INTERACTIVE TEACHING/LEARNING GUIDEContentment for Life

PhilippiansWeek 5

Session Title: Ultimate ServanthoodFocal Passage: Philippians 2:12-18

Central Teaching/Learning Aim: The learner will be challenged to begin serving or recommit to serving to take action.

I. Hook

A. Enlist members to share testimonies about serving one another or receiving help. For the sake of time, you may want to interview them.

Sample questions:

Servant

How did you get involved in this serving project?What motivated you to step into action?What was your biggest hesitation?How has it blessed your life?

Person being blessed by others

What was the circumstance you were in that caused you to need assistance?What is the most difficult thing about receiving help?How has being on the receiving end blessed you?How has it motivated you?

Next – Read (Philippians 2:12-18). Ask members to listen for Paul’s action phrases.

Be obedient Live your salvation Recognize that God is your motivator Stop grumbling and complaining Shine like lights in the world Focus on living out the Word Rejoice and encourage one another

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State – Today we are going to discuss how to get off the bench and into the game and serve others in Jesus’ name.

B. Optional Method – Web Clip – George Clooney and his wife Amal meeting the Pope

Location: http://www.vanityfair.com/style/2016/05/george-amal-clooney-pope-francis-video     Length: .52

Synopsis: On Sunday, Pope Francis praised Hollywood actors George Clooney, Salma Hayek, and Richard Gere at a conference promoting a Vatican education initiative that helps poor communities.

Speaking in the Paul VI's Synod Hall, the Pope reminded the celebrities of their responsibility to “help the world recover the language of gestures.”

During the gathering, the actors received the “Olive Medal” of peace, which were presented by the Scholas Occurentes initiative, who organized the Vatican conference.

The Argentine-founded Scholas Occurentes is an education initiative which aims to promote “integration of communities” – especially poor communities – through the use of “technology, sports, and artistic proposals,” according to its website.

The initiative, which works in various kinds of schools of different religious affiliations, is present in 82 countries and 400,000, with headquarters in Vatican City, Argentine, Spain, Paraguay and Mozambique.

Source: CAN/EWTN News, May 30, 2016

Ask – What are your initial thoughts when you see celebrities doing great work for charities?

What motivates secular non-believers to serve others?

Next – Read (Philippians 2:12-18). Ask members to listen for Paul’s action phrases.

Be obedient Live your salvation Recognize that God is your motivator Stop grumbling and complaining Shine like lights in the world Focus on living out the Word Rejoice and encourage one another

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State – Today we are going to discuss how to get off the bench and into the game and serve others in Jesus’ name.

C. Optional Method – Share the following:

We live in tension-filled days with conflicts between the major faiths report on a daily basis. But there are many in the Muslim faith accepting Christ. Listen to the main reasons Muslims are turning to Christianity.

Why Muslims Convert to Christianity

From 1991 to 2007, Fuller Theological Seminary's School of Intercultural Studies conducted a survey among 750 Muslims who had converted to Christianity. Those surveyed represented 50 ethnic groups from 30 different countries. Here were the nine most-cited reasons for conversion to the Christian faith:

1. Christians practiced what they preached.2. Christians appeared to have loving marriages in which women were

treated as equals.3. Christian-to-Christian violence was less prominent than Muslim-to-

Muslim violence.4. The prayers of Christians had healed the disabled and delivered others

from demonic powers.5. The Koran had produced profound disillusionment because it

accentuates "God's punishment more than his love, and the use of violence to impose Islamic laws."

6. God had used visions and dreams to influence the converts' decision.7. Muslims can never be certain of their forgiveness and salvation as

Christians can.8. As they read the Bible, the converts had been convicted of its truth.9. The converts were attracted to the idea of God's unconditional love.

Jennifer Riley, "Analysis: Why Muslims Follow Jesus," The Christian Post (11-16-07)

Ask – How many of these reasons involve Christians living out their faith?

Next – Read (Philippians 2:12-18). Ask members to listen for Paul’s action phrases.

Be obedient Live your salvation Recognize that God is your motivator Stop grumbling and complaining Shine like lights in the world Focus on living out the Word Rejoice and encourage one another

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State – Today we are going to discuss how to get off the bench and into the game and serve others in Jesus’ name.

II. Book

A. Utilize the discussion guide to examine the Scripture passages.

III. Look

A. Distribute the handout “Ultimate Service” and guide members through it. Note: You may want to make Life Group Ministry Descriptions available and point members to needs in the class.

