will help us to be examples of Christ. In the midst of a “crooked and depraved generation” someone had to stand out and be different while making a difference.
Paul’s compares this exemplary character as one that shines like the lights from the stars throughout the universe. The stars for generations on end have provided direction and light. Our lives are to reflect this ability to provide a path to God. We get this ability from the Word of God as taught to us by the Holy Spirit. Holding out the word of life is our participation in the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20.
For Paul, the obedience of the church to be a part of the Great Commission was a testimony of teaching the church to obey and do likewise as Jesus commanded. Paul did not know his fate, and as seen verse 17, he even wondered if his life was worthy as an offering being presented to God. If so, then the church should rejoice in Paul’s fate and join in hopes of doing the same.
- Are you looking to present your life as an offering before God? Are you worthy of being one?
- Is your life exemplary – showing direction to others as the stars at night?
- Do you spend time complaining about other Christians or about duties assigned to you?
- How is God working in you? Have you grasped His will and the action necessary to accomplish His good purpose?
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