Light Up the World - Philippians 2:12-30

We are not saved by our works; however, others are sometimes encouraged to be saved because of our works. Our instruction is to “Let our lights so shine before others so that they can see our good works” and the implication is that by so doing they will improve their ways. Just be honest, how often do you see a person that claims to be a Christian acting or talking in a way that you know is a hindrance to the cause of Christ? If you have made this observance, then you should always remember that someone is watching you. Your friends are happy to see you serving God in your daily walk; those that don’t particularly care for you are happy when they see you falter—it gives them a needed excuse not to go to church or even profess Christianity. In fact, they will tell you that they are just as good as you; and the truth is—they may be. They simply judge a tree by its fruit.

James tells us that faith without works is dead. That simply tells us that if we say that we have faith unto salvation, and continue to work in the devil’s vineyard, our observers will judge us by our fruit and not by the fact that we are church members or claim to be Christian: therefore our faith will no longer have convicting power. The work of a Christian can assuredly be to ‘LIGHT UP THE WORLD.’ Just in case you did not immediately understand why this is the title of our lesson today, let me make it very clear, Paul is giving us instructions regarding what CHRISTIAN BEHAVIOR should be. We are to positive examples for Christ and not detractors or inhibitors; catalyst and not dilutors. Positive discipline of a Christian is the refining fire by which talent becomes ability.

This will not be a popular study because most people do not like for anyone to tell them how they should conduct their lives. My life is not my own! It was bought at Calvary and I belong to Jesus Christ who died that I might live. The least I can do is work for Him—and by all means, not against Him, and if I am not doing that someone should remind me. Paul, in Philippians 2; 12-30, gives us three positive examples of believers whose behavior demonstrates commitment to Christ. I hope this study will help those who study it to determine how they will better demonstrate their own commitment to the Lord. I will learn with you as we study His Word.

This morning I heard Charles Stanley [a great bible teacher] say that when you see the word ‘therefore’ at the beginning of a verse, you should ask yourself what the word is ‘there for.” So, since verse twelve starts with the word ‘therefore’ let us examine why he used it. In this case it ties this verse to the previous section of study which told us to “Work out your salvation” and pertains to his exhortation to unity, and it probably means that the entire church should work together to rid themselves of some divisions and discord that he had observed. The Philippians needed to obey Christ even when he was not there with them to remind them and instruct them in things that were right. Christians today need to be careful about what we believe and how we live, especially how we conduct ourselves in the workplace or on the playground when the pastor, a teacher or parent is not present to observe and instruct us. We often forget that Jesus is present and watching every move we make, every thought we think.

Do you live a double life? Are you the same person when you are in the world of work and play, or at home or in church? Verse thirteen tells us that we are never alone and that Christ is always with us to guide us and help us to will and work according to his good purpose. There is really no secret to living a changed life at any time and in any place—when anyone wants to. It simply means that we must get our “wantto” fixed. Do you deliberately want to disobey God at all times? Most Christians do not. Therefore, make it easy to do right by submitting to His control and let him work his will through you. Your prayer should be, “Lord, help me to want to do your will” and mean it. We do only the things that we really want to do.

In order to be like Christ, requires us to train ourselves to think as he thinks—and you can learn how he thinks by reading his Word. The power of sin causes people to want to live as the world lives and to change your desire to be more like Christ requires the power of the Holly Spirit, the influence of faithful Christians, and obedience to God’s Word. I have found that ‘doing his will’ builds a desire to do more. As an example, why do you think I continue to prepare this lesson week after week, since I no longer teach a class each Sunday or get paid? It is not easy and requires self discipline. Very simply, I do it because I believe that it is God’s will. I have faith to believe that someone will read it, maybe enjoy it, and more important, a reader might let it change his/her life. I challenge you to do what He wants and trust him to change your desires in a positive way.

I really enjoyed reading verses 14 through 16 because it reinforces what I have just told you. I hope that I can “…Shine like a star in the universe because I have held out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing” [read these verses]. Paul started by telling the Philippians and us that complaining and arguing is harmful to His cause. When people observe Christians argue, complain and gossip it gives them a false impression about Christ and the gospel [Good News]. A sincere belief in Christ, trusting Him should unite those that believe and trust, and it will surely have a positive effect on those that observe. A Christian’s life is characterized by moral purity, patience and peace and when it is so we can “Shine like stars” in a dark world. You are reminded again that Christians are commanded to “Let their light shine” so others can observe and take note that you are different.

In seventeen Paul is referring either to the sacrificial system of the Jews [see Numbers 28:7] or the wine used to worship pagan deities prior to important public events in the Roman world during those days. Anyway, Paul had a perfect right to consider his life as a sacrifice for Christ, after all that he had gone through. He was content and acclaimed that even if he died, it would be his gain. One thing is assured, when any Christian is committed to serving Christ, any sacrifice that builds the faith of others is rewarding and brings joy to the believer. If you want to have a good day, just work for Christ and others. Selfishness breeds boredom.

Beginning in verse nineteen, Paul pays a beautiful tribute to Timothy who was still young in the ministry. Paul was in prison at Rome awaiting trial, and would send Timothy to them with news of the verdict. He talked about most believers being preoccupied with their own needs and not being willing to spend time doing the work of Christ. This is a challenge to Christians today to never let their schedule get so heavy that there is no time left to serve others. Just as a new beginner works under a master plumber, or another under a licensed electrician, Timothy was an apprentice under Paul. This is written that we may ask ourselves who we are apprenticing for God’s work. Or, are we failing in this work? Teaching the young to love the Lord and to work for him is a worthy calling; try it and learn to enjoy life.

Epaphroditus was a member of the church at Philippi and was sent as a messenger to deliver a gift to Paul in Rome and then delivered this letter back to the church. He became ill while in Rome and must have been detained for some time, because his church had heard of his illness before he returned. He and Timothy are certainly two of the great examples of men who helped to “Light up the world.” In conclusion, it must be said that of the three examples given of men who gave much for the cause of Christ, Paul must be considered the greatest of the three. If you will study the life of the Apostle Paul, you will find him to be one of, if not, the greatest men that ever went on any mission for the cause of Christ. Oh, what a blessing it would be to walk in the shoes of any of these three men. God; help us to try.