Salvation Work

This is a sermon based on phrase in Philippians 2:12, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." It explores the true meaning of the phrase and the connection between salvation and works of faith after salvation is received. A video recording of the worship service in which this sermon was preached can be viewed by clicking here.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

Tomorrow is a national holiday – Labor Day. I haven’t preached very many sermons related to the theme of work/labor, but I decided to do so this year. Before we get started on the message, I thought I would begin with a little “Labor Day Humor.”

Two women were comparing notes on the difficulties of running a small business.
“I started a new practice last year,” the first one said. “I insist that each of my employees take at least one week off every three months.”
“Why in the world would you do that?” the other asked.

The first one replied, “It’s the best way I know of to learn which ones I can do without!”

“Do you believe in life after death?” the boss asked one of his employees.

“Yes Sir.” the employee replied.

“Well, then, that makes everything just fine,” the boss went on. “After you left early yesterday to attend your grandmother’s funeral, she stopped in to see you!”

The Worker – The Castle Rock, Colorado, Wage and Hours Government Department claimed an old rancher by the name of Mickey was not paying proper wages to his ranch help and sent an agent out to interview him. 'I need a list of your employees and how much you pay them,' demanded the agent. 'Well,' replied old Mickey, 'There's my ranch hand who's been with me for 3 years. I pay him $600 a week plus free room and board. The cook has been here for 18 months, and I pay her $500 a week plus free room and board. Then there's the half-wit who works about 18 hours every day and does about 90% of all the work around here. He makes about $10 per week, pays his own room and board and I buy him a bottle of bourbon every Saturday night.' 'That's the guy I want to talk to, the half-wit,' says the agent. 'That would be me!' replied Mickey. (https://www.funny-jokes.com/labor-day-jokes#More_Classic _Labor_Day_Jokes)

Labor Day is a day that was initiated for the purpose of giving tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. It was June 28, 1894 when Congress passed legislation making the first Monday in September a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories. I fear that the culture war in our nation has done great damage to the idea of the sacredness of honest labor. I can’t tell the number of times in the last several months I’ve heard reports of supplies, products and projects being delayed because of the shortage of labor.

As I began thinking about the Labor Day holiday and wondering if there was a Scripture that the Lord would direct me to that was somewhat related, I almost immediately thought of this verse in Philippians 2:12.

(NKJV) Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling

According to my records, I used this verse and spoke briefly about it during a series of messages I preached through the Epistle of James, because it seemed to fit with a thought that James presented in chapter 2 of his letter.

I have heard many people interpret this verse to mean that everyone’s understanding of salvation is slightly different, so each person needs to “work out” what they think salvation involves for them and not worry about what others think. This view sort of implies a self-made, designer type salvation that goes along nicely with whatever I think it should be.

That is not really the correct understanding of the text. One author states that the words, “work out,” indicate the idea of carrying something through to its conclusion. As such, it would mean that the Philippian believers were urged to let God’s salvation be worked out into their everyday lives and accomplish all that God intended for it to accomplish.

For a little while today I would like to examine this text with you and then consider some other relevant applications of the principle that Paul is teaching us here.

I.          Contextual Information

There are a few details that are important to review before we get along too far in this discussion.

A. Paul is writing from confinement.

Philippians is one of four “Prison Epistles” in the NT. He is uncertain what lies ahead for him. He clearly indicates that his case is a life and death situation. (See Philippians 1:19-24.) He seems to write as though he believes he may be released because he hopes to see them face-to-face. (2:24) Regardless of the outcome, he frequently expresses joy in Christ and in the reports he has heard from them and about them.

B. This letter is a corporate letter.

By that I mean it was written to a church, a group of believers, not an individual. That is significant because it cannot have the meaning in verse 12 that I described initially, (i.e., every person trying to “work out” whatever they think salvation involves for them personally and don’t worry about what anyone else says or does).

“you” / “your” – the pronouns “you/your” in v. 12 are in the plural form. So, Paul is not giving an individual order or instruction, but he is addressing the entire church.

