We are to shine like lights in a shadowy world. And to do that, we may have to be offered up for the sake of others.
Philippians 2:12 says, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” This implies that the whole church was to cooperate to free themselves of divisions and dissension.
The Philippian Christians should have been particularly mindful as to comply with Christ since Paul was not there to consistently remind them concerning how to live rightly.
We too should be cautious with regards to how we believe and live, particularly when we are all alone. Without the guidance of loved Christian leaders, we should concentrate our commitment considerably more on Christ, so that we will not be derailed from the path.
God has not let us be on our own in battles to do his will. He wants to come close by us and inside us to help. He assists us with wanting to submit to him and afterward enables us to do it. The key to a changed life is to submit to his control and allow him to work in our hearts and in our lives.
To resemble Christ, we should condition ourselves to think like Christ. To change our cravings to be more similar to Christ, we really need the Spirit’s indwelling power (Philippians 1:19), the impact of reliable Christians, compliance to God's Word (not only being exposed to it), and service that is sacrificial. Frequently it is in the doing of God's will that we will gain the longing for it (Philippians 4:8-9).
What Is a Living Sacrifice?
Why is whining and arguing so unsafe? Assuming all that the world sees is a church of individuals who continually gripe, gossip, and complain they then get a misleading idea of Christ’s gospel.
Faith in Christ ought to join the people together who trust in him. If our church is continuously grumbling and arguing, it is deficient in the power of Christ that unifies us. We should quit bickering with fellow Christians or grumbling regarding others and the conditions inside the church and let the world see Christ.
Our lives ought to be portrayed by moral virtue, tolerance, and serenity with the goal that we will "shine as lights” in a broken world. A changed life is a viable witness to the force of God's Word.
Is our light brilliantly shining in this murky world, or is it darkened by grumblings and arguments? We are to be a bright light radiating out God’s Word into a dark gloomy world.
Paul was satisfied knowing that, if he had to die, he had helped the Philippians to live for Christ. At the point that we are completely dedicated to serving Christ, sacrificing for others' faith should be looked upon as a reward.
Oswald Chambers wrote, “Are you willing to be offered for the work of the faithful — to pour out your lifeblood as a libation on the sacrifice of the faith of others? It is one thing to go on the lonely way with dignified heroism, but quite another thing if the line mapped out for you by God means being a doormat under other people’s feet.”
Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:15-16).
Confidence and faith in Christ bring extraordinary gifts however frequently incredible suffering as well. Paul would languish over his faith (2 Corinthians 11:23-27).
God calls us to a responsibility, to a commitment, not to comfort. God has promised that he would be with us through misery and difficulty, not to save us from them.
Are We Living Sacrifices Today?
Are today's Christians also content with that fact? Are we truly willing to suffer the pain of death, knowing we had helped others in their journey to Christ or with Christ? I am not saying that we have to suffer the pain of death, but what are we willing to give up?
Jacob set up a stone pillar at the place where God had talked with him, and he poured out a drink offering on it; he also poured oil on it. Jacob called the place where God had talked with him Bethel (Genesis 35:14-15).
Here Jacob was showing the highest respect in where he met God. God had just changed his name to Israel. The drink offering was poured onto a sacrificial animal that had been placed on an altar fire and burned.
During the burning, expensive anointing oil and wine were poured over the sacrificial offering making a “sweet smelling savor” unto God.
Pouring out a drink offering typifies Christ’s blood spilled on the cross. Christ took the cup of wine. And when Jesus died on the cross, he had fulfilled the need for a drink offering.
In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!” They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this (Luke 22:20-23).
Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe (John 19:34-35).
Twice, Paul used the pouring out of a drink offering as he recounted his service for God. Here he is challenging the Philippians to live faithfully, and again in 2 Timothy 4:6, as he neared the end of his ministry.
Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church (Colossians 1:24).
Why Does This Matter?
Paul is saying suffering is unavoidable when spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We suffer because Christ suffered. However, it can be endured because it brings people to God. Some people avoid pain.
But Christians should be prepared and willing to do God’s will. When we suffer for Christ, our true values will show. Suffer for doing what is right, faithfully obey and break free from sin.
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin (1 Peter 4:1).
For further reading:
What Does Samuel Mean When He Says Obedience Is Better than Sacrifice?
How Are the Sanctified Different?
Living the Bold Life for Christ
What Does it Mean to Let Your Light Shine
How Is Representing Christ a Great Responsibility?
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