Keep Your Lamp Burning
Philippians 2:12-15
By Elder Clarence E. Weaver, Sr.
Introduction
Praise God for the elect whom chose to serve God our Father that are sanctified in our Lord Jesus Christ and are obedient to the Holy Spirit. Peace to you that are mighty in battle and humble in spirit.
Today some Christians are fanatical about the return of Christ. They become more concerned about going to heaven, than about all of the souls around them that will not make it there. When Christians believe Christ’s return is close they tend to fool themselves into believing that the labor in the field of souls is over. It is just like when people begin to slow down after a hard day’s work, because they know it is almost time to clock out. Christians need to realize that no one knows the day or hour when Christ will call his people to clock out. Christians have to continue with their faith in Christ, and continue in their mission, which is bringing the lost to salvation.
I. Stay Connected to the Power Source
A. Verse 12 When God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1-2) darkness was over the surface of the deep. God said, "Let there be light and he saw that the light was good and he separated the light from the darkness. It was the first thing he did on the first day that he called good.
B. For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
C. Those who know Christ are jars of clay, or earthen vessels. We are clay or earthen lamps that shine forth the light of Jesus Christ. We need to be committed to the God that supply the oil and power for our lamps. It’s not BG&E that supply your needs, it God that supplies all of your needs according to His riches and glory. We are to work out our on salvation with fear and trembling. This mean you must be obedience to the Word of God by studying to show yourself approve by God and not fall into temptation when no other Christians is around. Be careful how you live so that whatever do might not offend God and discredit the name of Christ.
II. Let Your Light Shine
A. Verse 13-14 Remember where the power source comes from. It is not from your own strength for it is God that turned on the light switch from your blinded heart that allowed you to have peace in your life. It is God that placed a lamp unto your feet and made a light unto your path. Now you don’t have to worry about stumbling through life.
B. As Christians the Holy Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Therefor we need to united in spirit and be led by the Spirit of God to make decision in the Body of Christ. The Bible says, Where the Spirit of the Lord is there’s liberty. We must let our light shine before man so that our heavenly Father will be glorified.
C. When Christian complain and argue around unbelievers they will prevent them from being able to see that they are living in darkness. When believers are disconnection from the power and love of God they have turned off the power of God and allowed the discord of Satan to run their lives. Stop complaining and arguing and let the world see God.
III. Shining as Stars
A. Verse 15 Christians are to shine like stars in a dark and crooked world. Those who know Jesus as Lord and Savior are walking around with the light of Christ within them.
B. Our lives should be characterized by moral purity, and peacefulness which distinguishes us from living in light and living in darkness. We can shine as stars in a dark depraved world. Our transformed life is an effective way to witness the power of God’s Word working in our lives to save a lost generation that is walking in darkness.
C. Are you shining as stars, or are your life clouded by complaining and arguing? Are you ashamed of the Light of God in your life by hiding your light undercover and living like the world? Matthew 5:14-16 says, (14) Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. (15) Neither do men light a candle, and put it under bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. (16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Conclusion
If you have been living on the gray area of your life, remember that God has called us out of darkness into His marvellous light. We are the light of the world that people that are living in darkness are looking for a way out of their situation. As one as God’s chosen let your light so shine before man that they may see your good works and our heavenly Father will be glorified.
