Philippians 2:14-16–Daily Scripture Reading and Meditation

Posted by Seth on Oct 1, 2009 in Bible Study, Daily Devotions |

Philippians 2:14-16–Daily Scripture Reading and Meditation

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Welcome to today’s Daily Scripture Reading and Meditation covering Philippians 2:14-16 wherein we learn to shine as persevering lights in the world.

Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

Though they may be the primary ones to have the bad reputation, it isn’t only teenagers who moan and groan when there’s work to do; it is a human activity. Now, I don’t believe it was Paul’s intention to demand that people just do as they’re told by anyone who happens to bark a command. Primarily, he is speaking of the working out of our salvation that he spoke of in verse 12. This certainly will call for glad submission to various forms of authority in our lives, a subject spoken of elsewhere in various places throughout the Scriptures, but such obedience is all to be a part of holding fast to the word of life as it is here mentioned. Not grumbling or questioning will mean that our lives are marked by the kind of humility that Christ showed in coming to this world and submitting to the Father (Vv. 5-8). And that is exactly what Paul wrote before he painted the picture of the obedient Jesus: Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus (V. 5). And so, our work is to be a reflection of Jesus’ labors which flows from an inner place that has been conformed to Him.

The results of this type of working puts the believer in a place that stands out in the world. Blamelessness and innocence are unique commodities that do not equate utter sinlessness but rather a status of overarching and authentic uprightness. An identity with Christ as children of God is not what the world is running after, but they will be able to see something of the light that we bring as we walk in obedience to the Lord. But just as a lamp needs fuel to continue its burning, we too must hold…fast to the word of life. So long as our hands are busy grasping this, we will not become side-tracked, getting caught up in practices that would disconnect us from the source of fuel and the dimming of our lights that should be proclaiming the Lord.

This instruction for the Philippian church was one that carried much personal weight for Paul. His hope was that in the end, he could have pride that his work was worth it. Though he has already clearly established that their work was to be the kind that showed their devotion to Christ, he shows on multiple occasions that he is hungry for the joy that comes at the end of seeing the faithfulness of the churches that he had discipled! The sense in not one in which he wants to be able to pat himself on the back but that he longs to know in the final day that his life has counted for the cause of Christ. Pastors and church leaders can identify with these feelings but must be sure that such desires terminate on the glory of God as they so clearly did with Paul.

Let us then work with faithful gladness while holding to truth all toward blessing the Lord, resulting in great joy for those charged with shepherding His body.

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