Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
As we have seen that past two days, the Church really will be "The Place to Be" if we will all follow Christ's example of humility and submission to the will of God. Paul now moves on to break that down for us. First, we must have a heart of obedience toward God and His will, just a Christ was "obedient to the point of death." Second, we must not be selfish complainers or arrogant arguers, creating disunity and commotion within the Body. Third, we must live as shining lights by our lifestyle. (Notice how in verse 16 Paul takes to heart his own personal part in this, lapsing into the first person, something we all must do.) Finally, we must help each other maintain this Spirit of Joy as we jointly allow the Holy Spirit to work within each one of us. Christ has made the Church "The Place to Be." We need to do our part to keep it that way.
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