Philippians 2:14-24

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. (2:14-18) Paul gives practical advice about complaint and argument which possibly was directed toward a specific conflict (4:2), but is applicable to everyone in the Philippian church and to us as well The Christian who resists negativity will be recognized as distinctly different by those around him a clear message to them whose only exposure to the gospel may be the life of a believer We know how the unbelieving world discounts our faith by our actions Mahatma Gandhi said I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians; your Christians are so unlike your Christ ! Christians are the worlds bible the world does not read it but reads the life of the Christian Paul explains that our refusal to complain or argue provides a beautiful contrast to the world around us this crooked and depraved generation in which we will shine like stars What are the characteristics of those who shine like stars loving and constructive, resisting complaint and argument, blamelessness and purity, and holding out the word of life This is a great passage for parents how to we enable our children to resist complaint and argument and to shine like stars in this depraved world? We hold out the word of life Rather than reacting to negativity with a never-ending message of stop it, we can take the offensive and hold out the word of life we consistently bring Gods word to our children A home is transformed by a steady diet of Gods word: These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts; impress them on your children; talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up (Deut 6:6 -7 Paul appeals to them to make his personal sacrifice effective by the service coming your faith, and considers his continued ministry or his martyrdom a reason to rejoice As he said in the previous chapter: For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain (1:21) I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interest, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. (2:19-24) Even while he is in chains (1:14), Paul thinks of how he can encourage his friends at Philippi Timothys presence would not only enhance the fellowship of the Philippian church, but his report back to Paul would be a great encouragement to him as well Paul affirms Timothy for his selflessness, his commitment to the interests of Jesus Christ, and his faithfulness in serving with Paul (as a son with his father. . . in the work of the gospel) Timothy proved himself to Paul and the church by his obedience and willingness to be sent He was willing to go to Thessalonica, Corinth, Philippi, and to Paul while imprisoned in Rome Paul was confident he would come soon, and scholars believe he was released from this imprisonment (62 AD), and then visited the churches and did more missionary work before his second Roman imprisonment and eventual execution under Nero (68 AD)