2. Paul as an example of a submissive mind (12-18) After Paul had shown Christ as an example of a submissive mind, he then uses himself as an example too. V.12 a) Work out - The responsibility of the Saint. I. Obedience is in connection to Paul’ s teaching II. Work out what God work within, He didn’ t say “ work for” but work out. III. The 3 tenses of salvation: 1. I was saved (past) - Justification. 2. I’ m being saved (present) - Sanctification. 3. I will be saved (future) - Glorification. IV. We are saved: 1. Immediately - From sin’ s Penalty. 2. Progressively - From sin’ s Power 3. Ultimately - From sin’ s Presence V. The salvation in focus here is the present and the progressive. VI. Our salvation should not be taken lightly but worked out with fear. V.13 d) Work within - The responsibility of the Saviour. I. God is able and He gives us His ability: His will and doings. 1:6 We do not have this good ability within us. Rom.7:14-23 II. Work (Gr. energein) from which we get the word energy. III. Others can inspire us but they can’ t enable us. V.14-15 a) Attitude - Live a Life of Love and Light. I. How shall we work what God works within. 1. By not murmuring and disputing. Because of these judgment came upon Israel. Ps.106:23-27 These would cause us to be blameless and harmless. 2. By being lights in the world. Matt.5:14-16 Light reveals what darkness conceals. II. Why shall we work out what God work within. 1. To be a testimony against a crooked generation. Is.40:3-5; 35:8 Crooked opposite of straight. 2. To be a testimony against a perverse generation. Perverse opposite of right and true. V.16 b) Abiding - Live in the Word of Life. I. We have to abide in His Words. John 15:7 II. Paul allowed God to work within therefore he worked out his salvation by running and labouring. III. All labour and joy can be lost if we do not abide in His Word. 1.Cor.3:11-15 V.17 c) Accomplishment - Live poured out as Liquid to the Lord. I. Paul declared that his life was a drink offering. II. The priest offered first a lamb, a ram, or a bull as a burnt offering, then at the end they offered a drink (wine) offering. Num.15:1-10 III. Paul died 6-7 years later as he was beheaded for his faith according to tradition, he mentions it again about 1 year before he died. 2.Tim.4:6 IV. The altar was very hot and as the drink offering was poured upon it, the wine was gone within seconds. V. The sacrificial “ animal” service was their faith and he was the drink offering. V.18 d) Appeal - Lively Living. He exhorted them to rejoice with him in his imprisonment. He was rejoicing in spite of his suffering, when he was in the jail in Philippi he also rejoiced. Acts 16:25-26