Light in the Darkness

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Southeast Christian Church

Oct 27, 2022

We read in Philippians 2:14-15 that we are to “do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.”

Do you remember who was on the throne when Paul wrote those words “to shine like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life”? Paul's in the jail cell, and Nero was the emperor at this time. Nero used to impale Christians on stakes, and he would turn them into human torches to light his garden at night. This culture was even more decadent and much more anti-Christian than the one that we're currently living in. Yet, the Apostle Paul, from his jail cell, is writing to persecuted Christians and reminding them that they have a tremendous opportunity in the midst of this to share the light of Jesus Christ. He tells them that they get to be a representative for Jesus in this dark place.

Christians can shine like stars in this culture, because the darker the background, the brighter the light. As this world becomes increasingly dark, the hope of the Gospel shines that much more brightly. Paul is an incarcerated follower of Christ who is chained to a guard, but he is pleading for Christians to humbly let their lights shine and to advance the gospel. It is the Christian's responsibility is to shine like stars in a dark world, and nothing will shine brighter in this world than having a humble spirit and a joyful heart.

Reflection/Discussion Question: Where is an area of your life where you can shine the light of Christ into a dark setting?

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