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Outline:

Philippians 2:1-11, “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

In conclusion to our examination of this most glorious section of Scripture two Sundays ago we noted how the key to rejecting a me-centeredness and the motivation for preferring others (essential to achieving unity) is to keep your eyes fixated on Jesus alone!

This is why Paul intentionally presents Jesus’ example of true selflessness and humility directly following the individual challenge for these Philippians to “let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus!” The only way we can ever see a Jesus Culture yielded within a church whereby the presence of Jesus is manifesting through the lives of the believers who make up that church is for the example of “Jesus Christ” to be our primary motivator.

So it’s with these things in mind that Paul continues… Philippians 2:12-13, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”

“Therefore, my beloved…” In light of this glorious example established by Jesus Christ (One who completely submitted to the will of His Father in order to prefer you and I), the Apostle Paul now tenderly applies His exhortation… “My beloved” or literally “the recipients of my agapē”, as you consider these things, as you have always done (“always obeyed”) whether I was in your presence or not, may you “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling!”

Right from the beginning it should be pointed out that this statement “work out your own salvation” has been taken to mean many things it does not. Tragically, this verse has been contorted and distorted to make the argument that your works play a role in your salvation. I must be clear - your works have played and never will play such an important role!

First off, it’s important in seeking to understand what Paul is actually saying that you keep in mind who he is writing this to - Paul is writing to believers, not unbelievers. The intended audience was Christians who’d already experienced a saving faith based on Jesus’ work! As a matter of fact, this “working out” was something Paul affirms was already happening.

Read the Rest at: http://www.c316.tv/sermons/272