Lights in the Word

Introduction:

Today, we are talking about the subject of how to live for Christ in a dark world.

Dictionary of New Testament Background Section 3: Roman Persecution of Christians

However, Roman hostility was not a reaction to Christians’ atheism only, but to a mélange of other Christian characteristics that also affronted them: their aggressive proselytizing, antipagan polemics and the disruption their beliefs produced in families (Walsh)

Dictionary of New Testament Background Section 3: Roman Persecution of Christians

If Christians, once accused, refused to recant by offering sacrifices to Roman gods and the statue of the emperor, they were to be punished. Pliny’s practice, endorsed by Trajan, was to execute those who refused to recant or, if they were Roman citizens, to send them to Rome for trial.

Philippians 2:12–18 ESV

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.

Two commands about how to live as lights in a dark world

1) Work out your salvation

Philippians 2:12–13 ESV

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.

Note the personal tone

Saved from the punishment of sin

Saved from the power of sin

Saved from the presence of sin

Who is responsible?

God

Us

To will

Desires

To work

Actions

Why fear and trembling?

OT Use

Verse 13, role of the Spirit

Application

There is a call in a dark world to live a focused life

Most people generally speaking grow from social motivation

2) Do all things without grumbling or disputing

Philippians 2:14–18 LSB

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, so that you will be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to boast because I did not run in vain nor labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. And you also, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.

Grumbling

Justified or unjustified

Disputing

Road Trip Example