OUR FATHER WHO

Philippians chapter 2 verses 12 - 18, the apostle Paul, having decribed to the Philippians the culture of purity and humility that characterizes the kingdom to which they are now joined, he encourages them to independently continue pressing forward in fear and trembling knowing that it is God Himself who is investing in them to achieve his purposes.

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 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, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

Paul tells  the Philippians to avoid discontentment and acrimony so that they would be beyond reproach and would be seen as faultless even while they existed in a corrupt  generation. Their good conduct would shine as lights in the dark world.

The apostle urges them rigorously align themselves to the word of life that he had worked so hard to bring to teach them so that all his efforts would not add up to nothing.

Using a libation metaphor where scripture references a drink being poured out for the worship and glory of God, Paul describes his own life as one that was being poured out for the establishment of the faith of the Philippians and in this transaction, Paul rejoices with them all and likewise, the Philippians could rejoice with him.

Amen.

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