Philippians 2:12-30
“Do all things without complaining and disputing.” Most of us have had this verse quoted to us at some point in our lives. This verse is used most often as a reaction to complaints rather than being proactive to prevent them. It has been quoted from parents to children, teachers to students, employers to employees and from one spouse to another. One of my favorite things about preaching through a complete book in the Bible is that we run into “famous” verses like this one and we get to learn what they truly mean in the context from which they were inspired and written. I’m not saying that the verse doesn’t mean not to complain and dispute, but I am praying that we will learn that it means much more than that. It is not about quietly doing what is set before us, it is much more about controlling our minds, standing on what we know and following the examples of humility, unity and joy that have been displayed for us by Jesus, Paul and others mentioned in the text. I pray that we will come away from this passage of Scripture today determined to demolish all of our complaints and joyful over the truth that God has spoken to and over us.