Philippians 2:12-18
(Part 1)
“12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.14 Do all things without complaining and disputing,15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. 17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.”-Philippians 2:12-18
As I consider the context from which the prison epistles are written, I am reminded that many of the places that Paul was incarcerated were dark, damp, dingy places. In addition to this, his movement was restricted and he was isolated from regular contact with friends and family. Yet, from within that perspective Paul wrote about the necessity of being light in the midst of darkness. Sometimes, that means, we may have to be the light in the midst of our own darkness.
Paul’s surroundings were reflective of a greater spiritual darkness that was pervading the culture and an entire generation of people. The world itself was and is growing increasingly dark. However, Paul did not dismay over the darkness, but saw the darkness as an opportunity to shine.
Darkness can be overwhelming. It can stop us in our tracks, keeping us from moving forward. It can cause us to lose sight and become disoriented. It can cause to feel alone and incite fear. However, darkness also creates an opportunity for us to shine in the midst of it.
Paul instruction to “shine as lights in the world” is simply reinforcing Jesus’ teaching from Matthew 5:14-16: 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
As believers it is easy for us to focus on how dark the world is getting, without being concerned with how dimly we are shining in it. Should not the church of the living God be a bright beacon in the midst of the darkness? Why then does it seem as though we are more of nightlight than we are a lighthouse?
Perhaps it is because we are, as the ancient proverb states, spending too much of our time cursing the darkness rather than shining as lights in it. Unfortunately the body of Christ has become proficient at cursing what is evil and less proficient as being light to the lost and hurting.
Scott Burr
Dayspring Community Church
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