“work out” – or “work at;” Verb, present, middle, imperative

(Expositor’s Bible Commentary) The preposition kata intensifies the verb “to work” and means to carry the work through to its conclusion. The grace the Philippians have received from God, establishing their salvation, is still to be actualized and to become fruitful (cf. Collange, 109).

(Ibid) The command to “work out your salvation” suggests that salvation is “not only something they receive; it is something they do” (Fee, 234). Salvation is experienced in community… Salvation involves one’s individual reconciliation with God but also one’s reconciliation with others. (Williams, 137), recognizes that “even though the Philippians are expected to respond individually, the imperative has to do with what takes place in their community life, as they return to their common cause with regard to the gospel.”

C. God has already been working in them.

v. 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

This is clearly not a reference to individuals making up their own mind about what salvation is and what it involves, because God has already been working in them all corporately. God has poured out His grace in their hearts and lives and continues to do so. And, the work they are commanded to do is not all in their own wisdom or strength or ability. No, God is working through them.

II.        Salvation Work Includes…

A. Works that ratify repentance and faith.

Acts 26:20 ^(NKJV)  but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.

Luke 3:10-14 ^(NKJV) So the people asked him, saying, "What shall we do then?" ¹¹ He answered and said to them, "He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise." ¹² Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?" ¹³ And he said to them, "Collect no more than what is appointed for you." ¹⁴ Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, "And what shall we do?" So he said to them, "Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages."

When John the Baptist was preaching “the baptism of repentance” to the people, they were convicted with His message and asked what they should do. His answer was not so they could earn their salvation, it was so they could demonstrate God’s work in them.

Ephesians 2:10 ^(NKJV)  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Paul doesn’t connect works with repentance here in Ephesians, but he connects works with salvation, which is essentially what he wrote to the Philippians – work your salvation.

B. Works that glorify God.

Matthew 5:16 ^(NKJV)  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

There is no way to spell out what all it may involve for us to do works that glorify God. The only thing I can say is that it means we do whatever it takes to help others recognize who God truly is. That is, works that fit with His character and nature.

Titus 2:7 ^(NKJV)  in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,

C. Works that model what Jesus did.

John 9:4 ^(NKJV)  I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.

John 14:12 ^(NKJV)  "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.

We obviously do not have the power to perform miraculous healings, etc. However, we can do things to alleviate the suffering of those around us.

I was talking to a pastor (Steve Stanley) who was working on graduate degrees in Wesleyan history and Christian history. He mentioned that he learned it was the Christians who ministered to the masses who were dying during the bubonic plague, etc.

III.       Our works will be judged.

1 Corinthians 3:13-15 ^(NKJV)  each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. ¹⁴ If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. ¹⁵ If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

Many Christians are investing lots of time and talents into works that will not matter in eternity.

Conclusion:

Contrary to popular belief, “work” is not a curse. Labor in general was sanctified by God at creation. But works of righteousness are especially pleasing to the Lord. God has a work for all of us to do. Every believer has an important job – to carry out the mission of Christ until He returns or calls us home. So, let’s keep working!

Closing Song: We’ll Work ‘til Jesus Comes             P&W #188

A Key Ingredient for Worship

Max Lucado (In the Eye of the Storm), commenting about the disciples worshiping Jesus after being saved from the stormy sea (Matt. 14:33), said, "...only after the incident on the sea did they worship him. Why? Simple. This time they were the ones who were saved." This sermon borrows this thought and develops the idea that personal salvation is the necessary ingredient in order for worship to be genuine. A video recording of the worship service in which this sermon was delivered can be viewed by clicking here.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

I remember a number of years ago a good friend of mine told me something that you may have heard before too. He said, “The difference between minor surgery and major surgery is this: minor surgery is when it is someone else, and major surgery is when it’s you!” I suppose that we can see the nugget of truth to that. The only possible exception to that rule is when the “someone else” is one of your kids!

But it is true. When we experience the situation for ourselves it changes our perception of it in so many ways. It doesn’t matter what experience we may be talking about – pain, sorrow, fun, excitement and joy. The degree of our emotion and feeling will be different if we actually experience it instead of just listening to someone else’s experience.

