Pastor’s Note

This Little Light Of Mine

Philippians 2:1-18 ESV

This Sunday we will continue our study through Philippians as we look together at Philippians 2:1-18. In this powerful passage, Paul reminds believers that we are called to “shine as lights in the world” in the midst of brokenness and evil. As followers of Christ, our lives should reflect the hope, humility, and truth of the Gospel to those around us. Paul gives us four important reasons why we are to shine our light in the world.

 First, we do so for the unity of the Body of Christ. Paul calls believers to be of the same mind, united in love, and focused on serving one another rather than ourselves. A church that walks in humility and unity becomes a powerful testimony to the world of the transforming work of Christ.

Second, we shine because of the example Christ Himself set for us. Philippians 2 contains one of the clearest and most beautiful pictures of the humility of Jesus in all of Scripture. Though He was fully God, Christ willingly humbled Himself, took the form of a servant, and became obedient even to the point of death on a cross. Jesus not only saved us through His sacrifice, but He also modeled for us how we are to live.

Third, we shine for the completion of our salvation, our sanctification. Paul reminds believers to “work out” their salvation with fear and trembling, knowing that God is continuing His work within us. As we grow in obedience, holiness, and dependence upon the Lord, our lives increasingly reflect Christ to the world around us.

Finally, we shine for the mission of the Gospel. The world desperately needs the hope found only in Jesus Christ. God has called His people to stand out in a crooked and dark generation as faithful witnesses to the truth of the Gospel. Our words, attitudes, actions, and love for others all become opportunities to point people to Christ.

I hope you will join us this Sunday as we worship together and study this important passage. 

May we be a church that faithfully shines the light of Christ in our homes, workplaces, community, and world.

Grace and peace,
 Pastor Margaret