Fuel For Your Faith
Shining Like Stars
Philippians 2:12-30
Introduction
The speed of light traveling through a vacuum is about 186,282 miles per second. According to physicist Albert Einstein's theory of special relativity, on which much of modern physics is based, nothing in the universe can travel faster than light. NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has delivered the deepest and sharpest infrared image of the distant universe so far. Webb’s image is approximately the size of a grain of sand held at arm’s length, a tiny sliver of the vast universe. Thousands of galaxies are visible in this impressive infrared image.
We are rightly fascinated by the stars and the universe around us. Vincent Van Gogh said, “For my part, I know nothing with any certainty but the sight of the stars makes me dream.”
Psalm 8:3-4 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?
In this text Paul encourages us to live such lives that we “will shine ... like stars in the sky”. This is an expression full of wonder and beauty. It follows the ancient hymn about Jesus and the revelation that every knee will bow and confess that Christ Jesus is Lord. Paul told us to ‘let this mind be in you’. In today’s text he gives fuel to our faith as he tells us how to live lives that will be like stars in the universe - lives built on the character and teachings of Jesus.
1. Shine Through Your Work (12-13)
Your Work for God: Work Out Your Salvation (12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, )
He was not telling them to earn their salvation, they were already saved! The AMP uses terms like “cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete”. Barclay: "The truly Christian life cannot stand in the same place; it must be a continual progress."
Your work in the Presence of God: with fear and trembling. “…The Christian should live in awe of God…living with an awareness of the holy presence of God.” (Merida) When we are aware of God’s presence, we are: -Humbled because of our own failures and errors.
-Assured because of His powerful love for us.
Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”.
Your Work By the Power of God: God works in you to fulfill his purposes (13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose). “What will prevent us from burning out and giving up? It is knowing that God is at work in us.” (Merida) We aren’t called to obey in our own power, but with God’s powerful presence and help.
Philippians 1:6 AMP And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ - right up to the time of His return - developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to a full completion in you.
We cannot shine in anyone else’s life until we have put our own lives in the hands of the Light of the World!
2. Shine Through Your Attitude (14-16)
Watch Your Grumbling! (14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, )
If we are going to shine, it will show up in our attitudes/words. AMP “Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining …. And questioning and doubting [among yourselves].” It is easy to fall into the habit of grumbling and complaining. Living for the Lord is not the easiest road. “Pursuing holiness, giving generously, practicing hospitality, loving one’s spouse and kids appropriately, sharing the gospel, and other facets of Christian discipleship could tempt one to complain and murmur.” (Merida) The Philippian church had some internal strife, which we will get to … and that could lead to some arguing.
Watch Your Commitment! (15 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.) Having the mind of Christ calls us to have a commitment to follow Him in every way. Be Blameless and pure. Blameless is not sinless, but we quickly confess and make amends when it is needed. The influence of the world can impact our commitment.
-It is crooked in that it is spiritually out of alignment with the truth of God. (Hayford)
-It is perverse/Warped in that it is twisted and distorted by Satan , who opposes the truth of God and convinces the world of a lie. (Hayford)
Acts 2:40 Peter pleaded with them,“Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”
“In the dark night of sin the church of Philippi is a lighthouse in the breakers…” (Robertson)
Watch Your Faith! (16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. ) We find our strength and foundation in the Word of Life. In this world of trouble, this is like a life preserver that is keeping us afloat! Paul once again reminds his readers that we are living in the shadow of the coming Christ … keep that perspective! We can’t shine for Christ if we are cranky, uncommitted, and trusting in our own strength!
3. Shine Through Your Perseverance
(2:17-18 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.)
Paul could see that even if this was the end of his journey on earth, he was ready for his journey to eternity - and so should we all be. He returns to his theme of joy no matter what happens to us. We can’t shine for Christ if we continually give up when it gets hard. Keep shining your light for Christ, even in the most difficult of situations - He is there with you always.
Conclusion
Paul closes this chapter with two great examples of brothers who shine like stars.
Timothy, Paul’s son in the faith, “has proved himself” in showing genuine concern for the Philippians.
Epaphroditus, known only here in the NT, Paul’s “brother, co-worker and fellow soldier”- when he comes he will bring them gladness and joy. Paul says they should, “honor people like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life…”
Albert Einstein -“Look to the stars and from them learn.”
Paul encourages us to look to the stars and shine like them … bringing light into the darkness all around us.
Shine through your work, attitude, and perseverance.
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Video of this message will be available on our YouTube page at
https://www.youtube.com/c/ForsytheChurchofChrist
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Discussion Questions For Philippians 2:12-30
1. There is a significant difference between working for your salvation” and “work out out your salvation.” Why is this an important distinction to make?
2. What are the challenges we face as we try to ‘work out our own salvation’? Why do we sometimes turn to complaining and murmuring when we face challenges?
3. How does living with an awareness of the holy presence of God compel you to live a life of holiness?
4. Underneath our work is God’s work. How does this bring comfort to your life as a Christian?
5. How does grumbling and complaining damage your witness?
6. Paul uses the image of being a “sacrificial offering.” What does this image teach you about the nature of your ministry to others?
7. How did Epaphroditus’ life illustrate the qualities of humility, obedience, and self-sacrifice that Paul wanted the
Philippians to have? (Vv. 25-30).
8. What else did you want to talk about from this text?
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Resources
Barclay, William.
Hayford, Jack W. Prisoner of Joy: Living in Christ’s Fullness and Freedom. Thomas Nelson, 1994.
Merida, Tony and Francis Chan. Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Philippians. B&H Publishing, 2016.
NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/image-feature/goddard/2022/nasa-s-webb-delivers-deepest-infrared-image-of-universe-yet
Space. https://www.space.com/15830-light-speed.html
