Philippians-Part 3

Shine Like a Diamond

In this world where so many people are attached at the hip to social media and to the fashions and customs of the times, it is hard to understand what it means to shine for Christ.

It may sound judgmental, but even many Christian artists and pastors seem to act and dress more like social influencers than ambassadors of Jesus Christ.

I entitled this message/Bible Study “Shine Like a Diamond”

Think about a diamond engagement or wedding ring.

Is it something that has to be pointed out to everyone around you? Or when people see it, do they notice it? Do they understand what it is? And does it cause them to ask or elicit questions?

As we will see shortly, there are some characteristics of being an ardent follower Christ that stand out and shine like a diamond.

Three ASPECTS that should be evident in the Christian life reflecting our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ:

1. UNITY-Having one mind.

Philippians 2:1-2

English Standard Version Chapter 2

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things charity.” -Attributed to German Lutheran theologian Rupertus Meldenius (circa 1626-1627)

Ephesians 4:1-6

English Standard Version Chapter 4

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord,

Having one mind means that we must have unity on the essentials of the faith and we must stand firm in those things.

Unity does not mean uniformity.

We believe according to the measure of faith that we have received from the Lord and yes we ought to seek and pray that the Lord increases our faith.

But we are not all going to be in the same place in our faith walk and we are also not all gifted in the same way...therefore what is very important to me and emphasized in my life may not be the very thing that is as important in your life or emphasized.

Those are the secondary things… the non-essentials and there ought to be grace in these areas.

Unity demands obedience and surrender to the essentials as Ephesians 4:1-6 pointed out and grace, mercy and charity in the other matters of the faith.

2. HUMILITY-Humbling ourselves in order to lift others up.

Philippians 2:3-11

English Standard Version Chapter 2

3

This idea of humility and putting others before ourselves has been a consistent theme over the last few weeks and we find ourselves here again.

Obviously, this is important for us as believers to hear over and over again.

Our motivation in the Church, as believers, begins and ends with humility because that is the example that Jesus set for us.

What are some things that cause us to struggle in this area?

What are some ways that we can do this? How can we put this into practice? So that we overcome our struggles?

Can you remember a time that someone responded in such a way toward you?

How did that make you feel?

Can you think of someone who may need some love and care and empathy and prayer right now?

3. LIGHT-Shine in such a way that the darkness flees.

Philippians 2:12-18

English Standard Version Chapter 2

12 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, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation,

Matthew 5:13-16

English Standard Version Chapter 5

13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Think about this...Paul didn’t magnify the prison and His circumstances, he MAGNIFED the LORD!

He didn’t put his circumstances and hardships on display, he reflected the GOODNESS of GOD in all circumstances.

He didn’t sulk in personal grief, he glorified the Person of Jesus Christ.

You are the salt of the earth...you change the dynamics of this life...you purify and preserve and proclaim the Gospel...you season the circumstances.

You are the light of the workd...wherever you go with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the darkness flees.

If you are in Christ Jesus...you should shine like a diamond...you don’t hide the light that is within you...you hold it out for all the world to see.

You are a reflection of the glorious King of kings and Lord of Lords.

Remember the song the little children sang last Sunday...This Little Light of Mine, I’m going to let it shine!!!

We ought to shine like a diamond for all the world to see...we need show off the light and tell people the Good News it reflects.

We need to hold out the light of Jesus that people may ask the reason for the hope we have!