Embracing Humility: Working Out Our Salvation

Devotional

Day 1: Emulating Christ's Humility

Jesus Christ, though fully God, emptied Himself of divine privileges to become a servant and die on the cross. This ultimate act of humility and obedience serves as our example. We are called to emulate Christ's humility in our daily lives, recognizing that true greatness comes from serving others. [37:57]

In Philippians 2:12-16, Paul emphasizes the importance of humility and obedience, drawing from the example of Jesus Christ. Jesus, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped. Instead, He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant and humbling Himself to the point of death on a cross. This act of humility and obedience is the cornerstone of our faith and serves as a model for how we should live our lives. By following Jesus' example, we learn that true greatness is found not in power or status, but in serving others and putting their needs above our own.

As we strive to emulate Christ's humility, we are reminded that this is not an easy task. It requires a conscious effort to put aside our own desires and ambitions and to focus on the needs of others. This can be challenging, especially in a world that often values self-promotion and individual achievement. However, by looking to Jesus as our example, we can find the strength and motivation to live lives of humility and service.

Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV): "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

Reflection: Think of a specific situation where you can practice humility this week. How can you serve someone else in a way that reflects Christ's humility?

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Day 2: Committing to Our Spiritual Workout

Just as physical exercise requires commitment and effort, our spiritual journey demands diligence. We are called to actively live out our faith, serving others and striving to be more like Christ. This "workout" is not about earning salvation but responding to the grace we have received. [43:57]

Paul uses the metaphor of physical exercise to illustrate the effort and commitment required in our spiritual journey. Just as many people start but fail to maintain a physical workout routine, Christians must be diligent and persistent in their spiritual "workout." This involves actively living out our faith, serving others, and striving to be more like Christ. It is not about earning our salvation, which is a gift of grace, but about responding to that grace with a life of dedication and service.

Our spiritual workout requires daily commitment and effort. It involves spending time in prayer, reading and meditating on God's Word, and seeking opportunities to serve others. It also means being intentional about our spiritual growth, setting goals, and holding ourselves accountable. Just as physical exercise strengthens our bodies, our spiritual workout strengthens our faith and helps us grow closer to God.

1 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV): "Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to strengthen your spiritual "workout"? How can you incorporate these practices into your daily routine?

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Day 3: Choosing Gratitude Over Grumbling

Paul warns against the dangers of grumbling and complaining, drawing parallels to the Israelites who grumbled despite being freed from slavery. Instead, we are called to be blameless and pure, focusing on God's goodness and the miracles He performs in our lives. [54:17]

Grumbling and complaining can be detrimental to our spiritual growth and our relationships with others. Paul reminds us of the Israelites who, despite being freed from slavery, grumbled about their circumstances. This attitude of ingratitude and discontentment can hinder our ability to see God's goodness and the miracles He performs in our lives. Instead, we are called to be blameless and pure, focusing on the positive and choosing gratitude over grumbling.

Choosing gratitude means intentionally looking for the good in every situation and acknowledging God's blessings in our lives. It involves shifting our focus from what we lack to what we have and recognizing that God is at work even in difficult circumstances. By cultivating an attitude of gratitude, we can experience greater joy and contentment and become a positive influence on those around us.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you tend to grumble or complain. How can you shift your perspective and choose gratitude in that situation?

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Day 4: Shining Like Stars in a Dark World

In a dark and crooked world, Christians are called to shine like stars. By living out our faith with integrity and joy, we become beacons of hope and light, drawing others to Christ. Our actions and attitudes can make a significant impact on those around us. [41:45]

In a world that is often filled with darkness and negativity, Christians are called to be a source of light and hope. Paul encourages us to shine like stars in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation. This means living out our faith with integrity and joy, and allowing our actions and attitudes to reflect the love and grace of Christ. By doing so, we can draw others to Christ and make a significant impact on those around us.

Shining like stars involves being intentional about how we live our lives. It means being kind, compassionate, and forgiving, even when it is difficult. It also means standing up for what is right and being a positive influence in our communities. By living out our faith in this way, we can bring hope and light to a world that desperately needs it.

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: Think of a specific way you can be a light in your community this week. How can your actions and attitudes reflect the love and grace of Christ to those around you?

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Day 5: Trusting That Our Labor Is Not in Vain

Paul emphasizes that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. Even when our efforts seem unappreciated or fruitless, God sees and values our dedication. We are encouraged to remain steadfast and unmovable, knowing that our work for the Lord has eternal significance. [16:55]

It can be discouraging when our efforts seem unappreciated or fruitless. However, Paul reminds us that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. God sees and values our dedication, even when it goes unnoticed by others. Our work for the Lord has eternal significance, and we are encouraged to remain steadfast and unmovable in our commitment to serving Him.