In Max Lucado’s book, In the Eye of the Storm, this is what he wrote regarding verse 33 in Matt. 14:

After the storm, [the disciples] worshiped him. They had never, as a group, done that before. Never. Check it out. Open your Bible. Search for a time when the disciples corporately praised him.

You won’t find it.

You won’t find them worshiping when he heals the leper. Forgives the adulteress. Preaches to the masses. They were willing to follow. Willing to leave family. Willing to cast out demons. Willing to be in the army.

But only after the incident on the sea did they worship him. Why?

Simple. This time they were the ones who were saved.

For the message this morning I want to review some of the things I have said in the past regarding genuine worship and then relate those principles to the matter expressed by Max Lucado – the element of personal experience.

I.          Definitions of Worship

(ISBE) The principal Old Testament word is ‏שָׁחָה‎, ṣhāḥāh, "depress," "bow down," "prostrate" (Hithpael), as in Exodus 4:31 ^(KJV) [And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.] The context determines more or less clearly whether the physical act or the volitional and emotional idea is intended.

The Old Testament idea is therefore the reverential attitude of mind or body or both, combined with the more generic notions of religions adoration, obedience, and service….

The principal New Testament word (59 times) is προσκυνέω, proskunéō, "kiss (the hand or the ground) toward," hence, often in the oriental fashion bowing prostrate upon the ground… The root idea of bodily prostration is much less prominent than in the Old Testament. It is always translated "worship."

While the words used in Scripture often are meant to be taken literally, i.e., bow down, it truly describes the attitude of the worshiper more than the physical posture. With all of the things worship includes we might summarize it by saying that it is a recognition of the worthiness of the one being worshiped, and the acknowledgment of the worshiper’s unworthiness.

(Sperry, quoted in Wiley, Vol III p 45) “Worship is the adoration of God, the aspiration of supreme worth to God, and the manifestation of reverence in the presence of God.”

(Prudden, Ibid) “He who has not learned to worship inclines to the belief that there is no being more worthy of reverence than himself…. The essence of worship is, that in itself it is dethroned, and God enthroned. By it we recognize Him as somewhat other than a very powerful person whom we may use for our convenience and benefit.”

Archbishop William Temple (Draper’s Book of Quotations) To worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open the heart to the love of God, to devote the will to the purpose of God.

(Adam Clarke, Christian Theology) [Worship] implies the deepest awe of his divine Majesty … a trembling before him while rejoicing in him; the greatest circumspection in every act of religious worship; the mind wholly engrossed with the object while the heart is found in the deepest prostration at his feet….

Worship… implies that proper conception we should have of God, as the great governor of heaven and earth, of angels and men. How worthy He is in his nature, and in the administration of his government, of the highest praises we can offer, and of the best services we can render!

These explanations, biblically and theologically, help us grasp to some degree that worship focuses completely on the being and nature of God. Worship is all about recognizing God’s worthiness to receive the highest adoration, praise and service.

Two kinds of worship: private and corporate. Both are necessary for maintaining a meaningful relationship with God.

II.        Some Distinctions about Worship

A. Worship focuses on God, not on us.

Far too often, our private worship and our corporate worship is geared towards what makes us feel good. When we stop and take stock of our own attitudes and preferences toward worship, how much of our wants and desires are centered on what makes us feel good?

This might say something about the need to learn something new if it will help us gain a greater adoration for God. I acknowledge that if I am singing songs that I know, then it’s easier to think about what I’m singing. If I’m trying to sing songs I don’t know, then I find myself struggling so much to get through it that I can’t focus on God and what I’m really singing about.

Having said that, there is also the danger of singing/saying everything so familiar that we just do it unconsciously or automatically. We go through the “motions” without really thinking about what we’re saying or doing. Either way, sticking with the old or integrating something new, the problem can be our own desire to please ourselves rather than truly honoring and glorifying God. Whatever we do, the focus is on God, not on me.

