"Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain."
Philippians 2:14-16
Part 3
Yesterday:
“That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke.”
We, believers, are to live right. We are living for Christ.
“In the midst of a crooked and perverse nation.”
We are aware of living in a sinful world, with sinners watching us.
“Among whom ye shine as lights in the world.”
We are shining luminaries for the lost world to see.
Today:
“Holding forth the word of life.”
As believers, we have already believed the Word of Life. And now we are presenting it to the lost world around us. We have seen the Word of Life change our lives, and now we hold it up for the lost to see and be able to trust Christ. The Word of Life is the only answer to this lost world! Now it is our duty and obligation to hold it forth for others.[1] In a real sense, “We are beggars showing other beggars where to find bread.”
“That I may rejoice in the day of Christ.”
Paul had a great interest in the Philippians. He invested much time and effort, bringing them to the Lord and founding their church. Paul wanted to know that they were being a testimony in Philippi. Being their spiritual father, he was very interested in their welfare and he wants to see them live for the Lord. As a father takes joy in his children so Paul wanted to joy in these believers. He understood John’s feelings,
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 1:4).
But Paul looked ahead to when Jesus Christ will appear, and these children will stand before Christ and give account for their lives and ministry.
“That I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.”
Paul wanted to be sure that he had run his course well and had not lived in vain. He wanted to be sure what he did in his life mattered. He wanted his labor his preaching and his life to be proven to be faithful. Their holy lives will be that proof.
If the Apostle Paul was concerned that his life mattered for Christ, shouldn’t we also consider this as well? Believers let’s lay aside everything that doesn’t matter and serve Christ with our whole heart. This dark world needs to see the light of Christ in us.
[1] Note: We hold the Word of Life fast, we will never let it go. And also, we hold it forth to shine in this lost world. Both meanings are correct.