Philippians 2:12-13    Understanding The Purpose of God

INTRODUCTION: Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, -

DIVINE RESPONSIBILITY (2:12) - Work out your own salvation - swthrian katergazesqe - Pres Pass Imp - It means to perform, accomplish, achieve, work out (to do that from which something results), or to render one fit for a something.

 with fear and trembling – fobou kai promou - It is used to describe someone who is quaking with fear and trembling, or the anxiety of one who distrusts his ability completely to meet all requirements, but religiously does his utmost to fulfill his duty and purpose in life.

 Godly Perceptions: Have a Tender Conscience

 2 Cor. 1:12  For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you–ward.

 Godly Precautions: Be Vigilant Against Temptation

 James 4:6-8  But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Godly Prudence: Take Heed Lest We Fall

1 Cor. 10:12  Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
Rom. 11:21  For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.

Godly Principles: Honor Christ With Our Actions

 Phil. 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel

 DIVINE ENABLEMENT (2:13) 

 The Correct Perspective:  for it is God – o qeoV gar estin - Pres Act Ind -

 IT IS GOD THAT ACCOMPLISHES HIS PURPOSE - Heb. 13:20-21 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The Correct Potential: which worketh in you – o energwn en umin - Pres Act Ptc - To carry a goal to its ultimate conclusion (sanctification)  Eph. 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

The Correct Power: both to will and to do -  qelein kai to energein - Pres Act - 2 Cor. 12:9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

The Correct Purpose: of His good pleasure – uper thV eudokiaV - Eph. 3:19-21 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. 

 REVIEW: WE HAVE A DIVINE RESPONSIBILITY

To Have Godly Perception
To Use Godly Precaution
To Show Godly Prudence
To Live By Godly Principles

REVIEW: DIVINE ENABLEMENT

Live With A Correct Perspective
Live Our Lives in full Potential
Live in His Power
Live With The Correct Purpose

CONCLUSION

BE RIGHT SPIRITUALLY

LIVE RIGHT PUBLICALLY

WALK RIGHT PRIVATELY

LOVE RIGHT AT ALL TIMES

DRAW CLOSER TO CHRIST

KEEP YOUR EYES ON CHRIST