Philippians 2:12-13

Journey Through Philippians

Many things are pulling at us so that they might rule over us. Materialism and success can become idols if we are not careful. As we look back on the Bible readings for this past week, I am drawn to verses 12-13 where it says, “work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” 

I am reminded of the words of this song: “When the music fades into the past, when the days of life are through, what will be remembered of where I’ve come? When all is said and done? Will they say I loved my family? That I was a faithful friend? That I lived to tell of God's own son? When all is said and done?” Our legacy in life is more than the things that we've accomplished here on earth. It's the Christ-centered legacy that we leave that points others to Jesus. My prayer is that others see Jesus in the life that we are living.  

Philippians 2:17-18

Journey Through Philippians

The drink offering was an important part of the sacrificial system of the Jews. Because the Philippian church had little Jewish background, the liquid offering may refer to the wine poured out to the pagan deities. The point is that Paul regarded his life as a sacrifice. 

Even if he had to die, Paul was content, knowing that he had helped the Philippians live for Christ. When you're totally committed to serving Christ, sacrificing to build the faith of others brings a joyous reward. 

As I reflect on these two verses, I am made to ask myself the question: am I willing to serve God even if it costs me my life? We can only answer this question on an individual basis. Are we so committed to our faith that we are willing to die for it? Jesus sacrificed it all so that we could spend eternity with him. If it cost Jesus everything, then we should be willing to make the same sacrifice if it furthers the Kingdom of God.  

So often people are willing to serve God to a point of commitment, but they're not willing to sacrifice it all. One of the hymns that we sing says, “All to Jesus, I surrender, all to him, I freely give. I will ever love and trust him, in his presence daily live. I surrender all.” Many times, when I sing this song, I feel like a hypocrite because have I and am I willing to surrender it all? May we understand that when we give our all, then we can be completely fulfilled by God. Today, let us think about this and ask God to show us where we can become more faithful and more committed in walking daily with our Lord. 

Philippians 2:14-16

Journey Through Philippians

Why is complaining and arguing so harmful? If all people know about a church is that its members frequently argue, complain, and gossip, they get a false impression of Christ. Belief in Christ should unite those who trust him. If people in your church often complain and argue, they lack the unifying power of Jesus Christ. Stop arguing with other Christians and complaining about people and conditions within the church. Instead, patiently work on your issues, and let the world see Christ.  

Another word for complaining is grumbling. Grumbling in Greek means “muttering an inner rebellion that defies God to his face and disputes his right to rule.” The word blameless in verse 15 means “above reproach.” The Greek word translated “innocent” is also used to describe undiluted wine or unalloyed gold jewelry.   

Paul wants the Philippians to be genuine in their faith, and Jesus wants us to be genuine in our relationship with him. He knows our every weakness and the things we struggle with that separate us from Him. As believers, we must come to understand that our lives and our will no longer rule supreme when we give our lives to Jesus.  

As Christians, our lives should not be fulfilled by the things of this world, but they should be driven by the desire to serve and glorify God with our lives. True fulfillment comes from serving God and living a life that is pleasing and glorifies Him. 

Matthew 5:14-16 tells us that “we are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In this way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Today, let us ask our heavenly Father to show us how we can let our light shine to a world that so desperately needs Jesus.