GOD'S "PART" & MANS "PART"

Text: Philippians. The preacher should read the book at one sitting, as many times as possible, to get the "feel" of Paul's message in it. If the congregation is attuned to the Word, he might read the entire book during the sermon, pausing at the following verses to make observations on the theme. If they are not endowed with such a taste, perhaps he should, also!

Introduction

The Bible does not use the language, but we are all familiar with the idea of "God's part" and "man's part." This lesson will look to the Epistle to the Philippians for a scriptural understanding of that concept. We will see that God is active and that man is to become active. We will see, in addition, that God's actions precede, empower and motivate our acts. He is always The God Who Acts First. His actions are never from obligation -- they create obligation on our part. Finally -- and this is so important to remember -- God's actions did not stop with the close of the first Christian century. The New Testament canon was finished, but not God's working!

Body

I. Acts 16:14 -- In the beginning of the gospel at Philippi, we see the divine and human working.

   A. The Lord opened Lydia's heart.

   B. She attended to Paul's preaching.

II. Philippians 1:6.

   A. God had begun a good work in the Philippians and Paul was confident that He would complete what He had started.

   B. They had actively participated in the gospel from the first, the sign of God's working in them (1:5).

III. Philippians 1:11.

   A. God had filled them with fruits of righteousness.

   B. They grew in love, discernment and sincerity (1:9, 10).

IV. Philippians 2:13.

   A. God works (empowers, literally "energizes") in the Christian, both to desire and to perform what pleases Him. Contrast this with the human predicament described in Romans 7:18-21.

   B. The believer is to work out his personal salvation with fear and trembling, in view of this fact (2:12). For a detailed treatment of this text and its various expressions, see my Sermons to Grow On.

V. Philippians 3:12.

   A. Christ Jesus has apprehended the believer for a holy purpose.

   B. The Christian is to "grasp" after the goal of His grasping him!

VI. Philippians 3:15.

   A. God will reveal the right attitude to you regarding maturity and self-satisfaction.

   B. As many as are already mature, be thus minded as here described (verses 13, 14).

VII. Philippians 3:21.

   A. The Lord Jesus Christ will change our bodies from mortal to immortal.

   B. Since our conversation is in heaven, let us look for a heavenly Savior (verse 20).

VIII. Philippians 4:7.

   A. God will guard your hearts and minds in Christ.

   B. You should not be anxious, therefore, but pray and trust God implicitly (4:6).

IX. Philippians 4:19.

   A. God will supply all your needs.

   B. You should share with those in need, without fear for your own provision (4:16-18).

Conclusion

Much present talk about "God's part" and "man's part" sounds as if the two are sharing an equal load. The truth is that man does not carry his own weight, much less God's! God indeed has a "part," and so does man, but God's part is to save us, provide for us, empower us, keep us, and finally transform our bodies into an immortality befitting the new heavens and new earth wherein dwells righteousness. Our "part'' is to respond to God in trust and obedience, confident that as He has begun something in our lives He will surely bring it to completion.

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