Complaining and Arguing

A walk through the Book of Philippians

June 28, 2024

Complaining and Arguing

Philippians 2:12-18

We all do it, don’t we? We all complain about things.

Let’s use teenagers as our first reference. They complain about having to clean their rooms, clearing the table after dinner, and, let’s not forget, curfews. Oh, and one more thing, they can be very argumentative.

As adults, we were just as bad in so many ways. At work, we complain about our workload or a particular task that we are asked to do. We complain because it’s laundry day again. And let’s not forget when we complain about not getting enough sleep because our spouse snores.

(By the way, as adults, we can sometimes be just as argumentative as teenagers.)

The list goes on and on. Let’s just accept the fact that we all complain.

Considering this fact brings us to today’s reading from the book of Philippians.

****************************The Point*****************************

The Apostle Paul makes three points in today’s reading; we will focus on the second one.

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Do everything without grumbling or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So, you, too, should be glad and rejoice with me.”

Philippians 2:12-18

Point one:

“continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” 

Every day, every minute of every day, we, as Christians, are under attack. We are under attack by the devil and His evil schemes. What’s his goal? To rob us of the eternal treasures God has in store for us.

We must never allow ourselves to get spiritually lazy. This makes us weak and open to Satan’s attacks.

Point three:

“But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.”

Here, Paul is speaking of his possible martyrdom. If it should happen, it would be a willing sacrifice that he would make for not only the Philippians but for Christians everywhere.

At this point, you may be saying to yourself, “Joe forgot point number two.” No, as I said, Paul’s second point is my emphasis in this devotion.

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing.”

This point has everything to do with your heart. As I said in my prologue, we all complain. A day probably doesn’t go by when we don’t complain about something.

When it comes to God, there’s no room for grumbling or arguing. Throughout our lives, especially in non-Christian instances, we will be asked to do things we don’t want to. Paul says we should do them without grumbling (murmuring) or arguing with others.

God loves us and wants what’s best for us. He also expects obedience from us, which needs to come from our hearts.

Be persistent and consistent in showing and sharing your love of God, not grumbling and arguing. I know, it sounds easier to do than it actually is. Do your best, and if you fail, try again and again. We are not perfect, but we should continue to strive for perfection.

Lord, there are many times in our lives when we grumble about our circumstances and argue with others. Please help us to do better. When we fail, please encourage us to keep trying to show our love for you to others, no matter how difficult it is. Amen.