Philippians - Shine (Lesson 4 - Post 2)

Read again Philippians 2: 12 - 18.

God's people are to shine in the world.  It has been true throughout the ages.  Paul wants us shining like stars!  What a beautiful image.  Let your heart hear these words ...

Psalm 34:5  Those who look at Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.

Daniel 12:3  Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.

2 Corinthians 3:18  And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Are you shining?  Paul gives us a litmus paper test so that we can know.  Here it is ...
Are you living your life ... dealing with your circumstances ... WITH complaining and arguing or WITHOUT complaining and arguing? 

The word translated "complaining" in the NIV can also be translated "murmuring".  It is a word that describes discontented mutterings against leaders.  In the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew scriptures) it is the word used to describe the Israelites murmuring against Moses and God in the wilderness experience.  Paul tells us - if we want to shine - then live your life without that attitude and behavior.  No murmuring.  The word does not imply that we must not share our struggles, process them with other Godly people, discuss the difficulty and the challenges.  It does mean that there is not to be this undercurrent of complaining against God. 

Paul also says that we are to quit arguing.  No more ill-natured, useless debating.  It saps too much precious energy and dulls your glow! 

The result will be that you are ...

• blameless - in relationship with the world.  There will be no reason for censure or blame from the world over your behavior
• pure (innocent) - in relationship with yourself.  You will be unadulterated, unmixed.  This implies sincerity in thought, motive and action.
• without fault (above reproach) - in relationship with God.  You will be a fit sacrifice, without blemish.  And the living sacrifice of your life will be pleasing and acceptable to God.  That can only happen because of Jesus and His perfect sacrificial death on your behalf. 

What does Paul want you to do? 

SHINE

and

REJOICE at the privilege!