Read: Philippians 2:12-18

Last Sunday, Pastor Ken preached from 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 on how God strengthens us to stand firm in Christ in a world of opposition. This Sunday, he will preach from Philippians 2:12-18 on how God empowers us to work out our salvation for his glory. As you prepare your heart for our corporate gathering, let these words from Spurgeon spur you on to live out the truth of Philippians 2:15, shining as lights in this dark world.

Heart Preparation

. . . IN THE MIDST OF A CROOKED AND TWISTED GENERATION, AMONG WHOM YOU SHINE AS LIGHTS IN THE WORLD. — PHILIPPIANS 2:15

We use lights for display. A Christian should so shine in his life that a person could not live with him a week without knowing the Gospel. His conversation should be such that all who spend time with him would understand clearly to whom he belongs and who it is he serves and would see the image of Jesus displayed in his daily actions.

Lights are intended for guidance. We are to help those around us who are in the dark. We are to declare to them the Word of life. We are to point sinners to the Savior and the weary to a divine resting- place. Sometimes men read their Bibles and fail to understand them; we should be ready, like Philip, to instruct the inquirer in the meaning of God’s Word, the way of salvation, and the life of godliness.

Lights are also used for warning. On our rocks and sandbanks a lighthouse is sure to be erected. Christians should know that there are many false lights everywhere in the world, and therefore the right light is needed. The wreckers of Satan are always abroad, tempting the ungodly to sin under the name of pleasure as they hoist the wrong light. It is our responsibility to set the true light upon every dangerous rock, to point out every sin and tell what it leads to, so that we may be clear of the blood of all men, shining as lights in the world.

Lights also have a very cheering influence, and so have Christians. A Christian ought to be a comforter, with kind words on his lips and sympathy in his heart; he should carry sunshine wherever he goes and diffuse happiness around him. Gracious Spirit dwell with me; I myself would gracious be, And with words that help and heal Would Thy life in mine reveal, And with actions bold and meek Would for Christ my Savior speak.

“September 6 Morning Reading,” in Morning and Evening, by C. H. Spurgeon

Song List for Sunday
1. “This We Know,” Arr. by Shane & Shane
2. “All I Have is Christ,” by Sovereign Grace Music
3. “Life Defined,” by Shane & Shane
4. “Great are You Lord,” Arr. by Shane & Shane