IV. Took

A. Place members into groups and have them share where they are currently serving others or where they feel called to serve. Have them pray for one another.

B. Optional Method – Share the following illustration:

Several years ago I was a part of a small group with a friend who was working with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at Georgetown University. As we shared prayer requests at the end of one of our meetings, my friend said their ministry needed a computer, and I said I'd pray for him. I started praying that God would provide a computer, and then I felt as if God interrupted me. It's hard to describe the tone I heard from God. It was stern but not unkind. It was as if the Holy Spirit whispered these words in my spirit: Why are you asking Me? You're the one with the extra computer!

So I quit praying midsentence and decided to do something about it. I told my friend I had a computer that I wanted to give him. And I became the answer to my own prayer. Why ask God to do something for us when it is within our power to do something about it ourselves?

There are some things you don't need to pray about.

Mark Batterson, Wild Good Chase (Multnomah Books, 2008), pp. 26-27

Place members into groups and have them pray about getting into action.

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DISCUSSION GUIDETeacher Copy

1. What is the significance of “so then” in (v. 12)? [It indicates that there is a connection with the previous material in (2:6-11). The Greek word translated “obedient” in (2:8) is the same term used in (2:12). Paul is calling on the Philippians to be obedient in all things.]

2. What does Paul mean by “continue working out your salvation?”[The word “work” is used here to mean to practice what you already possess. We must cooperate with God’s work and do our part.]

3. How can you cooperate with God in order to work out your salvation?[By being obedient to His plan for your life. By sacrificially serving others.]

4. Some translations say, “fear and trembling” and others say “humility and dependence;” what is the meaning behind these words for you?[We are to live before God in reverence and trembling in light of our weakness and struggle to live out His commandments.]

5. The phrase in (v. 13), “the one bringing forth in you,” is an expression from which we ultimately get our word “energy.” How do you feel knowing that God is working in you to help you grow spiritually?

6. God gives you the desire or “will” and the effort or “energy” to do sacrificial service. What keeps you from following through?

7. What are the most effective ways to stop grumbling and arguing? (v. 14)[If you are serving others, you do not have time to grumble and argue.]

8. What does Paul mean by “blameless and pure?”[Blameless – those who observe us have no basis to accuse us. Pure is the word used for undiluted wine or milk. We are to be undiluted by the world.]

9. How are Christians diluted by the world?[Material things, media, the movements towards tolerance in society, religious universalism, diminishing of moral absolutes, etc.]

10.How can you shine like a light in the world?[By doing good deeds sacrificially.]

11.What does Paul mean by “holding out the Word of Life” in (v. 16)?[We are to live the Gospel. Sacrificial service is the best way to accomplish this.]

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12.How can you be “poured out like a drink-offering?”[By praise sacrifices of joyful worship. By sacrificing for others through service.]

13.What should characterize a life of sacrifice?[Joy, rejoicing and reward.]

14.Where can you serve this week?

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DISCUSSION GUIDEStudent Copy

1. What is the significance of “so then” in (v. 12)?

2. What does Paul mean by “continue working out your salvation?”

3. How can you cooperate with God in order to work out your salvation?

4. Some translations say, “fear and trembling” and others say “humility and dependence;” what is the meaning behind these words for you?

5. The phrase in (v. 13), “the one bringing forth in you,” is an expression from which we ultimately get our word “energy.” How do you feel knowing that God is working in you to help you grow spiritually?

6. God gives you the desire or “will” and the effort or “energy” to do sacrificial service. What keeps you from following through?

7. What are the most effective ways to stop grumbling and arguing? (v. 14)

8. What does Paul mean by “blameless and pure?”

9. How are Christians diluted by the world?

10.How can you shine like a light in the world?

11.What does Paul mean by “holding out the Word of Life” in (v. 16)?

12.How can you be “poured out like a drink-offering?”

13.What should characterize a life of sacrifice?

14.Where can you serve this week?

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ULTIMATE SERVICE

Life Group Involvement: “All to service; some to leadership.”If God has gifted and called you to be a leader, where are you leading?

If God has gifted and called you to be a servant, where are you serving?

Action steps

Participate in another church ministry.What is a need in your church that is important to you?

How can you passionately invest your time, energy, talents, resources, skills, personality, spiritual gift(s), etc. to help meet this need?

Action steps

Participate in a community service project.What is a need in your community that is important to you?

How can you passionately invest your time, energy, talents, resources, skills, personality, spiritual gift(s), etc. to help meet this need?

Action steps

Participate in a mission trip.What is an area of your world that is important to you (local, national, or international)?

