Philippians 2:12..my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out/produce/achieve your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13  for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. 14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15  that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16  holding fast/upholding/fleshing out the word of life, (imitation of incarnation) so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. (2Th 2:19 3:5)

I. God Gives us the Desire and Power to do His Will and thus Please Him as we Produce our Salvation

A. Pleasing God is the basis of worth/value/esteem, a good self image, necessary for standing strong, doing good, being blessed, and glorifying God

1Jn 3:22 whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight 23 this is His commandment: that we should trust/depend on the power/name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.

2Cor 4:17 our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working/producing for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory

Js 1:3 (rejoice in trials) knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience 4… perfect product that you may be perfect & complete

B. Salvation reverses the effects of the Fall (loss of life-rlshp with God; holiness; glory) in three sequential stages:              Rm 3:21-26
1.  Justification = Accomplished escape from hell and the death penalty incurred by sin, and restoration of our relationship w/ God. (Titus 3:5; Rm 5:9)
2.  Sanctification = Progressive deliverance from sin habits and restoration toward pre-Fall holiness and Christlike Character. (1Pt 2:2: Phil 2:12)
3.  Glorification = Future restoration of glory and rulership with Christ in His kingdom (dependent upon Sanctification). (Heb 2:10; 7:25; 9:28; 1Pt 1:5)

II. Character results from doing what we would not naturally nor instinctively do, for a higher objective than our survival/pleasure.

A. Prudence/Wisdom: knowing what to do; choosing the right objectives and the right means of obtaining them (Ex 35:35; Jn 8:31-32)

Eph 5:17 Therefore do not be unwise/foolish/stupid, but understand what the will of the Lord is (redeeming the time, controlled by HS)

Ps 111:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good prudence/insight have all they that do his commandments

2Cor 5:9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

Pr 16:9 A man’s heart plans/purposes his way, but the Lord causes to be established/make firm/provide for/directs his steps.

B. Fortitude/Courage: doing what you should consumed by the consciousness that God is our helper in carrying out His commands

Josh 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid, nor dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you

Heb 13:5 "I will never leave you nor forsake you." 6 So we may boldly say:The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?

Col 1:9 ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will by all wisdom and spiritual understanding;10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;12 giving thanks…inheritance of the saints in the light

C. Temperance/Self-control: not doing what you shouldn’t;  power under control HS=Power brakes TOYL“Ain’t gonna reign no more”

Parenting objective: To shepherd the child God’s entrusted to me from being Parent-controlled to self-controlled to Spirit-controlled

2Pt 1:5 all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 self-control, tperseverance, godliness… abound…fruitful & reward

Rm 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Js 1:14 each one is tempted when is drawn away by own desires and enticed 5 embraced…gives birth to sin…full-grown…death

D. Justice: giving others their due; aware that God judges us on the basis of how we treat others

Js 2:12  So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. 13  For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over (glories/boasts against) judgment. Mt:5:7 Blessed are the merciful, ror they shall obtain mercy.
Lu 6:38 For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. See 2Cor 5:9-10 above

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. Is there any difference between a character trait manifested by an unbeliever and by an believer? Why do we think it’s magical?
2. How does confusing Justification and Sanctification result in believers doing Satan’s will rather than God’s will?
3. If one doesn’t get their worth and value from pleasing God, where do they seek it? How do temporal solutions meet eternal needs?
4. Who turns the steering wheel and steps on the brakes? How does one grieve or quench the Holy Spirit? How do you delight Him?
5. How has your character become more Christlike in the past week? Year? How will it be different next week? Year?