- Chapters: [[Philippians 2]]:12-30 # Shining like stars "Billionaire's apocolypse" -- billionaires are buying nuclear bunkers in the event of great war/plague/unrest etc. One big problem -- relative lack of private jet pilots. Su world's ultrarich are anxious that they may not be able to get to their cool bunkers. Awful. Doubtful most of us here share this struggle, but many of us may feel anxiety and unease with events of this week (i.e. [[Iran]] bombed by [[United States]]). Danger for all of us -- natural response is to turn in on ourselves. To see everything going on out and there, and pulling up "the drawbridge of life", and caring only about the security and safety of our own family. But that isn't the life that [[God]] wants for us. He wants us to live a life full of meaning and purpose; a life that leaves a legacy and matters. To live a life according to [[Philippians 2]], a life of "pouring ourselves out" in service to [[God]] and one another. [[Paul]] gives us 3 compelling reasons to do so. ## Because [[God]] is at work in you (v. 12-13) [[God]] humbled itself in wrapping himself in the weak human body and sinking to the lowest grave. The glorious king before whom every knee should bow. So how should we live in response to that? Our response should be to obey him -- [[God]] has something better for us than just "forgiving us in our sins and leaving us to wallow around". He now calls us to a life of meaning and purpose, of obeying [[Jesus]]. He wants us to "work out" (verse 23) that salvation in every aspect of our life. Seeking to serve and obey [[God]] is like riding an ebike as opposed to a normal bike or a motorbike. When going up a hill, on a normal bike, if you're not strong enough, you can't make it up and will have to stop. On a motorbike, you just sit back and the work is done for you. But serving and obeying [[God]] is like an ebike -- as you pedal, there is a power greater than your own legs providing power. Metaphor isn't perfect -- [[God]] acts "in order for his good purpose" (v. 13), unlike an undiscerning ebike. [[God]] won't boost your power for whatever your fancy is; he will to fulfill "his good purpose". ## Because you will shine like stars (v. 14-16a) "Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure... then you will shine like stars in the sky" Blameless and pure doesn't mean perfect -- it's a qualification for Christians in [[Titus 1]]:7. Just means heading the right direction. But we won't be blameless if we are grumbling. In [[London]], we grumble all the time -- but this is a serious matter for Christians. When we grumble as christians, we're saying "Hey [[God]], we can do a better job than you". Or when we grumble against one another, we're saying "the unity we have as Christians is not enough to let this issue go". Or "I'm happy to receive forgiveness and acceptance from [[God]] -- but not ready to show it to other people!" This is not to say we are not to call out sin. But we are not to grumble. So how to differentiate between pointing out something wrong and grumbling? For many of us, our motivations are rarely as clear to ourselves or as pure as we think. This warning was written by [[Paul]] to one of the best churches in the [[New Testament]], the [[Philippians]]. In the verse -- when we live as a church without grumbling or arguing, we will shine like stars in the sky! Like blazing beacons drawing others in. Exemplar: [[Virginia Prodan]], an advocate in communist [[Romania]]. Was often intimidated and beatup by secret police. But was also a good example of a Christian. When asked about rising secularism of the west, she said "Thank God for it. Then you can shine all the brighter as disciples of Christ". [[All Souls Langham Place]] is a standout building that glows in the night in [[Oxford Circus]] -- wouldn't it be nice if we can metaphorically be the same as Christians? ## Because you will be filled with joy (v. 16b-18) Per the verse -- serving [[Jesus]] and others is the way to joy and gladness. ### Just like [[Timothy]] and [[Epaphroditus]] - These two are fairly different - But both are celebrated as examples who are following [[Christ]]'s example > [!summary] Summary > - Point for you and me -- we all have different life circumstances and gifts and limitations. But the same [[God]] calls us in our different ways to serve [[Jesus]] and his people, without grumbling, and with great joy, confident that [[God]] will now provide the power to do so and will in the future provide the ultimate reward. This will be the most meaningful life possible > - Don't follow the urge to turn in on ourselves and to protect and to hide.