How can you passionately invest your time, energy, talents, resources, skills, personality, spiritual gift(s), etc. to help meet this need?

Action steps

Do an anonymous, random act of kindness for someone.What can you do for someone in your family?What can you do for someone in your neighborhood?What can you do for someone in your workplace?What can you do for someone in your church?

Action steps

GET BUSY LIVING LIFE ON MISSION!

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THEE WORD FOR THE WEEK

Role ModelsPhilippians 2:19-30

Monday: Read Philippians 2:19-21 Why does Paul say he wants to send Timothy to visit the believers in Philippi? Look at v20. How does Timothy standout as a role model? Paul says Timothy’s genuine concern for the needs of others is the way followers

of Christ should act, but the natural disposition is to only look out for ourselves. How can we grow, like Timothy, in our concern for others over ourselves?

Tuesday: Read Philippians 2:22-24 What does Paul say Timothy has done to prove himself? Paul compares the ministry relationship he has developed with Timothy to a

father and son relationship. Is there anyone you are mentoring, or who is mentoring you in your relationship with Christ who is like family?

Wednesday: Read Philippians 2:25-26 What are some words Paul uses to describe Epaphroditus? Do any of these

words apply to you? What was Epaphroditus’ mission and what upset his mission? Why is

Epaphroditus distressed?

Thursday: Read Philippians 2:27-28 How did God spare Paul sorrow upon sorrow? How does Epaphroditus returning home to Philippi relieve anxiety for Paul? Paul talks about both Timothy and Epaphroditus with great affection. How does

Paul’s affection for his mentees set an example for us as mentors?

Friday: Read Philippians 2:29-30 Paul may be concerned that Epaphroditus may be viewed as a failure for being

sent back early. How does Paul tell them to receive him and why? What do the descriptions of Timothy and Epaphroditus have in common? How

does Paul also exemplify putting the needs of others ahead of himself? Why is it important to honor the people, like Epaphroditus, who are willing to give

everything, even their lives, for the gospel?

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EXEGETICAL ~ THEOLOGICAL ~ PEDAGOGICAL

Note: Full sentence propositions have been employed in all outline statements for the sake of clarity. In the exegetical and theological sections, the subject portion of the proposition (answering the question, “What was the biblical author talking about?”) has been noted by the use of bold type and the complement portion of the proposition (answering the question, “What was the biblical author saying about what he is talking about?”) by the use of bold and underline.

(EXEGETICAL: What it meant to the Philippian Church back THEN)THE CONTENT OF PAUL'S COMMANDS TO THE PHILIPPIANS,

BY WHICH THEY WOULD CONDUCT THEMSELVES AS WORTHY CHRISTIANS (1:27)

FOLLOWING THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST'S SUBMISSIVE ATTITUDE (2:5). . . WAS THAT THEY WORK OUT THEIR OWN SALVATION

(IN COMMUNITY TOGETHER),DO EVERYTHING WITHOUT COMPLAINING AND ARGUING,

AND REJOICE IN SACRIFICIAL SERVICE, (Philippians 2:12-18).

Note: “Paul draws out the logical consequences that Christ’s acceptance of the role of a slave, his death on the cross, and his vindication by God have for his followers. Christ’s obedient death should evoke reverence and trembling and a similar obedience to God. As Christ obeyed, the Philippian Christians are to obey. They are to do things without grumbling and discord. The result will be that their witness to the world is credible and potent” (Garland, D. E. “Philippians” in T. Longman III (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Ephesians–Philemon (Revised Edition), Vol. 12, 224).

“These verses have three movements to them, all of which extend the central idea of obedience. First, the Philippians were to devote themselves to practical Christianity (2:12–13) by working out their salvation. Then, they were to be characterized by positive steadfastness (2:14–16), never succumbing to complaining or grumbling. Finally, they were to participate in Paul’s personal joy in ministry (2:17–18), not only rejoicing with him but also sharing his outlook” (Melick, R. R. Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, Vol. 32, 109).I. The content of Paul’s command to the Philippians, which was to be reverently

obeyed in his absence and which would please God who was working His will in them . . . was that they work out their own salvation, (2:12-13).A. The means by which the Philippians were to carry out Paul’s command in

his absence as they had in his presence . . . was through their [typical] obedience, (12a).

