Philippians 2:14-18 "Shine as Lights"
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In our journey through Philippians
we see this amazing harmony
of our progress in faith
and joy.
so we have seen verses like
( NO SLIDES)
21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
and exhortations to
have a conduct worthy of the gospel
unity with humility
and then all throughout we get these
awesome mentions of joy and rejoicing
like in verse 3 “making request for you with joy”
in verse 18 “Christ is preached in this is I rejoice”
in chapter 3:1 we get “finally my brethren rejoice in the Lord”
and 4:4 “rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say rejoice.
the progress of our faith and joy are harmonized through the book
and its directly seen in verse 25 of ch. 1
(SLIDE)
25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith,
(BLANK SLIDE
progress of faith and joy are closely linked / harmonized
all through this book
but also we need to know and remember
the key in this progress of faith
is that it is a work of God.
as Philippians 1:6 says
(no slide)
6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
and what we saw last week in Philippians 2:13
13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
our progress our growth,
is a work of God
and so this harmony of
progress of faith by God
and joy continue
into our section today that I titled
“shine as lights”
where we see how this progress and joy
is a light to this world.
but lets be careful to
not take this as head knowledge
as we go through this book and this section
may we find that harmony
of joy and progress of faith in our lives.
Pray then read
Lets read verses 14-18
14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. 17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.
there is some
powerful statements here
but lets start with looking at why it is here:
look at the second half of verse 16
it says .....“so that”
this shows us why it is here.
he gives 3 “so that” s:
which are reasons for why this it is here
(slides w/effect)
That he may rejoice in the day of Christ (v.16)
That he did not run or labor in vain (v.16)
They would be glad and rejoice. (v.17-18)
That he may rejoice in the day of Christ (v.16)
The day of Christ
is referring to what is
also called the Bema Seat of Christ
when all believer will be judged
not for their sins but for their works (1 Cor 3:12-15)
this is not a salvation by works
were saved by faith in Jesus
this a time of God looking at our works
while some works may be burned up,
most verses on this day speak of
it as a time of rejoicing and reward.
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12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.
return to 1. slide
its a day for us of rejoicing.
what hope we have in Christ
to look forward to this day
so what Paul is saying here
is that he wants to be able to rejoice
on this day over them
and the work he has done for them
This encourages us that there is a purpose
in the works we do.
to look forward to this day.
slide
2. That he did not run or labor in vain (v.16)
*be clear salvation is not of works*
So this is being written so that he would know that
his efforts were not in vain
another word for vain is meaningless
Paul describes his works for them
as a run or a labor.
showing us
that if its labor and a run
it involves
sweat and taking work
but it involves progress, strengthening, and moving forward.
that things are being accomplished
but it is labor, its a run
So Paul’s point in this is that
if the Philippians dont apply
his run and labor
his efforts would be in vain.
that on that day of Christ
as they would not have any works to show
Paul wants as much rejoicing and reward
and so the exhortation is for the Philippians
to not just be hearers but doers.
to have works to show
not for salvation but for reward.
slide
3. That they would be glad and rejoice. (v.17-18)
Take a look at verses 17 -18
Paul gives a unique description here
that you see in the OT
but not too often in the NT (2 Tim 4:6)
he says if i am being poured out as a drink offering
What does that mean?
ill be short and just say that the drink offering
was poured over the top of a sacrifice
or in front of a sacrifice
the result was that
it would steam up the sacrifice
as it rose to God.
the picture that Paul is giving to the
believers is that IF his life is being
poured out, intermingled and rising up with
the sacrifice and service of their faith.
he is glad
it carries the idea
that if Pauls life is given up for them
as an offering to God
then he is glad and rejoices
and verse 18 encourages them
to also be glad and rejoice over too.
as that they would be a sacrifice/offering to God together.
blank slide
which is an example of the harmony
we see through this book
having joy through the progress of our faith.
and so here is joy not based on circumstances
because its involving
sacrifice, and labor, and running
the joy is based on Christ
yes it is work and a work we share together
there are sacrifices,
there is sweat, and work
but we are glad and rejoicing through it.
be glad and rejoicing
for working together for God’s kingdom
while it may involve sacrifice, and service,
and an offering
which means there
may be and will be hard moments
that allow us to shine
the brightest
especially when its done
with gladness and rejoicing
which is sort of contrasted
with the beginning of our section
“do all things without complaining& disputing”
Showing us that our attitudes in the
sacrifices, the service, the offering, the labors, the run
matter
because the world will see how we act and react
as we see Paul rejoicing in prison...
Where will the world see us rejoicing?
in the scary hospital room?
in the stressful work environment?
In the hard times?
in the good times?
and so this section is here to
encourage our progress of faith
by God’s ability
that gives purpose, with rejoicing,
and a hope that
there will be rejoicing on the day of Christ
for the work/labor we had done.
and remember from our previous section
its a work not done in the flesh but
by His enabling to will and do
for His pleasure.
where we can shine as lights
because its God working in and through us
which is our title today
“shine as lights” that is seen
in that last part of verse 15
its actually stated as a fact
“you shine as lights in the world”
thats a heavy statement
what a big thought....
