Above Reproach: Motives For Living Godly

1. Above Reproach: Motives For Living Godly Text: Phil. 2:12-16 Scripture Reading: Mt. 5:14-16

2. Intro There are many things that motivate us to do certain things, both for good and bad While many of our motivations may not all be bad, they must also not all be purely physical Col. 3:1-3 1. Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Js. 4:17: We can know the right thing to do but not be motivated to do it! Our ambition in this life should be to live “above reproach” and we should be motivated by several things to live godly lives! (Phil. 2:12-16) Above Reproach: Motives For Living Godly

3. “Work Out Your Own” Phil. 2:12 (NKJ) 12. Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; • Human response necessary (Phil. 2:12: “Just as you have • always obeyed”) • Doctor and medicine may cure patient, only if patient takes medicine. • Teacher may teach, only if student cooperates, and studies. • Some teach all one has to do is believe in Christ and • nothing more • Js. 4:8: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (Js. 2:19) Above Reproach: Motives For Living Godly

4. “Work Out Your Own” Phil. 2:12 (NKJ) 12. Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; • God has done His part to bring men near (Jn. 3:16), • but it is up to us to want it • We have to love Him enough to obey Him, to do His will. (Js. 2:14-26) Christ saves those who obey Him! (Jn. 14:15; 15:13-14; Heb. 5:9) Our motivation should be to do all we can to ensure we overcome life’s trials to gain the crown of life! (Rev. 2:10) Above Reproach: Motives For Living Godly

5. Work with “Fear and Trembling” Phil. 2:12 (NKJ) 12. Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; Not slavish fear—“children of God” (Vs. 15) – as children fear their father” • Two sources of fear that motivate us: • I Cor. 10:12: Our own limitations – so we must be cautious! • II Peter 3:9; Rom. 2:4: Fear of grieving God. (God is longsuffering.) Heb. 12:28: Inheriting Heaven should motivate us to serve God with “godly fear” Our motivation should be to please Him with all that we do! (II Cor. 5:9) Above Reproach: Motives For Living Godly

6. God’s Concern and Love for Us Phil. 2:13 13. for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. • Vine says: • “The Greek word Paul uses for ‘work’ and ‘to do’ (KJV) is the same verb energeo (G1754 [en-erg-eh-o]). It is always used of (1) the action of God; (2) effective action.” • God took action to save mankind! • I Jn. 4:10: Salvation was initiated by heaven, prompted by love. • Titus 3:5: Had mercy on us and richly blessed us. • I Cor. 10:13: Protects from temptation – Provides way of escape. • I Peter 2:1-3: Provides for our growth through His word. • I Peter 1:3-5: Through our faith we receive mercy and salvation! God took the steps necessary to bring men to Him (Jn. 3:16), our motivation should be to get as near as possible! (Js. 4:8: Draw near to God) Above Reproach: Motives For Living Godly

7. Example of Good – Above Reproach Phil. 2:15 (Mt. 5:16) 15. so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, Acts 2:40; I Jn. 5:19: Evil age—always has been Mt. 5:14-16: Faithful Christians are to have good influence “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing” As lights to the world we may influence others to “draw near to God” (Js. 4:8) Our motivation to live godly lives should be concern for others as God showed concern for us! Above Reproach: Motives For Living Godly

8. “The Day of Christ” Phil. 2:16 16. holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. • I Thess. 5:2; II Peter 3:10: “The day of the Lord” • II Cor. 5:10: Appear before Christ to give account. • I Peter 4:5: The Lord is ready to Judge! Above Reproach: Motives For Living Godly

9. “The Day of Christ” Phil. 2:16 16. holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. • If not motivated by any other thing so far, let the reality • of Hell & Heaven motivate us to live godly… • We want to hear, “Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” (Mt. 25:34) • We don’t want to hear, “Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels.” (Mt. 25:41) Heaven is more glorious than we can imagine and so should motivate us to love God, and live godly lives to be found above reproach! (Phil. 2:15) Above Reproach: Motives For Living Godly

10. Conclusion The problem of unfaithfulness is a real problem; therefore, let us consider our motivations! Are we purely motivated by physical (material) things? Are we motivated by our desire to be pleasing to God? As you prioritize your day-to-day, make your first priority to serve God with all your heart & to draw near unto Him! Let us be motivated to be above reproach and to live godly lives! Above Reproach: Motives For Living Godly

11. “What Must I Do To Be Saved?” Hear The Gospel (Jn. 5:24; Rom. 10:17) Believe In Christ (Jn. 3:16-18; Jn. 8:24) Repent Of Sins (Lk. 13:35; Acts 2:38) Confess Christ (Mt. 10:32; Rom. 10:10) Be Baptized (Mk. 16:16; Acts 22:16) Remain Faithful (Jn. 8:31; Rev. 2:10) For The Erring Child: Repent (Acts 8:22), Confess (I Jn. 1:9), Pray (Acts 8:22)