Appearing As Lights In The World Philippians 2:12-15

The Need… There’s a lot of darkness in the world. God needs individuals to step up and be lights in this dark world. He needs the Lord’s church to be a light in the world. Phil. 2:15, “…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…” Not to draw attention to self but to glorify God and lead others to Him. Matt. 5:16 Matt 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 "Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

There has to be a difference! What happens if there are no lights? The WORLD? Consider the world in the days of Noah – Gen. 6:5-8; 2 Peter 3:8ff) THE NATION? Consider the nation of Israel… Ezek. 22:30, “And I searched for a man…(to) stand in the gap before Me for the land…but I found no one.” What about our nation today? Prov. 14:34, Matt. 5:13 The Local congregation of the Lord’s Church? We are expected to maintain our “lampstand” or else it will be removed. Rev. 2:5 Gen 6:5-8, “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7 And the LORD said, "I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky; for I am sorry that I have made them." 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.” 2 Peter 3:8-14, “But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. 11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, on account of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! 13 But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless” Ezek. 22:30, “And I searched for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.” Prov. 14:34, “Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” We are to be a preserving influence. Matt. 5:13, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again? It is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.” To the church in Ephesus Jesus said, Rev 2:5-6, “Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you, and will remove your lampstand out of its place — unless you repent”

What is our relationship with the world? We can’t hide who we are! “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matt. 5:14 We can’t be taken out of the world! John 17:14-17, “…I do not ask Thee to take them out of the world…” Those in darkness do not appreciate light! John 3:19-21, “…everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed…” John 17:14-17, “…I do not ask Thee to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth. As Thou didst send Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.” John 3:19-21, “And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who practices the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God."

How do we prove to be lights in the world? Consistent Obedience – Phil 2:12, “…just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence…” Matt 23:27-28, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. 28 "Even so you too outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” Eph 6:5-7; “Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; 6 not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.”

How do we prove to be lights in the world? Consistent Obedience – What makes us lights in the world is when we’re obedient & faithful ALL THE TIME! When we’re being watched & when we’re not. Matt. 23:27-28; Eph. 6:5-6 Matt 23:27-28, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. 28 "Even so you too outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” Eph 6:5-7; “Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; 6 not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.”

How do we prove to be lights in the world? Consistent Obedience – In good times & in bad. With small things & with big. When it’s easy & when it’s hard. Daily successful habits. Daniel 1:8; 6:10, “…as he had been doing previously…”; 6:16 We’re being watched. 1 Pet. 2:11-12; 3:1-2 Dan 1:8, “But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king's choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself.” Dan 6:10, “Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously.” Dan. 6:16, “…the king spoke and said to Daniel, ‘Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you.’” 1 Peter 2:11-12, “Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul. 12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may on account of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.” 1 Peter 3:1-2, “…as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior.”

How do we prove to be lights in the world? Consistent Obedience – Phil 2:12 Diligent Effort - Phil 2:12, “…work out your salvation with fear and trembling…” Matt 23:27-28, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. 28 "Even so you too outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” Eph 6:5-7; “Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; 6 not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.”

How do we prove to be lights in the world? Diligent Effort - Phil 2:12 What this IS NOT saying – We use our own wisdom to determine our own path to God (Prov. 14:12; Jer. 10:23) What this IS saying – We bear a responsibility before God to please Him & submit to Him… we must work at it! Do it with all your might. Eccles. 9:10; cf., Run in such a way that you might win. 1 Cor. 9:24ff; Luke 13:24 Prov 14:12, “There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” 1 Kings 12:33, “Then he went up to the altar which he had made in Bethel on the fifteenth day in the eighth month, even in the month which he had devised in his own heart; and he instituted a feast for the sons of Israel, and went up to the altar to burn incense.” Jeremiah 10:23, “I know, O LORD, that a man's way is not in himself; Nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps.” Eccl 9:10, “Whatever your hand finds to do, verily, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going.” Luke 13:24, “Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” 1 Cor 9:24-27, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 25 And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27 but I buffet my body and make it my slave, lest possibly, after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.”

How do we prove to be lights in the world? Dilligent Effort - A well orchestrated life – 2 Peter 1:5-8 Not just serving out of convenience. We shine when we exhibit the willingness to “deny ungodliness and worldly desires and …live sensibly, righteously and godly in this present age.” (Titus 2:12; cf., Lk. 9:23) 2 Peter 1:5-8, “Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge; 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness; 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Luke 9:23, “And He was saying to them all, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

How do we prove to be lights in the world? Consistent Obedience – Phil 2:12 Diligent Effort - Phil 2:12, Useful To The Master - Phil 2:13, “…for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure…” Matt 23:27-28, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. 28 "Even so you too outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” Eph 6:5-7; “Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; 6 not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.”

How do we prove to be lights in the world? Useful To The Master - How does God work in us? When we… Make it our desire (will) & our practice (work) to do what pleases Him - be useful to Him! Have fellowship (i.e., joint participation or sharing) w/ Him, His Son & the Holy Spirit. But first… 2 Tim 2:21, “Therefore, if a man cleanses himself from these things, he will be…useful to the Master…” 2 Tim. 4:11 – Paul asked for John Mark to come to him because “he is useful to me for service”.

How do we prove to be lights in the world? Useful To The Master – Make it your purpose in life to be useful to the Lord (use your talents, abilities, blessings) in His service... And you’ll be a light in this world. Why? Everyone else is pleasing self. Must be willing to do His will and not seek our own. John 4:34; 7:17; Ps. 40:8; 1 Peter 4:1-2 What does God need? Someone willing to “stand in the gap” Ezek. 22:30 and “ready for every good deed” (Titus 3:1) John 4:34-35, “Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work. 35 "Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest.” John 7:16-17, “Jesus therefore answered them, and said, "My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me. 17 "If any man is willing to do His will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from Myself.” Ps 40:8, “I delight to do Thy will, O my God; Thy Law is within my heart.” 1 Peter 4:1-2, “Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.”

