In todays devotional of Philippians 2:12-18 we will be discussing Pauls encouragement to the Philippians and how we are to be light bearers.
How do you shine your light?
Philippians 2:12-18 Devotional
Philippians 2:12-18 Light Bearers
What does it mean to Work out our salvation ?
“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…”
Believers are to be responsible for their own pursuit of God and their personal relationship with God. Even though Paul isn’t always around to keep them accountable he’s encouraging those around him to “work out their own faith”.
Sometimes it’s easy to just go along listening to sermons and attending Bible studies. However, to be in an intimate relationship with God we are to personally pursue him.-actively seek the Lord.
What are some ways you pursue the Lord?
"with fear and trembling"
“The “trembling” he experiences is the attitude Christians are to have—a healthy fear of offending God through disobedience and an awe and respect for His majesty and holiness.” from gotquestions.org
Paul is encouraging believers to fear God. In this context fear takes the meaning of reverence or respect.
In what ways can we show God respect and reverence?
“13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose”
God is working in us. What a relief that is. We can take comfort in knowing the Lord is working in and through us. The Holy Spirit is softening our hearts, transforming us, and making us more Christ like. All that being said as we read in the previous verses we do play an active role in this.
Can you think of a recent scenario where you recognized Gods changing work in you?
Philippians 2:14-16
“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.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life.”
Don’t complain–14″ Do everything without grumbling or arguing…”
“Paul meant that modern Christians should not be like rebellious Israel, who were constantly complaining and disputing with God during the wilderness sojourn.” from enduringword.com
When things don’t go our way it can be easy to turn to complaining about our situation. As humans we have the tendency to get upset, complain, or argue when we don’t get what we want.
Called to be different -
“…you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life.”
As followers of Christ we are called to look and act differently from the world. We are lights in this dark world.
What do lights do?
Lights:
- Brighten an atmosphere
- Bring joy
- Used to guide, make things safe/evident
How do you shine the light of Christ in the world?
Philippians 2:16-18
“16 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.”
Paul hoped the Philippians would continue in their faith. Should they not continue, he would feel like all the work he had done would have been in vain. If they continued in their spiritual growth, he would consider his ministry to be fruitful.
Be joyful despite your circumstance:
It seemed Paul knew he would become a martyr, and he encouraged the Philippians to see his death as something that would bring glory to God. Paul would be an “offering” in the service of Christs kingdom. He found joy and gladness at the thought of it and wanted the Philippians to have the same attitude. – “18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.”
In conclusion - Philippians 2:12-18 Devotional
Paul encouraged the people to be non-complaining, light shining, people with a fixed attitude of joy despite circumstances. Though things may seem rough we are to have a joyful attitude regarding all of life’s circumstances. A joy that comes not from circumstances, but a life centered on Christ
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