Trusting that our labor is not in vain requires faith and perseverance. It means continuing to serve and work for the Lord, even when we do not see immediate results. It also means trusting that God is at work behind the scenes, using our efforts to accomplish His purposes. By remaining faithful and dedicated, we can be confident that our labor will bear fruit in God's perfect timing.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV): "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when your efforts seemed unappreciated or fruitless. How can you trust that your labor for the Lord has eternal significance, even when you do not see immediate results?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to celebrate God's goodness and reflect on His word, particularly focusing on Philippians 2:12-16. We began by acknowledging the end of summer and the exciting events our church has been involved in, such as showing "The Chosen" series, the upcoming Aruna 5K run, and our day camp in August. These activities are not just events but opportunities to serve and bring hope to our community.

We then delved into the book of Philippians, a letter written by Paul from prison, emphasizing the importance of humility and obedience as exemplified by Jesus Christ. Paul, facing imminent execution, wrote to the church in Philippi to encourage them to live out their faith with the same humility and dedication that Jesus demonstrated. We discussed the "kenosis" passage, which describes Jesus emptying Himself of His divine privileges to become a servant and ultimately die on the cross for our salvation.

Paul's message is clear: just as Jesus poured out His life for us, we are called to "work out" our salvation with fear and trembling. This means actively living out our faith, serving others, and striving to be more like Christ. Paul uses the metaphor of physical exercise to illustrate the effort and commitment required in our spiritual journey. Just as many people start but fail to maintain a physical workout routine, Christians must be diligent and persistent in their spiritual "workout."

We are reminded that our efforts are not in vain. God works in us, giving us the desire and ability to fulfill His purposes. Paul warns against grumbling and complaining, drawing parallels to the Israelites who, despite being freed from slavery, grumbled about their circumstances. Instead, we are called to be blameless and pure, shining like stars in a dark world.

In conclusion, Paul encourages us to hold firmly to the word of life, ensuring that our labor is not in vain. Our dedication and service, even in the face of challenges, are meaningful and impactful. As we continue to serve and work out our salvation, we do so with the assurance that God is with us, empowering us to fulfill His good purposes.

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Key Takeaways

1. Humility and Obedience of Christ: Jesus Christ, though fully God, emptied Himself of divine privileges to become a servant and die on the cross. This ultimate act of humility and obedience serves as our example. We are called to emulate Christ's humility in our daily lives, recognizing that true greatness comes from serving others. [37:57]
2. Working Out Our Salvation: Just as physical exercise requires commitment and effort, our spiritual journey demands diligence. We are called to actively live out our faith, serving others and striving to be more like Christ. This "workout" is not about earning salvation but responding to the grace we have received. [43:57]
3. Avoiding Grumbling and Complaining: Paul warns against the dangers of grumbling and complaining, drawing parallels to the Israelites who grumbled despite being freed from slavery. Instead, we are called to be blameless and pure, focusing on God's goodness and the miracles He performs in our lives. [54:17]
4. Shining Like Stars: In a dark and crooked world, Christians are called to shine like stars. By living out our faith with integrity and joy, we become beacons of hope and light, drawing others to Christ. Our actions and attitudes can make a significant impact on those around us. [41:45]
5. Laboring in Vain: Paul emphasizes that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. Even when our efforts seem unappreciated or fruitless, God sees and values our dedication. We are encouraged to remain steadfast and unmovable, knowing that our work for the Lord has eternal significance. [16:55]
### [16:55]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[27:49] - Opening Prayer
[28:17] - Summer Reflections and Upcoming Events
[29:39] - Aruna 5K Run and Day Camp
[32:03] - Introduction to Philippians 2:12-16
[33:15] - Paul's Imprisonment and Letter to Philippi
[35:03] - The Kenosis Passage
[37:57] - Jesus' Humility and Sacrifice
[43:57] - Working Out Our Salvation
[54:17] - Avoiding Grumbling and Complaining
[41:45] - Shining Like Stars
[16:55] - Laboring in Vain
[78:33] - Closing Prayer and Song
[80:24] - Pastor Steve's Closing Remarks

