Shining As Lights In The World Philippians 2:12-16

Shining as lights in the world “Work out our own salvation” First “With Fear and Trembling” “God works in you…” Philippians 2:12,13

Shining as lights in the world “Do all things without complaining and disputing.” Philippians 2:14

Shining as lights in the world Complaining (Murmuring) Danger of “Complaining” “to complain in low mumbling tones; grumble… the expression of secret & sullen discontent.” 1 Corinthians 10:10,11 Jude 3,4, 16-19

Shining as lights in the world Replace “Complaining” with “Thanksgiving” Complaining an indication of dissatisfaction Christians have So Much to be Thankful For: Salvation in Christ – Every Spiritual Blessing- Ephesians 1:3 Heavenly Father Who Understands & Provides our needs- Matthew 6:31-33; Hebrews 13:5,6

Shining as lights in the world Christians have So Much to be Thankful For: Salvation in Christ – Every Spiritual Blessing- Ephesians 1:3 Heavenly Father Who Understands & Provides our needs- Matthew 6:31-33; Hebrews 13:5,6 Help of God Who “works in you…” Philippians 2:13 Should be known as people of “Thanksgiving” not “Complaining”

Shining as lights in the world Paul to the Colossians: Thank God for our Inheritance – 1:12 Abound with Thanksgiving – 2:6,7 Thankful for Peace of God Ruling in Our Hearts – 3:15 Give thanks to God the Father through Jesus Christ – 3:17 Vigilant in Prayer with Thanksgiving – 4:2

Shining as lights in the world “Attitude of Gratitude” better than murmuring, grumbling and complaining How do people see us? Do they see us as “murmurers” who complain about the economy, government, everything? Or as people who, though we see much evil in the world, also see much good, and are known for being thankful?

Shining as lights in the world Disputing The Danger of “Disputing” “arguing; contention…wrangling” 1 Timothy 6:3-5 “obsessed with disputes” 2 Timothy 2:14-16 “strive about words to no profit” Titus 3:9 “foolish disputes… contentions” Galatians 5:15 “devour one another” John 17:20-23 “they may be one”

Shining as lights in the world Being Different in How we Handle Our “Differences” Philippians 2:2 “mind of Christ” “oneness of mind” “of one accord” “one mind” 2 Timothy 2:23-26 gentleness, patience & humility Colossians 3:12,13 longsuffering, forbearance & forgiveness 1 Corinthians 8:13 willingness to forego personal liberties

Shining as lights in the world We can “shine as lights” if we can: Disagree, without being disagreeable Be different in the way we handle our differences Much Harm Done by way Differences have been dealt with, and tendency to complain Take to Heart the Warning of Paul & Other Scriptures against “complaining” and “disputing” Those who wear the name of Christ can “shine as lights in the world”