B. Appreciation is not the same as worship.

This next point is something that was brought up by another author I have often quoted – Dr. John Oswalt. I receive a weekly devotional from Dr. Oswalt by email. Last week and the week before, Dr. Oswalt made some comments that some might find to be old fashioned. He makes a connection between the mere show of appreciation and the tendency to make applause a component of worship.

Where does this instinct for applause come from? In the rock concert, at the end of a prolonged musical set, there is an extended period of applause. Why? The driving, thundering music has created such an excess of emotion in us that we must release it somehow, and applause punctuated with screams is a way to do that. We also want to express appreciation to the performers for having been able to create such pleasurable emotions in us.
So, in the sanctuary, or more likely, the auditorium, after the prolonged musical set, we are called upon to do what? To express appreciation to God for his excellent performance in filling us with emotion? Really?! Yahweh, the I AM? Moving us?! But someone will say, “No, it is an expression of praise.” I beg to differ. In the context, after an extended musical set, applause is an expression of appreciation, and appreciation is not praise.
Think of it this way. You are involved in a terrible auto accident just outside your parent’s home. You are unconscious in the front seat and the car is burning. Your father runs out of the house in his bathrobe, grabs the red-hot door handle and drags you out and away just before the gas tank explodes. He falls over your prostrate body, shielding you from the blazing chunks of metal that fall on his back, burning him and not you. When you come to, and learn what has happened, do you “give him a hand?” Absolutely not! He has not given a thrilling public performance for your [enjoyment]. No, you fall on your knees before him, tenderly kissing those burned hands, bathing them with your tears, “lost in wonder, love, and praise.”

I did not read you these comments to get us to stop clapping when anyone sings a special song, or plays special music. I read it because it helped me to realize afresh that what we do in worship really matters. Our motives matter and our methods matter.

Do our methods help us focus more on God and what He has done to save us, or do they lead us to focus more on ourselves or each other? Are we really worshiping the high and holy One who inhabits eternity, or are we expressing our pleasure and satisfaction for the way we have been emotionally stirred?

C. Performance is not the same as worship.

If we claim that appreciation and applause is distinct from real worship, then the same can be said about that which draws the applause – the performance. In his second devotional regarding the matter of appreciation and applause, Dr. Oswalt raises the issue of whether the music we applaud is truly offered to God as an offering of worship or is it offered for the approval of people?

We need to examine our motives and ask ourselves, “Am I offering this to God in praise and worship, or am I seeking the approval of men?” I need to remember that whatever I offer to God in worship – prayer, songs, sermons, etc., must come from a heart of true devotion and honor to Him, not for the applause and appreciation of people.

III.       Worship and Personal Experience

If we go back to the point that Max Lucado made about the disciples in the boat, what was it that caused them to corporately worship the Lord? All the other occasions they witnessed – healings, deliverances, etc. brought forth praise and undoubtedly prompted testimonies everywhere they went about what they had seen. What they had witnessed apparently caused them to give up their present livelihood to follow him. But now we get the impression that they are falling on their faces, prostrating themselves to worship.

Lucado says, “This time they were the ones who were saved.”

The same point can be made in the hypothetical example Dr. Oswalt presented - the person who is saved from the burning car. When the salvation God has provided for the whole human race has been personally applied in my life the dynamic changes. Whenever anyone tells how Jesus saved him/her, it’s a great story and it brings joy to our hearts. But, when Jesus saves me, the gospel takes on a whole new, personal meaning.

True worship flows from the heart when I recognize how lost I was and how deserving I was of judgment and hell, but due to the amazing grace of God and the blood sacrifice of Jesus, I have been redeemed!

Conclusion:

The “Key Ingredient for Worship” is a personal experience of salvation.

(In the Eye of the Storm, Max Lucado) When you recognize God as Creator, you will admire him. When you recognize his wisdom, you will learn from him. When you discover his strength, you will rely on him. But only when he saves you will you worship him.

For our closing song today, I want us to sing a song that expresses the salvation Christ has provided and has been personally experienced by each of us who knows we have been redeemed.

Closing Song: He Ransomed Me