12Therefore, my dear friends, as you
have always obeyed–not only in my presence, but now much more in my
absence–continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13for
it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
14Do
everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become
blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved
generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16as you
hold out the word of life–in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I
did not run or labor for nothing. 17But even if I am being poured
out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith,
I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18So you too should be glad
and rejoice with me.
You’ve probably heard that old
hymn, “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus – than to
trust and obey.” I remember the day
that a friend of mine in Elmira, New York, realized the importance of
obedience. Suddenly, it was as if a
light suddenly shone upon him. It was a
real eye-opener! It is a part of a very
important process as we allow the Spirit to enable us to work out those things
that are most important for our salvation, obediently yielding to the Holy
Spirit in our hearts and lives.
Paul would not be able to stay
with the Philippians indefinitely. They
were notably a joyful group of precious believers wanting to please the Lord,
overall. Paul knew that in the joy of a
moment that commitments made are often broken when the emotional fervor is
gone. Our faith that leads to continual
obedience must not be grounded in emotions for it will fail, indeed, if one’s
feelings are the basis of one’s faith.
So, Paul is basically saying, “Hey gang, as you work out your daily walk
with the Lord, do so in prayerful and reverent respect. That way, when you are out in the Monday
through Saturday workweek with all types of people and temptations, if you’re
faith is firmly grounded, you’ll keep doing the right things even when no one
is looking.”
Paul wanted them to realize
that it is a daily walk where we are constantly seeking the Lord, praying for
daily guidance in all things. As
Christians, we are to be on constant alert, working out our personal spiritual
growth, with Jesus as our personal Savior, but also allowing Him to be Lord of
every area of our hearts and lives, daily, no matter who is or is not
looking.
We are actually on display all
of the time. We live amongst the
crooked and depraved, those without Christ.
What do they see when they are the ones observing you and me? As such, we seek to joyfully live our lives
before others as living witnesses. As
we do, we are ever mindful that we are not only increasing spiritually, daily,
but are also shining witnesses for Jesus Christ. You may possibly be the only light of the gospel that some ever
see! So, Paul points out that they [and
we] are to joyfully serve with purpose, reverently and prayerfully walking
daily by the loving guidance of the Holy Spirit. Praise God in all things!
If you and I are willing to do so, He is more than willing to equip and
empower us daily for effective life and service by the indwelling presence and
power of the Holy Spirit.
Please note:
You are welcome to share this Bible study in your local churches, but I suggest that you personalize it. You do not have permission to publicize it or to make money from it in any form. May God richly bless you as you minister for Him with rich spiritual rewards of seeing many souls saved and sanctified for all eternity! Please let me know whatever helpful results you may get from this!
With Warm Sincerity in Jesus’ Love,
Rev. Don Schink, Pastor-Evangelist
Sonlight Ministries
Tijeras, NM
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