Be a Star

The Apostle Paul wrote these exhortations to the Christians at Philippi: "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me" (Philippians 2:12-18).

There are four things that I would like to draw from this passage to elaborate upon. First was Paul's instruction to "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling" (v. 12). The Apostle was not suggesting that they needed to work for their salvation but that they should work at their spiritual growth and development. Paul addressed them as his "dear friends" and commended them for "having always obeyed - not only in his presence but much more in his absence" (v. 12). This was a very fine group of believers in comparison to other New Testament churches like Corinth. The Apostle John wrote that the way we show our love for God as his children is by carrying out his commands, (see 1 John 5:2-3), which in turn produces spiritual growth and maturation.

Secondly, Paul told them, "Do everything without complaining or arguing..." (v. 14). If Christians are to be "blameless and pure, children of God," they cannot act the same way as others who are part of the "crooked and depraved generation" (v. 15). [If this is how Paul thought about the people living then, what would be his comments on the world today?!!.] Christians are supposed to act differently. In fact they are to be "new creations in Christ" (2 Cor. 5:17). The world has little respect for those who profess to be "Christians" but do not behave accordingly.

Third, Paul wrote and told them his desire that they "shine like stars in a universe as they hold out the word of life" (v. 15-16). Christians are to be "stars" - not in the sense of movie stars or sports superstars. The kind of "star" that Paul had in mind for Christians to be is like a "light" shining in a dark world. A light illuminates and indicates the way. This is what Jesus had in mind when he said, "You are the light of the world" (Matt. 5:14).

Paul concluded this passage by sharing some personal remarks why he wrote what he did. He wanted the Philippians to conduct themselves in this manner: "in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing" (v. 16). In other words at the judgment, Paul wanted something to show for his life of sacrifice and service. As a pastor, like Paul, I want to encourage you to conduct yourself in a manner fitting a Christian and to be "bright, shining lights," joining our witness to community and state.

Faith, Love and Hope

The Apostle Paul wrote this to the believers in Ephesus: “Ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers” (Ephesians 1:15-16).

Two principle things Paul mentioned of these Ephesians are their faith and their love. These qualities led him to be thankful for them and prompted him to include them in his prayers. These great virtues, along with hope, which he also mentioned in verse 18, form the very essence of Christianity.

To the Corinthians, Paul stated, “…these three remain: faith, hope and love. The greatest of these is love” (2 Cor. 13:13). Because he was emphasizing the primacy of love, he arranged them in this particular order.

Let’s look at each of these words separately. Faith is appropriately listed first because it is foundational. It is through faith, not reason or works, that individuals experience God. True faith is evidenced by accompanying action. “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). Love is to be fundamental. Jesus told his followers: “All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another” (John 13:35). If we are not showing love then we are not following the Lord. The third element is hope. Because I know God and am giving and receiving love, I will have Biblical hope which gives endurance during trying and uncertain times.

When Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, he also touched upon these three virtues, “We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love and your endurance inspired by hope” (1 Thess. 1:3). Notice the actions associated with each of these spiritual qualities and check to see if you have them. In these difficult days, we need true spirituality to get by and survive. We get more of each by exercising what faith, love and hope we currently possess.

When he wrote his second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul echoed, “We always thank God for you because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. Therefore, we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring” (2 Thess. 1:3-4)

Notice the mention of trials so long ago and that people of faith are not exempt from such. We should be mindful of individuals around us in need and reach out globally to those who are experiencing unusual losses during this time of unstable markets, governments, environments, etc.

Can it be said that we are “growing” in faith, “increasing” in love, and “persevering” through hope as we live out our days.