Culver Community Church
Pastor Chris Sweeney
Sermon Notes
March 01, 2020
Without Grumbling or Arguing - Philippians 2:14 - 30
{vs 15-16} Now its good that we have remembered what has come before, because this is not, as many would assume a disconnected section. It very much connects with the lessons of humble obedience, the mindset of Christ and our working out our own salvation (which God is working in us)! Take a moment to realize that in the previous verses (12-13) we have been commanded to do (work, walk, obey, etc.) and now Paul tells us do everything. We can draw a mental line from working/doing to this new do everything. This is the manner or way that we must work, do, obey or mine out what God is placing within us - - - without grumbling or arguing. This should be intuitive because we see the same result in working out our salvation (becoming the best believer we can be) as in this verse become blameless and pure
In this command, the emphasis falls on the word everything or all things (which is actually the first word of the verse in the ancient Greek). This presents a problem for us because we would much prefer that the verse say do most things or do almost everything without a bad attitude. However, Paul and the Holy Spirit are very clear and emphatic about this we must banish these two bad behaviors (sins!) from our lives (all means all in English and the Greek!) From an earth-bound perspective, we know that everyone falls into complaining sometimes (some more than others!) I mean come on do you know what my day has been like? Do you know what they did to me!?! Well, I may not know, but Jesus does! And Jesus has been through a lot more than you and I - - - without complaining! Remember, if the glorious sovereign God can humble Himself to come down and live, suffer and die (even the death of the cross) among us then with His mindset (attitude and thoughts), you and I can somehow survive what is facing us today! The world tells us we have a right to be upset or complain but that is not found in scripture! In fact, the Word tells us give thanks in all [notice that rigid, unforgiving word again] circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
In todays text, Paul tells them and us how to work out our salvation - Do everything without grumbling or arguing these two sins , determine if we will get the desired results or if we let what God is working in us lie dormant and wasted. The first one, grumbling is an emotional belly-aching. The second, arguing or disputing is an intellectual debate, often from a negative perspective as if trying to persuade that something is wrong or should not be (we might say murmuring with logical rationals). Paul keeps the command short and simple these two sins encompass a world of ungrateful, unfaithful living. If we can avoid these two we will automatically free ourselves from a whole host of tag-along evils.
All grumbling or murmuring is ultimately against God, it shows a lack of faith in His sovereignty, His Power, His wisdom and His love and care for us! When we murmur (the Greek word is an onomatopoeia it sounds like what it is; a low guttural grumbling) we say Im not happy, I would do things differently if I had my way (if I were in charge) and in that, we try to unseat God from His throne! We may think that our bitterness is just local, but it really goes all the way to the top! Believe you me, when we complain about the boss, the pastor, traffic, the President, our neighbors, our lives, relatives or even strangers - - - ultimately, we are protesting against and mistrusting God! The ultimate example of murmuring is found in scripture, the story of the Israelites and their travels from Egypt to the Promised Land. (Paul probably had this in mind, he specifically used terms that were used to describe Israels complaining towards God during the Exodus.) Time and time again, after being shown Gods Power (plagues, deliverance, miracles and provision) they grumbled. First against Moses and Aaron but ultimately against God as Moses tells them He has heard your grumbling against Him. Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the LORD. (Exodus 16:8b) Jesus taught that not even a sparrow (a little almost worthless bird two sell for a penny) falls without God noticing it (Matthew 10:29) - - - so how do we think that God is unaware of our circumstances? Jesus also taught that In this world you will have trouble its a guarantee, but He didnt stop there But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33) Yes, no matter what we face, no matter how horrible or unfair it seems - - - Jesus (God) is still in control! And, to complain about it, is to complain against the God who allowed it! Trust Him He is working all things out for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28)
There are three very desired outcomes given to us as the reasons why we should make every effort to do this.
