A Biblical Obedience - Kyle Hanna

Philippians 2:12-13 - “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, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (ESV)

• Obedience can feel admirable or oppressive, depending on past experiences.
• It often stirs feelings of control, fear, or pressure.
• The message aims to reshape obedience as something beautiful and freeing, rooted in love for God—not fear or performance.

• Paul writes to a young, loved, yet pressured church in Philippi.
• They were facing external pressure, internal tensions, and needed a reminder of humility, unity, and surrender.
• Paul commends their obedience and urges them to keep obeying—especially in his absence.

"As you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence..." (V12)

• Is it external accountability or internal conviction?

• True obedience is not dependent on it being seen. It’s not for show, approval, or praise from others. It’s rooted in a love for God and lived out faithfully, especially in the quiet, hidden moments.

• Why do I find it difficult to continue to be obedient to God?
• Is there hidden disobedience I need to bring into the light?

“Work out your salvation...” (V12)

• Greek: katergazesthe - to actively practice, pursue, and carry out.
• Reflects spiritual formation: faith expressed through action.
• It’s obedience with a purpose: to be like Jesus and reflect Him to the world. 

“With fear and trembling...” (V12)

• This phrase reflects a posture of humility and reverence, acknowledging God’s holiness and our complete dependence on Him, not out of fear of punishment, but in awe of who He is and awareness of who we are without Him.

• Our obedience is marked by humble trust and a clear awareness of our limitations, leading us to depend fully on Him. 

“For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure…” (V13)

• God is the one who gives both the desire (“to will”) and the ability (“to work”).
• Obedience is our response to God’s inner work—not self-effort.

• The Glove Analogy: Like a glove shaped for a hand but powerless without it, we, made in God’s image; are lifeless on our own, but when filled with His presence, we find true purpose, direction, and power.

• If someone could only see our life and not hear about our faith, what would they learn about the Christ we follow?

Obedience of the Philippian Church:

• The church in Philippi began from Paul’s obedience to the Spirit.
• Its founding members (Lydia, the jailer, the slave girl) showed faith-filled, radical obedience.
• The diverse community became a testimony to the power of surrendering to God.

Obedience of Jesus, the Perfect example:

• Philippians 2 points to Christ’s humility and obedience, even to death.
• Gethsemane (Matthew 26:38–39): Jesus submits not just His actions, but His will.
• Obedience submits the will, not just the action.
• Verse 39 - “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” This is the heart of true obedience — surrendering not just what we do, but what we want.