Meaningful Life
Date: Apr. 24, 2024
Philippians 2:12-18
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[a] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
Bible Reading: Philippians 2:12-18
Sermon Topic: Light to The World
Take Home Point: ”Like the Stars, Let Your Light Shine”
We noticed that in Pauls’ letter to the Philippian church starting from chapter 1:27 all the way through chapter 2:11, the apostle Paul had been advocating that the Philippian church conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There four (4) important lessons I want us take from this passage:
Honor & Honesty in Obedience (vs 12): We notice how Paul is commending the Philippian church for their sincere obedience to the teachings of the Gospel when he was with them and even when he was not with them. They were not an ‘eye-service’ congregation who did things to please and get praise from men.
Fight For Your Salvation (vs 12b-13): Agreed that salvation is by grace and faith alone, but we are all expected to put in the efforts to sustain our salvation. Yes, salvation is not earned through our good works or deeds, it is by the mercy and grace of God through His Son Jesus Christ. Verse 13 of our text reads 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Our Heavenly Father through the Holy Spirit is the one working out our salvation in Him for us as individuals and the Church to attain (accomplish) His divine purpose and will.
Let Your Heart Be Free of Grumblings & Complaints (vs 14-15): People who always complain and grumble about things in life are never happy, their health is poorly impacted, their relationships fail, and they are generally unpleasant to be with. Their grumblings and complaints usually create divisions wherever they are. They often fail to reach their destinations.
In Exodus 16, we see how the people of Israel who were just rescued from slavery in Egypt after 400 years began to complain against Moses and God. (Exodus 16:6-8). A lot of them did not make it to the promised land. When God’s people cease from grumbling, conflict, and complaints, they end up keeping themselves blameless and innocent before God. They do not end up like unbeliever.
4. Let Your Stars Shine in the Midst of Unbelievers (vs 15b-16a):
“Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life.” Our Savior Jesus Christ while giving His famous sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:14 made this statement: 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
The truth is this, as Christians and followers of Jesus, we are to be role models that the world would want to emulate and be like. Our lifestyle should be of sterling qualities that should bring hope to unchurched people and those who do not have a relationship with Jesus. The apostle Paul wanted the Philippian church to be a shining light that will guide and lead people to the Gospel message and Jesus Christ. This should also be our desire and goal to draw men and women to Jesus.
Yours in the Lord
Pastor David Kachi Jite