Philippians 2:12-18 "Life Application"

Resound
August 7, 2011

Bryne Palmer

Life (App)lication

Philippians 2:12-18

Lemmings (like little hamsters) are known for following the crowd. We’re all lemmings. They are known for running and jumping off cliffs (when trying to migrate somewhere). That’s us,  we’re living in sin, running and jumping off a cliff. –Romans 3:23-

1.       iWork Vs 12-13

He’s encouraging them to continue to obey even though he’s not there with them. Don’t do the things that you do in secret. “Just because I (Paul) am not around doesn’t mean you should act any different.” We should be mindful and do the same, just because God isn’t physically here with us doesn’t mean we should act any different (plus He’s omnipresent so He’s always with you). He’s also telling them to work and grow in their salvation. You don’t have to work for your salvation because it has been given to you as a gift. But you need to work on your salvation with fear and trembling (work on being a better Christian, work with God’s strength).  When you receive salvation it’s like going from Morris Code to an iPhone. You’d spend time figuring out what your new phone would do, do the same thing with your salvation. Fear and trembling – He’s there with you working it out.

2.       iDifferent Vs 14-16

If you claim to be a follower and not a fan, you’re different, so act like it. We’re all lemmings running toward a cliff, PCs with viruses popping up every day, but Christ came to save us, we don’t have to run toward the cliff, we can be a Mac.

How can we be different?

a)      Don’t grumble or dispute

That’s what everyone does; it’s easy to do that, so don’t. Live for the glory of God, be different, turn the other cheek.

b)      Be blameless and innocent

Don’t cause trouble just because, stay out of it. Be above reproach, be different.

c)       Be God’s children

Be different, be a light amongst the dark world.

d)      Hold fast to God’s word

Trends and things change but God and His word is unchangeable. Verse 13 we are called to do this because out God is different. –Isaiah 44:6- -John 1:11-14- Our God wanted to hang out with us, what other God does that? Especially to come from Heaven to earth willingly. Our God is different so be different then everybody else, mirror Him. We are different so act like it.

3.       iRejoice Vs 17-18

People get excited about things of this world (and sometime line up for days for it, like a game or movie), we should have an excitement that is bigger than that!