Our lesson today is related to the earlier part of chapter two. It involves the humility and esteem we have for others, put into action. It is also a part of working out our salvation.
DO ALL THINGS WITHOUT GRUMBLING (v. 14)
Grumbling may be defined as a quiet murmuring or complaining (see 1 Cor. 10:10). Disputing is very similar and refer to evil thoughts and questioning. These terms remind us of God’s children murmuring in the wilderness. We would do well to be reminded that the murmuring they did against Moses was considered murmuring against God!
Many times the way that we go about resolving issues, it ends up being a bigger problem than the issue itself! Sometimes, even greater. The humility, the unity of mind, the selflessness that we have spoken about in this chapter is vital to unity and healthy relationships.
It is difficult to adequately emphasize how important it is to develop healthy and wholesome communication habits and problem solving skills. Humility of mind is certainly one of the greatest keys.
Now, just what things are we to do without grumbling and disputing? All things! This should be our goal with every individual in every occasion, “as far as it depends on you” (Rom. 12:18).
OBSERVE WHO WILL NOTICE OUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH ONE ANOTHER (v. 15)
First, God will! And if our conduct with one another is as it ought to be, we will be blameless and innocent children before Him! I don’t know if this is a good way to put it or not, but you know the kind of parent that knows no wrong about their child, in a sense we can be that child before God!
Secondly, the world will take notice. They will notice because our conduct is different. Where the world is crooked and twisted the Christian is innocent and blameless. He is humble and self-sacrificing, which really brings him the greatest of blessings.
This causes Christians to “shine as lights in the world.” Paul describes God’s people as a kingdom of light! (Col. 1:13). Jesus says that a “city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Mt. 5:14).
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We must remember that the world is in darkness and if we don’t show them the light, no one will! If we don’t show them with our lives the blessing of living in the light, there is little chance they will hear any message we seek to share with them about the Lord. The world needs to see one sermon after another from us!
HOW DO WE LIVE UP TO THIS CALLING TO BE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD (vv. 16-18)
(1) We hold fast to the word of life (v. 16a). There is a definitive correlation between us being truly plugged into the word of God and the light we emit! An unplugged lamp doesn’t put off any light! But notice that Paul actually doesn’t use the word light here, but the word “life.” When we emit light we also emit life!
(2) Make sincere Christians proud of us! (v. 16b). We can impart a tremendous blessing to faithful brethren in showing them that their labor has not been in vain.
(3) See things from a genuine spiritual perspective (vv. 17-18). Paul was willing, in essence, to humble himself and even pour out his life as a sacrifice on behalf of the Philippians, and do so with joy! He truly had the mind of Christ! (see 2:5). Our greatest joys should be the joy of truly being God’s children, and working and living on His behalf in this world.
CONCLUSION
We have an amazing opportunity to live in the world but not be of the world, and thus shine as lights in a dark world in great need of hope.
Don’t grumble with your brother. Desire unity with all of your heart. Esteem your brother more highly than yourself. Give your brother the benefit of the doubt. Stay plugged into the Word of God so that you will have the motivation you need to help shine the light of the Lord in a dark world that needs light and life.
Daren Schroeder
