Introduction:

A. The mouth is a fountain of both blessing and cursing (Jas. 3:10).

B. The negative and the positive (Ph. 2:14 cf. Rm. 12:10b)

I. Negative Perspective: “Do All Things Without Grumbling or Disputing”(Ph. 2:14).

A. A man who was writing at the post office desk (John Yates)

B. What does it mean to grumble?
1. English dictionary:
a. Grumble: “to mumble in discontent”
b. Murmur (KJV): “indistinct complaint…whispered utterance”
c. Complain (NIV): “to express feelings of pain, dissatisfaction, or resentment”
2. Original language:
a. “The expression of secret and sullen discontent, murmuring, [or] complaint” (Mounce)
b. “Behind-the-scenes-talk” (Arndt and Gingrich)
c. “Whispering complaints, talking in secret against someone, making negative comments about others behind their backs” (Pillar Commentary)

C. What does it mean to dispute?
1. English dictionary:
a. Dispute: “to argue about; to debate”
b. Argue (NIV): “to put forth reasons for or against; debate”
2. Original language:
a. “Reasoning, thought, cogitation…discourse, dispute…[and] contention” (Mounce)
b. Giving reasons for or against something but in a divisive, argumentative way

D. “Do all things without grumbling or disputing” is an expression of urgent constancy in carrying out all the will of the Lord without grumbling or complaining (Ph. 2:12-14; 1 Cor. 15:58; Mt. 28:20; Lk. 17:10).

E. This passage is broader than its usual application.

F. What is Paul really talking about? (Gal. 5:15; Ph. 2:15-16).

II. Positive Perspective: Outdo One Another in Showing Honor” (Rm. 12:10b).

A. The focus is on “other-centeredness” rather than “self-centeredness.”

B. Showing honor is giving respect and value to the one honored (1 Pet. 3:7; Mk. 9:34; 1 Th. 5:12-13; Mt. 7:12).

C. The base of mutual respect is familial love (Rm. 12:10; Mt. 5:23-24; 18:15).

Conclusion:

A. “Do all things without grumbling or disputing.”

B. “Outdo one another in showing honor.”

C. Our choice has a dramatic impact on the world around us (Ph. 2:15-16).