LIGHTS IN THE WORLD
March 9th, 2009 by Todd JohnsonPhil 2:13b-16a ESV …it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without grumbling or questioning, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life …
Paul gives a number of action words to describe the work of sanctification in the lives of Christians. The passage is Philippians 2:14-18, and the words are as follows:
- DOING.. all things without grumbling..
- BECOMING.. blameless and innocent, children of God
- SHINING.. as lights in a dark world
- HOLDING.. fast to the Word of Life
- REJOICING.. even in the midst of sacrifice
So…. Any thoughts from Sunday? Any of these areas in particular the work God is doing in your life?
Why do we have to do all things without grumbling? I mean, the world is in a mess, the economy is in the toilet, corporate heads are being paid extra well for their bad decisions, why can’t I grumble. It’s not like I’m complaining or something.
Proverbs 16:9, 19:21…Ephesians 1:11, Hebrews 1:3.
Seriously, to God be the glory. “Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done, His marvels AND the judgements from His mouth.” II Chronicles 16:12
This is a quote from Kittle’s Theological Dictionary of the New Testament that I have posted in the front of my journal: “To test or tempt God is not to acknowledge His power, not to take seriously His will to save. This finds expression in complaint against His guidance, in the failure to see His glory or to note His signs and wonders. To test God is thus to challenge Him. It is an expression of unbelief, doubt and disobedience.”
Michele – I saved you the agony of being the first to reply.
Thanks, Mr. C– and good thoughts.
I too, was hit by the “doing without grumbling” stuff–just try to be aware for one day how much we complain. Like you said, it’s simply ungrateful. Paul says in Romans “although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God , nor were thankful…” It’s completely sinful. I so much hate when my kids or anyone just assumes they should be given to, and are thankless or then angry when they don’t receive… A change I want to make is to simply be grateful.
Todd, what was the name of the Bonhoffer movie? My folks are having a hard time finding it.
Bonhoeffer Documentary Airs On PBS Feb 6th
Great movie
Backround on Bonhoeffer, a film by Martin Doblemeier documenting the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German religous martyr. Airs nationally on PBS, Feb. 6, 2006. BONHOEFFER Airs Nationally on PBS…
Many shows on PBS are shown again.. keep checking. I have called them, to inquire about shows.
Blessings..
Michele – to be honest, I’m not exactly sure. I thought there was only one, and I wasn’t paying any attention to the cover outside of the name of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
I’m thinking it is simply called “Bonhoeffer: A Documentary”.
So sorry I cannot be certain. I found it on the shelf at Blockbuster off Bell Rd. in Auburn if that is any help.
Thanks guys. They went to the Blockbuster up here in GV and they actually called the Auburn store and didn’t have it. My mom was kind of pronouncing his name funny, though, that may have confused the guy. We’ll keep trying.
Michele… you might try Netflex. If you happen to know anyone that rents movies that way. I am sure they will have it.
Blessings…
Michele I have a movie on the life of Bonhoeffer I’ll send it with Jill tonight.
Kind of on another subject, it was interesting that you mentioned Kenneth Hagen and other ministries like his. Back when I was married, we attended Faith Fellowship in Auburn which followed his teachings. I can say that it helped to build faith, but for me it brought me closer to God and my understanding of how much He loved me. To this day I always found it odd how they were obsessed over the spiritual world, especially the “dark side/demons”. On the other hand they made you feel like you had no faith or very little if you didn’t get answered prayer right away. I like how you put it that it is not based on our faith or even beliefs if it is not accompanied by our lives being in His will, not ours, and praying that His will be done. Through many trials, I have come to realize this very much. When I slip up and focus on “ME” is when I grumble the most, but He so gently reminds me to get back in line with His will. Praise be to God that he is sooo patient and loving as a parent with a toddler trying to do things on their own. God bless you all.
Todd– completely off-topic question here… Any recommendations for kids bibles? I like to give my kids a new one every couple years for Easter gifts as they grow and move into different reading stages… Just wondering if you might have some input. Thanks!
Sarah,
Actually I don’t have any good ideas for you. I can forward your request to the guys at our store that are in tune with what is available and perhaps best for recommendations. Knowing the age(s) will probably help a bit too.
I think that’s a great Easter idea.. and super cool that you are always keeping the kids’ needs in mind to have Bibles that are appropriate in their growing years! Well done.