One ....who are we that we get to shine as lights?
because of Jesus
we get to shine
thats nothing we do
that has nothing to do with who we are
God has given us grace
He has given us more then we deserve.
one of my favorite verses is 1 Peter 2:9 .
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9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
He called us out of darkness
and called us into His marvelous light
and thats why we get to shine.
blank slide
We shine the light of Jesus
to this dark world
In verse 15 in our section Paul calls the world (Phil 2:15)
“a crooked and perverse generation”
Lets look at those strong words Paul uses
to describe the world
“crooked” and “perverse”
cooked can also be translated as
bent or twisted (obviously)
but what an accurate
description
the world is definitely bent
bent to evil
it definitely is also twisted
the word perverse in our text can also be translated to
mean to turn different ways, to twist about,
to be distorted, to be warped, to mislead,
a couple of dictionaries said it can mean to have ones eyes distorted
both these words gives this idea of no true focus, or direction,
just kind of lost....
no doubt this is an accurate description of the world
but lets not forget that without Christ
we would be the exact same.
perverse and crooked, bent, misled, warped twisted about
but instead because of Jesus
you are a light....
exactly what someone lost needs
As you know we have moved about 5 months ago.
and were getting used to our new apartment
back in our old home
I could walk around in the middle of the night with my eyes closed
now I need to bring my phone to give me light so i dont ram
into a wall.
We are a light leading lost people
to God
and because we are a light leading lost people to God
we need to be careful how we handle ourselves.
we are a light
but how brightly do we shine?
look at verse 14 (NO SLIDE)
14 Do all things without complaining and disputing,
wow! what a command!
such a real
statement from Paul!
as he knows humanity so well
looking one verse up in verse 13 we see
this powerful verse in verse 13 of
“God who works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure”
..
this verse is then followed up with
do all things without complaining and disputing
Its like Paul knows
He knows how we will react when God
works in us
When God shows us what areas of our life need work
or what God is wanting us to do.
We have a sinful, natural , fleshly
nature about us
what is our immediate reaction to
when God shows us what to do?
but God....
and I dont want to ....
and What if i do this instead
could I just only do this
God Is that really the best thing
wouldn't it be easier iffff
Often we can find ourselves complaining
or disputing
Maybe God has used someone to show correction
Maybe God wants you to do something
and you have been disputing you been
arguing trying to find another way
Maybe what Gods call for you is work
or you’re in a difficult opportunity
where your given the chance to shine.
but been looking for way to not
or give an excuse
we may want something or someone to blame
and if no one… we’ll just complain.
Paul knows thats how we will react in the flesh
to God working in us
and wanting to work through us
Were going to
resist, and whine
Now us complaining and disputing
thats our natural response.
but lets not forget
He works in us to will and to do.
this gives us the ability
for a supernatural response
That means that as God shows us what He wants
from us
He will help to do it
and gives the way on how to do it.
filling us up with the Spirit
enabling us by the Spirit for the call.
But notice that these words
do everything without complaining
or disputing have to do with our words
Jesus said in Luke 6:45
“out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks”
our words reveal what is in the heart
showing us
that within our own heart we
have a natural response
and by God there is also
the ability for
a supernatural response.
How we respond to God’s calling
very well may be seen by the words
we are speaking.
A great question
to ask ourselves is
how am I responding
to God’s calling and leading?
our previous sections were about
the humble and obedient mind of Christ.
that is an example to us
but Its the work of God for us
to humbly serve with
a joyful and glad attitude
It is the work of God to humbly submit to the Father
with joy, with peace
Our flesh does not want to do that
and especially not with the right attitude.
It is a work of God that we do what He wants
with the right attitude
Its a work of God when we can show patience
to the person God is using us to be a light to.
the question is will we
give in to the natural response
or by His ability?
by His ability
how we do things
can go from doing things complaining
to doing things with joy
and gladness
even also giving a sacrifice and service to the Lord
glad and rejoicing.
this is a light to the world
that is crooked and lost
If God is (and He is) giving us the will and the ability
to do what He wants
in following His will, leading, call:
we have direction
we have a truth
we have a purpose
that the world doesnt have
but it needs
so if i am
fighting against Him
or complain against Him
i muddy the truth
i can confuse
and misguide someone
our living and especially reactions
in difficult times
when its a sacrifice, when its an offering
when its work, and its hard
when it hurts....
shows the world
if its God working in us
or not
will the world see me run to my natural responses
just like the rest of the world would act and react.
or will they see God working in and through me?
this is a heavy thought that actually gets
heavier in verse 15 as it says
no slide
15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
that first part here.
shows us
that we carry a heavy responsibility
beyond our own natural ability
We need God to work in us
We need His help
In our flesh we can make a pretty bad witness for God
This first part should cause us to remember
that we need God’s help
I can cause harm
I can be of blame
I can be of fault
with the words I speak
which ultimately is from the heart
where I can easily react in the natural
or by the power of God.
this verse doesn't mean we lose salvation over it
but that we are lights to this dark world
shining His light
and how we conduct ourselves
is a work of God He wants to use.