Note: “Paul’s mention of his presence or absence does not hint about his death but recalls his request in 1:27, which evokes the image of a military commander who expects his troops to be faithful under all circumstances. His concern is not how they will fare after he has died but how they should behave now. As a good pastor, Paul accentuates the positive and writes to them from a strengths perspective. He does not isolate what they are doing wrong and how they should fix it but affirms them for ‘always’ obeying. He does not identify what they obey, but presumably it is

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his previous instruction about how to live ‘in a manner worthy of the gospel’ (1:27). In light of the vivid description of Christ’s obedience in 2:6–11, obedience would also seem to entail the acceptance of suffering. Their obedience is not coerced, as in the military, but is freely offered to the one who took the form of a slave, not a master (Garland, 224).

“[Paul’s] exhortation was direct and pointed, but tempered with love, for he called the believers my dear friends. This tender expression doubtless reminded them of the experiences they shared with the apostle and Silas when they first came to Christ and established their church (Acts 16:19–40). When Paul was with them, they followed his instructions willingly and quickly. He reminded them of this before he asked them to do the same at the present time, even though he was far from them” (Lightner, R. P. “Philippians” in J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, Vol. 2, 655).B. The content of Paul’s command to the Philippians . . . was that they work

out their own salvation, (12b).Note: “The command to ‘work out your salvation’ suggests that salvation is ‘not only something they receive; it is something they do’ (Fee, 234). Salvation is experienced in community (cf. Caird, 125), and English translations may cause the reader to think that the ‘your’ is singular and assume that Paul refers to each person’s working out his or her individual salvation. It would be incongruous, however, to tell the Philippians to concentrate on saving themselves after exhorting them to put all self-concern behind them (2:4). The heautōn (‘your’) is plural, and salvation is understood corporately” (Garland, 224-225).

“The imperative ‘work out’ is not an appeal to achieve salvation, an idea conveyed in the Moffatt translation, ‘work at your salvation.’ To say that one is working at a problem implies that the outcome is in doubt. To say that one is working out a problem suggests that it is being resolved. The preposition kata intensifies the verb ‘to work’ and means to carry the work through to its conclusion. The grace the Philippians have received from God, establishing their salvation, is still to be actualized and to become fruitful . . . The paradox that salvation is received by grace yet requires effort on our part is developed further in 3:12–16: the one who has been seized by Christ must still strive to seize the prize” (Garland, 225).

“It is commonly understood that this exhortation relates to the personal salvation of the saints at Philippi. They were told to ‘work out,’ to put into practice in their daily living, what God had worked in them by His Spirit. They were not told to work for their salvation but to work out the salvation God had already given them. In view of the apparent problems of disunity and pride among those believers this interpretation seems correct. Some were not doing their work selflessly and with the interests of others ahead of their own (cf. 2:3–4).

“Some writers understand Paul’s challenge to refer to the corporate life of the whole assembly in Philippi. Those who hold this view find support in the immediate context where Paul argued against their looking exclusively to their own needs (cf. v. 4). In this view ‘salvation’ refers to the whole assembly’s deliverance from disunity, pride, and selfishness.

“Perhaps it is best to see both the outworking of personal salvation and the

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corporate salvation or deliverance of the whole assembly from whatever held them back from experiencing God’s best” (Lightner, 665).C. The manner in which the Philippians were to work out their own salvation .

. . was with reverence (“fear and trembling”), (12c).Note: “The OT background of the term ‘fear and trembling’ refers to religious awe toward God and not to a deferential attitude toward others . . . This exhortation reminds Christians that they should not take God’s grace for granted, as though the only thing one needs to do to go to heaven is to die (see Php 3:11). God requires obedience. But this exhortation is not intended as a threat that they will one day stand before God’s tribunal and must be blameless and faultless (2:15; see 1:10). ‘Fear and trembling’ also entails awareness of God’s mighty presence in their midst” (Garland, 225).D. The reason the Philippians were to work out their own salvation . . . was

because God was working His will in them to please Himself. (13).Note: “The imperative to obey is balanced by the indicative and the assurance that working out their salvation is not something the Philippians do alone. Working on one’s own steam inevitably leads to failure. Paul reminded them in 1:6 that the one who began a good work in them will complete it. God works in humans, producing the desire to fulfill God’s will and the power to achieve it. Paul admonishes the Philippians “to ‘work out’ what God in his grace ‘worked in’” (Garland, 225).

“Both divine enablement and human responsibility are involved in getting God’s work done. Believers are partners with God, laboring together with Him. The verb works (v. 13) means ‘energizes’ or ‘provides enablement.’ God makes His own both willing and desirous to do His work” (Lightner, 665).

