Philippians

In Christ, believers have everything we need for relationships (2:1). So we are called to approach all relationships in humility and love, looking to give of ourselves rather than to get from the other person (2:2-4). Jesus is our model of humility and service (2:5-8)

We work out our salvation by aligning ourselves with the Holy Spirit inside us who is working in us to give us the right desires and empower our right actions as we follow His leading (2:12-13)

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so 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 as 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. But 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. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me- Philippians 2:14-18 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world- Jesus (John 9:5)

Complaining: “murmuring.” Contains the concept of “rebelling.” What do people complain/murmur about? What makes people argue? (James 4:1)

Complaining says that God doesn’t know what he’s doing, that he is not strong enough or powerful enough or he does not care enough to take care of me as his child. It comes from a heart of discontent Arguing is the ill-tempered result of a complaining heart

In the end, both are worship issues

...so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault- vs. 15 Blameless- external, what people see of me. Same word that’s used for a sacrifice - “spotless” or “unblemished” Pure- internal, what I am. Unadulterated, unmixed, sincere

…blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation- vs. 15 We already are children of God, but we are called to be without fault Crooked- “scolios”- twisted, bent, warped, curved (external) Depraved- morally infused with sin (internal)

…blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation- vs. 15 Crooked vs. Blameless Depraved vs. Pure Have been vs. Called to be God is calling for a contrast between Christ- followers who reflect his light and the world around us that walks in darkness

...in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life – vs. 15 Stars- “luminaries”- the moon reflects the sun so that people can find direction in the darkness How do complaining and arguing hide the light? How do praising and seeking unity reveal the light?

…in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life- vs I need alignment with God in order to have alignment between my words and my actions

…in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing- vs. 16 When we live the truth without complaining or arguing, we honor those who’ve labored to disciple, teach and grow us in the Lord

But 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. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me Libation- the drink poured out on the burning sacrifice as an offering to the gods

Painful suffering and death are a cause for sorrow- if they have no purpose Paul’s sacrifice is for the Lord and his people- which causes great joy It is a privilege to suffer and to sacrifice for Jesus

What has complaining and being contentious (arguing) earned me? Do I prefer to be with people who are critical and love to argue or with people who are optimistic, joyous and full of praise and who look to make peace?

If complaining is rebelling against God and refusing to trust him in all situations, what blessings might I miss out on if I allow that attitude in my life? How can I change?