Joyous Discipline
REJOICE IN THE LORD-7
TITLE: Joyous Discipline
TEXT: Philippians 2:12-18
TONE: Encouragement
TARGET: Believers
TASK: To encourage believers to work out their salvation, to do all things without grumbling, and to hold forth the word of life.
TEACH: We have all seen dedicated athletes in training. The athlete follows a strict regimen of daily workouts, healthy eating, and rest to prepare for the competition. Despite the challenges and sacrifices required, the athlete finds joy in the discipline of training as they feel their strength, endurance, and speed improve with each session. The discipline of training brings a sense of accomplishment, progress, and empowerment to the athlete’s journey towards the prize.
Similarly, the discipline of sanctification can be likened to the training of an athlete in the believer’s life. Through spiritual disciplines, the believer intentionally practices to grow faith, character, and spiritual maturity. Just as the athlete’s training regimen shapes their physical abilities and prepares them for the competition, the discipline that produces sanctification shapes the believer’s spiritual life. We will see this very truth in today’s verses.
TEMPLATE: Structure of the Text
I. Exhortation to Work Out Salvation (Philippians 2:12-13)
A. "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" (Philippians 2:12)
1. Address to the Philippians as beloved and obedient
2. Call to work out salvation with fear and trembling
B. "for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13)
1. Explanation of the believers' ability to work out salvation
2. Emphasis on God's role in enabling and empowering believers
II. Call to Do All Things Without Grumbling (Philippians 2:14-15)
A. "Do all things without grumbling or disputing" (Philippians 2:14)
1. Command to avoid grumbling and disputing
B. "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" (Philippians 2:15)
1. Purpose of avoiding grumbling and disputing
2. Description of believers as blameless and shining lights in the world
III. Paul's Sacrificial Service and Rejoicing (Philippians 2:16-18)
A. "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" (Philippians 2:16)
1. Paul's desire for the Philippians to hold fast to the word of life
2. Paul's hope for a meaningful outcome in the day of Christ
B. "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" (Philippians 2:17)
1. Paul's willingness to be poured out in sacrificial service
2. Paul's joy and rejoicing with the believers.
TRUTH: When Paul finishes the Christ hymn, he returns to giving practical community life guidelines. His ethical appeal in this section continues to develop what he introduced earlier as the way to live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ (1:27). By presenting the person and work of Christ in the great Christ hymn, Paul strengthens his appeals for unity in the church (1:27, 2:2) and establishes a solid foundation for his encouragement to work out your salvation … without grumbling or arguing (2:12, 14) … Paul moves quickly and easily from theological contemplation to practical implication. The word therefore points to the intended results of all that the Christ Hymn proclaims. Christ’s death on the cross and his universal lordship are not abstract theological concepts far removed from the nitty-gritty problems of everyday life. Reflection on the cross of Christ, exaltation, and universal worship of Christ leads to humility and reconciliation within the community.[1]
First, the believer must pursue the discipline of work.
I. The Believers’ Discipline of Work
Explanation: In Philippians 2:12, Paul urges the beloved Philippians to work out their salvation with fear and trembling. The phrase "κατεργάζεσθε" (katergazesthe) conveys the idea of carrying out, accomplishing, or working diligently towards their salvation. This verse emphasizes the ongoing process of sanctification and spiritual growth that Paul exhorted the Philippians to engage in. The imperative still stands today. We, too, must work out our salvation with fear and trembling.
Before proceeding further in the message, we need to understand the biblical terms and their distinctions. For example, justification is a legal concept that refers to the act of God declaring a believer righteous and forgiven based on the atoning work of Jesus Christ. It is a one-time event that occurs at the moment of faith in Christ, where the believer's sins are forgiven and they are declared righteous before God. Justification is based on the grace of God and is received through faith alone, apart from works.
On the other hand, sanctification is a progressive process by which believers are transformed into the likeness of Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit. It involves the ongoing growth in holiness and conformity to the image of Christ. Sanctification is a lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit and the believer's cooperation with God's work. When Paul wrote, “…work out your salvation,” he was not talking about justification, but instead, sanctification.
Working out one’s salvation (i.e., ‘growing in holiness’) includes the practices of the spiritual disciplines:
1. Prayer: Prayer is essential for cultivating a deep and intimate relationship with God. Through prayer, we can surrender our wills to God's will and align ourselves with His purposes, which is essential in working out our salvation.
2. Bible Study: Studying the Bible is crucial for gaining spiritual knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of God’s will, as well as for nourishing and strengthening our faith. By meditating on Scripture and applying its teachings, we can grow in wisdom, knowledge, and obedience, which are crucial aspects of working out our salvation.
3. Worship: Regular worship fosters a heart of adoration, reverence, and awe toward God. Engaging in corporate and personal worship practices helps us express our love and devotion to God. In worship, we can acknowledge His greatness and experience His presence, which produces transformation.