“This passage closely resembles 1:6, where Paul expressed his confidence in them because God began a work in them and would complete it” (Melick, 111).

II. The content of Paul’s command to the Philippians, with the immediate purpose of their becoming guiltless (“blameless”) before a guilty (“crooked and perverted”) world by means of showing the truth of God (“holding forth the Word of Life”) to an untruthful world (“among whom you shine as stars”) and with the ultimate purpose of Paul [and God] being vindicated (“not running or laboring in vain”) . . . was that they do everything without complaining or arguing, (2:14-16).A. The content of Paul’s command to the Philippians . . . was that they do

everything without complaining or arguing, (14).Note: “Paul alludes to the Israelites’ pilgrimage in the wilderness that was plagued by grumblings and dissensions (Ex 16:1–21; 17:3; Nu 14:1–35; 16:41; 17:5, 10). The wilderness generation served as a warning to others who may exhibit a similar discord (cf. 1 Co 10:1–13)” (Garland, 225-226).

“The importance of the kind of behavior called for is set forth in Philippians 2:15–16. Before their testimony for Christ could ever be effective in the community where they lived, the Philippians needed to set some things straight in their own assembly” (Lightner, 665).B. The immediate purpose for which the Philippians were to do everything

without complaining or arguing, according to Paul’s command . . . was so

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that they would become guiltless (“blameless”) before a guilty (“crooked and perverted”) world, (15a).

C. The means by which the Philippians would become guiltless (“blameless”) before a guilty (“crooked and perverted”) world . . . was by showing the truth of God (“holding forth the Word of Life”) to an untruthful world (“among whom you shine as stars”), (15b-16a).

Note: “Moses accused the Israelites of being a ‘warped and crooked generation’ (Dt 32:5), and here Paul maintains that the Philippian Christians are living in the midst of a ‘crooked and depraved generation.’ The assumption is that the world is engulfed in darkness and besieged by the word of death. Paul portrays the Philippian Christians as fulfilling Israel’s promised role of being a light to the nations (Isa 42:6; 60:1–3; cf. Ro 2:19) and the eschatological future that Daniel envisions: ‘Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever’ (Da 12:3). They are a threatened minority facing the danger of cultural osmosis, which will ultimately eviscerate their witness to God. Paul exhorts them to be “blameless and pure’

“The present participle epechontes can mean they are to ‘[hold] fast the word of life’ (NASB) or to ‘hold [it] out’ (NIV). The ‘word of life’ is something that they received from Paul (1 Th 2:13) and is related to their steadfastness in the midst of serious opposition. It can be something he wants them to hold on to, but the figure of ‘shine like stars’ lends support to the idea of ‘holding out’ or ‘holding forth’ this word (see Mt 5:14–16)” (Garland, 226).

“Purity and blamelessness were the standard by which the distortions of the world were measured. Thus Paul meant that the world was morally crooked, distorted by its failure to understand the word of God. The ministry of the church, then, was to provide a straight model for distorted lives” (Melick, 113).D. The ultimate purpose for which the Philippians were to do everything

without complaining and arguing . . . was so that Paul [and God] would be vindicated (“not running or laboring in vain”) for their work in the Day of Judgment, (16b).

III. The content of Paul’s command to the Philippians, as exemplified by his own life of joying and rejoicing in sacrificial service (“being poured out as a drink offering”) . . . was that they joy and rejoice with Paul in their opportunities to serve God sacrificially, (2:17-18).

Note: “Paul’s stated desire to be able to rejoice when he would see Christ and to be sure he had not labored in vain for the Philippians is followed by a statement about his joy in the midst of suffering. The apostle knew that death as a martyr was a real possibility for him.

“Paul viewed himself as being poured out like a drink offering on behalf of the Philippians (v. 17). But instead of sorrowing he rejoiced.

“Paul wanted his friends at Philippi to experience the same joy he had (2:18) and to be glad and rejoice with him” (Lightner, 656).

“Paul did not merely accept his lot as an apostle; he rejoiced in the faith of the church no matter what the cost to him. The words introduce a deliberate affirmation of Paul’s trust in the Lord. Whatever happened—whether he was released from prison or died a martyr’s death—he was confident the Lord had called him into apostolic ministry

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on behalf of the Philippians, and not even the prospect of death could diminish his joy” (Melick 114-115).

A. The example the Philippians were to follow in keeping Paul’s command to joy and rejoice . . . was his own life of joying and rejoicing in sacrificial (“being poured out as a drink offering”) service, (17).1. The example the Philippians were to follow in keeping Paul’s command

to joy and rejoice . . . was his own life of sacrificial (“being poured out as a drink offering”) service, (17a).

