Philipians 2:16-18

Philippians 2:16-18 “ 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. 17 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. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.”

Recap

v.16 The Letter to the Philippians (D. Work out Your Salvation (2:12–18))

The evangelistic implications of the image of stars in the world and the expression word of life lead some to visualize believers in Christ shining like stars by holding firmly the word of life as the source of light and life for a dark world. This line of interpretation gives us a positive alternative to the prohibition against grumbling or arguing. Instead of being preoccupied with complaining, the church should be occupied with proclaiming the word of life. Complaining turns off the light of the church in the world; proclaiming the word of life shines the light of the life of Christ into the darkness of the world.

We help end complaining and shine as lights as lights in the world by holding fast to the word of life.

holding fast- life. This verb means (1) “to maintain a grasp on someone or something,” (2) “to be mindful or especially observant,” or (3) “to remain at a place.” In order not to be overwhelmed or snuffed out by the opposition of the world, the church needs “to maintain a grasp” on the word of life. Paul’s concern is that the persecuted church will stand firm in the one Spirit … without being frightened … by those who oppose (1:27–28).

Has there been a time where you held fast to your belief in the face of negativity and opposition?

Boasting- The word boast means “the act of taking pride in something or that which constitutes a source of pride.” This reference to boasting sounds strange…but The only boasting that Paul allows is boasting in the Lord (1 Cor 1:31; Phil 3:3), boasting in the cross of Christ (Gal 6:14), and boasting in tribulations (Rom 5:3) and infirmities (2 Cor 12:9). In addition, Paul often boasts about his converts (2 Cor 7:4; 8:24; 9:2; 1 Thess 2:19; 2 Thess 1:4), and expects his converts to boast about him (2 Cor 1:14; 5:12). Paul’s theme of boasting turns the whole concept of human boasting upside down. Human boasting takes pride in human power and human accomplishments. But Paul’s boasting gives all the glory to God for God’s demonstration of grace and power through human weakness and tribulation.

When suffering comes our way, we can boast in that power of transformation that it brings. What are ways that you have boasted in God’s work in your or other’s life?

Recap

We shines as lights in the world by holding fast in to the word of life. We as a community, do not want to split, lest all this work is in vain. We keep from division by holding fast to the word of life. We boast together, in our own accomplishments, but in the power of God working together in our community and in each other’s lives.