Philippians 2:12-30

We finished up last week’s questions first and then plowed on to do the short list of questions for this week from verses 19-30.

We talked quite a bit about the idea of “working out your salvation with fear trembling.” Until I worked more deeply on this verse, I did not realize that this phrase, although initially seems particularly apt for an individual, is really for the group… in this case, the Philippians, but just as readily for the church… or small group, etc. The entire “working out” process is communal in nature. It was interesting to do a brief review of what “fear of God” might mean to folks in the group. So many shared the experience of awe of God in nature. But none really mentioned this type of “awe” in worship or prayer. I think that is something I want to experience more. I also shared with them our previous study about the fear of God.

Maria shared the Amplified Bible’s “definition” of working out our salvation (ponder this passage):

“Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out — cultivate, carry out to the goal and fully complete — your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling [self-distrust, that is, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness againsts temptation; timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ].

We also discussed the power of “complaining and arguing” to break koinonia… to break down the “working out” process. Literally, this behavior can actually get in the way of what the Lord is trying to accomplish in a person’s heart… as well as in a community of believers. It shows a lack of trust in God.

There was a short time of sharing about the “drink offering” that Paul mentions in verse 17. It is of particular interest to me that this offering is usually related to a work completed. It’s a sign of blessing. And so, for Paul, it is worth it, his sacrifice for them, because he believes they will move on… and deeper into the things of God. I had thought that some personal testimony of a “drink offering” might come forth, but this did not resonate as much with the group as I had hoped.

As we move into the sections about Timothy and Epaphroditus, we talked about the attributes of leadership that Paul uses to describe them both, though differently. For Timothy is like-minded, sincere, genuine, tested and proven, mentored by Paul, one who has served faithfully and cares about the Philippians in particular. And Epaphroditus he describes as a brother (part of the family), a fellow worker (equal in value for his work), a fellow soldier (for enduring the same hardships and battles at personal cost), a messenger (who carries the word of life), and one worthy of appreciation.

This is part of who we become, this “servant leader” when we grow up in the Lord. I had asked the group to read a chapter from the book, Servant: A Simple Story About the True Essence of Leadership by James C. Hunter. This chapter outlines very clearly a definition of the servant leader:

Leadership begins with the will, which is our unique ability as human beings to align our intentions with our actions and choose our behavior. With the proper will, we can choose our behavior. With the proper will, we can choose to love, the verb, which is about identifying and meeting the legitimate needs, not wants, of those we lead. When we meet the needs of others we will, by definition, be called upon to serve and even sacrifice. When we serve and sacrifice for others, we build authority or influence, the ‘Law of the Harvest.’ And when we build authority with people, then we ahve earned the right to be called leader.

And so, I ask each one of us… are we there yet? Are we servant leaders? Are we choosing our behaviors or just reacting? Are we choosing to act in a loving way to all, knowing that all people are ultimately sacred creations of God? Are we meeting the true needs of others? Are we willing to sacrifice our own comfort to make someone else comfortable? Have we earned the authority to influence others by our acts of love & service? Are we servant leaders?

Oh, Lord, this is my prayer.