We Have a Responsibility to be Obedient to God

Instant obedience is the only kind of obedience there is; delayed obedience is disobedience. Whoever strives to withdraw from obedience, withdraws from Grace.  -Thomas A. Kampis  

(Today's message is based on Philippians 2:12-18)

In one of the many art galleries of Europe there is an old Greek statue of Apollo that is a beautiful figure of physical perfection. Someone visiting the gallery said he did not know which impressed him more, to look at the statue or to watch the crowd as they looked. Invariably, he said, everyone who stood before it, even for a casual glance, began to straighten up, put back his or her shoulders, and stand tall. The statue has the lifting power of loftiness.

This is something of the sensation we have as we read the lofty description of the journey of Christ from glory to the cross and back to glory by way of the cross. Paul gave us this marvelous description of the grace and glory of Christ as an appeal to unity. He wanted us to have the mind of Christ, an attitude of humility and service. For his obedience he received the blessing of God.

Paul went back to encouragement and appeal in verse 12, picking up from verse 8 as a point of reference. Christ was obedient even to the cross. We are to be obedient also. Let's begin with Philippians 2:12-13. Obedience to God is manifested in salvation. When Paul urges us, "Work out your own salvation," it sounds strange to us, for Paul is the one who insisted that salvation is wholly by grace. Two things must be kept in mind: (1) He said, "work out" not "work for." Salvation is by grace. (2) Paul was referring to the final result of the salvation we enjoy in Christ.

Salvation is wholly accomplished in the work of Jesus Christ. In verse 13 Paul asserted that it is God who works within us. Although salvation is entirely a gift from God, we must cooperate with God in obedience and faith in order to receive it. How are we going to go about working out the salvation that God has given us, bringing to a final conclusion the results of God's grace? A constructive fear of God keeps us from perilous self-confidence!

Paul's advice in In Philippians 2:14 is, "Do all things without murmurings and disputings." His reason is in verse 15, "that...in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation...ye shine as lights in the world." That is the splendor of salvation; that Christians shine in a world of darkness and perversity. Looking at this a little more closely, Paul has given us three ways to be "blameless," "harmless," and "without rebuke."

To the world Christians should be blameless. Their lives should be so pure that no one can find blame in them.  In themselves, Christians should be harmless. Literally the word here means unmixed or unadulterated. When used of people it implies absolute sincerity. In the sight of God Christians are without rebuke. They should be able to withstand even the scrutiny of God.

Finally, what is our service? Turning to Philippians 2:16-18 we find that we are to hold forth the word of life by proclaiming God's message of salvation, and by demonstrating Christian living. If we do this, our lives will have purpose and will not have been in vain.

Paul uses two very vivid pictures to show this. One has to do with athletics and the other with religion. He does not want to train as an athlete and then find that he has run in vain. He does not mind sacrificing his life to serve God. What is the result of the kind of service in salvation? Joy and rejoicing in life.

In conclusion, we have a responsibility to be obedient to God. And as we are obedient to him, we will have real joy in life.

Scripture: John 14:15; James 1:22; Romans 8:28; Isaiah 1:19; 2 Corinthians 2:9; Matthew 7:14; 2 Timothy 3:16; Job 36:11; Hebrews 5:8;

Prayer: Father, we thank You that by You we are guided, not in our own strength or wisdom, but in the knowledge and wisdom of our omniscient God. It is not by might, nor by power, but by Your Spirit that we can stand against the tactics of the enemy as we build our foundation of faith, one brick at a time. Like Nehemiah, may our first impulse be that that of prayer and our second impulse be that of obedience. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

-thanks to James E. Carter

God bless you,

Nancy