Pastor Chris’ Corona Quarantine Epistles to the Flock of AIC Ngong Road, in Dispersion and Isolation. 27th. Edition.
Dear Bondservants of the King,
Yesterday we saw in Philippians 2:12-13, the importance of obedience. Today, we examine verses 14-18. In this passage, Paul encourages the Christians to: Comply Without Complaining. (Verses 14-15). Apparently, some Christians were challenging the leadership of the church and disputing instructions. This is nothing new – it happens a lot. However, this is more in line with the “crooked and perverse generation, among whom [the Christians] shine as lights…” To be such, we must be beyond blame and the threat of harm to others, or to the cause of Christ.
To ensure that this happens, we ought to: Cling to Christ and the Word of Life, verses 16-18. It is possible that even the Word of Life is a reference to Christ himself. If we compare this phrase with John 1:1; 3:16 and 14:6, this is probable. It also could mean the gospel. Whatever Paul meant (and we can’t ask him now, can we?), he wanted the Christians to remain true, because then, his efforts would not have been in vain.
This is the import of this verse, not what we commonly hear from some, that failure to hold fast would result in loss of salvation. That is taking this verse completely out of context. It is the Philippians who are to “Hold fast the word of life” but it is Paul whose efforts will not have been in vain. The faithfulness of the Philippians will cause Paul to disregard the threats to his life and he will rejoice in the face of them. He invites them to rejoice with him because his suffering is not for nought. He has believers who shine, to show for it.
Where do you and I stand? Would our attitude give suffering, threatened leader, or Christ himself, cause to rejoice?
Your Loving Pastor Chris.