Citizens Active in the Kingdom

Sermon 8 in Series

Philippians 2:12-18
[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.

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What is significant about Paul referring to the Philippians as those who “have always obeyed”? What warning does 1 Corinthians 10:12 provide?
2.   What does it mean to work out our salvation? Discuss the relationship between v.12 and v.13.
3.   What does it mean that the instruction to “work out your salvation” has corporate connotations? In what ways does this challenge you to consider your attitude and conduct toward the body of Christ?
4.   How does the wilderness generation of Israel demonstrate the seriousness of grumbling? How does this convict you of your own tendency to grumble?
5.   What does grumbling have to do with our Christian witness? How does the text describe this?
6.   Is Paul’s concern for his own ministry self-serving? What analogy does he provide for his commitment to the Philippians’ faith (v.17)?  How does this encourage us to be concerned for the genuineness of one another’s faith?

References:  1 Corinthians 10:12; Titus 2:11-12; 1 Corinthians 15:10; Exodus 16:1- 18; Numbers 11:1-15; Numbers 14:1-12; Deuteronomy 32:5; 1 Corinthians 3:13; Exodus 29:40; Numbers 28:7