Joy comes through being obedient each and every day. So, what does this look like in our lives? Not just individually, but as a congregation, as a whole. How are we going to stand firm and contend for the Gospel in the face of opposition? Everything around us is opposed to and is going to be pushing back against what we believe in Scripture and what we believe to be true. This is what the world does, it tries to push back against the light because it is in darkness. So, Paul gives us some encouragement on how we can Choose Joy in the midst of working out our salvation. Let’s look at Philippians 2:14-18:
“Do all things without grumbling or disputing. That you may be blameless and innocent children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation among whom you shine as light in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ, I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink, offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith. I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise, you also should be glad and rejoice with me.”
If we want to choose joy while working out our salvation, there are some things Paul says we have to work out.
The first thing we have to work out is to avoid grumbling and complaining.
Grumbling and complaining is an inward disposition inside of us that comes out of us in complaining and disputing. This is not the attitude of trust, thankfulness, and gratitude God has called us to live as believers. He has called us to trust, to thankfulness, and to gratitude.
If we want to shine as lights in the world how He has called us to shine, then we are going to have to avoid grumbling and complaining because it taints our witness.
And if you’ve ever been around anybody who is grumbling and complaining, it’s not enjoyable. And if our goal is choosing joy in this life, there has to be an absence of grumbling and complaining.
You don’t have to do this on your own. You have the Holy Spirit inside of you helping you work this out. That’s the joy of saying, “Lord, I need your help. I need you at this moment. Please help me to find joy in every situation that I am in because I am struggling. I am struggling to find joy in this. Would you help me?” We don’t have to do it on our own.
We can also Choose Joy together as a congregation. Be a people who are marked by thanksgiving, trust, and contentment just as Christ was, just as Paul was, be marked by this, so when people look at your lives and they see you, they see thankfulness.
The second thing is this. Hold fast to the Gospel and proclaim this Gospel. Make it the treasure of your life. God’s word will build us up and make us strong for all the challenges we will face in this life.
Working out your salvation is not easy, but that is what we are called to do. Choose joy in the midst of it.
