working out your salvation and the upside down

Sunday April 18Mike JentesLos Altos Grace Brethren Church

the upside down

© 2005 Neil Cole, Paul Kaak, Church Multiplication Associates

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself.”

Christ leads us in the way first (Phil. 2:3-5)Foundations//the upside down

“…Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also the interests of others.”“…Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.”

© 2005 Neil Cole, Paul Kaak, Church Multiplication Associates

A Lord

above men

Exalted with God

The Humiliation and Exaltation of Christ (Phil. 2:5-11)

Death on a

Cross

A servant under men

Equal with God

2:6 2:7 2:8 2:9 2:10-11

“who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,”

“but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.”

“Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

“For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,”

“so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Foundations//the upside downThe way up is down (Phil. 2:6-11)

Christ’s Spirit Fleshed-out

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in

my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your

salvation with fear and trembling;

― Phil. 2:12

Foundations//the upside down

Christ’s Spirit Fleshed-out

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in

my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your

salvation with fear and trembling;

― Phil. 2:12

Foundations//the upside down

Obedience = work out your salvation

Christ’s Spirit Fleshed-out

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in

my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your

salvation with fear and trembling;

― Phil. 2:12

Foundations//the upside down

Volcano Eyjafjallajokull

Christ’s Spirit Fleshed-out

for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His

good pleasure.

― Phil. 2:13

Foundations//the upside down

Christ’s Spirit Fleshed-out

for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His

good pleasure.

― Phil. 2:13

Foundations//the upside down

God energizes both our will/desire &

our effort/energy

© 2005 Neil Cole, Paul Kaak, Church Multiplication Associates

Christ’s Spirit Fleshed-out in Others (the rest of the chapter)

The Spirit of Christ:“But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.” ― Phil. 2:17

Jesus “emptied Himself” in the service of others.―Phil. 2:7

…in Paul:

Foundations//the upside down

© 2005 Neil Cole, Paul Kaak, Church Multiplication Associates

The Spirit of Christ“For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus.” ―Phil. 2:20-21

“Be of the same mind, united in spirit, intent on one purpose…Do not merely look out for your own personal interests but also for the interests of others.” ―Phil. 2:2, 4

…in Timothy:

Christ’s Spirit Fleshed-out in Others (the rest of the chapter)Foundations//the upside down

© 2005 Neil Cole, Paul Kaak, Church Multiplication Associates

The Spirit of ChristJesus became “obedient to the point of death.” ―Phil. 2:8

…in Epaphroditus:“for indeed he was sick to the point of death.” ―Phil 2:27

Christ’s Spirit Fleshed-out in Others (the rest of the chapter)Foundations//the upside down

The Spirit of Christ …in You:

Christ’s Spirit Fleshed-out in YOUFoundations//the upside down

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in

my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your

salvation with fear and trembling;for it is God who is at work in you,

both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

― Phil. 2:12-13