{"id":642,"date":"2018-12-06T11:03:51","date_gmt":"2018-12-06T19:03:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/migrate.bettersermons.org\/?p=642"},"modified":"2020-06-01T11:38:39","modified_gmt":"2020-06-01T18:38:39","slug":"philippians-part-7","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/philippians-part-7\/","title":{"rendered":"Philippians – Part 7"},"content":{"rendered":"
Working so Hard on Heaven<\/span><\/div>\n

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\nThere\u2019s an old \u201cSt. Peter at the gate\u201d story where it takes a person a thousand points to get into heaven. That sounds like a steep number, and one anxious believer arrives at the front check-in desk hoping to get inside. The angel asks him if he went to church every single weekend of his life. Yes, the man replied, hope surging within him. \u201cThat\u2019s one point,\u201d the angel informs him.\u00a0One point!<\/em>\u00a0For a lifetime of worship. Oh dear.<\/p>\n

Clutching at straws, the man clears his throat and tells the angel that he steadfastly kept the Ten Commandments for his entire life. That\u2019s one more point. He was faithfully married for 55 years. There\u2019s a third point. He paid tithe for 40 years of earning. One point. He brought vegetarian dishes to church potlucks for many decades. That earns him just half a point. His heart breaking, he does the math. He has 4\u00bd points . . . and has to get to a thousand somehow. He really can\u2019t think of much else to say. At last he moans in despair, \u201cAll is lost. I don\u2019t have any chance of getting into heaven except by the grace of God.\u201d Immediately the angel swings the gate open and says with a welcoming smile: \u201cCome on in!\u201d<\/p>\n

The late Pastor Adrian Rogers, former President of the Southern Baptist Convention, used to pastor the 24,000-member Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis. He wrote a delightful and outstanding book entitled\u00a0\u00a0Believe in Miracles But Trust in Jesus<\/em>. He writes, tongue-in-cheek, about his childhood naughtiness. \u201cI have been a Rogers all my life, not because of my behavior but because I was\u00a0born<\/em>\u00a0into the Rogers family.\u201d Then he adds to his confession: \u201cSometimes even my\u00a0bad\u00a0<\/em>behavior reminded me I was part of the family. My dad knew how to administer corporal punishment. He would say, \u2018Adrian, I do this because I love you.\u2019\u00a0I think that I must have been his favorite!\u201d<\/p>\n

But now, here is an amazing admission considering his own r\u00e9sum\u00e9. Again, bear in mind that\u00a0 this man of God served three terms as the president of one of the world\u2019s largest Protestant denominations. His Love Worth Finding television and radio ministry cut a wide swath of influence. He is the author of several powerful Christian books on salvation and Bible topics. Despite this glittering portfolio of accomplishments, he concedes in humility: \u201cI would not trust the best fifteen minutes I ever lived to get me to heaven.\u201d<\/p>\n

Most of us who have lived our lives as Christians would find that a stunning admission. In the world around us, people think of their own good deeds, their accomplishments, their law-abiding lives . . . and they feel like there must be some spiritual credit due. Do all of our good neighborliness, our good deeds, our charities count for nothing?<\/p>\n

As we study here in Philippians 2, however, it appears that Pastor Rogers\u2019 very humble sentiment seems to run headlong into a rather pointed Bible. For the past two weeks, we have studied together this marvelous, heart-stopping Bible passage about Jesus descending, humbling Himself to go to Calvary. How He sacrificed all to save us. How He triumphed on the cross and will soon be exalted to the highest throne and receive a crown of all Kingdom authority.<\/p>\n

But now, exactly one sentence later, in verse 12, Paul appears to do perhaps the biggest U-turn in history:\u00a0\u201cTherefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed \u2013 not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence \u2013 continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.\u201d
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\nWell, this is certainly a head-scratching moment. I have to admit to you today: I don\u2019t like this theology at all! Does Paul mean what he is saying here? \u201cWork out your OWN salvation? With fear and trembling?\u201d<\/p>\n

Well, that fits into the \u201cworks\u201d theology that many people still embrace. It fits the lifestyle of a Buddhist monk on the streets of Bangkok, as they strive to earn merit by their good deeds and moments of charity. But is it possible, that despite the tremendous victory won on our behalf at Calvary, our salvation still depends on working and obeying? If that\u2019s the case, fear and trembling would certainly be in order.<\/p>\n

