14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing; 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
Introduction
So last week we discussed how working out our own salvation has everything to do with humble obedience to God.
Paul’s example of HOW they can work out their own salvation is: by doing all things without grumbling or disputing.
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing;
Grumbling/Complaining
Complaining indicates a problem in the vertical relationship between us and God.
In Exodus 16:2-3 Israel complained.
Exodus 16:4 tells us that God provided the manna as a test.
So we see that complaints and grumbling indicate a lack of trust.
We also see that complaints and grumbling can bring about tests of obedience.
Tests are to show US whether we will obey Him or not.
God, through Paul, wants to let the Philippians know, to let the Philippians grow!
Paul wants them to have Godly sorrow over their shortcomings and repent.
Disputing
Disputing is the working out of this problem between us and God into problems with us and others.
Disputing disrupts unity; one of the themes of the book of Philippians.
15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent,
A big part of this more intimate relationship is by trusting God more. And this will be evidenced in our lives by not grumbling or disputing.
children of God
Being God’s child has everything to do with trusting Him in humble obedience.
If God is really our God, then we must trust Him as His children
above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,
This phrase, “a crooked and perverse generation” is not here by accident.
Our amazing grouse can hide His amazing grace, if we’re not careful.
among whom you appear as lights in the world,
The world has no other source of spiritual light than God.
We are lights in the world to the extent that we truly represent God’s character