Philippians 2:12-16a (NIV)

12 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, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life.

Reflection:

What’s the “therefore” there for? Paul has just taught that the basic reality of salvation is our personal union with Christ. And that to be in Christ is to be saved. It is because of Christ that we can now work hard to show the results of our salvation - obeying God with deep reverence and fear. And this obedience keeps us on the path of following God to shine like starts in this warped and crooked generation. What an awesome calling, what an amazing privilege, what a life worth living! We cannot do this on our own, and by His design He has planned and purposed so much more as He pours out His Spirit on us together as His people. God is already at work in us, giving us desire and power to live this out.

Responding to the Transmission:

As children of God, let us continue to imitate Christ’s humility and hold firmly to the word of life. Let’s thank God for the work that He has already begun in us, and let’s ask for a single-minded heart that will live to please Him. May our churches, may our campuses, may our missional groups, may all of God’s people be blameless and pure as we shine like stars in the sky.