Philippians 2:12-30

Outline

III.         D. Exhortation to Obedience 12-18

IV.  Paul’s Co-workers 19-30

A. Timothy 19-24

B. Epaphroditus 25-30

Background

This section continues from the passage we ended with last week (5-11) in which Paul gives us the example of Christ as the ultimate motivation for our behavior and service to the Lord.  Here, he calls for an obedient response to this motivational message.

 Points of Interest

vv. 12-13    Paul commends to the Philippians the need to work diligently in the service of the Lord referring to the working out of their Salvation.  An interesting idea jumps off the page when we read this verse. Notice that when Paul says: “…continue 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.” There is a combination of human and divine effort present here.  Some say that we can work to earn salvation; others say that grace is so big that we cannot work at all toward salvation. Paul here combines the two together in a general call to action on our part. While human effort alone is not sufficient, the fact that God works in us to give us the will to act according to God’s purpose indicates that we indeed have work to do! Now, putting this into context, how can we not respond in obedience when we have just been reminded how greatly Jesus obeyed God’s command in all He has done for us? If Christ was obedient, how can you and I not respond to God’s call as well?

vv. 19-30    In this section, Paul provides us with more biographical information about his situation and experience with both Timothy and Epaphroditus. In referring to both men, he takes pains to use them as examples of humility and service.  As further examples of humility and service, we should be struck by the fact that once again, Paul is letting us know how we should behave.  Consider that humility and service are what Paul himself was engaged in… saying that we should be as well. Humility and service is what Jesus did… and we should take on His attitude. Now, Timothy and Epaphroditus have exhibited humility and service… and so should we.  It is almost inconceivable that we would miss his point: We must humble ourselves and live as Christ did. We must serve God by serving others in a way that promotes God’s purpose: we must advance the Gospel of Christ, and teach others to live as Christ lived. This is what it is to be a follower of Jesus Christ!