I. Intro
A. My kids and I are reading a series of books of historical fiction entitled The American Adventure, which follow the lives of various children as the history of our nation unfolds around them. One of the things that has always been the case is that, the older we get, the less we like change… but change happens nonetheless. One character we’ve come to know, Uncle Enoch, is a kind but fastidious and somewhat curmudgeonly old fellow, and he doesn’t trust “technology,” often railing against the necessity of things like light bulbs, which he calls “Edison’s folly…” until they get installed in his house against his wishes by his more forward-thinking wife. Four books later, and old Uncle Enoch can’t live without it—man-made light has become part of the world, and he accepts it without a second thought.
B. Paul has just finished describing the causes and effects of living a life that looks like Jesus: at one with other believers, humble, considerate
C. In his description of Jesus’ example, he also paints a picture of of obedience to the Father by “emptying Himself,” disrobing Himself of the light of His glory
D. If we are to be like lights, let’s talk about what light is like…
II. Light has a Power Source (vv.12-13)
A. For light to be considered useful, it must be connected to power and capable of conducting electricity (nor burned out or damaged)
1. Paul observes the Philippians obedience when he was around, but emphasizes its importance when he’s won’t be
B. How doe we work? By “working out our salvation” (v.12)
1. This “working out” verb means “to continually work to bring something to fulfillment or completion”
2. This is not salvation by works, but is the believer’s responsibility to actively pursue obedience as he is being sanctified
3. “fear and trembling”—not just a healthy fear of God, but also an acute awareness of our calling and the importance of the work we are left to do
C. Why do we stay lit? We draw on God’s power in us (v.13)
1. The believer is responsible to work; God produces the light (the good works and spiritual fruit in all believers)
2. “both to will and to work”—God gives us both the desire and drive to obey Him, as well as the necessary power
3. “for His good pleasure”—this is the purpose for which we are made and to which we are called, and bringing Him pleasure gives us fulfillment
4. The Jamaican Click Beetle is an insect that is brighter than a lightning bug. For many years, the people in the Caribbean used lanterns of these beetles to provide light for their homes. If enough little lights get together, it makes a huge difference. Individual Christians think they don’t make much of a difference, but together they can. That’s why we sing, “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.”
III. Light has a Purpose (vv.14-16)
A. Light does not complain about being used—Paul says we shouldn’t, either—this is born of an emotional rejection of our purpose and God’s providence
1. This “murmuring” and “questioning” is really a criticism of God
B. “blameless”—this is why we shouldn’t grumble
1. In early times, when an incandescent bulb got an oil smudge, it was much more likely to blow; this is still true of many bulbs that go into car headlamps
2. Paul is exhorting the Phlpn’s to maintain their own bright standing before God not just so He doesn’t have to replace them, but so they can be more useful to shining His light
C. “without blemish”—a description of our sacrifice of praise, recognizing our work is our gift to God and reflection of what we think of Him
D. “crooked and perverse”—like a blind person always groping, unable to follow a straight line, and tending toward the familiar even if it takes them away from deliverance
E. “holding fast…”—the word of life is our only steady, authentic power source… stay connected to God in His Word!
1. “Holding fast” = “holding forth,” as if offering something for others to take
2. We shine as metaphoric lights to indicate the way to God
3. Benjamin Franklin wanted to interest the people in Philadelphia in street lighting. He did not call a town meeting nor try to persuade the people by talking about it. He acted upon what he considered a good idea. He hung a beautiful lantern on a long bracket in front of his house. He kept the glass polished and carefully trimmed and lit the wick every evening at the approach of dusk. The lamp helped the people see the pavement ahead and made them feel more secure at night. Others began placing lights in front of their houses. Soon Philadelphia recognized the need for street lights.
IV. Light is Perpetual (vv.17-18)
A. Scientists say that, since light has no mass, if it has no obstacle, it will never end or run out of energy… Paul is similarly saying that when we are following our purpose, the power of God and His gospel are unstoppable
B. But Paul also realizes that, while His light is being obstructed, the Philippians’ light is still shining strong—this encourages Him, and gives reason to be confident in their strong faith
C. “drink offering”—this was the pouring of wine on or in front of a burnt sacrifice, which would evaporate in the heat, rising to God
1. Paul is saying the purpose of His life was to bring the sweet aroma of the Philippians’ “sacrificial offering of your faith” to God
V. Conclusion
A. The power for your light doesn’t come from busyness, or activity… or griping or complaining. None of this produces the authentic light of God… more like temporary, fake light of a glow-in-the-dark sticker. It comes from immersing ourselves in God’s Word and in knowing Him better.
B. Our ministry and usefulness to God is limited only by our willingness to be obedient to Him and maintain a purity that the world cannot help but notice—because God shines all the brighter through a clean, clear life.
C. Our side is unbeatable; the light will never be fully quenched, and it ALWAYS dispels the darkness.
1. A poor little boy once heard his Sunday School teacher say Jesus was the Light of the world. He took her remark quite literally. After class, the boy said to his teacher, “If Jesus really is the Light of the world, I wish He’d come hang out in my alley. It’s awful dark where I live.”
2. Let’s live bright, shining lives of God’s grace and love
