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Text: Philippians 2:12-18

Brian continues in Philippians, vv. 2:12-18

Prepare

Questions to Consider:

1. In 2:12a, what is the 'therefore' there for? What's it doing? Why is it so important that Christian obedience flow out of the Gospel? Why does it say about the nature of that obedience?
2. In 2:12c, Paul speaks to their persistent obedience in the past then, it seems, calls them at present to 'work out their own salvation'? Is that different than or virtually the same as persistent obedience? What does Paul mean by 'salvation'? Is he saying we 'save' ourselves? Or that salvation is 'by works'? Or might we need to investigate whether the Bible speaks of salvation in fuller terms than just the point of conversion, 'I got, I am saved'? If it refers to an aspect of salvation (regeneration/conversion/justification, sanctification, glorification), what aspect? Why must we work it out 'with fear and trembling' instead of, say, 'peace and joy'? See the connection to verse 13.
3. In verse 13, how does our 'working out' relate to God's 'working in'? In whom and in what and for what does God work? Can we take any credit at all for our sanctification? If God is the One acting in our acting out, why do we have to act at all? Can't we just take ease? If not, why not (besides the fact that Paul calls us to work out)? Compare with Isaiah 26:12, Ezekiel 36:27, John 15:4-5, 1 Corinthians 1:29-31.
4. In verses 14-16a, Paul gets more specific as to Christian obedience, our salvation 'worked out', God's good pleasure. What's the first thing he mentions in v. 14? Does that surprise you? Why does Paul mention that? What's the opposite of grumbling and questioning? What's the goal in avoiding that behavior, v. 15? Behind this goal is a comparison with Israel, so Deuteronomy 32:5. Why would we want to be distinct from them? How can we be, v. 16? What's the main means of grace in supporting our conduct as the true children of God? Compare with Luke 8:15-21.
5. In verses 16b-18, Paul speaks of their obedience in terms of 'a sacrifice of faith.' What does a sacrifice signify? But they are living. So what's another way to think of Christian obedience? Compare with Romans 12:1-2. Paul's willing to be 'poured out' upon their sacrifice of faith. How important do you think the church's obedience to Christ is to the apostle? How important should it be to the church to have ministers who pursue this in them above all? Do you thank God for such laborers? Are you just such a laborer?