Introduction: Have you ever interacted with a stranger and thought, “This person must be a Christian?” On the other hand, have you worked with someone who showed no sign of being a Christian, but you later found out was a Christian? 
When I was in college, I spent one summer working in a trailer factory. The crew I worked with knew I attended Andrews University, an overtly Christian school, and they constantly gave me a hard time, specifically targeting my religious beliefs. I determined to prove that I was a serious worker to earn their respect. That happened, and at the end of the summer, the crew chief apologized for all the harassment and confessed that he was a Sunday school teacher! His light was hard to discern. This week, our study is about letting our Christian lights shine. Let’s get into it!
I. Working Out Our Salvation?
A. Read Philippians 2:12. Who thinks that he can “work out” his salvation as long as he works very hard? (This sounds very strange coming from the Apostle Paul, who also wrote Romans 3:20.)
B. Read Philippians 2:13. Wait a minute! Now Paul tells us that God will both “work” our will and our actions so that we do the right thing. This seems completely contrary to Philippians 2:12. How do you reconcile these two verses? (If we look closely at Philippians 2:12, Paul suggests that the Philippians should be able to understand God’s will (work out their salvation) without Paul’s help. The issue is not God versus the church member when it comes to salvation. Rather, the issue is whether the church member can understand God even if Paul is absent.)
- What, exactly, do you think Paul means when he says that God will “work” both our will and our work to advance God’s pleasure? (This sounds like the Paul I know. The Holy Spirit not only directs our will, but changing our will changes our actions. It is totally a “God thing.”)
II. Shining Lights
A. Read Philippians 2:14. Does this sound like you?
- Let me get in trouble right away by disputing the idea that we should never get into a dispute. Do you think Paul means that we must always agree?
B. Read Exodus 32:9-12. Is Moses disputing God?
C. Read Exodus 32:14. Does Moses win the dispute with God? (He does.)
- If there is anyone with whom you should always agree, that would be God. Yet Moses is politely arguing with God. In light of this, how should we understand Paul’s “no dispute” advice? (John MacArthur’s Commentary teaches that the underlying Greek word for dispute means criticizing or questioning God. That would reflect an underlying mistrust of God. Moses was not expressing any mistrust of God.)
- With the understanding provided by John MacArthur, are Christians free to disagree with one another? (It seems so. Paul appears to be saying don’t grumble or dispute over what God is doing in your life.)
D. Read Philippians 2:15-16. When Paul writes that we are to be “blameless and innocent,” and “without blemish,” does that sound like you?
- If it does not sound like you, are you discouraged?
E. How does Philippians 2:16 suggest that we can walk toward being blameless, innocent, and unblemished? (By “holding fast to the word of life.”)
- The picture I see is one group who is “crooked and twisted,” and another group who is being changed by God and who holds fast to God’s word – the Bible. Does that encourage you? (Many of the discouraging things I see in life reflect views and actions that are contrary to the teachings of the Bible.)
- What does Paul tell us is part of his reward for his work? (He looks forward to seeing those for whom he has worked in heaven.)
- Ask yourself about your life. Do you see people who are changed for the better because of you?
F. Philippians 2:15 talks about the Philippians being “lights.” What makes them shining lights?
- Some Christians aggressively evangelize co-workers. Is that what Paul describes? (He contrasts the light of Christians who seek to please God against the background darkness of the crooked and twisted generation. If you walk in accordance with the will of God, you will be noticed for your goodness.)
III. Drink Offering
A. Read Philippians 2:17-18. Paul paints his death at the hands of the Romans as something to create gladness and rejoicing. How would you explain this? (Paul sees that his life has been worthwhile. His death is not a random one; rather, it comes as part of his sacrifice to advance the Kingdom of God.)
B. In Philippians 2:17, Paul says that his sacrifice is “poured” on the “sacrificial offering” of the Philippians’ faith. What sacrifices do you think the Philippians are offering?
- Is it money?
- Is it serving others?
- Is it giving up their goals for God’s goals?
IV. Timothy
A. Read Philippians 2:19-21. Paul says that Timothy is different. In what way is he different? (Paul is surrounded by those who are concerned about their own interests rather than the interests of God.)
- This is good news about Timothy. How do you explain Paul’s words about the others? Are they not all there to aid Paul?
- Should it worry us that those who spend time with Paul when he is imprisoned are said to be seeking their own interests? How can that be?
- Some believe that these others are unwilling to be self-sacrificing, and that is the problem. While that may be true, do you think Paul had people around him simply because Paul was a famous man? Were they in this for personal glory?
B. Read Philippians 2:22-23. Paul says that Timothy is like a son. What do you think motivates Timothy’s service to Paul? (This suggests that Timothy loves Paul. No doubt Timothy loves the gospel, but this suggests a personal bond. This bond must not have existed with the others who sought their own interests.)
C. Read Philippians 2:24. We previously discussed the issue of whether Paul was neutral on whether he lived or died. What does this tell us? (He is “trusting” God that he will be alive so that he can visit the Philippians.)
V. Epaphroditus
A. Read Philippians 2:25-26. This is a new name. What do you think Paul means when he writes that Epaphroditus is “your messenger?” (Read Philippians 4:18. This tells us that the Philippians originally sent Epaphroditus to Paul. He brought gifts and his help.)
B. Read Philippians 2:27-30. Does Paul give the Philippians a “kick in the shin” in his discussion of Epaphroditus? (Paul says the Philippians’ service to him was “lacking.”)
- How can their help be lacking if they sent Epaphroditus?
- When Paul refers to Epaphroditus nearly dying, and then tying that to a lack of help from the Philippians, do you think Epaphroditus has been working too hard and that made him ill?
- This is the second negative statement that Paul has made about his helpers. Would being in prison cause you to be grumpy? (Paul gives great compliments to Timothy and Epaphroditus. He may simply be honestly evaluating his helpers.)
C. Friend, how are Timothy and Epaphroditus “shining lights” for us? The text suggests that they are doing work that impressed Paul. Paul reveals the personal relationship that he has with both men. Have you considered whether your work advances the gospel or promotes your own interests? Do you need more diligence to be considered a “shining light?” If that is true, why not ask the Holy Spirit for help to improve?
VI. Next week: Confidence Only in Christ.
Copr. 2026, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. If you normally receive this lesson by e-mail but it is lost for a week, you can find it by clicking this link: http://www.GoBible.org. Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as you study.