If this is true, I would be daily shaking like leaf, and so would Adrian Rogers, who doesn\u2019t think even the best fifteen minutes of his life, the most wonderful and obedient nine hundred seconds of his existence, would be enough to \u201cwork out his own salvation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Do you ever wonder how this same Bible writer, Paul, could write these soul-searching words about work and trembling, and then also write these confident promises from Ephesians 2:8 and 9:\u00a0\u201cFor it is by GRACE you have been saved, through faith \u2013 and this NOT from yourselves, it is the gift of God \u2013 NOT by works, so that no one can boast.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0It\u2019s almost a mystery how the same man could write two such opposite-sounding things. On Sunday he writes: \u201cYour works CANNOT save you; not a chance.\u201d On Monday his mantra has changed to: \u201cWork out your own salvation, mister, with fear and trembling.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sometimes it\u2019s helpful to take a deep breath and then prayerfully see how other wise Christians respond to an apparent conundrum like we find here in Philippians chapter two. Here is what the NIV says in its text notes by a team of Bible scholars: \u201cWork it out to the finish; not a reference to the attempt to earn one\u2019s salvation by works, but to the expression of one\u2019s salvation in spiritual growth and development. Salvation is not merely a gift received once for all; it expresses itself in an ongoing process in which the believer is strenuously involved.\u201d<\/p>\n

In other words, salvation isn\u2019t a gift which depends on our works, but it is a gift which involves our works. In our\u00a0Adventist Bible Commentary<\/em>, volume 7, we find the explanation that the Greek word\u00a0katergazomai,<\/em>\u00a0\u201cwork out,\u201d also means \u201cto carry out to completion.\u201d \u201cThis does NOT endorse the idea of salvation by works. We are saved by grace, through faith. But this grace leads us to good works. Thus, such works are the outworking of the grace that has effected our salvation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now, this is a hard-hitting warning for the earnest believer. Notice these follow-up words: \u201cMany are attracted to the Christian way, but are unwilling to meet the conditions by which the reward of the Christian may be theirs.\u201d And we say, \u201cConditions? Oh dear. Here we go again.\u201d But this is pure Bible! Notice: \u201cIf they could gain salvation without effort on their part, they would be more than happy to receive all that the Lord might give them. But the Scriptures teach that each individual must\u00a0cooperate<\/em>\u00a0with the will and power of God.\u201d<\/p>\n

Here are a few verses which tell us being a faithful Christian involves our active participation. Luke 13:24:\u00a0Make every effort to enter through the narrow door.\u00a0<\/em>Colossians 3:9:\u00a0Put off the old man.<\/em>\u00a0In the NIV:\u00a0You have taken off your old self with its practices.
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\nHere\u2019s a bit more. Hebrews 12:1:\u00a0Lay aside every weight. Run with patience and\u00a0 perseverance.\u00a0<\/em>In James 4:7:\u00a0Resist the devil.<\/em>\u00a0Back in Matthew 24:13:\u00a0Endure unto the end.\u00a0<\/em>That\u2019s a powerful string of Bible directives, isn\u2019t it? And the scholars add one final thought: \u201cSalvation is not of works, but it must be worked out. It springs from the mediation of Christ alone, but it is lived out by personal cooperation. While we cannot be too deeply conscious of our ENTIRE dependence on the merits, the work, and the power of Christ, we must also be aware of our personal obligation to live daily, by God\u2019s grace, a life consistent with the principles of Heaven.\u201d<\/p>\n

I know that many of you have read the popular Christian bestseller,\u00a0The Purpose-Driven Life.<\/em>And if we were each to do all of the spiritual disciplines that are suggested in its forty chapters, lives would be galvanized and the church transformed. But writer Rick Warren very frankly states that discipleship is a 24\/7 commitment.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis verse, written to believers, is not about how to be saved, but how to grow. It does not say work for\u2019 your salvation, because you can\u2019t add anything to what Jesus already did. During a physical \u2018workout,\u2019 you exercise to develop your body, not to get a body. When you \u2018work out\u2019 a puzzle, you already have all the pieces \u2013 your task is to put them together. Farmers \u2018work\u2019 the land, not to get land, but to develop what they already have.\u201d<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a lot to think about there\u2014and yes, we could get discouraged. But it helps us to remember that our efforts, our obedience, our \u201cworking out\u201d salvation is our response to the gift . . . and not the gift itself.<\/p>\n

