“For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure. 14Do everything without murmuring or questioning [the providence of God], 15so that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish in the midst of a [morally] crooked and [spiritually] perverted generation, among whom you are seen as bright lights [beacons shining out clearly] in the world [of darkness], 16holding out and offering to everyone the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to rejoice greatly because I did not run [my race] in vain nor labor without result.” Philippians 2:13-16 AMP

The Apostle Paul puts it right on the line! No apologies, no excuse, no codling just the outright truth, “Do everything without murmuring or questioning [the providence of God]” OUCH! We have become accustomed to a life of convenience that we have forgotten the real cost of following Christ! In the early days of the Gospel the enemy tries his best to discourage the believers by persecuting them. That strategy only led to the growth and spread of the Gospel. It has been said the blood of the saints watered the seeds of church growth! We should remember that there are many today that are still under great threat of life for the preaching and work of the Gospel. Like out-of-shape people wanting to run a race, we look at the true cost and ask ourselves if we can really do it. The answer is…you cannot! We do however have a great word of hope and encouragement. 

“For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure” Philippians 2:13 AMP

Notice that the reason for relying on God’s strength versus our own is to be “blameless and guileless.” There is a word we don’t hear often, guileless. The Greek word here is the word meaning “that which has undivided attention; that which is innocent as opposed to deceitful or cunning.” It is used to describe the incorruptibility of a judge when evaluating the rule of law or moral excellence! Christians are supposed to be possessors of an integrity which they have kept undefiled in the face of evil. It is a great comfort to know that through the inworking power of the Holy Spirit we can be kept undefiled and innocent of violation God’s law in the midst of this evil generation. It is not by pharisaical judgement against the world and its ways, it is by a living and dynamic relationship with our heavenly father! Verse 15 challenges the believer to “prove yourself” in this way. Jesus told us that,

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has lost its taste (purpose), how can it be made salty? It is no longer good for anything, but to be thrown out and walked on by people [when the walkways are wet and slippery]. 14“You are the light of [Christ to] the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 4:13-16 AMP

The picture given to us is that if salt is on something it is clearly evident. Jesus also draws the analogy of Christians being a light. Salt was used as a perseverative in those days. It helped keep the meat fresh and preserved. The Christian is to have the same effect on the darkened world around themselves. The process of preservation wasn’t easy. Salt helps preserve food by reducing water content and disrupting microbial cells continually drawing away the medium in which bacteria could grow. In much the same way, Christians act in much the same way by proclaiming the Gospel which draws out the sin nature and then prevents the growth of new sin by instilling the Word of God! Again, the Christian is compared to a light in the dark. This speaks of our life-testimony.  It should be evidently clear to all that we stand in the truth of God’s Word. The problem is that as the world gets darker around us the brighter our light should shine! That is why we are encouraged to never cover our light! 

My friends, I am in no way saying that the life of a disciple is simple, and everything will work out. In fact, we are warned that we are entering a battle for the souls of men! In this battle there will be difficulties, but we were given a great promise of victory.

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]” John 16L:33 AMP

Our strength and hope can be found in His conquest and victory. The good news is that we are not alone! He has gone before us and will follow after us to accomplish His will through us! Have a victorious day. Pastor Ken