· so that [in order that] you may become blameless and pure, "children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. (vs 15a) This first reason is self-serving for us we become something wonderful, better than we currently are more Christ-like! Notice the direct cause and effect relationship do this to get this result! This first reason appeals to our relationship with God we need to show a family resemblance (not in eyes, noses or chins but in mindset and actions!) In Ephesians 5:1 we have the same idea - Be imitators of God as beloved children When we are without grumbling and arguing trusting and relying on God we become blameless (innocent) and pure (unmixed, wholesome), proper children of God who stand out in a wicked world!
· Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky {16} as you hold firmly to the word of life. Our standing out, leads to reason number two our witness to a dark world. Paul tells us that such children of God will be brilliant like stars in a dark sky. We know how warped this generation is look at the crimes committed, no, look at the legislation that comes down! This age (like all the others before it) is filled with selfish, sinful people and Gods purpose for the Church is to shine a light for those in darkness. We have the word of life, the gospel, the very secret to eternal life - - - but how will anyone believe its true if those carrying it are just as filled with bitterness (just as dark) as they are? The way we think, speak and live must match up with this gospel that we carry! Evangelism is our commission, and that can only be done if we Do everything without grumbling or arguing!
· I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. Reason number three is somewhat self-serving for Paul I want to be proud of these believers who are becoming proper children of God! This extends to our mentors, pastors and even earthly parents to have such worthy spiritual children is rewarding. I want to know that my efforts are not in vain, that Im not just speaking to the back wall but that you are growing in Christ! Paul tells the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 3:1-3) you are my letter of recommendation, the result of our ministry, known and read by everyone! The proof of a ministry is not just the leader, but also the people!
The idea here is to accept the providential plan which God has ordained for your life, by living out your salvation without any complaints both towards others and towards Him. A joyful, grateful, faithful (trusting) heart has no emotional murmuring and no intellectual disputing with God. That mindset is what Paul and the Holy Spirit calls for all Christians to maintain, at all times!
Now after teaching and exhorting humility, obedience and the mindset of Christ Paul gives us three examples.
{vs 17-18} The first is his own life. Now some might ask if using himself as an example of humility proves just the opposite but remember that Paul is writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Many of the human authors of scripture have included details they would have wanted to leave out! I think of Moses who wrote that he was more humble than any other person on earth. (Numbers 12:3b) or those who like King David had all their flaws and weaknesses recorded so that we might learn from them. However, the illustration itself does not support this. First we see another if that should be read since. Paul is not talking about his possible death as many would imagine but about his life for Christ! This is a description of a sacrifice being poured out (at this time). It is being poured out as the secondary offering, along the main offering of the Philippians. So in humility, Paul says I am glad and joy-filled to be a small addition to your wonderful lives for Christ! In this same way, you all should be filled with joy that my sacrifice and service can be added to yours!
{vs 19-24} The second example is that of dear Timothy! Pauls apprentice and a dear devoted servant of Christ. Paul extols his proven service and selflessness and longs to send him to the Philippians. Not only Timothy but with hope, Paul may join him on the journey - - - not so that Paul may be free (selfishly) but so that God may continue the work through them both and benefit these beloved believers!
{vs 25-30} Finally, we have Epaphroditus loved by both Paul and the Philippians. A co-worker of Pauls in the ministry and the messenger and hands of the Philippians. Both Paul and the church are deeply invested in his welfare and can praise God for his healing. He is worthy of praise, in humility he put his own life on the line in service to Christ, the church and specifically Paul. Epaphroditus however, not being concerned about his own interests and health, is worried that his illness may have distressed those who sent him. After almost dying in coming, he wants to return, once again risking his life - just to assure them that he is well! Paul tells them to receive him back with joy and to honor him and all those like him.
Now the question for us today is who is our life being poured out for? Is it for our own pleasure, our glory and our will? Or are we being offered to God, in service of the gospel, our fellow believers and this fallen world? One way or the other we are being poured out (until the day our lives are done) let us live as proper children of God who are working out the salvation that God is working in us!