Exposition of Philippians Paul’s Exhortation to Harmony Phil 2:12-18

Outline of Philippians Paul’s Exhortation to the Philippians as His Partners in the Gospel (1:12 – 4:20) Paul’s Exhortation to the Philippians as His Partners in the Gospel (1:12 – 4:20) Paul's Personal Circumstances in Advancing the Gospel (1:12-26) Paul's Personal Circumstances in Advancing the Gospel (1:12-26) Paul's Exhortation to the Philippians to Walk Worthy of the Gospel (1:27 – 4:1) Paul's Exhortation to the Philippians to Walk Worthy of the Gospel (1:27 – 4:1) The Need to Contend as One (1:27-30) The Need to Contend as One (1:27-30) The Call to Unity (2:1-30) The Call to Unity (2:1-30) Paul's Exhortation for Unity (2:1-4) Paul's Exhortation for Unity (2:1-4) The Example of Jesus Christ (2:5-11) The Example of Jesus Christ (2:5-11) Paul’s Exhortation to Harmony (2:12-18) Paul’s Exhortation to Harmony (2:12-18)

Work Out Your Salvation (2:12-13) Paul is in prison and does not know when he will see the Philippians again. His wants them to continue to walk worthy of the gospel, especially in his absence. “Work out your salvation”; what does this mean? Faith + works = salvation Faith = salvation + works glorification

The Philippians (and all believers) have a very active role in the sanctification process. The Philippians (and all believers) have a very active role in the sanctification process. The NT describes the Christian life as a pursuit, a following after, a pressing on, a contest, a fight, a race...all of which require effort. The NT describes the Christian life as a pursuit, a following after, a pressing on, a contest, a fight, a race...all of which require effort. “with fear and trembling” “with fear and trembling” conveys the idea of a lack of trust in oneself, a recognition of one’s own inadequacy and tendency towards sin, and a humble dependence upon God in awe of His awesomeness. conveys the idea of a lack of trust in oneself, a recognition of one’s own inadequacy and tendency towards sin, and a humble dependence upon God in awe of His awesomeness. Paul is quick to clarify in v. 13 the source and power of the Christian life: “God is the one who works in you, to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Paul is quick to clarify in v. 13 the source and power of the Christian life: “God is the one who works in you, to will and to work for His good pleasure.” This thought has a very close connection with an earlier one in chapter 1; what is it? This thought has a very close connection with an earlier one in chapter 1; what is it?

Do All Things Without Grumbling or Disputing (2:14-16) These verses spell out some specifics of how the Philippians are to work out their salvation. These verses spell out some specifics of how the Philippians are to work out their salvation. Comprehensive command: implies that the Philippians were experiencing quarrels or disputes within their assembly, and possibly with outsiders also. Comprehensive command: implies that the Philippians were experiencing quarrels or disputes within their assembly, and possibly with outsiders also. Purpose: that by their attitude and conduct that might be above reproach, “lights” amongst a crooked and perverse generation. Purpose: that by their attitude and conduct that might be above reproach, “lights” amongst a crooked and perverse generation. Manner: “holding fast the word of life.” Manner: “holding fast the word of life.” Motivation: that Paul himself might glory rather than be shamed in the day of Christ. Motivation: that Paul himself might glory rather than be shamed in the day of Christ.

Rejoice (2:17-18) In v. 16 Paul used two terms (“run” and “toil”) to draw attention to his apostolic labors among the Philippians. In v. 16 Paul used two terms (“run” and “toil”) to draw attention to his apostolic labors among the Philippians. Now he declares his willingness to go even beyond this, to be “poured out as a drink offering in addition to the sacrifice and service of your faith.” Now he declares his willingness to go even beyond this, to be “poured out as a drink offering in addition to the sacrifice and service of your faith.” This is the language of OT sacrificial ritual. This is the language of OT sacrificial ritual. Paul rejoices at this prospect, and wants the Philippians to share with him in that joy. Paul rejoices at this prospect, and wants the Philippians to share with him in that joy.

Three Commands from our Study Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Do all things without grumbling or disputing. Do all things without grumbling or disputing. Rejoice...even when there is a high price to be paid for faithfulness to Christ. Rejoice...even when there is a high price to be paid for faithfulness to Christ.

Next Time: Paul's Exhortation to the Philippians to Walk Worthy of the Gospel (1:27 – 4:1) Co-workers whom Paul is Sending Phil 2:19-30