Philippians 2:14-30 Complaining is not part of my commission…

Scripture

¹⁴ Do everything without complaining and arguing, ¹⁵ so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. ¹⁶ Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ's return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. ¹⁷ But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God,^* just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. ¹⁸ Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.

 

¹⁹ If the Lord Jesus is willing, I hope to send Timothy to you soon for a visit.

 

²⁵ Meanwhile, I thought I should send Epaphroditus back to you.

 

Observations

 

• Everything means everything
• No complaining and no arguing
• Results, no criticism and clean children of God, shining bright!
• Lights shine brightest in dark places
• The Word will guide and provide
• Paul had a burden for people to live with the right perspective

 

Applications

 

• Complaints are not a part of my commission today
• I can only shine in dark places
• Get in the Word and hold on
• Pray for people's perspective

 

Prayer

 

Jesus, I must die to live this life! You have to be in me and Lord of me to shine through me. I ask that you reveal to me the handles (Word) I need to hold onto to shine the brightest.