4. Fasting: Fasting helps to discipline the body, focus on spiritual priorities, seek God’s direction, and deepen one’s dependence on Him for strength and sustenance.
5. Meditation: Practicing meditation involves reflecting on God’s Word, dwelling on His truths, and quieting the mind.
6. Service: Serving others in love and humility reflects Christ's character and fulfills His command to love our neighbors. By practicing acts of service and compassion, we can demonstrate our faith in action and participate in God's work of redemption, which is integral to living out our salvation.
When we embrace these practices, believers cooperate with God’s transforming work in their lives, allowing Him to mold them into the image of Christ. Sanctification requires commitment, perseverance, and a willingness to seek God’s presence and guidance continually. As we actively engage in the disciplines that the Spirit uses to produce holiness, we can experience the joy of growing closer to God, reflecting His character, and fulfilling our calling as His children.
Sanctification can be likened to the process of a sculptor shaping a block of marble into a beautiful work of art. Just as the sculptor carefully chips away at the rough edges and imperfections of the marble to reveal the hidden beauty within, lovingly molds and refines the believer, chiseling away sin, pride, and selfishness to reveal the image of Christ that lies within. With each chip and each stroke, the believer is transformed, becoming more like the masterpiece that God intended them to be. Just as the sculptor’s work requires patience, skill, and precision, so does sanctification require the believer’s cooperation, perseverance, and trust in the hands of the Master. And just as the finished sculpture brings glory to the sculptor, so too does the sanctified believer reflect the glory of God, shining brightly as a testimony of His grace and transforming power.
Yet, there is a surprising phrase that begs our attention. Paul wrote, “For it is God who works in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure…” The phase "Θεὸς γάρ ἐστιν" (Theos gar estin) - For it is God: This statement made by Paul emphasizes that it is actually God Himself who is actively at work in the lives of believers. Paul highlights God’s divine initiative and sovereignty in the process of transformation. This declaration underscores the importance of the believer’s dependance on God for their growth. Paul also uses the present participle “energon” in the phrase “ὁ ἐνεργῶν ἐν ὑμῖν" (ho energōn en hymin), which conveys the continuous and dynamic nature of God’s work within believers. The ongoing action of God within the hearts and lives of believers signifies His intimate involvement and personal presence in their lives.
Next, Paul wrote, "καὶ τὸ θέλειν καὶ τὸ ἐνεργεῖν" (kai to thelein kai to energein) - "both to will and to work": The phrase highlights the comprehensive nature of God’s work in believers’ lives. God instills in believers the desire (thelein) to align their will with His purposes and empowers them to carry out His will in action (energein). The dual aspect of God’s work emphasizes the holistic transformation in the believer.
The ultimate goal of sanctification is seen through the use of the phrase "ὑπὲρ τῆς εὐδοκίας" (hyper tēs eudokia)—"for his good pleasure": Therefore, the ultimate goal behind God’s work in believers is His own good pleasure and delight. It is not only for our own benefit but also for His glory.
Application: We each have a personal responsibility to grow spiritually.
Second, we see that discipline is to be reflected in the believer's attitude.
II. The Believer’s Discipline of Attitude
Explanation: Paul exhorted the Philippians to “do all things without grumbling or disputing.” The "chōris gongusmōn kai dialogismōn" (without grumbling and disputing) underscores the importance of maintaining unity and harmony within the body of believers. As a community, we are encouraged to cultivate attitudes of gratitude, contentment, and peace in our interactions with one another. Let’s take a deeper look:
hōris" (without): The word conveys the idea of being separate from or apart from something. In this context, it emphasizes the need to abstain from grumbling and disputing, indicating a clear separation from these negative behaviors. Such behavior as
"gongusmōn" (grumbling) expresses discontent or complaints in a murmuring or muttering manner. It reflects an attitude of dissatisfaction or resentment, often directed toward circumstances, others, or even God. We see the importance of maintaining a positive attitude. Paul also applies the phrase "kai dialogismōn" (and disputing): Dialogismos refers to thoughts, reasonings, or arguments that lead to disputes or disagreements. It involves engaging in contentious debates or quarrels that can disrupt unity and harmony within the community.
In verse 15, we can observe why such an attitude is essential. Paul wrote, "Hina genēsthe" (that we may become). The purpose of the exhortation is for us as a collective body of believers to grow and mature in our faith and conduct. This is not just individual growth but communal, as we strive together to reflect the character of Christ in our lives. Paul highlights the importance of living above reproach by implementing the phrase "amemptoi kai akeraioi" (blameless and innocent). As children of God, we are called to live in a manner that reflects our identity as His beloved sons and daughters. Our goal is to "en hois phainesthe hōs phōstēres en kosmō" (shine as lights in the world). The imagery of shining as lights in the world underscores our role as witnesses of Christ’s truth and transformation. As a body, we are called to illuminate the world's darkness with the radiance of Christ’s love, grace, and truth through our unified testimony of progressive holiness.
