Philippians – Every Book for All of Life
Philippians: Working Out What God Has Worked In You
Speaker: Mark Pritchard, Senior Pastor
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Summary of Message
In this Missoula sermon on spiritual maturity from Philippians 2, Pastor Mark Pritchard calls believers to work out what God has worked into them. Highlighting the theological anchors of justification, sanctification, and glorification, this message reminds us that salvation is God’s work from beginning to end. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are called to diligently pursue obedience, holiness, and the full life Christ promises. God’s energy within us enables true growth, giving Missoula believers hope that transformation is not only possible but guaranteed in Christ.
Outline of the Sermon
Background of the Book of Philippians
Philippians, written by Paul during his Roman imprisonment, is a letter filled with joy, encouragement, and rich theology. It calls believers to place Christ at the center of life — our life (ch.1), our example (ch.2), our goal (ch.3), and our sufficiency (ch.4). Despite suffering, Paul shows that Jesus is enough for every circumstance.
Three Essential Theological Terms: Justification, Sanctification, Glorification
Justification is the once-for-all declaration that we are righteous in Christ, fully forgiven and accepted. Sanctification is the ongoing Spirit-empowered transformation toward Christlikeness. Glorification is the final perfection believers will experience when we dwell with God forever. Understanding these terms protects a right relationship with God.
Philippians 2:12–13 — Work Out Your Salvation with Fear and Trembling
Paul exhorts believers to actively “work out” what God has worked into them through salvation. This is not earning salvation, but living it out with reverent awe, understanding the price Christ paid and the energy God supplies through the Holy Spirit.
God’s Power is the Engine of Our Obedience
We do not sanctify ourselves by sheer willpower. Instead, it is God who energizes both our will and our work for His good pleasure. True spiritual maturity happens as God’s Spirit shapes our desires and empowers our daily obedience, leading us into joy and Christlikeness.
The Reward: Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant
At the end of the Christian race, we will not be congratulated for our perfection, but welcomed for our faithful striving. God’s delight will rest upon His children, and we will collapse into His arms, hearing the words we long to hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
FAQ
- What does it mean to work out your salvation?
Working out your salvation means living out the faith God has placed within you, through daily obedience and growth, relying on the Spirit’s power. - Is sanctification different from justification?
Yes, justification is God’s once-for-all declaration that we are righteous through Christ, while sanctification is the ongoing transformation into Christlikeness through the Spirit. - Can Christians lose their salvation?
No, true salvation is secure because it is based on Christ’s finished work, not our performance. God will complete what He began in every believer. - How does God help us grow spiritually?
God places His Spirit within us, energizing both our desires and our actions to align with His will and empowering us to become more like Christ.