Philippians 2:12–18 | Resources
Discussion Questions
Who has been a Paul in your life?
There is a significant difference between “working for your salvation” and “working out your salvation.” Why is this an important distinction to make?
Where did you find yourself grumbling and complaining this week? How does grumbling and complaining damage your witness?
In what specific way could we live differently from our culture that would help us “shine like stars in the world?” What do you think the results would be from our different way of living?
Paul also uses the image of being a sacrificial offering. What does this image teach you about the nature of ministry?
In light of our text/sermon, what would it look like to obey?
Memory Verse
“For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.” Philippians 2:13 (CSB)
Devotional
I was sitting in a business “rah rah” session where the leaders of the organization were trying ineptly to build comaraderie. Most meetings like this do just the opposite, and this was no exception. The leader asked each of us to turn to the person next to us and tell them something they appreciated about them.
I heard my co-workers saying things like, “I like your smile,” or, “I like your humor.” I was anxious to hear what my co-worker was going to say to me. Maybe she would say something like, “I like the way you follow through on projects,” or, “how you bring doughnuts in on Tuesday morning.” Nope, I didn’t get that.
She said, “I like the way you argue with the boss.”
I sat there stunned. “Yeah, haven’t you noticed that whenever the boss brings something up you always push back on him? I kind of like it, because then I don’t have to!”
“Wait a minute, you think I have an argumentative spirit?” I asked. “Yup,” she said. “No, I don’t,” I said. “See?” she said.
Right then, I knew she was right. I was arguing with her about whether I had an argumentative spirit. I love lively debate. I love exploring different sides of issues. I love being right and I love proving someone wrong. In rare cases it has served me well, but in most it has destroyed and weakened relationships.
I’m convinced an argumentative spirit springs out of a heart that has trouble trusting. People like me need to understand and approve, and if we don’t, we fight back. It’s rooted in arrogance and self-centeredness. Few people like being around those that are constantly arguing and fighting.
Is it any wonder that Paul encourages us to “do all things without arguing?”
The next time you’re tempted to fight back and argue, try asking yourself this question: “Does it really matter?” I think you’ll find that most of the time, it doesn’t. And if it does, give it to God and let Him handle it.