And why is this important? Paul uses the phrase"γενεᾶς σκολιᾶς και διεστραμμένης" (geneas skoliās kai diestrammenēs), which is translated as (crooked and twisted generation. This is Paul’s description of the moral and spiritual condition of his current society and culture. Skoliās means "crooked" and conveys the idea of moral perversity, deviation from what is right or proper, a mere lack of integrity. Paul further applies the term
diestrammenēs, meaning “twisted” or “perverted,” emphasizing a moral corruption that distorts or perverts the truth. It implies a deviation from the right path, a turning away from what is good and upright.
Grumbling and murmuring can be likened to dark clouds that hover ominously overhead, casting shadows of discontent and negatively affecting the landscape, and like a persistent drizzle, grumbling trickles through our thoughts and conversations, eroding the soil of gratitude and joy. Like a distant thunder, murmuring rumbles with dissatisfaction and complaint, creating an atmosphere of unrest and discord. Just as storm clouds obscure the brilliance of the sun, grumbling and murmuring obscure the light of God’s goodness and provision in our lives. A person in this condition cannot see clearly. Only returning to a thankful spirit can the clouds of discontent be removed, allowing the radiance of God’s grace to shine through.
The implementation of these descriptions serves as a stark contrast to the call of believers to shine as lights in the world.
Application: Cultivate a reverent heart toward God and His work.
The third discipline of the believer is that of faithfulness.
III. The Believer’s Discipline of Faithfulness
Explanation: In Philippians 2:16, the phrase “holding fast the word of life” emphasizes the importance of believers clinging to and preserving the gospel's message. The word "ἐπέχοντες" (epexontes) conveys the idea of holding on firmly, grasping, or retaining. The word "λόγον" (logon) refers to the message, teaching, or word "ζωῆς" (zōēs) means life. Together, they refer to the life-giving message that leads to eternal life—the gospel.
Furthermore, Paul expresses his desire for the Philippians to have a meaningful and significant boast or reason for holy pride on the day of Christ. The phrase "eis hēmeran Christou" (in the day of Christ) refers to the future eschatological day when Christ will return and judge everything. Paul emphasizes that the Philippians’ efforts in the faith were not in vain or without purpose.
The phrases "ouk eis kenon edramon" (not in vain I ran) and "oude eis kenon ekopiasa" (nor in vain I labored) highlight the earnestness and diligence with which Paul pursued his gospel ministry. The negative "ouk" (not) underscores the assurance that their labor and toil in the faith had a lasting impact and significance in the sight of Christ.
In Philippians 2:17-18, Paul concludes with a personal reflection on his sacrificial service and expresses his joy and mutual rejoicing with the Philippian believers. In verse 17, Paul acknowledges the possibility of his life being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of the Philippians’ faith. The imagery of a drink offering symbolizes a sacrificial act, reflecting Paul’s willingness to give his life in service to the Philippian believers and the gospel. Paul had a whatever it takes attitude in relation to the gospel.
Being poured out can be likened to a fragrant offering, a sweet aroma rising to the heavens. Just as a pitcher empties its contents, pouring out every drop, so too does a life poured out in service and sacrifice release a pleasing fragrance of love, devotion, and selflessness. It is a picture of complete surrender. Just as a fragrant perfume spills out to fill the air, a life poured out leaves a lasting impact.
Paul extends his exhortation for mutual rejoicing, encouraging the Philippians to continue rejoicing and sharing in his joy. This reciprocal joy and celebration demonstrate the deep bond of fellowship and partnership in the gospel that Paul shares with the Philippian believers, reinforcing the proper work, attitude, and faithfulness sanctification requires.
Application: Remain steadfast in the truth of the Gospel amidst the challenges and trials of life.
TAKE-AWAY:
1. Work out your salvation: We each have a personal responsibility to grow spiritually.
2. Do everything without grumbling or disputing: Cultivate a reverent heart toward God and His work.
3. Hold fast the Word of life: Remain steadfast in the truth of the Gospel amidst the challenges and trials of life.
TIE-UP: We should at least put more effort into our sanctification than an athlete puts into his training. For we are in the pursuit of something greater.
Work Cited:
G. Walter Hansen, The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Letter to The Philippians (Nottingham: Apollos, 2009).
Moises Silva, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: Philippians (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005).
Gerhard Friedrich, Theological Dictionary of New Testament Greek (Grand Rapids: WM. Eerdmans Publishing, 1974).
[1] G. Walter Hansen, The Letter to the Philippians, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Nottingham, England: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2009), 170.
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