Sunday, January 13, 2019 pm
STUDIES IN PHILIPPIANS
(13)
Children of God Without Fault
Philippians 2:14-16
We
continue our study of the book of Philippians.
(This lesson is presented tonight instead of next week, as an
introduction to our theme for the year – 2019).
Paul has called for these brethren to strive for unity.
He has described their need to consider others over themselves
(vs. 3-4) and their need for humility.
He has appealed to the greatest example of humility – Christ
Jesus (vs. 5-11) who left heaven and came as a lowly servant to die on a
cross for us. He humbled
Himself, and God exalted him.
We are to seek the same.
Following this, Paul challenged these brethren to work out their
own salvation (meaning, they had to do their part before God) – vs. 12,
while understanding that God will do His part working in us (vs. 13).
Beginning in vs 14, Paul describes the type of conduct these brethren
needed as they interact with an ungodly world.
Tonight we want to notice Paul’s admonition to these brethren as
they lived in a “crooked and perverse generation”.
a.
Paul is writing this
during the Roman empire. It
was a time of great immorality, paganism and polytheism (many gods
created in man’s image), war and slavery, human philosophy and at
various times and ways, the
intolerance of Christianity. History
records some of the horrible persecutions Christians faced at the hand
of Rome and in various provinces.
At times, Christianity was outlawed in the empire.
Consider Philippi alone – the beginning of the church is recorded in
Acts 16. We find there Paul
and Silas interrupting the slavery and exploitation of a girl for
profit. The city sided with
these masters, and had Paul and Silas beaten and cast into prison
(16:16-24). Of course this
results in the conversion of the jailer.
Philippians 1 seems to indicate the brethren were paying a price
for their faith. They were
in a society antagonistic to the truth.
b.
Is today any different?
We are living in what is described as the “Post-Christian” era.
What that means is that the majority now reject and doubt God,
the Bible and Jesus Christ as fundamental to our society.
There is an all-out assault on God and His followers.
The more devoted to God’s word one is, the more he is villainized
and mocked.
Today we are dealing with what is called, “The New Atheism” – this is a
radicalized movement that doesn’t want to just advance its views, but to
eradicate any mention of God or religions in society.
There is a group called, Freedom FROM Religion that is at the
forefront of this movement.
Because of efforts to remove God and the influence of Christianity (and
the Bible), we are living in times of greater selfishness, intolerance
toward Christians (we see efforts to destroy business that will not
ENDORSE their lifestyles), greater immorality in virtually every sector
of society, the advancement of the philosophies of man, humanism,
evolution and the demand for tolerance of every view (except those who
question their views). Foul
mouthed leaders, in the political, news and sport, and entertainment
industries are treated as the norm and even applauded.
Every year, both nationally and at the state level, Christians are
loosing more and more religious freedoms.
If this trend doesn’t change, it will not be long before we see
even greater persecutions than what we already see.
And in California, we are at the forefront of what will be
happening nationwide. WE
CANNOT IGNORE THESE THINGS!
c.
Among whom you shine as lights
–
Even in these times, and you might say, ESPECIALLY in these times, we
are called upon to let our light shine.
The idea is letting the light of the gospel shine in this dark
world. 1 Peter 2:9 – we
proclaim of the praises of Him, having been called out of darkness into
His marvelous light.
We are to be examples – consider again Matthew 5:16 – when our light is
shining, God is glorified.
This year, we are going to engage in a year long study of what is
involved in shining as lights in these times.
In our text, Paul is challenging these brethren letting them
know that they CAN let their light shine, EVEN in troubling times.
- Consider Noah who was righteous during a time when “the wickedness of
man was great in the earth, and every intent of the thoughts of his
heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5)
- Or, Daniel, who faithful served God in a foreign kings court, always
with excellence and integrity.
He was so faithful, that men schemed to change the laws so that
they could accuse him (Daniel 6:4-5)
- Or, righteous Lot (2 Peter 2:7), in Sodom, in a city where not even 10
righteous souls could be found.
(Genesis 18:32-33)
We CAN be godly examples
WHAT sermon are you preaching?
We sometimes sing a song, “We are the World’s Bible”.
