Encouragement Worked Out - SERMON NOTES

Intro: (1) series recap (2) coming down from mountaintop (cf. Mt. of Transfiguration)

Obedience (12-13)
1. Our part (12): (1) exhorting obedience (2) “therefore” → cf. 2:1-11, particularly v.8 (3) especially important in his absence (cf. leaving kids at house) (4) NOT working for salvation, or viewing salvation in nervous insecurity (5) call to be active in corporate pursuit of Christ → w in c engaged in m (6) “fear/trembling” → humbling awareness of ongoing need (cf. OT background)

2. God’s part (13): (1) any ongoing unity, love, and servant-mindedness among Christians is ultimately a result of God’s presence (2) biblical community best tool for evangelism (3) reason for prayer services (4) the Lord takes pleasure in working in/with us in our inability/weakness (cf. g-mother making cookies with g-daughter) (4) Ps. 90:17, 127:1

Contentment (14-16)
1. Resisting all complaint (14): (1) one fruit of salvation is refusing to complain (2) tendency toward negativity (cf. Eeyore), making bigger deals than needed out of things (cf. coffee creamer) (3) common sources → workplace, relationships, daily tasks/logistics, ailments (4) given v.14, the source here likely leadership (cf. Exodus 16, 1:2) (5) concern vs. complaint

2. Being an example (15-16): (1) v.15 → Israel in wilderness (cf. Deut. 32) (2) Israel’s failure to be God’s light → those transformed by Christ can do this (3) “lights” → bright stars in night sky (4) v.16 → “holding fast to word of life” (cf. Dan. 12:3, John 8:12, Mt. 5:16) (5) Muggeridge → cultural darkness gives opp for light to shine brighter (6) must resist cynicism/despair

Joy (17-18)
1. Personal Joy (17): (1) Paul uses OT idea to express his joy over the Philippians (2) drink offering added to main animal sacrifice to enhance it (cf. icing on cake) (3) Paul more focused on Philippians than himself (cf. Jem’s TD) (4) image of worship → if Paul’s suffering enhances the Philippians’ obedience, then it is worth it (cf. Rom. 12:1-2) (5) joy through sacrificing for others

2. Corporate Joy (18): (1) repeated in 3:1 and 4:4 → something we need to remind each other of (2) often easier to experience joy with others (cf. American visiting Haitian church year after earthquake) (3) make a list of joyful things you experience at church (mine → Bill’s parking sign, coffee team, hearing little kids in service, parents/kids on playground) (4) don’t overlook!

Conclusion: set up communion