Title: Work Out Your Salvation
Work out your salvation (Philippians 2:12-18)
1. Natural Revelation (Romans 1:19)
(1) We humans were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).
However, because of the fall of man, he was disciplined by God and expelled from Paradise. However, since the grace of knowing God remains in humans, we can know God's existence and disposition to some extent. In theological terms, this is called “antecedent grace.” To the extent that humans can accept the moral nature of “God is love!”, humans have the ability to discern between good and evil. Such evidence can be found in all things in nature and in the human conscience. Recently, Professor Hwang Woo-seok has succeeded in creating human embryonic stem cells using only somatic cells and eggs. Therefore, the world is praising it as an achievement comparable to the second industrial revolution. However, it would be nice if such science and technology could be used only to heal patients with incurable diseases, but if we develop it into technology that makes and sells unlimited organs or clones humans, the sovereignty of God who created humans will be compromised, and we are afraid that we may live in God's wrath. is.
(2) Therefore, it is important for humans to walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8).
No matter how good a human being, if he does not practice justice, love kindness, and humbly walk with God, he will become a person who rebels against God. Therefore, of all human knowledge, there are two most important ones. It is first, the truth of salvation about Jesus the Son, and second, the truth of creation about God the Holy Spirit. God saved mankind by sending His Son to die on the cross in order to prevent the fall of man and to forgive man's sins. Also, when he created man, he breathed a spirit into him and made him in the image of God. If we turn away from these two truths, man will be guilty of a great sin against God.
2. Special Revelation
(1) Jesus Christ, who became a man of God (Philippians 2:5-11)
(2) Jesus Christ crucified (John 19:30)
3. Inner Holiness Life
(1) It is God who works in us (verse 13).
God is in the saints. Philippians 1:6 says, “He who started a good work in you...” That is, God is in us. 1 Corinthians 3:16 says, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”
(2) He allows you to desire and do for the sake of His good pleasure (verse 13).
If we change the order of the words in verse 13 a little, the meaning becomes clearer. “It is God who desires and works in you according to the pleasure of God.” These words are completely excluded due to human merit, and all glory is given only to God.
⑶ Work out your salvation with fear and trembling (verse 12).
4. Outward holiness
(1) A life free from grievances and quarrels in all things (verse 14).
The saved saints are God's people under God's control. Therefore, living without resentment and disputes is the measure of a holy life. Because God will rule. Our faith must be a victorious faith. That faith is the faith that triumphs in the faith in Jesus Christ who has already won (1 John 5:4).
(2) The light of life in the world (verse 15).
The world is a distorted and rebellious generation. It's time to say there is no God. At that time, we must shine the light of life to those who wander in darkness while living a life free from sin. If our saints live in the light, those who live in darkness will come to the light and have true fellowship (1 John 1:7).
⑶ A life that illuminates the word of life (verse 16).
In verse 13, we have already said that it is God who works so that we may have the desires that please God. And he said that the God who gives them wishes will come true. Therefore, human merit was completely excluded. Only the Lord is glorified. But we are just tools of God. However, in order for us to have something to boast about to God, we must have a desire to reveal the word of life. We must do our best to testify of the grace that saved us and raised the dead.
⑷ A life that rejoices in giving oneself to God (verses 17-18).
Here, the word “liquid drink” is used in the sacrificial law, which contains the meaning of devotion to pour oneself out to God. The Apostle Paul dedicated himself to God and worked with joy with the whole crowd. If we are to live a holy life, we must have the joy that comes from God. In order for the thrill and joy of salvation to continue, we must serve. We must offer the sacrifice and service of our faith.
Salvation is instantaneous and at the same time progressive.
From the moment we are justified by believing in Jesus, we gradually grow up to reach "to the fullness of the stature of the stature of Christ." A life that restores the perfect image of God is a life of holiness. I bless you to become such a holy saint.
Ministry: Let's strive for the inner sanctification of our hearts and the outer sanctification of our lives.