A Bright Light In A Dark World

Philippians 2:12-18

Introduction:

We are back in our series Joy In The Journey, and today is the 9th message.

We are going to walk through verses 12-18 in chapter 2 and the title for this message is: A Bright Light In A Dark World

Recap where we’ve been in Philippians 2 up to this point.

Today’s passage calls us to take our walk with Christ seriously. Our actions and our attitudes should reflect Jesus.

Prayer:

Read The Text:

Philippians 2:12-18

Central Idea: Because of what Jesus has done in our hearts, we are able to shine as lights in a dark world.

Walk Through The Text:

POINT ONE: Obedience Must Be Lived Out

Read Verse 12

Go back to verses 10-11 for reference to Therefore my beloved.

He truly cared for these Philippian men and women.

Reference Philippians 1:5 (always obeyed since their partnership in the Gospel).

Reference Philippians 1:27 (Whether I come and see you or am absent)

Working out their salvation is literally working out what Christ has worked in them (they are saved, they are now walking with Jesus in a relationship).

They must not waste what Christ did for them, meaning living out a Christ-honoring life.

With fear and trembling, meaning in awe of who God is. Also a deep reverence for knowing all of the sacrifices that will come with living an obedient life to God in Philippi.

Read Verse 13

NLT version says “for God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.”

We don't naturally do this. It's because we have Christ in us, that we can work out and live out a God honoring life to do His will and what pleases Him. When you follow Jesus faithfully, you are doing what God wills and works for his good pleasure!

POINT TWO: Christ-Centered Living Must Be Lived Out

Read Verse 14

Doing all things without grumbling or disputing, or even murmurings as other translations say. How you live your life, how you act, how you speak, do ALL things without grumbling or disputing. The importance of this is because the world around us does that, especially when they don't get their way or life doesn't go their way.

Illustration- amazon package is one day shipping and it shows up late or the next day. How easily do we get frustrated and mad. Christ did not live that way and when others see us live this way, we are no different than everyone else.

Reference Exodus 15:24 and Exodus 16:2

Read Verse 15

If they do what God works in them, both to will and work for his good pleasure and they dont grumble or dispute, they will stand out as blameless and innocent. The traits I mentioned stand out in a world that doesn't do God’s will and does grumble and dispute.

Children of God- Genesis says we are all made in God’s image but not everyone is a child of God until they are truly saved.

Reference Exodus 15:24 and Exodus 16:2- crooked and twisted generation

Reference Philippians 1:9-11- lights in the world. Just like stars shine bright in the dark night sky, they would shine bright and be an example for Jesus.

Read Verse 16

Holding fast or holding firm (Clinging) to the Word of Life. The Word of Life is referring to Jesus. HE is the one who gives life to those who believe in Him. It's also an emphasis on the Gospel. Holding Firm or clinging to the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ.

When you shine as lights in a dark world, you inevitably will desire to share the Gospel with those in Philippi, the good news of Jesus Christ who can change your life and bring light into their world.

In doing so, in the day of Christ which will one day come to pass, Paul would be proud that he did not run in vain or labor in vain. Simply put, that all the time he poured into the Philippians to lead them to Christ, equip them as Gospel sharers and Disciple makers, would continue in their mission to live this out. His time invested in them would have been for this purpose and not wasted.

POINT Three: Sacrificial Service Must Be Lived Out

Read Verse 17

This refers to Old Testament traditions of sacrifices and offerings, while also drawing on imagery that would have been familiar within the Greco-Roman culture of the time in which it was written.

They would have understood what Paul was saying, that it was an illustration of his own life- being poured out. He knew his life and ministry may be poured out for serving Jesus Christ (which he was more than willing to do and would till his last breath)

His labor for the Lord also has resulted in his imprisonment. His current suffering in prison is part of the cost of his full obedience and service to telling others about Jesus. And he may be killed for his sacrificial faith in Jesus (the sacrificial offering that was mentioned). He would be glad to do it and he rejoiced with the Philippians knowing they were called to the same sacrifices he was giving to Jesus, which may result in a martyred life (being killed for their faith in Jesus).

Read Verse 18

To tie it all together, the Philippians should also rejoice in the fact and be glad for the life they are living for Christ. It's not being wasted and it's not for nothing. They will receive their reward in Heaven.

One commentator said it this way about Paul's reasons for joy and being glad for both of their circumstances: "Joy in suffering, it should finally be noted, is not “delight in feeling badly”; rather it is predicated on the unshakable foundation of the work of Christ, both past and future. Joy has nothing to do with circumstances, but everything to do with one’s place in Christ."

Applications:

Shine as lights in the world

Live a life of service

Where Do We Go From Here:

Spend the next few minutes in prayer. God may be calling you to repent. God may be calling you to draw closer to Jesus this morning if you have strayed. God may be calling you to surrender to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and start your relationship with Him today. If you do not have a relationship with Jesus, if he truly is not your Lord and Savior, I would love to talk to you right now about how you can leave here with a relationship with Jesus Christ today!

However God has spoken to you this morning to respond, do it!