Practical Christianity

So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose.

Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and peverse generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world.

Hold firmly to the message of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I did not run or labour in vain.

But even if I am poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.

In the same way you should also be glad and rejoice with me. Philippians 2:12-18

12-13 Give application of practical Christianity - the Philippians were not being called to obey Paul, insomuch, but rather Christ. 'Work out,' is not referring to a works programme but rather an application of faith to everyday life. It is by faith in Christ I live and breathe rather in what I myself can do. 

Fear and trembling is more a reverence for our God, a true respect of who He is and all he had done.

14-16 Gives instruction of positive steadfastness. Grumbling and arguing comes from selfishness. Refraining from the fleshly behaviour enables Christ to shine through, even when circumstances dictate we grumble. This gives God the glory.

We live in a crooked and peverse generation, we are marching back to Sodom and Gomorrah days. A few days ago Ireland sanctioned same sex marriages. The world is crying out for the lust of its flesh. It is getting darker. We must stand and shine and not agree or acknowledge this sin, whilst loving the sinner.

17,18 Here Paul talks of his personal joy in pouring out his life as a drink offering. He is willing to give his life for the sake of the gospel.

I am looking forward to sitting down and talking to Paul. I like this man, he is so full of Christ, so honest and practical, he makes me rejoice. What blesses me most was he was faithful to the end. He encourages me to endure and keep going. Thank you Paul! Thank you Lord for choosing Paul!