“children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky…
Summary: Paul’s words point us to one of the most important questions facing Christians: How do we know we are saved?
What does he mean by suggesting that we can become “blameless and pure” (Philippians 1:15a) and “children of God without fault?” Is he suggesting that we can attain some level of perfection as believers in Christ?
The answer to this question is key to understanding the power of the Gospel to change lives.
Let’s begin by remembering what Paul said a few verses back:
“… continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling…” (Philippians 2:12b)
Being “without fault” requires “work,” but not the kind of work that was required under the Law of Moses.
To review:
Adam and Eve defied God’s instructions for their own well-being and ate from the forbidden tree. The result was spiritual separation from God, which Jesus explains means spiritual death (Luke 15:11-32).
Before there was Moses and the Law, there was Abraham. Early on, when he was known as Abram, he had one quality that set him apart from everyone else: he believed the Lord (Genesis 15:6). Because of his willingness to act on his belief in the Lord, God credited his faith as righteousness (Hebrews 11:8-9).
When God gave the Law through Moses, he was pointing to our need for a Savior. The sacrifices made at the Temple were an expression of humanity’s desire to be at one with God again.
Then came Jesus.
The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Faith in Jesus makes it possible for us to be spiritually reunited with our Father, God.
Unfortunately, this privilege can be abused.
The Bible warns:
“If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.” (Hebrews 10:26-27)
The “work” Paul refers to in verse twelve is the work of resisting the temptation to sin.
Paul is not suggesting that you and I become perfect in the sense of always making the right decision or that we suddenly acquire the wisdom of Solomon. Being a child of God “without fault” is not a matter of how well we do this or that. It is a matter of our personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
So how can anyone else know what your relationship with Jesus is like?
In one sense, we can’t. Paul speaks about this in his letter to the church at Rome (Romans 14). In another, we can.
Jesus says, “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:16). Paul says people who believe “shine … like stars.” Both are saying the same thing.
Application: “Work” to stay focused on Jesus.
Food for Thought: Why is it important to God that his children shine like stars while they are in the world?
*Referring to the approximately sixty translations available on the BibleGateway.com website.
Why is it important to God that his children shine like stars while they are in the world?
It is beneficial to His children to shine like stars because it signifies a close relationship with Him. The “shining” is the light of Christ coming from Him within us and out of us.
Colossians 1:13-14 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
John 8:12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
It is important that we, as His followers, see His light shine from within us, as it serves as a testament that we walk in truth.
1 John 1:6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
God wants us to know His will. When His glory shines from within us, we walk in wisdom and understanding.
Ephesians 5:8-17
8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
When we shine like stars, those around us will see the light of Christ, near and far.
Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Psalm 119:130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
Thank you, Chris!
“When we shine … those around us will see the light of Christ.”
Yes!
Very nicely done Chris!
Why is it important to God that his children shine like stars while they are in the world?
John 8:12, When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
Matthew 5:16, In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Mark 10:45, For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Acts 13:47, For this is what the Lord has commanded us: I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.
Jesus Christ is the one, the only source of eternal life, given to all who have by choice, asked for and received this gift from Him. With this action, we become imperfect beings seeking to serve our perfect God. We have chosen to live in submission to His perfect will over our own, with purpose, as He in His power, ministers to this world around us. We each live in the peace, joy, and confidence which can only come from God as we experience His will for others being done through us.
Thank you, Ron!
Well said! 🙂