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

3. 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?

4. 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

5. 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”

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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!

10. 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!