GODLY LIVING
Philippians 2:14-18
THE NEED FOR THIS SCRIPTURE
1. God’s children must look different than the world (1 John 3:10; 5:2)
2. If our lives are contrary to Christ’s and no different than the world’s than the world will not be attracted to Jesus. Instead His name will be blasphemed (Rom. 2:24). Our actions reflect on that which we reflect
3. If our lives DO reflect Jesus, the world will see the difference; be attracted to Him; and God will be glorified. Not a show or clever speech, but day in and day out godly living.
THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN (v. 14, 16)
1. Do all things without grumbling or disputing
a. Doing all things – not only pleasant things
b. Grumbling – secret murmurings (1 Cor. 10:10). Disputing – questioning or doubting while love “believes all things” (1 Cor. 13:7).
i. Korah and company – grumbling related to rebellion; self over service (Num 16)
ii. Paul knew how (2 Cor. 11:24-29; Phil. 4:10-14)
iii. Jesus is the primary example (Isa. 53:7; Matt. 20:25-28)
2. Hold fast the word of life
a. Hold fast – observe and apply; “Always preaching Christ in word, in life and in deed”
b. Word of life – phrase only here and 1 John 1:1 speaking of Jesus Himself
c. Paul said to Timothy, “guard your life and your doctrine”
THE REASONS GIVEN (v. 15-16)
1. To be blameless and above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation
2. To be innocent – literally “unmixed” as in a metal or wine. Pure. What you see is what you get. The Christian is transparent and people can “let down their guard” around him.
3. Appearing as lights in the world – an “illuminator” (Thayer) like the stars. (Matt.5:13-16)
GODLY LIVING PRODUCES JOY (v. 17-18)
1. To glory because we our running and toil is not in vain – Paul could glory because he led men to righteous lives. This was his goal and Christ’s goal (Rom. 15:16; Col. 1:22).
2. Words associated with running the race include 1) Drink offering – life given for God’s work like in 2 Tim 4:6. 2) Sacrifice 3) Service of faith
3. Sharing in joy and rejoicing together – 3 John 4
4. It will be a life of service and sacrifice with much joy “set before us” Heb. 12:2-3