1. Studies in Philippians(14) Holding Fast the Word of Life Philippians 2:14-16

2. Last Week
Paul is challenging these brethren to shine as lights in the midst of this crooked and perverse generation

3. 2019 Theme
Lights in a Dark World
Philippians 2:15

4. Last Week
Paul is challenging these brethren to shine as lights in the midst of this crooked and perverse generation
We noted that this applies as much today as when it was written
Godly attitudes are needed – without complaining or disputing
We are to be blameless and harmless – not giving legitimate cause to accuse

5. Holding fast the word of life (16)
Holding fast – to have or hold upon, to hold out towards, to direct upon, to aim at and hit
The primary usage is holding firm to something
Proverbs 23:23
1 Timothy 6:20, 4:16 – “take heed”
“Holding forth”, KJV – another thought, conveyed by our context (we are lights) – Matthew 5:15-16

6. Holding fast the word of life (16)
Holding fast to God’s word:
Philippians 1:27 – let you conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, standing fast in one spirit
2 Timothy 4:2 – preach the word
2 Timothy 2:15 – handling it accurately

7. The word of life – His word gives us life Romans 1:16
Holding fast the word of life (16)
The word of life – His word gives us life
Romans 1:16
Ephesians 2:4-6 – made alive by His grace
John 6:48, “I am the bread of life”
John 14:6, “I am the way…the life”

8. The word of life – His word gives us life
Holding fast the word of life (16)
The word of life – His word gives us life
John 6:63, “The words I have spoke to you are spirit and life”
Acts 5:20, speak the words of life
John 1:4, In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

9. The word of light – John 1:4
Holding fast the word of life (16)
The word of light – John 1:4
Our text ties together life and light (15-16)
Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.”
John 9:5, 12:46, I am the light of the world
2 Corinthians 4:4, that light is rooted in the gospel

10. Holding fast the word of life (16)
The word of light
We are to reflect that light
Ephesians 5:8, children of light
1 Thessalonians 5:5, sons of light and of the day
John 12:36, sons of light
John 8:12, Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

11. Rejoicing in the Day (16)
Paul’s hope was for success – that he might be able to rejoice in the end
Paul’s letters were filled with encouragement and a goal of saving souls – new converts AND strengthening the saved

12. Rejoicing in the Day (16) Consider the following:
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Romans 9:1-3, 10:1
Philippians 1:7, 3:1
2 Corinthians 6:1 – hearts open wide
Galatians 4:16 – have I become your enemy?
Is this not the motive behind godly conduct?
3 John 4, 2 John 4

13. Rejoicing in the Day (16)
The day of Christ
The day of His return
When we will all stand in judgment- 2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 14:10-12
Are we preparing for that day? 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 2 Peter 3:10ff

14. Shining as lights (14-15)
That I have not run in vain
Again this is about saving souls
Paul doesn’t want anyone to be lost
That was why he followed up on his brethren
BUT, when brethren drifted away – he took it personally (grieved by it)
EVEN if it is not your fault, you still grieve – 1 Corinthians 3:12-15

15. Shining as lights (14-15)
That I have not run in vain
1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.
2 Corinthians 1:13-14, you are our boast in the day of the Lord Jesus

16. Holding Fast the Word of Life Phil. 2:14-16
Are you faithfully hold fast to His word?
Holding Fast the Word of Life Phil. 2:14-16