4-22-07 Philippians 2:14-16

Philippians 2:14-16 (Philips)

Do all you have to do without grumbling or arguing, so that, you may be blameless and harmless, faultless children of God, living in a warped and diseased age, and shining like lights in a dark world. For you hold up in your hands the very word of life. Thus can you give me something to be proud of in the day of Christ, for I shall know then that I did not spend my energy in vain.

Always maintain a good attitude, no matter what you do. Do not grumble or complain. Do not argue or dispute with anyone about anything.

As you practice this you become blameless and harmless. No one can find a fault or a defect in you. There is no mixture of evil in you. You are innocent and without guile, for you are a son of God. No one can find a blemish, a blot, or a reason for disgrace in you, even though you live among wicked and perverse people who are in opposition to the saving purposes and plans of God. Your life is so bright and resplendent in comparison that you appear heavenly, walking in the truth and knowledge of God that produces moral and spiritual purity.

You cling to and possess the Word of God, Jesus Christ, who became flesh and dwelt among us. You hold fast to every word that He has spoken; you have a life that is blessed, real, genuine, active and vigorous--a life totally devoted to God. You are fresh, strong, efficient, and powerful.

So glory in Christ, the Anointed, your Messiah! You are not striving and exerting yourself for something that is empty, vain, and devoid of truth. You are not a vessel that contains nothing, destitute of spiritual wealth and fruitless. Even though you grow tired, weary and exhausted in your labor in God's kingdom, continue to run your race. You shall not be disappointed, for it is through faith and patience that you will inherit everything that God has stored up for you