Memory Verse: “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14, 15, NKJV).

INTRO: This week’s Bible lesson focuses on how the members of the Philippian church were to conduct themselves as followers of Jesus. It seems clear that their reputation in the community was an important component of their witness to the power of Jesus Christ in contrast to the corrupt “generation” surrounding them, including both the citizens of Philippi and the strong influences of the culture of the Roman empire. Let’s start with this question:

Q: What seems to be Paul’s understanding of God’s work “in us” (Phil. 2:13) as it relates to his admonition to “work out your salvation through fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12)?

Q: How does our obedience to Christ fit into “working out our salvation” without falling into the trap of legalism?

Q: Into what kind of “world” are the Philippians to “shine as lights?” How can they effectively accomplish this? What things could derail this part of these churches’ mission in each of their communities?

Q: How is it possible for us to be as Paul says “children of God without fault” (2:14) as we live out our lives as authentic followers of Jesus?

CLOSING SIDEBAR:

“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”
— Philippians 2:14–15 (NKJV)

“The church does not exist to provide an ethos for democracy or to underwrite any particular social order. The church exists to be a truthful community, one that lives in a way that would not be possible were it not for the story of Jesus. That truthfulness is displayed not only in what the church says but in how its members learn to live together. The church’s life is itself a witness to the world.”
— Stanley Hauerwas, A Community of Character

Paul reminds believers that their shared life is itself a testimony to the gospel. Unity expressed through patience, faithfulness, and mutual respect allows the light of Christ to shine clearly in a dark world. When the church lives in harmony, its witness becomes visible and compelling to those watching from the outside.

NEXT WEEK, we’ll look at another theme in Paul: “Confidence Only in Christ.” My thanks to Naomi Cueto and Faith Montes, our program engineers, and to all of you for listening in. Until next time, for the “Good Word,” I’m Phil Muthersbaugh.