Our Purpose (Part 3)

This is the continuation of a conversation surrounding the question "What is the purpose of working out your salvation?"  It is built on the central verse of Philippians 2:12-13 and it's surrounding context, specifically, Philippians 2:1-15.  

Last time we looked at the purpose and goals of Christ's ministry in life, death, and resurrection.  This time we will consider our purpose as Christians, as it relates to Philippians 2:14-15.  

The text of Philippians 2:14-15 reads, " Do all things without grumbling or questioning, 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."

Instruction Toward PurposePhilippians 2:14 is what is known in grammar as an imperative.  An imperative is an instruction or a command.  They are found all through scripture.  This imperative involves a very specific aspect of working out your salvation.  It states, "Do all things without grumbling or questioning".   Another version says grumbling or complaining.  

Why?
The primary purpose for vs.14 is stated in vs. 15.  In order to be blameless and innocent, above reproach so that we do not diminish the effects of the glory of God in our lives.  Where does Paul get this idea?  Could it be from Jesus?  In Jesus's Sermon on the Mount, specifically the part in Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus says, "You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let our light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Our Purpose is God's Glory Through scripture, in this series of posts, I have presented scriptures in which emphasis on the glory of God and the honoring of His name through proclamation of the truth and holy living has been evident.  This has been presented by God through His prophet Ezekiel, by Jesus himself, and by the Apostle Paul through his letters to the church.  

This is the primary purpose of our existence.  As believers we exist to enjoy a fruitful relationship with our Heavenly Father and to proclaim to others His goodness and their need for Him.  If we are not exercising both the fruit of holy living via this relationship and the proclamation of the Gospel to the lost, we are not fulfilling our purpose.

I encourage you to evaluate every area of your life in relation to these two functions of Christian living and ask yourself if they are being fulfilled.  If not then delve into them further by prayer and study of the Word and ask God to give you the grace and wisdom needed to see them fulfilled.  He will do it.  If you are a child of God then He desires to make these things a reality in your life. 

As Philippians 2:12-13 states, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure."

May it be so in your life in Jesus name,

Amen

Love,

Josh