Scripture | So that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. Philippians 2:15–16

Observation | When we read “So that” at the beginning of a verse, it tells us that what follows is the purpose of what was written in the verses before. What came before our verses is a call to active-intentional-holy living with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12-13). This active sanctification (growing holiness) is motivated by the fact that God with all His power is the one working in us to accomplish both His will and His ways. So according to verses 12 and 13, we actively work at holy living, because God is actively working in us.

Part of that holy living we looked at in the last devotional (“Thou Shalt not Grumble”) is the command to not “grumble or dispute” (vs. 14). So it is interesting the purpose in our verse now, may broadly be the active growth in holiness of verse 12 and 13, or more narrowly be the godly use of our words in verse 14. Both are suitable and it is likely Paul had both in mind when he wrote this verse as they are so close in context and theme.

Now we must pause to note that we will not reach complete blamelessness or be innocent and without blemish in our pursuit of sanctification. Yet we will still either constantly grow toward or fall away from that perfect holiness. Just as Paul explains later (Phil 3:12-14).

One purpose of holy living Paul is getting at, is that as we grow in it we will contrast the wicked world. This contrast is something false teachers and lukewarm Christians despise. They say you should fit in. They say you should know the world. They argue the church and the believer should not make the unbelieving uncomfortable or offend them. Yet God’s call is louder then these to those who are truly His children. He calls them to be “without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.” (15)

A true believer in this pursuit of holy living will stick out painfully, “appearing as lights in the world.” The darker into wickedness the world continuous to plumit, along with the worldly church that does not hold fast to scripture, the more the brightness of the true gospel of both faith and obedient-holy-good works will shine. For those who would walk the ancient path of godliness in this way, we must remember what our Savior said, “everyone who does evil hates the light (Jn 3:20).” That is to say a true believer will not fit in with worldlings. He will be a constant contrast to the practices and beliefs of others as he grows in holiness and faith. Therefore, we need to be ready as we shine the light of holy deeds and true faith. We must expect to be hated and adamantly opposed.

Such serious followers of Jesus must count the cost (Luke 14:25-35). As they do they will count their lives as loss as they loose the approval of friends and family and even churches when they pursue to believe and live out the truth. Let us remember Jesus warning in this way “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way (Luke 6:26).” In the wicked and perverse age we live, we must remember and prepare our families. A biblical and active purist of godly faith and godly living will bring much opposition and hatred, not less (2 Tim 3:12).

This last result of these things is that we need to continuously devote ourselves and stand on the absolute truth of God’s Holy Word. To “hold fast the word of life.” This word of life is all we need for life and godliness. It is the Word of our Savior and Master. The Word is living and active (Heb 4:12), both imparting life and transforming those who devote themselves to it into the image of Christ.

The Word of God is the most valuable and precious treasure we have in this world! It is a gift from God that is all too often undervalued, underappreciated and overly neglected by those who claim to believe in it. The horrifying result of such not a “holding fast” is a going astray. Which is the “vanity” Paul prays will not be the result of His ministry. His ministry, which we must remember, includes His work in our lives through his writings too. May these Words not be received by us in vain.

Application | Am I willing to be a non-conformist in this wicked and perverse age? Am I willing to stick out like a light shining in the darkness as I pursue true faith and godly living? Am I devoting myself to scripture? Do I love holy living, because I love my Savior?

Prayer | Father, I repent of my worldly and fleshly living. I repent of my lukewarmness and careless living. Give me a hunger for Your Word, a relentless passion to conform my beliefs, desires and deeds to it’s promises and commands. Give me Your strength for when the world and even the apathetic church condemns my love for pursing and applying you will in my life. Let me keep my eyes fixed on You, and the day I account for my life before you. That I might hear the words “well done good and faithful slave, you have been faithful..” (Matt 25:23 So that more and more of my life might be lived for You and to Your glory alone. Amen.