“Work Out Your Own Salvation” Philippians 2:12-16

Easy to blame our shortcomings on our surroundings How can Christians be expected to live faithful & godly lives in this city, state or nation? How can parents who are Christians be expected to raise faithful children in this nation? The Philippians had to work out their salvation in the “midst of a crooked & perverse generation.” Were their surroundings more or less any different than ours?

Their “Perverse Generation” Religious Surroundings – Typical Mediterranean City Jewish Synagogue or other place of prayer Pagan Temples & Shrines Could worship the “god of your choice” – Acts 17:16-23 Could satisfy every lust of the flesh in the name of religion

Their “Perverse Generation” Moral Surroundings 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Immorality in political leadership The Caesars “outrageously immoral” “culturally acceptable for them” (Domitian 8) The Herods “intermarriage of its members so entangled the genealogical tree”

Our “Perverse Generation” Religious Surroundings In 2018 – 70.7 % of adults claimed to be “Christians” – over 33,791 denominations! A Church or Synagogue to suit every fancy A Variety of “exciting” churches Charismatic – Fast growing (Entertainment) Come as you are, do as you please churches

Our “Perverse Generation” Moral surroundings Pornography accepted by many Lascivious sign boards, advertisements Lying & Cheating considered normal Immorality in political leadership Unfaithfulness in marriage rampant Laws enacted to protect those who are sinful

Working Out Our Salvation By being consistent & persistent in obedience- Philippians 2:12 Includes our worship to God – Hebrews 10:25 Includes properly training children – Ephesians 6:4 By Being Serious About Religion- Philippians 2:12

Working Out Our Salvation By Letting God Work In Us- Philippians 2:13; Hebrews 13:20,21 We can work in harmony with the Divine Will, or we may reject to our damnation His good pleasure – as seems best to Him By Acceptance Rather That “Complaining & Disputing” – Philippians 2:14 Whatever the duty – Great or Small Whatever the circumstances – Easy or Difficult!

It Could Be Done Then & It Can Be Done Now But it took effort (work) then and so it is now We cannot let a “perverse nation” be our scape goat Must Rise To The Call & Persevere To The End!