“Finding Joy and Purpose in God’s Work”
Philippians 2:12-30 Oct.28, 2007 Play
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Working in Utopia
○ good to find satisfaction in work (Prov
31:17; Eccl 2:24, 3:22; 1Thess 4:11)
○ some work situations not very enjoyable
The Worker’s POSTURE: in Christ, freed from self-focus
○ have encouragement, comfort, fellowship from
union with Christ (2:1)
○ not selfish ambition but humble, consider
others’ interests (3f)
○ Jesus humbled self, became obedient as
servant (5-8)
○ example of Timothy: takes a genuine interest
in their welfare (20, 22)
The Worker’s POWER: Working Out What God Works In
○ work out your salvation: faith seeks
expression (12; Jas 2:18ff; Gal 5:6; Mt 24:13; 2Pet 1:5ff)
○ with fear and trembling: Jesus exalted
beyond merely ‘friend’ to ‘Lord’ (9ff; Rev 1:17; Lev 10:1f)
○ God works in us to will/act for His purpose,
equips us for what pleases Him (13; 2Cor 5:19; Heb 13:20f)
○ Eric Liddell: the Power comes from within -
seeking Jesus / Kingdom
The Worker’s PURITY: Not This, but That
○ without complaining, arguing, fault (14ff;
Mt 17:17; Ac 2:40)
○ become blameless, pure, shining like stars,
holding out word of life (15; Mt 7:14; Lk 1:79)
The Worker’s POURING: Surprising Joy in being a Libation
○ Paul a drink offering atop church’s
sacrifice & service, like Jesus’ self-emptying, Epaphroditus
risking his life (17, 7, 27, 30)
○ surprisingly, joy associated (17f; 29; Gal
5:22f)
○ St. Francis of Assisi: seeking to bring
Lord’s light amidst darkness