1. Walking “Worthy of the Gospel” Philippians 2:1-18 How’d you like to have to diagram sentences of the Apostle Paul? Sometimes, one sentence with traverse four, five, or even six verses. Such would surely challenge the best of grammarians. But it also means that some of us lesser grammarians can lose sight of what’s really being said. Adding to this problem, we often forget that what we’re reading was written as a “letter,” and thus did not originally include chapter and verse markings. So, we tend to segregate texts and therefore fail maintain context and continuity. A case in point is Philippians 2. What is said in chapter two is actually a further explanation of something introduced toward the end of chapter one….

2. Let’s see if we can ascertain a simplified view of what it means to Walk Worthy of the Gospel. Outlining a section of scripture usually helps us to pick out what are the main points. It also sometimes helps in that when the main points are identified, what lies between them is the “how to” section. In other words, Paul told the Philippians (and us!) not only what to do to “Walk Worthily of the Gospel,” he told us how to do so. So, we’ll attempt to follow that pattern in our study of this great chapter- you might be surprised at what you see!

3. What, then, is required in Walking Worthy of the Gospel, and how is it done? What to do? 1.Be United, v.2. How?  Do nothing from selfishness, vv.3-4.  Adopt the attitude and activities of Christ Jesus, vv.5-8.  Such is not only Walking Worthy, it results in exaltation and the wearing of His name, it glorifies God, vv.9-11.

4. What, then, is required in Walking Worthy of the Gospel, and how is it done? What to do? 2. Work Out Your Own Salvation, v.12. How?  With fear and trembling, v.12; cf. Isa.66:1-2 and Ex.19 This doesn’t mean “we” get to pick and chose how “we” will be saved- it does mean proper attitude and activity are involved! cf. Jas.2:11-17.  Remember: God is at work in you; or perhaps better, “through you”- as a Master works through His servants, v.13. Either way, the point is you’re not alone! cf. 4:13

5. What, then, is required in Walking Worthy of the Gospel, and how is it done? What to do? 3. Do All Things Without Grumbling & Disputing, v.14. How?  Remember who you are and who you are supposed to be, v.15: Blameless and Innocent; Children of God Above Reproach; Lights in the World.  Hold fast to the Word of Life, v.16; 1:27  Remember & share the joy of Paul, vv.17-18

6. With their beloved Paul in prison, and much of the brotherhood in turmoil over circumcision, the Philippians could be: United! If they were willing to, Work Out Their Salvation, by, Doing All Things Without Grumbling & Disputing. And so can we if we will Walk Worthy of the Gospel!