LIFE ADVANCES -- Phil 2:13

I. Introduction (2:13) Life Advances Because It is His Life

A. God's presence in us is a working presence an active force which provides the unlimited resources of this life.

1. It is according to the power that worketh in us. (Eph 3:20)

2. During the construction of one of the East River Bridges in New York, the engineers in sinking their caisons, hit the hulk of an old barge. It was so securely embedded in the mud cables and derricks were powerless to move

3. At this point a young engineer fresh from college asked for permission to try an experiment.

4. He had a large barge towed to the spot at the approach of low tide and huge chains affixed on all ends of the barge.

5. When the tide came in with its irresistible power, the surface barge rose with the swelling tide lifting with it the submerged wreck.

6. That young engineer had made the most of the limitless power of the ocean tides.

7. What an example to us that God linked lives can be lifted, energized and empowered by the power that worketh in us.

B. The Purpose of this work in us is for God to carry out his good pleasure. I

1. God is at work to accomplish His sovereign plan.

2. We are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus (Eph 2:10)

II. The Practical Aspects of The Advancing Life.

A. The working out of this life finds its expression in our words, manners and deeds.

I. Ours is the peril of a great paradox - Having a great God working in us we are in danger of being small people who live inconsequential lives.

2. We are in danger of dissipating our energies on insignificant things like quarreling, fault finding and disputing.

3. We are in danger of forgetting that God is at work in us while we spend ourselves in foolish debate and senseless controversy.

4. This is what Paul means when he says: Do all things without murmurings and disputing. (2:14)

B. God's purpose for our lives is something nobler, something greater.

1. It's that we may be harmless and blameless, the sons of God without rebuke in the midst of a

crooked and perverse generation. (2:15)

2. Notice the Christian is placed in the midst of a warped and perverted generation.

3. We are not to live in isolation from society. God expects us to change it and not be changed by it.

4. We are expected to transform it and not to conform to it.

C. What a tragedy it is when Christians called to such a life changing ministry as this, descend to petty quarreling and bickering.

1. Instead of being mature, some act like children quibbling over little things, sulking over slights and hurts.

3. Allow God to inspire you to live a large and useful life.

III. The Illuminating Influence of Life (2:15)

A. Jesus said of us - Ye are the light of the World

1. We are the light bearers of our generation and our shining is against the dark sky of surrounding sin.

2. The influence of light is a silent but effective thing.

3. Before you witness - shine. First allow people to see your good works, let them see your Christian life before you start telling them about the Lord.

B. Admittedly shining as lights is a passive Christian influence. Holding forth the Word of Life is an active Christian witness.

1. Shining as lights is being a character witness, the other is being a verbal witness.

2. You cannot hold forth the Word of Life without words.

3. In the one case it is by life, in the other it is by lip.

4. In the one it is illumination, in the other it is proclamation.

5. God wants us to be both lights and voices, to shine and to speak, to be felt and to be heard.

C. The advancement of life in our world is through the influence of our Christian witness. 1. Paul was concerned for the Philippians Christians lest his efforts be in vain. (16b)

2. He didn't want them to absorb the benefits and blessings of the Christian life without passing them on to others.

3. We have a responsibility to pass on the knowledge that we have gained.

4. Are you doing anything toward bringing other people to the Lord Jesus?