WORKING OUT WHAT GOD WORK'S IN

We walked through Philippians 2:12-18 and broke it into three parts: God’s work in us, our response, and the practical instructions Paul gives. At the center sits verse 13: God is working in you, giving both the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. That means transformation does not start with our willpower; it starts with God’s presence, actively and continuously shaping our wants and supplying our ability. And He delights to do it. If I’m becoming more like Jesus, it’s not a burden to the Father—it brings Him pleasure.

Because God is at work, I’m called to “work out” what He “works in.” Not working for salvation—that’s a gift—but letting the inward work become an outward expression. That shows up as fruit, as obedience rooted in reverent awe, as a life that looks noticeably different because I carry the kingdom. Paul then hands us four clear instructions. First, do everything without complaining or arguing. Grumbling reveals distrust; arguing often masks pride. A grumbling spirit dims your light; gratitude amplifies it. Second, live clean, innocent lives and shine—not flashy, not noisy, just holy. A star doesn’t try to shine; it shines because of what it is. If Christ is in me, light should be natural.

Third, hold firmly to the Word of life. Scripture anchors us when culture shifts, and it fuels both a radiant life and a spoken gospel. Shining without words is incomplete; words without shine ring hollow. Finally, live in a way that brings joy to those who shepherd you. Your growth is not just personal; it blesses God, brightens the world, and gladdens the leaders praying and laboring for your progress in Christ.

The outcome of this kind of life is joy—joy in sacrifice, joy in obedience, joy in seeing others grow. So I called us to do business with the Lord: let Him put His finger on the corners that still need remodeling—unforgiveness, toxic ties, hidden habits—and picture the Father on the far side of that obedience, cheering you on. This is not “try harder”; this is “partner better.” God gives the desire and the power; our job is to work out what He works in, so that the evidence of love, peace, joy, and purpose shines through a people who are becoming different because He delights to make us new.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God plants desire and power God is not distant; He is actively reshaping what you want and energizing what you can do. When holy hunger rises in you, it’s His work already underway. Our role is to collaborate with that grace, not compete with it. Partnering with the Spirit turns effort into alignment. [05:51]
• 2. Work out, don’t work for salvation Salvation is gift, but fruit is evidence. Reverent obedience makes the invisible grace visible, turning inner renewal into lived reality. This is not performance; it’s integrity—your life matching your confession. Awe of God protects obedience from pride and fear. [10:54]
• 3. Grumbling dims; gratitude brightens witness Complaining is a quiet claim that God isn’t good here; arguing often hides a need to be right. Gratitude, even in hard places, announces trust and keeps your light clear to those watching. Death to self in small annoyances trains you for larger acts of love. [21:16]
• 4. Shine by holiness, not noise Holiness isn’t a spotlight you aim; it’s a life that reflects Jesus when no one’s clapping. Purity in speech, integrity in relationships, and kindness in conflict are how light cuts through a crooked world. Don’t try to be impressive—be faithful, and light will happen. [23:07]
• 5. Grip the Word and speak it Scripture is the anchor that keeps you from drifting with the tides of culture. Hold it, obey it, and then hold it out—shining and speaking together form a faithful witness. A lived gospel without words is unclear; words without life are unconvincing. [26:26]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:56] - Prayer and setup
• [02:33] - Title and Text: Philippians 2:12-18
• [03:10] - Reading the passage
• [05:51] - God gives desire and power
• [07:53] - God awakens holy desire
• [10:54] - Work out, not work for salvation
• [15:22] - Instruction 1: Do all without grumbling
• [22:31] - Instruction 2: Live clean and shine
• [25:51] - Instruction 3: Hold firmly to the Word
• [27:54] - Shine and speak the Gospel
• [29:22] - Instruction 4: Bring joy to your shepherds
• [33:42] - Joy in costly obedience
• [34:22] - Work out what God works in
• [37:10] - Response: forgive, release, and change

Bible Reading

Philippians 2:12–18 — 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. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life—so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

Observation Questions

1. What does Paul tell believers to “work out” in verse 12, and why does he add “with fear and trembling”? ([03:10])
2. Verse 13 lists four aspects of God’s activity in us. What are those aspects, and which one surprised you most when the pastor explained it? ([05:51])
3. Paul gives four specific instructions (no grumbling, live clean, shine, hold to the word). From the passage, what practical behaviors or attitudes match each instruction? ([25:51])
4. How does Paul picture the result of obedient living for leaders and for the church (what does he say he will feel on the day of Christ)? ([29:22])

Interpretation Questions

1. What does “work out your own salvation” mean here so it does not sound like earning salvation? How does verse 13 guard against a “works-based” reading? ([10:54])
2. When Paul commands “do all things without grumbling or disputing,” how should a believer decide when to speak up and when to let go? What motives does Paul point to that explain complaining or arguing? ([15:22])
3. What does “holding fast to the word of life” imply about how Christians should interact with culture and changing public opinions? ([25:51])
4. The pastor used the image of the Father cheering on the far side of obedience. How does that image change the way one thinks about costly obedience or sacrifice? ([37:10])

Application Questions

1. The pastor named several “corners” that need remodeling (unforgiveness, toxic ties, hidden habits). Which one is God pointing out in your life right now? What is one concrete first step you will take this week to begin remodeling it? ([37:10])
2. Identify a common small complaint you make (at home, work, church, traffic). What is one specific gratitude practice you will try instead the next time that situation happens? (e.g., a short thank-you prayer, naming one good thing aloud). ([21:54])
3. Who is one person you need to forgive or release this month? What practical action will you take toward that forgiveness (a conversation, a letter, a prayer, setting a boundary)? ([37:10])
4. Which of the four instructions (no grumbling, live clean/shine, hold fast to the word, bring joy to shepherds) is hardest for you right now? Choose one measurable goal for the next two weeks that will show progress (write it down and share it with the group). ([15:22])
5. How will you “hold firmly to the word of life” this season? Pick one concrete habit (daily 10-minute reading, memorizing one verse a week, joining a Bible study) and set the day/time you will begin. ([25:51])
6. Who is a spiritual leader or mentor who has invested in you? What will you do this week to live in a way that would bring them joy (one action you can take and one way you will tell them you appreciate their investment)? ([29:22])