A Whining Church - Pt 1

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. 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 lights 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. (Philippians 2:12-18 ESV).

The Church has never been exempt from the world’s attacks. We face dangers from many sources; however, the greatest danger is not from outside the church, but from within. Of course, we cannot deny the real issues of living in a pluralistic world; we know the pressure on Christians to abandon the truth that Jesus is the only way to God. Naturally, we think that to be faithful in this time means shoring up our commitments where cultural pressure is intense. But there is a bigger danger in our midst. It is not new. The Apostle Paul warns the Philippians of this in our reading today. It is the “Whining Church.” He simply says, do all things without grumbling or disputing. Why does he start this exhortation with grumbling? Well, he knew well the story of Israel. The Passover lamb was sacrificed on their behalf; they were set free from bondage to Egypt; they went out through the waters of the Red Sea into the wilderness toward the Promised Land. Having been graciously redeemed through an act of deliverance none of their generation could have imagined, and they began to grumble. This was the big sin of Israel. They chose grumbling over gratitude. Grumbling stalled their journey and led to actions that were anything but “blameless and innocent.” We can easily fast-forward to first-century Philippi. The church, like Israel, had been brought out of slavery to sin and death. Through the Passover Lamb, Jesus Christ, they had received atonement for their sins. They’d passed through the waters of baptism and were headed toward the Promised Land. Paul knew that grumbling and arguing would keep them from shining like stars in a dark world. And, two thousand years later, much of our world feels like a wilderness. We, too, live in a “crooked and twisted generation,” where crooks are elevated and perversion celebrated. We have as much grace as then and yet we see more whining and grumbling as ever. Jesus still speaks to his Church: Do everything without grumbling. If we desire to be blameless and pure, faultless in this generation, then we need to start here. The Christian who grumbles will neither stand out in this generation, nor hold firm to the gospel.