As Children of God Without Fault

We have seen in this series of lessons thus far that in order to "shine as lights in the world" the apostle Paul has given us "direction," "hope," and a "warning":

"direction" - By saying, "work out out your own salvation with fear and trembling"

"hope" - By reminding us, "for it is God who works in you..."

"warning" - By telling us to "do all things without murmuring and disputing"

But what is the ultimate goal of these admonitions of Paul? It is that that we be "children of God without fault"! -

Philippians 2:15 NKJV

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,

Look at it again with me and contemplate what he’s saying. He says that we are to become light bearers in the darkness by being “children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation”!

Children of God without fault? Of course if someone could be without fault they really would "shine as lights". And can you imagine the impact they would have upon the world in which they live? Well saints, he’s not talking about some mysterious “they”, he’s talking about me and you. And you say, “well I’m good with that pastor, I’m a child of God”! But please note carefully, it is not enough just to be "children of God"… We must also be “without fault” and not only that, this will be true only if we are "blameless and harmless"

Whoa! That’s a tall order and what does it mean to be "blameless" and "harmless"? And is this how the world sees those who profess to be "the children of God"?

Certainly we, as the church, have fallen short of these lofty ideals. But we really need to understand what Paul is saying here before we can even begin to try to get there. So let’s start by considering those very basic yet lofty goals he has set for us.

Blameless

What it Means to be Blameless

The Greek word is amemptos {am'-emp-tos}, which means to be "blameless, deserving no censure, free from fault or defect". Does this mean we are to be perfect? Well consider

1Jn 1:8,10

1 John 1:8 NKJV

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1 John 1:10 NKJV

If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

So, clearly this does not mean we are perfect, for we all sin. Rather, as Paul told Titus, to live and act in such a way that those who oppose us have "nothing evil to say of us" -

Titus 2:7–8 NKJV

in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.

In other words, living in such a way that we have no “outstanding faults” that stick out like a sore thumb and are clearly evident to others. “Don’t give anybody any ammo to use against you.”

Why It Is Important to be Blameless

Well for one, and probably most importantly, nothing hinders our efforts to influence others like inconsistency or hypocrisy. I mean think about it, if we have glaring faults that are evident to others, they will not take our message seriously. Especially if we are trying to point out "their" faults!

How do We Become Blameless?

It starts out by “practicing what we preach”! This would include some of the stuff we’ve already been talking about. Namely, “working out your own salvation”!

The next really important thing is that when we do sin, that confess our guilt immediately, especially when it is evident to all. And when we get the opportunity to share the Gospel with others, do it in the spirit of gentleness, patience and humility.

Galatians 6:1 NKJV

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

2 Timothy 2:24–26 NKJV

And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

The main objective is to not allow those who oppose us will quickly find fault in our attitudes and character, and use that as a pretext to reject our message!

To be “without fault”, it is also necessary that we be considered by others as

Harmless

What it means to be Harmless

The word Paul uses is akeraios {ak-er'-ah-yos}, which in this context means “without a mixture of evil, free from guile, innocent, simple”

It is used three times in the scriptures:

When Jesus was preparing His disciples for the “limited” commission -

Matthew 10:16 NKJV

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

By Paul, in his epistle to the Romans -

Romans 16:19 NKJV

For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil.

the word “simple” in this passage is “akeraios”

And also here in

Philippians 2:15 NKJV

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,

So then, to be "harmless", then, would mean:

To be free from any taint or suspicion of evil

To never be suspected of duplicity, saying one thing, meaning another

To never be feared of potential harm or violence

Again, it means to be “harmless as doves”

Why it’s Important to be Harmless

Leave them Speechless

So that we are without fault, that way if anyone is opposing you they will look foolish when they have nothing evil to say about you.

Titus 2:7–8 NKJV

in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.

How does this apply to some people with whom we share some goals and opinions and even a passion. In other words, we are on the same team, let’s say for example in the pro-life movement. What about those who use intimidation, harassment, and sometimes violence to further their cause? I mean we can certainly understand their passion, but wow! That’s rough.

Or how about to those who threaten “economic blackmail” (i.e., boycotting) in an effort to force others to change? Isn’t a boycott a good thing? If it gets people to change, isn’t it good? Well sure, but remember the worker-bee that you are hurting has nothing to say about what the corporate position is. You have a right to do business with whomever you want, but to organize a malicious take-down of a company affecting all of their employees, just to make a point is very mean-spirited. Or some within the "Christian Coalition", who often advise trying to "dig up dirt" on political opponents?

Do not such efforts, though well-intentioned, often give others reasons to speak evil of those who call themselves “Christians”?

Check Your Attitude

Should we not have the attitude of Paul, who said:

2 Corinthians 6:3 NKJV

We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed.

and also,

2 Corinthians 8:21 NKJV

providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

What about

Romans 2:23–24 NKJV

You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” as it is written.

Even though this was written in reference to inconsistent Jews, the principles in Paul's rebuke apply to Christians who resist evil in the wrong way. I mean, think about it many people speak evil of the faith because of the way some are trying to force others to change?

How to be Harmless as Doves

Overcome Evil with Love

React to evil the way Paul said we should react, not with evil but with acts of love; that is how we truly OVERCOME evil!

Romans 12:17–21 NKJV

Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Love the way Jesus Taught

Love your enemies the way Jesus taught us, with “active good will” ...

Luke 6:27–36 NKJV

“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.

Putting it All Together

Respond out of Love and Mercy

The challenge we face is that we are so repulsed by evil, we are tempted to respond in ways not in keeping with the gospel of Christ. But if our ultimate goal is changing the hearts of men, then it must be in accord with the way God has changed our own hearts, through the gospel of love, sacrifice, and mercy!

Imitate The Father

If we are truly the "children of God without fault", then we imitate our Heavenly Father's efforts by using love, prayer, doing good, to change those who are still part of this “crooked and perverse generation”

Imitate Jesus

By following in steps of our Savior, Jesus Christ, then we will truly be "blameless and harmless", and "shine as lights in the world"!