Shining as Lights in a Dark World
This Week's Bible Study: Philippians 2:12-18
Introduction
As we read Paul’s words in Philippians 2:12-18, we find ourselves faced with a passage that challenges us to live out our faith in insightful and practical ways. The Apostle Paul, having just expounded on the humility and exaltation of Christ, now turns to the implications of this majestic theology for our daily lives.
Paul begins with a statement that has puzzled many: “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). At first glance, this might seem to contradict Paul’s teaching elsewhere about salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, as the great Puritan theologian John Owen wisely noted, “There is no imagination wherewith man is besotted, more foolish, none so pernicious, as this, that persons not purified, not sanctified, not made holy in their life, should afterwards be taken into that state of blessedness which consists in the enjoyment of God.” Owen understood that while our justification is by faith alone, our sanctification - the outworking of our salvation - requires our active participation with the grace of God.
This “working out” of our salvation is not a solitary effort, for Paul immediately reminds us, “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). Here we see the beautiful synergy between divine grace and human responsibility. As C.S. Lewis astutely observed in Mere Christianity, “Christians have often disputed as to whether what leads the Christian home is good actions, or Faith in Christ... it does seem to me like asking which blade in a pair of scissors is most necessary.” Our efforts and God’s grace work together in the process of sanctification. To paraphrase Dallas Willard on this point, God is not against our effort in our sanctification but against our attempts at earning our salvation.
Paul then exhorts the Philippians to do everything “without grumbling or disputing” (Philippians 2:14). This call to contentment and unity echoes the sentiments of George Herbert’s poem The Pulley, where he writes:
“Yet let him keep the rest,
But keep them with repining restlessness:
Let him be rich and weary, that at least,
If goodness lead him not, yet weariness
May toss him to my breast.”
Herbert recognizes the human tendency towards discontent, but sees even this as a means by which God might draw us to himself. Paul, however, calls us to a higher standard - one of joyful obedience and unity.
The purpose of this blameless living is clear: “that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). This imagery of light amidst darkness is reminiscent of Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:14-16). Our light is not meant to be hidden, but to shine brightly in the darkest corners of our world.
Paul concludes this section by presenting himself as a potential drink offering, poured out on the sacrifice and service of the Philippians’ faith (Philippians 2:17). This sacrificial language reminds us of the cost of discipleship. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer famously wrote, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” Yet this death to self is not cause for sorrow, but for joy, as Paul exhorts the Philippians to rejoice with him (Philippians 2:18).
In reflecting on this passage, we’re called to a faith that is both deeply personal and inherently communal, a faith that’s worked out in fear and trembling, yet with joy and confidence in God’s indwelling power. May we, like the Philippians, hold fast to the word of life, shining as lights in our generation, always remembering that it is God who works in us for his good pleasure.
Key Principles
1. Sanctification is a collaborative process between God’s grace and our effort. While we are saved by grace alone, we’re called to actively participate in our spiritual growth, working out our salvation with fear and trembling.
2. The Christian life is meant to be lived out in community, without grumbling or disputing. Our unity and joyful obedience serve as a powerful witness to the power of the Gospel in a world marked by division and discontent.
3. As believers, we’re called to be lights in a dark world, holding fast to the word of life. Our blameless living and steadfast faith not only glorify God but also serve as a beacon of hope to those around us.
Bible Study Questions
1. In Philippians 2:12, Paul exhorts the believers to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” How does this command relate to Paul’s teachings on justification by faith in passages like Ephesians 2:8-9 and Romans 3:28?
2. What does Paul mean by “fear and trembling” in Philippians 2:12? How does this attitude contribute to the process of working out our salvation?
3. In Philippians 2:13, Paul states that “it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” How does this verse balance the command in verse 12? What does this tell us about the relationship between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in the Christian life?
4. Paul instructs the Philippians to do everything “without grumbling or disputing” (Philippians 2:14). How does this command relate to the earlier exhortations in Philippians 2:1-4? Why might grumbling and disputing be particularly dangerous for a Christian community?
5. In Philippians 2:15, Paul describes believers as “children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation.” How does this language echo Deuteronomy 32:5? What does this comparison suggest about the role of Christians in society?
6. What does Paul mean when he says that believers should “shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15)? How does this image relate to Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 5:14-16?
7. In Philippians 2:16, Paul speaks of “holding fast to the word of life.” What is the “word of life,” and why is it important to hold fast to it? How does this relate to the concept of perseverance in the Christian faith?
8. Paul uses the metaphor of being “poured out as a drink offering” in Philippians 2:17. What does this imagery suggest about Paul’s understanding of his ministry and his relationship to the Philippian church? How does this relate to the concept of sacrifice in the Old Testament?
9. How does Paul’s call to rejoice in Philippians 2:18 fit with the serious and challenging nature of the exhortations in the preceding verses? What does this tell us about the nature of Christian joy?
10. Throughout this passage, Paul weaves together themes of personal responsibility, communal life, and witness to the world. How do these themes interact, and what does this suggest about the nature of Christian discipleship?
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
1. Reflect on your own experience of “working out your salvation.” What practices or disciplines have been most helpful in your spiritual growth?
2. How do you understand the balance between God’s work in you and your own effort in the Christian life? Are there areas where you tend to rely too much on one or the other?
3. What are some specific situations in your life where you find yourself prone to grumbling or disputing? How might Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 2:14 challenge you in these areas?
4. In what ways do you see the current generation as “crooked and twisted?” How can you shine as a light in these specific contexts?
5. Reflect on the image of “holding fast to the word of life” (Philippians 2:16). What does this look like in your daily life? Are there areas where you struggle to hold fast?
6. How does Paul’s willingness to be “poured out as a drink offering” challenge or inspire you in your own Christian service?
7. Consider the communal aspect of Paul’s exhortations. How can you participate in the life of your church in an effort to live out these principles together?
8. What does it mean for you personally to “shine as a light” in your workplace, family, or community? What challenges do you face in doing this?
9. Reflect on the connection between obedience and joy in this passage. How have you experienced joy through obedience in your own life?
10. How does the reality of God working in you “to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13) affect your approach to difficult tasks or relationships?
Action Steps
1. This week, identify one area in your life where you tend to grumble or complain. Each time you’re tempted to grumble, consciously choose to offer a word of thanksgiving instead. Keep a journal of how this practice affects your attitude and relationships.
2. Choose a verse or short passage from Philippians 2:12-18 to memorize. Spend time meditating on it each day for the next week, asking God to show you how to apply it in your daily life. Share your insights with a fellow believer for mutual encouragement.
3. Identify one specific way you can “shine as a light” in your immediate context (family, workplace, neighborhood). Create a concrete plan to implement this over the next month and ask a trusted friend or mentor to hold you accountable and pray for you in this endeavor.
Thank you for joining me for this study of Philippians 2:12-18. May these words of Paul challenge and encourage you as you seek to work out your salvation and shine as lights in the world. I invite you to share this study with others who might benefit from its message, and to subscribe for more weekly devotionals and resources. Remember, you can find additional materials not included in our email updates by visiting Walking Points. May God bless you as you seek to live out these truths in your daily walk with Christ.
A week late in reading but the richness and instruction depth is excellent. Thanks for the clarification regarding earning and working towards salvation.