Active Faith: Living Out Salvation Together
Summary
### Summary
In Philippians 2:12-13, Paul transitions from discussing the profound truths about Jesus Christ to how these truths should shape our daily lives. He emphasizes that our faith is not just about belief but also about living out those beliefs. Paul encourages the Philippians to continue living faithfully even in his absence, urging them to "work out their salvation with fear and trembling." This does not mean earning salvation through works but actively living out the new life given by God. Paul underscores that God is at work within us, shaping our desires and actions to align with His will.
Paul's message is clear: Christians are not passive but active participants in their spiritual growth. We are to live courageously, relying on God's empowering presence. This involves knowing our God, understanding our situation, and knowing ourselves. Paul stresses the importance of community and mentorship in the Christian journey, highlighting that we are not meant to walk this path alone. He also warns against self-deception and encourages self-awareness to identify areas where we fall short of Christ's likeness.
Paul's call to "work out your salvation" is a call to diligent, humble, and submissive living under God's authority. It is about striving to become more like Christ, not out of fear of losing salvation, but out of love and devotion. This involves a long, consistent journey of obedience, where our lives are continually shaped by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. Paul concludes by reminding us that our efforts are not in vain because it is God who works in us to fulfill His good purpose.
### Key Takeaways
1. Active Participation in Faith: Christians are called to actively participate in their spiritual growth. This means living out the new life given by God, not passively waiting for change to happen. We are to work diligently, relying on God's presence to guide and empower us. [05:48]
2. Community and Mentorship: The Christian journey is not meant to be walked alone. Paul emphasizes the importance of community and having spiritual mentors. These relationships help us grow, provide accountability, and ensure that we pass on our faith to future generations. [10:10]
3. Self-Awareness and Repentance: Knowing ourselves involves recognizing areas where we fall short of Christ's likeness. This self-awareness is crucial for genuine repentance and spiritual growth. We must be vigilant in identifying and addressing our sins, bringing them to Christ for transformation. [33:56]
4. Humility and Submission to God's Authority: Working out our salvation involves humility and submission to God's Word. We must approach Scripture as our ultimate authority, allowing it to shape our lives rather than conforming it to our preferences. This humble submission is essential for true spiritual growth. [21:33]
5. God's Work in Us: Our efforts in living out our faith are not in vain because it is God who works in us to fulfill His good purpose. This divine partnership means that our actions, guided by God's will, contribute to the building of His Kingdom. We are called to be vigorous and courageous workers for Christ. [39:14]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:18] - The Christ Hymn and Its Significance
[02:30] - Transition to Ethical Living
[03:31] - Living the New Life in Christ
[05:48] - Active Participation in Faith
[07:44] - Paul's Absence and Our Responsibility
[10:10] - Importance of Community and Mentorship
[13:01] - Passing Faith to Future Generations
[14:45] - Working Out Salvation with Fear and Trembling
[17:00] - Understanding Paul's Message
[19:49] - Long Obedience in the Same Direction
[21:33] - Humility and Submission to God's Authority
[24:44] - Knowing Your God, Situation, and Self
[29:41] - Engaging with the World
[33:56] - Self-Awareness and Repentance
[39:14] - God's Work in Us
[42:27] - The Power of God's Word
[43:31] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Philippians 2:12-13
- Galatians 2:20
- Psalm 139:23-24
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling"? How does he clarify this in Philippians 2:12-13? [06:49]
2. According to the sermon, what role does community and mentorship play in the Christian journey? [10:10]
3. How does Paul describe the relationship between our efforts and God's work in us in Philippians 2:13? [06:49]
4. What are some examples given in the sermon of how Christians are to live out their faith actively and courageously? [05:48]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "working out your salvation" align with the idea that salvation is a gift from God and not earned by works? [15:46]
2. In what ways does Paul suggest that knowing our situation and ourselves can help us in our spiritual growth? [24:44]
3. How does the sermon explain the importance of humility and submission to God's authority in our spiritual journey? [21:33]
4. What does it mean for God to work in us "both to will and to work for His good pleasure," and how should this influence our daily lives? [39:14]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Are there areas where you have been passive rather than active in your faith? What steps can you take to become more engaged? [05:48]
2. Think about your current community and mentors. How can you strengthen these relationships to support your spiritual growth? Are there new connections you need to make? [10:10]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you fall short of Christ's likeness. What practical steps can you take to address this and seek transformation? [33:56]
4. How do you approach Scripture in your daily life? Are there ways you can better submit to its authority and allow it to shape your actions and decisions? [21:33]
5. Consider a recent situation where you felt God's presence guiding you. How did you respond, and what can you learn from that experience to apply in future situations? [39:14]
6. How can you actively participate in passing your faith to future generations? What specific actions can you take to mentor and support younger believers? [13:01]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt God's work in you. How did it impact your actions and decisions? How can you remain open to God's guidance in your daily life? [39:14]
Devotional
Day 1: Active Participation in Faith
Christians are called to actively participate in their spiritual growth. This means living out the new life given by God, not passively waiting for change to happen. We are to work diligently, relying on God's presence to guide and empower us. Paul emphasizes that our faith is not just about belief but also about living out those beliefs. He encourages the Philippians to continue living faithfully even in his absence, urging them to "work out their salvation with fear and trembling." This does not mean earning salvation through works but actively living out the new life given by God. Paul underscores that God is at work within us, shaping our desires and actions to align with His will. [05:48]
Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV): "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but 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 work for his good pleasure."
Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you can actively participate in your spiritual growth today? How can you rely on God's presence to guide and empower you in this area?
Day 2: Community and Mentorship
The Christian journey is not meant to be walked alone. Paul emphasizes the importance of community and having spiritual mentors. These relationships help us grow, provide accountability, and ensure that we pass on our faith to future generations. Paul stresses the importance of community and mentorship in the Christian journey, highlighting that we are not meant to walk this path alone. He also warns against self-deception and encourages self-awareness to identify areas where we fall short of Christ's likeness. [10:10]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Who in your life can you reach out to for spiritual mentorship or accountability? How can you contribute to your Christian community this week?
Day 3: Self-Awareness and Repentance
Knowing ourselves involves recognizing areas where we fall short of Christ's likeness. This self-awareness is crucial for genuine repentance and spiritual growth. We must be vigilant in identifying and addressing our sins, bringing them to Christ for transformation. Paul encourages self-awareness to identify areas where we fall short of Christ's likeness. This involves a long, consistent journey of obedience, where our lives are continually shaped by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. [33:56]
Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV): "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you recognize you fall short of Christ's likeness? How can you bring this to Christ for transformation today?
Day 4: Humility and Submission to God's Authority
Working out our salvation involves humility and submission to God's Word. We must approach Scripture as our ultimate authority, allowing it to shape our lives rather than conforming it to our preferences. This humble submission is essential for true spiritual growth. Paul calls for diligent, humble, and submissive living under God's authority. It is about striving to become more like Christ, not out of fear of losing salvation, but out of love and devotion. [21:33]
James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."
Reflection: In what ways can you humbly submit to God's Word today? How can you allow Scripture to shape your life rather than conforming it to your preferences?
Day 5: God's Work in Us
Our efforts in living out our faith are not in vain because it is God who works in us to fulfill His good purpose. This divine partnership means that our actions, guided by God's will, contribute to the building of His Kingdom. We are called to be vigorous and courageous workers for Christ. Paul concludes by reminding us that our efforts are not in vain because it is God who works in us to fulfill His good purpose. [39:14]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: How can you recognize and embrace God's work in you today? What specific actions can you take to contribute to the building of His Kingdom?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We are active and we are courageous, relying on the empowering presence of God to do what God wants us to do." [05:48] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We don't take this salvation for granted. We don't take this life for granted. We don't take heaven for granted, but we want more of Jesus in this life here and now." [18:38] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Friends, the world is growing more confusing, not less. So it's important for us to have those that we can walk beside. And there's no real substitute for being able to physically make contact with those people." [12:05] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We strive not to be saved, but we strive out of love and devotion to be more and more like our savior, Jesus Christ. It is out of love and acceptance that you and I want to look more like him, not less." [18:38] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God is looking for Christians in whom He can trust His will and His power. Are we some of those followers of Jesus Christ?" [43:31] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul is saying that we need to be diligent to work on living these brand new lives that God has given us. We do. We strive to become more like Christ and to work at overcoming the power of sin. You and I do not work to be saved from sin. You and I work to continue to defeat sin in our lives. Sometimes by the power of God." [17:00] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Know your situation. God in his sovereignty has you and me here and now. How many of you have ever had the thought, I would so much rather be in a different situation. And yet, yeah, man, whoo, raising hands. And yet, God in his sovereignty has you and me here now with everything that's going on in the world around us, with everything that's going around in our smaller circles of family and work and education, all these other things, God's put you here." [25:21] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We need others to walk alongside us. Friends, the world is growing more confusing, not less. So it's important for us to have those that we can walk beside. And there's no real substitute for being able to physically make contact with those people. Some of our mentors are dead. We read what they wrote. We learn from their lives. We read their biographies and these things are great, but there's no substitute for being able to call or text that person in the middle of the night and just say, please pray for me." [12:05] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We need to build a stronger church. And friends that isn't on my shoulders. That's on our shoulders to do that. And we defend the faith. We walk out in this world as followers of Jesus Christ. So we know our situation and know what to do." [32:50] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The biblical understanding of know yourself is a little bit more like this. Do you know yourself well enough to know how you are not like Christ? Specifically it is easy to live in self-deception. It is easy to live in ways where I can justify where sin is still at work in my life. It's very easy to do that. This is just how the human heart works." [33:56] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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