We often say that the safest perspective when studying God\u2019s word is to read the entire passage. And here in Philippians chapter two, and this one verse, the wisest thing is to simply read the entire verse. We often skate off into the woods of discouragement by just noticing the first half of this one. But here\u2019s the whole thing: \u201cContinue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for IT IS GOD WHO WORKS IN YOU to will and to act according to His good purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n

That wonderful second half is such a huge, horizon-expanding insight, isn\u2019t it? God works in us and through us to achieve our salvation. Is obedience required? Yes . . . but God will work in us to make us obedient. If we cooperate, that is. Do we need to resist the devil? Absolutely, but only God dwelling in us will make that happen. Again, if we cooperate. Do we have to lay aside weights and move away from temptations? Without a doubt! But\u00a0 it\u2019s the indwelling power of God and the presence of the Holy Spirit where we will find that victory\u2014through our cooperation with that heavenly power.<\/p>\n

Now admittedly, the next line, verse 14, has some tough, jagged edges to it in terms of our daily behavior.\u00a0\u201cDo everything without complaining or arguing.\u201d\u00a0<\/em>In the\u00a0Clear Word<\/em>\u00a0paraphrase by Adventist Bible teacher Jack Blanco:\u00a0\u201cDon\u2019t think you\u2019re the only one who has all the answers.\u201d
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\nPaul goes on to challenge his new Christian friends to be blameless and pure \u201cChildren of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation,\u201d people who can \u201cshine like stars in the universe.\u201d It sounds hard\u2014and it is\u2014but not nearly so bad when we know God is at helm, directing the life, determining the speed and the coordinates of our forward progress. WE are simply cooperating.<\/p>\n

Let me address this disturbing phrase \u201cfear and trembling.\u201d Are we scared about all this? Does the process of salvation leave us terrified? Do we spend sleepless nights tossing and turning in despair? No, not in the least. But we ARE in awe. Paul is not joking around here in Philippians chapter two. He is sober and serious about the marvelous realization that God is interested in us and that He has made\u00a0Himself\u00a0<\/em>responsible for making us pure, fit vessels for His kingdom. Here\u2019s a note of hope from the NIV Bible scholars: \u201cNot because of doubt or anxiety; rather, the reference is to an active reverence and a singleness of purpose in response to God\u2019s grace.\u201d<\/p>\n

In his book,\u00a0Mere Christianity<\/em>, C. S. Lewis comments about this very passage of Scripture. And he joyously ties these two clauses together: \u201cwork out your own salvation\u201d is buttressed by the clincher: \u201cFor it is God who works in you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Elsewhere in the same book he writes with brimming but respectful confidence about how the Christian certainly\u00a0does<\/em>\u00a0need to work and pray and study and obey and all the rest. He or she needs to expend effort, to struggle and to try: \u201cBut trying [to obey] in a new, way, a\u00a0less worried\u00a0<\/em>way. Not doing these things in order to be saved, but because He has begun to save you already. Not hoping to get to Heaven as a reward for your actions, but inevitably wanting to act in a certain way because a first faint gleam of Heaven is already inside you.\u201d<\/p>\n

As a pastor I have performed many weddings. But I can tell you that the most sobering weddings, the \u201cfear and trembling\u201d weddings are those a pastor performs for his own son or daughter. That is the wedding sermon you lie awake at midnight praying over. That is the message that is the culmination of your deepest study and supplication. That moment is both grand and sobering because it is such a high calling. Shall we pray?<\/p>\n

Lord, we want to take it very seriously\u2014that You have invited us to participate in the goals of Your kingdom. But thank You first of all that our place there is already promised. Please work IN US as we allow You to have your way in our lives.
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\nSubmitted by David B. Smith. Better Sermons \u00a9 2005-2009. Click here for\u00a0usage guidelines<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Working so Hard on Heaven There\u2019s an old \u201cSt. Peter at the gate\u201d story where it takes a person a thousand points to get into heaven. That sounds like a …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[19],"tags":[21],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/642"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=642"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/642\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":643,"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/642\/revisions\/643"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=642"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=642"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=642"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}