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Paul mean when he instructs the Philippians to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling"? ([43:19])
How does Paul describe Jesus' humility and obedience in Philippians 2:6-8? ([37:57])
What Old Testament story does Paul reference to warn against grumbling and complaining? ([58:06])
According to Philippians 2:15, what are Christians called to be in a "warped and crooked generation"? ([41:45])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul use the metaphor of physical exercise to describe the effort required in our spiritual journey? How does this metaphor help us understand the concept of "working out" our salvation? ([43:57])
How does the kenosis passage (Philippians 2:6-8) illustrate the depth of Jesus' humility and obedience? What implications does this have for our own lives? ([35:03])
What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' grumbling in Numbers 14:1-4, and how does this apply to our attitudes today? ([58:06])
In what ways can Christians "shine like stars" in today's world, according to Philippians 2:15? ([41:45])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you found it difficult to "work out" your salvation. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them? ([43:57])
Jesus' humility and obedience are central themes in Philippians 2:6-8. How can you emulate Christ's humility in your daily interactions with others? ([37:57])
Paul warns against grumbling and complaining. Identify a recent situation where you found yourself grumbling. How could you have approached it differently? ([54:17])
The sermon mentioned that our efforts are not in vain because God works in us. How can this assurance change the way you approach your daily tasks and challenges? ([50:06])
Think about a specific area in your life where you can "shine like stars" and be a beacon of hope and light. What practical steps can you take to make a positive impact in that area? ([41:45])
Paul emphasizes the importance of holding firmly to the word of life. What are some practical ways you can incorporate more of God's word into your daily routine? ([42:33])
Reflect on the concept of "laboring in vain." Have you ever felt that your efforts in serving God were unappreciated or fruitless? How does Paul's encouragement in Philippians 2:16 help you persevere? ([16:55])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "God's calling us to live a life full of energy working hard running hard going after it and making much of our life amen this is what God's calling us to so we're not working out so we can go to heaven we're working out because we are going to heaven we want to do this kind of stuff amen" [48:15] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "When you think God is not at work you can count on it he's at work he's at work this is really big stuff but what's sad about it is Christ followers sometimes we don't have the right view of who God is what's your view of God anyway where do you get your view of God your world view of God is that if things don't go well for you that God's not good" [01:03:11] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "God has poured into you. He's poured into you. Oh, can you just feel it? He's poured into you. So many awesome things. You don't have to be like that. He says, I want you to shine like, shine like star. So man, man, he pulls this from Daniel. Remember Daniel? Daniel's the one who gave the first, the prophetic word that there's going to be a big star in the sky and you go to that star and you're going to find who? Jesus." [01:14:26] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "You know what? We can make light of this a little bit think oh man you know people sign up they don't show up you know people talk about they want to be in shape but they're not really going after and get it but we all know this we have this idea that if we work out we're going to be healthier right we have this idea that there's going to be a better version of you if you could just get in shape man you know you're you're going to be healthier you're going to have more energy man you're going to feel better it's going to be good I want to do this right then all of a sudden you know I'm going to be healthy I'm not doing it anymore we kind of tease about that" [46:20] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Paul's about ready to get beheaded and just thinking about that in itself, you know, to be a Christ follower and think that, you You're going to follow Jesus and you might have to get your head cut off for that or like the disciples crucified for that, burned to the stake for that. These are the shoulders that we stand on, right guys, as Christ followers, that Jesus Christ, you know, died on the cross for us and there's been some amazing godly people, strong people that are carrying this gospel out that, that maybe that's probably why we're sitting here today. Right? Because of their faithfulness." [33:15] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "So this word work out here's what I know about working out so check this out this is crazy there are over 30,000 gyms take notes Bruce there are over 30,000 gyms in our country 30,000 gyms all right no excuses you can find one there are also over 273,000 trainers in our country but I only know of two good ones and they're sitting right over there come on wave at us over here they're trainers all right I also know this I learned this this week that there are 58 million of us working out in gyms 58 million all right this is a 27 billion dollar industry wow here's what else I found out 80% of those who join health clubs will quit in the first five months come on come on people what's going on here 80% 80% that's crazy" [44:24] (72 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "So therefore my dear friends Paul writing from prison writing to the people at Philippi come on my friends as you have always obeyed not only in my presence but now much more in my absence continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling so we know this Christ works it in he pours it out upon us and it's our job now to respond to the pouring out of him and now our response is we work out we work out our salvation God expects what he pours out he expects what he pours out that we work out our salvation we will work out" [43:19] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "So this is that story right here so check this out here's what happens in this story with them Numbers 14 then all the congregation raised a loud cry and the people wept that night they'd been set free out of Egypt here's the problem the Red Sea's right in front of them and the army's behind them and they think they're goners so in this passage right here Paul brings this up to them then all the congregation raised a loud cry and the people wept that night and all the people of Israel the word grumbled against Moses and Aaron the whole congregation now that's a large congregation you're talking hundreds and hundreds of thousands of people a whole congregation said to them would that we had died in the land of Egypt oh my goodness that's bad Jesus grace and mercy got them out of Egypt and now they're saying what'd you even bring us out for what's going on here God what did you bring us out here would that we had died in the land of Egypt or would that we had died in this wilderness why is the Lord bringing us into the land to fall by the sword our wives and our little ones will become a prey would it not be better for us to just go back to Egypt" [58:40] (113 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "So let's look at that verse. So you go from verse 8 to even the death of the cross to verse 9. Therefore, or because of his humility, because of his obedience, because of all of these things, pouring himself out. Therefore. God has highly. Exalted him. Isn't that a beautiful, I just love that right there. And then the Greek, it's like this hyper exalted him or super exalted him. And he says this, listen to the language here. He says highly exalted him and bestowed upon him the name that's above every name. So that at the name of Jesus, every knee is going to bow on heaven and earth and under the earth. And every. Tongue. Bow Jesus Christ the anointed one is Yahshua, right. Yahweh." [40:50] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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