If we living in the flesh
complaining and disputing
we are acting just like the world
what benefit is it for the world
to join religious complainers and fighters?
If there is no power of God taking effect in our lives.
Our conduct is important as it can
lead people to God
but our conduct
is to come from by God’s work
not by our flesh
our flesh can dangerously lead people away from God
but the work of God in our lives can lead people to God
By claiming to be saved, and belonging to God
we are a light shining His light
and we need His ability to do it.
our natural flesh can cause harm
and could lead someone away.
so
We need God to work in and through us.
to help us say yes, God
to do it with and in the Spirit
having joy
serving, and obeying.
This important calling we have
if it seems too big
or too hard
it is
we need Him
remember Paul is writing this
living it
If I was Paul
and a preacher of the gospel to the nations
and was stuck in prison
I would be thinking
God break these chains
and let me out
so I can do the work...
yet God is allowing for him to be in prison
I think it would be very easy
for Paul to
complain, dispute
Instead we know that Paul as he was being used in prison
and he there rejoicing,
What a powerful statement it is to the world
when we can have joy in suffering
because our joy is found in Him
as He gives us the will and the to do (the ability)
we can rise above and do things way above ourselves
and be able to handle so much more then we could on our own
Its supernatural
Its a work of God
that we just get to be a part of.
that we get to then shine as lights
who where we, once crooked and perverse ourselves
but now
lead by God
in His ability
leading others to God
how we conduct ourselves is important
its what people see.
thats why in three different ways
in this section we see that we are to be in the world
and not hiding from it
or avoiding the world
it says in verse 15
in the midst, among, and in the world
lights dont shine in darkness, in a room full of other lights
lights shine best in dark places.
and so as Matthew 5:14-16.
slide
14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
blank slide
remember our light is from God
and its God’s work in and through us
the command for us to do without complaining and disputing
now this is not an exhortation to be fake
this is not an encouragement to be fake happy
This is an exhortation for
God to work in our hearts
to give us joy
and an excitement
That we serve God joyfully
that we obey humbly but also joyfully
This verse should cause us to examine
how am i serving God?
may it be joyful
and willingly,
but not…
fake it till you make it.. and pretend you have it all together...
but go to God who works in us
but may we all pray
“God make me shine bright for you”
“help me to do the work”
“help me to do it with the right attitude”
“use me God”
This is something we will have to pray over and over
because our flesh is the flesh
and while it may feel so scary
knowing the flesh will want to come out
to cause blame, harm, and fault
He is with us, with mercy,
and love, with all we need!
and
we have God’s Word that will always
point us back to truth
to Him
that will help us shine
as verse 15 says
no slide
16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
so hold fast the word of life
this is a reference to God’s Word
as it contains the words we need for life
holdfast is a greek word
that can also be translated “holdforth
that has been defined as to
hold fast like how someone
would hold forth a torch
So holdfast like you would a torch
the word of God
in ancient harbors
when the sun would set
torches were lit
to direct the ships
on where to go
how else could the ship see?
it was important for those torches to be lit
so they could be directed where to go especially in the dark nights
at sea
so i picture
like a torch
raise lift up
holdfast
to God’s Word
as it 1. guides us
but may we we hold it up like a torch
as it is a guide to the lost world
on where to find God
His Word contains the guidance
the lost, crooked, twisted, misguided world needs
to find God.
This just makes me
wonder, what am I lifting up to others?
Is my torch complaining
that wont lead them to God
Is my torch disputing
my arguing or resisting wont lead to God
May my torch I lift be His Word
and if it is me may it be
me shining for Jesus
His light
as I do His work
in His Spirit
by His ability.
so in the section we see 2 ways that we can shine
and be a light to the world
no slide
How we conduct ourselves
Holding fast the Word
sometimes people may not read the Bible
but they read us
and sometimes we can use God’s Word
to be a guide to others
of course not by beating them over the head with it
but lovingly sharing His Word
this is an amazing encouragement that
each one of our lives matters
that God
wants to use us
and that He has a purpose for us
and while that may not be easy.
in fact in may be challenging
it may not make perfect sense in the flesh
(like Paul in prison)
but God knows what He is doing
He will help us.
and often times its those difficult
challenging places
that cause us to shine the brightest.
worship team.
As we learn all through the book
our circumstances dont determine our joy
and while it may be easy to complain
when God puts us in hard spots
and difficult situations
those are the greatest moments to shine.
to rise up!
remember this book harmonized progress of faith and joy.
this text causes us to ask
How brightly do we shine?
with a complaining or joyful heart?
am I in God’s ability doing what He says?
is my conduct a reflection of God working in me?
am I holding fast the Word’s of life?
So we can take joy in Christ and be glad
in the sacrifices and service of our faith
as He works in and through us
He is using us to draw people to Him!
May we shine as lights!