Be Blameless and Harmless

[Phil 2:14-17]

Paul was in jail when he reminded the Philippians (3:1) that true joy does not depend upon circumstances. The word “rejoice” is a verb. That means it is something we do. “Joy” is a noun. A noun is something we have. We are to rejoice regardless of how we feel, because the truth is—in our born-again spirit, we always have joy.

In Philippians 2:14-17, Paul gives us examples of Christian character, he tells us to…

Philippians 2:14-17 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: [15] That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; [16] Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. [17] But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.

Do all things: The order of the Greek words here is emphasizing everything the believer does. Do: (Gk. v. Present Imperative) is a commitment to a long term way of doing something. A command to keep on doing an action as one’s general habit or life style.

Murmurings: Gk. Gongysmos (gong-goos-mos’) a grumbling, grudging, murmuring (see 1Cor 10:10; 1Pet 4:9)

Disputings: Gk. Dialogismos (dee-al-og-is-mos’) denotes, primarily, an inward reasoning, an opinion (dia, through, suggesting separation, logismos, a reasoning), translated “doubting” in 1Tim 2:8. Translated, “doubtful disputations” Rom 14:1. This word is from another Greek word, dialogizomai which means; to think different things within oneself, to ponder; then, with other persons, to converse, argue, dispute.

v.16; Holding forth the word of life: It is important to let our lights shine through our actions. But just being good without giving the credit for our goodness to God is not enough. We have to speak God’s Word too.

1 Peter 1:23 says, “Being born again…by the word of God.” Living right is a good testimony, but it is the Word of God gets that people born again. Our actions and attitudes help to open people up to the Word of God. It’s like preparing the ground to receive the seed. But it’s the seed that produces fruit, not the plow.

Paul was in prison for preaching the Gospel, and it was possible that they could condemn him to death. He was saying that even if he was martyred for his faithfulness to sharing the Gospel, he would rejoice with the Philippians for the privilege of dying for the Lord. The first-century Christians considered it an honor to suffer for Christ’s sake (see Acts 5:41 and Phil 3:10). They loved Jesus more than life.

Proclamation:

I make it my lifestyle to be joyful, I refuse to complain or doubt what I know God wants me to do. Refusing to argue with unbelievers, and just sharing the Word with them, makes me a shining light in this unscrupulous and perverted world.

I hold forth the Word of life, manifesting my faith in good works, offering the Word to others. Those who taught me did not labor in vain.

God bless you my friend,

— Dwight Hammond