E N D
Philippians 2:14-16 Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.
Without Fault • I can’t hear the word “faultless” without thinking of starch. • If you’ve ever used starch you know how crisp and nice clothes look.
Slightly More Frumpy • We tend now toward the “as straight as the dryer allows” standard of dress.
Don’t Relax Those Morals! • If we have relaxed our dress standards, we must not relax our godly standards. • We have a responsibility to show the world how and why we are different.
Don’t Gripe • Verse 14 has three important statements for the Christian • First: DO EVERYTHING – this describes the active Christian • The very act of “doing” indicates Christians are to be active in the work of the Lord
No Complaining • This describes the CONTENT CHRISTIAN
1 Peter 4:9-10 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
No Arguing • This describes the COOPERATIVE CHRISTIAN
1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
Life In A Crooked Depraved Generation • We cannot deny there is depravity all around us. • The depraved always mock the pure and holy. • The crowd usually leans toward the depraved. • Are we following the crowd?
Always “Becoming” • Paul recognizes that the Christian is always in a state of “becoming” • We are “becoming” blameless and pure • Our entire lives will be a journey to a destination of blameless purity.
Blameless and Pure Ephesians 1:4 -- For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.
Faultless • Without fault in a crooked and depraved generation
Shining Stars • Jude 1:13 -- They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.
DON’T STOP! • Don’t stop holding out (onto) the WORD of LIFE • Give Christ cause for applause!
We Must Stand Out • We really must stand out in a crowd • The gospel must have such a hold on our lives that we are truly different. • The Lord God is on a star search! • Will we shine for Him?