Philippians #5 - The Joy of Growth Without Grumbling

Big Idea: Great joy is found in growth in Christ (for ourselves & others) but we must put aside a complaining heart. 1. Our growth in Christ requires intentional effort and direct connection to God. Philippians 2:12-13 a. “Work out your salvation in fear and trembling.” You’ve been saved. Now learn to grow into it and live according to it. This means we must take to it with sober-minded reverence. b. “For it is God who works in you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Your growth in Christ is not an activity you do apart from God’s direct involvement in supplying power for action and shaping your very will. 2. Nothing derails Christian growth faster than a grumbling heart. Philippians 2:14-16 a. “Do all things without grumbling or disputing.” We’re tempted to resist God’s work in and through us because it can be quite hard. b. “That you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” The lives we live as Christians ought to be beacons in a dark world. Even though we do much the same ordinary life activities as the rest of the world, we do it with different power, attitude, and for different glory. c. “Holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.” Holding fast (or gripping tightly) the word of life refers to the Gospel that saved us. Don’t set it down or forget about it. 3. Some of the greatest joys from our growth happen when we see others grow. Philippians 2:17-18 a. “Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith.” Often, our lives are expended not for our own ends, but for the furthering of others’ faith. b. “Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me. I am glad and rejoice with you all.” Humble self-sacrifice for the benefit of one another can be hard, and even hurt. But it can be joyful, too. Questions for Reflection 1. What area of your Christian life has grown the most? What are need more intentional effort and dependence on God? 2. What tempts you to complain? 3. Have you been able to rejoice in the Christian growth others have experienced?