Philippians: 14 Days of Hope and EncouragementSample

For years, my career in the corporate financial world took me into executive meetings in international locations. At times, I saw and heard decisions made that I could not agree with from a biblical worldview perspective. In those situations I knew the Holy Spirit was challenging me to be a light in a dark place. Some days that was easier than others.

The apostle Paul encouraged believers to live in a way that enables us to “shine … like stars in the sky” (v. 15). This starts with working out our salvation with fear and trembling (v. 12). But Paul finished his sentence by saying it’s God who works in us. So which is it? Do we work out our salvation or is it God who does the work in us?

It's both. God works in us to bring new life through faith in Christ. And we work out the results of our new birth by changing the way we live. Living differently includes not grumbling or being argumentative (v. 14). But this isn’t limited to our relationships with others. Paul is referring to grumbling about God’s plans and purposes for us or arguing with God because we think we have a better idea of what’s best for us.

Living differently also includes holding “firmly to the word of life” (v. 16). The word of life is the message of the gospel. Paul defined the gospel as the good news that Christ died for our sins according to prophesied Scripture, that He was buried and then resurrected on the third day, and that He then appeared to many people (1 Corinthians 15:3-8).

It was for this word of life Paul was willing to joyfully sacrifice his own life. And like the Philippian believers Paul loved, we too can shine like the stars as we walk in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

How bright is your light?

~ Ava Pennington

Author, Speaker, Bible study teacher, and Faith Over Fear podcast host