2009 Nov 29 - God's good purpose (Phil. 2:13-18)

We continued our study of Philippians 2:13-18, starting with David’s ending statement last week:

We can’t transform our lives any more than we can save ourselves.

Of course, we all know folks who have made changes in their lives by will power or as the result of changing circumstances. But changes in action are not the same as transformation. This was compared to the difference between physical change and heart change. Life in Christ offers us a new kind of life, going way beyond just new behavior. And that is only possible through God’s work in our lives.

Why would anyone resist God’s good purpose?

Paul tells the Philippians that God has a “good purpose” in mind for them, and for us. Why do we not all accept that and allow Him to work in our lives? The class mentioned several reasons: Selfishness; fear of change or embarrassment; and ignorance.

God offers step-at-a-time coaching rather than the whole game plan, meaning that we have to trust Him in order to follow Him. We also recognized that knowing His plan would make us less likely to focus on Him. When bad things happen to us, they do not mean that we have missed God’s plan. Even so, most of us are more likely to touch base with Him when life is not going easily.

We are to shine as stars in the universe.

Somehow, God intends to use us as examples of what following Jesus can mean. Even the feeblest attempt to follow God sets us apart. Just as a single farm light can be seen for miles in a dark countryside, any Christlikeness makes a positive contrast with our fallen world.

Even so, the thought that our lives are to be beacons in a dark world is intimidating. We are reminded that we cannot do this ourselves. At most, we can cooperate as God makes us into such “stars.”

Complaining and arguing interfere with God’s good purpose.

Generally, complaining and arguing are inspired by our own wishes, or by envy. There are times we do need to stand up for what is right. (After-class discussion suggested the terms “confronting and debating” as more appropriate for Christians who are challenged by the world’s system.) But such “righteous argument” is marked by peace and purity. It also involves trust in God. We reminded ourselves that once again, attitude is key.

When is it right to brag?

Paul expects to brag about the Philippians. Discussion pointed out the similarity between Paul’s attitude and that of parents. We thought that “deep satisfaction” might be a better term than “pride,” which is so often mixed up with self-promotion in many of its uses. You can be proud (“deeply satisfied”) when your actions have increased God’s presence on earth. Our perspective should include having been “just an instrument” in God’s hands.