If our life is our sermon, what type of sermon are we preaching?
a.
Do all things without
complaining or disputing
i.
Proper attitude is
important as we deal with one another, AND as we set an example in an
ungodly world.
ii.
Without complaining (grumbling) – defined as utterance made in a low tone of
voice or behind the scenes talk (BDAG).
The word is also found in 1 Corinthians 10:10 describing the
complaining (murmuring) of the Israelites in the wilderness.
1 Peter 4:9 uses the word in reference to our hospitality – we should be
cheerful as we help others.
We hear of someone muttering complaints, or “speaking under his breath”,
usually to everyone but the one with whom they have a problem.
Typically, they may not say much, but their body language betrays them.
iii.
Without disputing – or arguing, debating – a verbal exchange reflecting your ideas,
thoughts and opinions, often with the intent of challenging another.
The word is rightly translated as
it deals with individuals arguing with each other.
Obviously we are not talking
about matters of truth here, but personal matters or opinions.
There are some who argue for the sake of arguing.
Some challenge everything another says (especially if they don’t
like them or are at odds with them).
I think of the multitude of passages in 1 & 2 Timothy that talk
about these types of arguing (1 Timothy 1:4, 4:7, 6:3-5, 2 Timothy
2:14-16, 23). Again, that is
not productive as we seek to let our lights shine.
Furthermore, If we cannot get along among ourselves, who do expect our
“lights” to do any good with the world?
iv.
The point here is, we
have things to do, sometimes unpleasant or mundane, but they need to be
done. We can complain about
or we can just do it with the best possible disposition.
Which is more pleasant to others?
We have all been around the one who thinks he’s entitled, or
complains about and criticizes everything.
We have been around the one who always thinks he right and argues
with everyone about everything.
These are NOT the qualities of godliness – James 3:17-18, Galatians
5:22-23. And they do NOT
reflect the light of God in our crooked and perverse generation.
b.
Be blameless and
harmless
-
i.
We should be the best we
can possibly be. Go out of
our way to ensure that those of the world have no cause to accuse us.
Let them be “put to shame” -
ii.
Blameless –
a word meaning one is free of accusation or guilt.
1 Thessalonians 3:13, Paul desired that the Lord establish their
hearts blameless in holiness before our God…
The point is you are doing nothing wrong.
More in a moment on this.
iii.
Harmless
(innocent – NASB) - the word points toward purity or being guiltless.
Found only 3 times – Matthew 10:16 – harmless as doves, Romans
16:19 – be simple concerning
evil, and here. In our
dealings with others, we need to be innocent.
Some see this as addressing the inner man, while blameless
addresses the outer man or actual action.
iv.
Children of God without fault (reproach)
– live with great integrity. This
is what it means to be blameless and harmless.
We should not be doing things in ways that give those in darkness
cause to criticize or dismiss God.
Ensure that they have no legitimate reason to accuse you – 1
Peter 3:16, 2:11-12 - honorable conduct shames those who revile you, and
may even cause them to glorify God.
We need to be honest in our business and personal dealings, control our
temper, etc. In spiritual
matters, defects in our character can hinder our efforts.
v.
The point - It is
difficult enough to be a Christian in this ungodly world even when you
do everything properly and righteously.
Why do we give opportunity to the multitude of critics to
blaspheme God and His word by bad behavior.
It is a sad truth, but that which was done in the name of God, centuries
ago is still used against us (e.g. the crusades, inquisitions, etc.)
That which was done in the name of God, within the past few years is
used against us – bombing abortion clinics, hateful protests, etc.
That which we are doing sinful now is used against us and God’s people.
c.
Holding fast the word of life – we do NOT compromise God’s word as we live our lives.
Ultimately, this is what we ARE to be doing, as opposed to what
we are not to be doing.
Again recall Matthew 5:16 – let your light so shine…that God is
glorified. We will address
this more in our next lesson, next week, along with Paul’s desired
result.
The
Philippians were living in troubling times, and so are we.
Let us take to heart God’s instructions for how we are to be
living in these circumstances.
Let us engage in a healthy examination of what it means to shine
as lights in the darkness.
But let us ensure that what we learn, we also determine to do.
Think about it.