2. The example the Philippians were to follow in keeping Paul’s command to joy and rejoice . . . was his own life of joying and rejoicing, (17b).

Note: “’Being poured out’ draws on the sacrificial imagery of the ‘drink offering’ (Nu 15:5; 2 Ki 16:13; Jer 7:18; Hos 9:4) that was a common ritual in a variety of cults. . . . [Paul’s] use of the present tense makes it more likely that he refers to his current suffering in his ministry, which he describes elsewhere as ‘we always carry around in our body the death of Jesus’ (2 Co 4:10) and ‘I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions’ (Col 1:24). As Christ emptied himself (Php 2:7), Paul pours himself out. The sacrificial imagery of giving over to God what is costly and valued comports well with his view that living the Christian life is an act of worship, of presenting our bodies ‘as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God’ (Ro 12:1).

“Paul links his ‘being poured out’ and the Philippians’ sacrificial service, and he depicts them as priests at an altar, offering up the sacrificial gift of their faith. The image recalls their partnership in the defense and confirmation of the gospel (1:7) and suggests that both he and they are making sacrificial offerings (2:25, 30; 4:18)” (Garland, 226-227).B. The content of Paul’s command to the Philippians . . . was that they joy

and rejoice with Paul in their opportunities to serve God sacrificially, (18).Note: “Paul rejoices over this sacrifice, and they [the Philippians] may not. Oakes . . . concludes that they have not been rejoicing in their sufferings for Christ and need encouragement to do so. Paul urges them to exude the same joy and not to despair or bemoan their trials or Paul’s. Since they share the same struggle (1:30), they should share the same joy. Christian joy is not some private happiness but something that invites the involvement of the whole community” (Garland, 227).

“Rather than being discouraged about his circumstances, Paul had great joy. In 2:18 four times joy is prominent. Twice the words “joy and joy with” (“glad and rejoice with,” NIV) occur. One time Paul used them to explain his feelings about being a part of their offering. The other, he urged them to feel the same way”(Melick, 115).

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(Theological . . . what it means for God’s people ALWAYS)WORTHY CHRISTIANS WHO FOLLOW

CHRIST'S EXAMPLE OF ULTIMATE SERVANTHOOD . . . JOYFULLY COOPERATE WITH GOD'S WORK

EVEN IF IT DEMANDS SACRIFICE, (Philippians 2:12-18).

I. Worthy Christians (1:27) who follow Christ’s example of unified, humble, selfless servanthood (2:5) . . . work hard to complete (fully express) their salvation, (2:12-13).

II. Worthy Christians (1:27) who follow Christ’s example of unified, humble, selfless servanthood (2:5) . . . don't complain or argue, (2:14-16).

III. Worthy Christians (1:27) who follow Christ’s example of unified, humble, selfless servanthood (2:5) . . . rejoice in sacrificial service, (2:17-18).

(Pedagogical: what it means for us NOW)PRACTICE THE PATTERN OF JOYFUL, SACRIFICIAL SERVANTHOOD,

(Philippians 2:12-18).Three exercises of spiritual servanthood . . . I. Work out your salvation, (2:12-13).

[The reference to “salvation” here includes all that God plans/intends in order to bring about the final consummation. Christ “worked out” God’s plan/intent by coming to Earth and dying on the cross. We “work out” God’s plan/intent by our acts of ultimate servanthood.]A. Salvation (justification) is not by works.

1. Salvation has many meanings.2. Justification is not by works.3. Justification is by grace through faith alone.

B. Salvation (sanctification) is by cooperation.1. Sanctification is of man . . . we must work with God.2. Sanctification is of God . . . God does the working.

C. You can rebel or cooperate.II. Witness in your society, (2:14-16).

A. Don't discourage God's workers.1. Stop grumbling and murmuring.2. Stop arguing and complaining.

B. Do encourage the world.1. Don't demonstrate an Israel-like character.2. Do demonstrate a Christ-like character.3. Hold forth the Word of Life – in word and deed, let your light shine.

III. Worship your Savior, (2:17-18).A. Worship God by the sacrifice of your life.

1. God does not ask for blood sacrifices to cover your guilt/sin.2. God does ask for praise sacrifices of joyful worship.

B. Worship God in joyful celebration.1. The life of sacrifice should not lead to tears or regret.2. The life of sacrifice should lead to joy and rejoicing with.

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