May 3, 2022 -- Philippians 2:12-16 -- Throwing down respectable sins

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Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 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 lights in the world, 16 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. 
Philippians 2:12-16 ESV

Not that long ago I heard a marvelous, piercing-the-conscience teaching on “respectable sins”. The day was long and there were a few podcasts I listened to and I cannot recall exactly who the speaker was. All I know is the topic struck a chord with me. Of course we all affirm “big sins” like murder or stealing are unacceptable. We know the 10 Commandments quite well and realize the things we are not supposed to do. But there are insidious, brain-worm sins that wheedle their way into the fabric of the day and are not as well-known, nor immediately cut out of our lives.

How many of us are grumblers? Under the breath we protest against what it is we know we should be doing but are finding reasons or justifications not to do so. Or the grumbling is murmuring of discontent as we are internally arguing against the boss who gave us a proper directive but our pride was wounded. Grumbling against a leader is in fact, complaining against the Living God Who has saved you and Who is by His Spirit giving you the will and the ability to work. Grumbling is a direct refusal of the Spirit’s directive work in your life.

Disputing is a tough one as well, a respectable sin that is boring holes in the fabric of your life so that your witness is discredited. How often a Christian will dispute before the full command is given. Isn’t it true that disputing happens almost on automatic pilot, because a heart is puffed up with its own self-importance and is not humble enough to yield to the Living God?

Rather than grumbling, the believer is called to pray to the Living God, asking for the vulnerability to see his error and know his weakness and despite such to have the courage and strength to fight against his flesh and inertia. Rather than grumble the believer who has “prayed himself up” addresses perceived wrongs and is prepared to admit his own wayward thinking should that be pointed out to him.

Instead of disputing, the brother or sister in Christ is confident of his standing before God and is therefore able to hold his tongue until he sees the purpose of a directive. Sometimes an order will seem arbitrary to the one receiving it until a broader plan unfolds and in the working out of the thing reveals its reasonableness. In an age of social media where all the platforms encourage disputing and senseless argumentation, it is hard for Christians to regain a sense of proportion and restrain himself from automatic disputing.

What is the antidote to grumbling and disputing? It is a heart filled with thankfulness, awed by the gracious work of God that continues to bless the Christian. When one is holding fast to the Word of God, the fickleness of man is constantly being exposed, but one who is dedicated to the Living God finds life that is full and joyous. Even hardships are transformed—as Mary Poppins sang, a ‘spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down’. The sugar is the delightfulness of the nearness of God, the medicine is the work we are called to do, striving against the contrariness and rebellion of the world, devil and even our own flesh. The Psalmist proclaimed, “You make know the path of life; in Your Presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Ps. 16:11 ESV).

O LORD, the Salvation of ruined sinners, rescuing them in Jesus Christ--You are the glory of Your people. You are the highest desire of the soul and the best aspiration of the mind; You are worthy of all blessing and service. Forgive us for the softheaded acquiescence with the world that leads us to places where we murmur and grumble against You. Spirit of the Living God, revive us so that our lives, gripped by the Father Who pours out a steady stream of grace in Jesus, are lived in whole-hearted obedience and enthusiastic humility. Help us, Spirit of God, to fight against our own flesh and inertia. Aid us, Spirit of God to stand against the influence of worldliness. Triune God, our Rescue Story, guard us from the schemes and wiles of the devil and all his demonic agents. Preserve us, O God, for in You we take refuge; You are the LORD, our LORD; apart from You we have no good thing! Amen.
 

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