May 19, 2014
FEAR NOT, FOR FEAR [OF THE LORD] LEADS TO GREAT THINGS.
Philippians 2:12-30
Russ Brown
Central Truth
Through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus, God gave us an opportunity for eternal life with Him. Yet, He wants more from us than just a conversion experience. We are to love and fear God and grow in our obedience to Christ. And with obedience comes one wonderful adventure you won't regret!
Key Verse | Philippians 2:12–13
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, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12-13)
Philippians 2:12-30
Lights in the World
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.
Timothy and Epaphroditus
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy's 1 2:22 Greek his proven worth, how as a son 2 2:22 Greek child with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died 3 2:30 Or he drew near to the point of death; compare verse 8 for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
Dive Deeper | Philippians 2:12-30
I often imagine what it will be like when I first meet Jesus. I don't foresee that I will do an end zone dance to celebrate that I am "covered" under my "insurance policy of faith". Instead, I picture myself prostrate on the ground, trembling with reverence and thankfulness, and longing to hear Jesus say, 'Well done, good and faithful servant' (Matthew 25:21)
One of the reasons I seek more than a ticket to paradise is because I fear God. This is not a fear resulting from terror or anxiety, but one defined by awe, respect, and love. He chose me, He loves me, and I want to please Him no matter what the cost.
God's Word tells us that "work[ing] out your salvation with fear and trembling" (verse 12) does not mean that your salvation is achieved through works. Paul encourages us -- as he did to the church in Philippi -- to be obedient and to grow in Christ.
Obedience and growth come from pursuing a close relationship with God through prayer; regularly reading His Word; humbly appreciating His grace, power, and justice; trusting Him in peaks of happiness and depths of sorrow; authentically leaning on other believers; speaking truth; making disciples; and loving our neighbors and those who are suffering.
Working out our salvation with fear and trembling is an awesome responsibility, but because He is faithful, our great God does not leave us alone as we strive to do this.
The next verse underscores this: "for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure" (verse 13). In other words, the desire to be obedient in His name comes from Him in the same way He came to you when you trusted in Jesus. Whew, what a relief -- and gift!
When I have obediently pursued Christ, He has given me opportunities to serve him in places I never could have imagined: West Dallas, India, and the DR Congo! In that, I sought to tell those people in those places of the forgiveness I have received through Christ.
What's next? Only He knows. I do know that God still wants more of me. He wants more of you, too. What are we waiting for?
Discussion Questions
1. Do you know that the God you should fear has given you a chance to love mercy through Jesus Christ?
2. What could you do today to be more obedient to the Lord?
3. What do you think should happen in your life for Jesus to say to you, "Well done, good and faithful servant"?
4. What are you waiting for?
Meditate on Proverbs 1:7 and 1 Peter 2:2 and dive in!