224 Philippians: Light-Bearers and Hope-Bringers
When Jesus ascended into heaven after the resurrection, He put the entire future of His Kingdom movement into the hands of a group of ordinary men and women. They had no wealth, no position or power, still Jesus entrusted them with the mission of taking the gospel to the world.
It was a pretty audacious plan! But through the power of the Holy Spirit, this ragtag band of 120 disciples soon became thousands of believers. And by the year 300 AD, historians estimate that over half of the population of the Roman Empire proclaimed faith in Christ.
How did they do it? It wasn’t because they had resources or government assistance or positions of influence. No, the early church grew because the presence and power of Jesus in their midst created a community the likes of which the world had never seen. A community where rich and poor, male and female, slave and free loved, honored, and valued one another. A community that demonstrated a love, generosity, and courage that was truly counter-cultural. “And people… liked what they saw.” (Acts 2:27 MSG)
This upside-down way of life is what Paul is calling the Philippians to. He says: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 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 as you hold firmly to the word of life.” (Phil.2:14-16)
He first urges them to be “blameless”: amemptos = without fault or compromise. Their lives should be not only compelling but consistent.
They are also to be “pure”: akeraios = unmixed, unadulterated. Their behavior should be consistent with the way of Jesus and come from pure motives, no hidden agenda.
Consistent behavior with pure motives will stand out in our warped and crooked world.
“warped”: skolios = deviates from what is right and true. Paul says we live in a world that is bent and twisted, out of whack, not as it was intended to be.
“crooked”: diastrepho = distorted and destructive. It’s a world filled with violence, injustice, and oppression.
It’s a pervasive darkness that is desperately in need of light. Paul urges his friends to live in such a way that their lives shine in the darkness just like the stars shine brightly the dark of night.
Jesus calls us to do the same. “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Mt. 5:14-17)
The book of Proverbs puts it this way: “When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices.” (Prov. 11:10) The “righteous” are those who are willing to disadvantage themselves to advantage the community.
When God’s people are blessed by God, they turn right around and become a blessing to their city. The presence of God’s people causes those in the city to say: “We are so glad you’re here.”
Opportunities abound to touch our city. Jesus’ call is for us...you and me...to shine the light in the darkness. It’s up to us, friends. He has no other plan.
Text: Philippians 2:14-18
Originally recorded on September 28, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN