[Linux4christians] ‭Philippians 2:1-18 (Tuesday)

[Pastor David]

*‭Philippians 2:1-18 (Tuesday)*

*‭Commentary*

Paul begins Chapter 2 with a rhetorical question, teasing 
his readers about encouragement in Christ, comfort from 
love, fellowship in the Spirit, and affection in mercy. 
Paul then challenges them to live united in Christ, acting 
from love, emphasizing commonality of the Holy Spirit and of 
a Godly attitude, and to be of common purpose - as Jesus 
instructed in His "great commandment and great commission".

Paul illustrates his point using the "attitude" of Christ 
Jesus, described in vss. 2.6-10.

Paul then moves to review the context of their right-living 
and the value of so-doing to a watching world.

Paul recognizes the faithfulness of the Philippians, while 
he was with them, and even more-so when he was away.  He 
uses the expression "... continue working out your salvation 
with awe and reverence" then qualifies it with "for the one 
bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort - for 
the sake of His good pleasure - is God."  His goal is to 
remind them that the value of their salvation has already 
begun and that it looks like something very powerful and 
practical in their day to day walk.

[Note: There is nothing in the text which justifies any 
claim to works-righteousness nor of anything other than a 
secure salvation.]

He continues - in order to further guide them "Do everything 
without grumbling or arguing", then the righteousness 
emphasis "so that you may be blameless and pure, children of 
God, without blemish though you live in a crooked and 
perverse society", and finally the outreach value "in which 
you shine as lights in the world."

*Interaction*

*Consider* that Paul again calls us "children of God", 
affirms the security of our salvation, and confirms the Holy 
Spirit as a critical unifying factor among all believers.

*Discuss* practical ways to "continue working out your 
salvation with awe and reverence", "... without grumbling or 
arguing", and for that to be a witness of God's love in you 
(and in your fellowship) to a watching world that some 
observing that may also choose Christ.

*Reflect*‭ that ‬"... the one bringing forth in you both the 
desire and the effort - for the sake of His good pleasure - 
is God." - therefore it is neither us who initiate the 
positive movement toward righteous living nor is it of our 
own strength that we succeed.  We agree to partner with God, 
not as disengaged tools but as active and energetic and 
willing co-laborers with Christ through the Holy Spirit.

*Share* an example of an individual or Christian fellowship 
   intentionally living (albeit imperfectly) united in 
Christ, acting from love, emphasizing commonality of the 
Holy Spirit  through a Godly attitude, and of a common 
purpose as Jesus instructed in His "great commandment and 
great commission".  What were the fruits of that?

*Truth in Action*

Today I am choosing an area of my life where I am either not 
being intentional about moving toward righteous living 
(thereby not pleasing God) or have been trying to do so of 
my own strength.  I will ask a fellow believer to support
me, via prayers in agreement, as I address this the way that
Paul describes; partnering with God, and allowing others in 
the fellowship to assist me.

*Be Specific*  _______________________________________


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Wednesday's text will be: Philippians‭ 2‬:19-30
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Have an http://Ultrafidian.com Day!  Pastor David
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