Philippians 2:12-18
as you hold firmly to the word of life.
Philippians 2:15b-16a
Call to Worship: Psalms 148:7a, 9-13 (adp. NIV)
Praise the Lord from the earth…
you mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,
wild animals and all cattle,
small creatures and flying birds,
kings of the earth and all nations,
you princes and all rulers on earth,
young men and women,
old men and children.
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted;
his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
Praise the Lord.
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:4-10 (NIV)
4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Sermon Text: Philippians 2:12-18 (ESV)
I. Working as He works
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
II. Shining like stars (in a broken world)
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 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, 16 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.
III. Rejoicing together (amidst suffering)
17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
Songs
All Creatures of our God and King (W. Draper, based on a poem by St. Francis of Assisi)
Be Enthroned (J. Riddle)
Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace) (E. Excell, J. Houston, J. Newton, J. Rees, J. Myrin) Goodness of God (J. Johnson)
This is my Father World (M. Babcock)
I Will Boast in Christ Alone (S. Kusuma)