Philippians 2:12-16 (NLT): “Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.” 

WORK OUT YOUR SALVATION. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, Obey God with Deep Reverence and Fear. Work Hard —> which is the exact opposite of the current culture in America. Proverbs 14:23 (NIV): “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”

Press In, Showing Results Of Your Salvation. There should be overwhelming evidence that you’re saved. The Evidence of Salvation Is Covenant Blessings: Peace, Prosperity, Power and Passage Into Heaven. The Deeper You Grow Is The Farther You’ll Go. Value the Word of God: Psalm 119:11 (NKJV):

“Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.” Psalm 119:127: Your Laws are better than silver or Gold. Psalm 119:162 (NLT): “I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure.” 

Stop Complaining and Start Commanding. Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Complaining comes from a critical spirit. Nothing gets better by

complaining. Ephesians 4:29 (NIV): “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” James 1:26 (NIV): “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”

Your Words Have Great Power. Matthew 12:37 (NIV): “For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Proverbs 18:21 (AMP, KJV, NASB 1995) says “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” The tongue can be used as a weapon to harm and destroy or as a tool to build and heal. What kind of impact do your words have?

Live Clean and Shine Brighter. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Holiness isn’t something to ponder it’s something we possess. 1 Peter 1:13-16 (NIV): “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”

Holiness has great value —> We will shine like a bright light.

Proverbs 4:18 (AMP): “But the path of the just (righteous) is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day.”

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Rev. Bryan A. Tomes 

Crossroads Community Church 

www.crossroadsconnects.com