How do we prove to be lights in the world? Consistent Obedience – Phil 2:12 Diligent Effort - Phil 2:12, Useful To The Master - Phil 2:13, Consistently Proper Attitude - Phil 2:14, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing…” Matt 23:27-28, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. 28 "Even so you too outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” Eph 6:5-7; “Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; 6 not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.”

How then do we prove to be lights in the world? Consistently Proper Attitude – Key: “ALL THINGS” in our duties before God and man. W/O Grumbling – to complain, murmur. 1 Cor. 10:10-11 Consider yourself blessed (‘makarios’) – regardless of circumstances. “…differs from happy because happy is the person who has good luck… a blessed person is one whom God makes fully satisfied, not because of favorable circumstances…”, but because of the fellowship he enjoys with the Father. 1 Cor 10:10-12, “Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” Phil 4:4-6, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

How then do we prove to be lights in the world? Consistently Proper Attitude - Rejoice in the Lord always. Phil. 4:4-6 With a life characterized by contentment, you will blind those in the world you live in. Phil. 4:11-13; 1 Tim. 6:6 We don’t find God’s commands “burdensome”. 1 John 5:3 Does this mean we never get “down”? 2 Cor. 7:5-7; 1:3-11 Phil 4:11-13, “Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” 1 Tim 6:6-9, “But godliness actually is a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment. 7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. 8 And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.” 2 Cor 7:5-7, “For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within. 6 But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus; 7 and not only by his coming, but also by the comfort with which he was comforted in you, as he reported to us your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me; so that I rejoiced even more.” 2 Cor 1:3-11, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; 4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. 6 But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; 7 and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort. 8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; 9 indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves in order that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; 10 who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us, 11 you also joining in helping us through your prayers, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed upon us through the prayers of many.”

How do we prove to be lights in the world? Consistent Obedience – Phil 2:12 Diligent Effort - Phil 2:12, Useful To The Master - Phil 2:13, Consistently Proper Attitude - Phil 2:14, Higher Standards & Goals – Phil 2:15, “…prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation…” Matt 23:27-28, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. 28 "Even so you too outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” Eph 6:5-7; “Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; 6 not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.”

How do we prove to be lights in the world? Higher Standards & Goals – We must live by a higher standard. It’s not up to us! Prov. 14:12; Jer. 10:23, The need for Holy conduct. Need to rise above. “Above reproach…” Rise above the std of the world Rom. 1:24-31; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21 Come out…be separate! 2 Cor. 6:17 Prov 14:12, “There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” Rom 1:24-32, “Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, that their bodies might be dishonored among them. 25 For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, 27 and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. 28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; 32 and, although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.” 1 Cor 6:9-11, “Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God.” Gal 5:16-21, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. 19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you just as I have forewarned you that those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” 2 Cor 6:14-7:1, “14 Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? 16 Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 17 Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate," says the Lord. "And do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you. 18 "And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me," Says the Lord Almighty. 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

How do we prove to be lights in the world? Higher Standards & Goals – It’ll be noticed! 1 Peter 4:2-4 In the world-not of the world. John 17:11-16 Blameless and innocent – How so? Forgiveness & Repentance. Contrast the crooked & perverse generation Crooked – ‘skolios’ – warped or winding. Acts 2:40; Eccles. 1:15 1 Peter 4:2-4, “so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousals, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. 4 And in all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excess of dissipation, and they malign you;” John 17:11-17, “And I am no more in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to Thee. Holy Father, keep them in Thy name, the name which Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, even as We are. 12 "While I was with them, I was keeping them in Thy name which Thou hast given Me; and I guarded them, and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 "But now I come to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy made full in themselves. 14 "I have given them Thy word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 "I do not ask Thee to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. 16 "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 "Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth.” Acts 2:40, “And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation!“ Eccl 1:15, “What is crooked cannot be straightened, and what is lacking cannot be counted.”

How do we prove to be lights in the world? Higher Standards & Goals – We need… Lofty goals. 2 Peter 1:4; Heb. 11:24-26; Rom. 8:14-18. Think higher! Setting our minds and affections on the things above. Col. 3:1-2 Do more than tolerate sin. Eph. 5:7-12 2 Peter 1:3-4, “seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.” Heb 11:23-26, “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's edict. 24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; 25 choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin; 26 considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.” Rom 8:14-18, “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Col. 3:1-2, “If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” Eph 5:7-12, “Therefore do not be partakers with them; 8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), 10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; 12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.”

How do we prove to be lights in the world? Consistent Obedience – Phil 2:12 Diligent Effort - Phil 2:12, Useful To The Master - Phil 2:13, Consistently Proper Attitude - Phil 2:14, Higher Standards & Goals – Phil 2:15, Never Quitting - Phil 2:16, “holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may have cause to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain” Matt 23:27-28, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. 28 "Even so you too outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” Eph 6:5-7; “Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; 6 not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.”

How do we prove to be lights in the world? Never Quitting - Hold fast – Hold On!!! – Heb. 3:12-15 – the word means “firm and secure”; Heb. 6:11-12. There’s a vital need for endurance. Heb. 10:32-39, “…you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised…”; James 1:3-4; Rev. 2:10, “Be faithful until death…” Heb 3:12-15, “Take care, brethren, lest there should be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart, in falling away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end; 15 while it is said,"Today if you hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts, as when they provoked Me." Heb 6:11-12, “And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Heb 10:32-39, “But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, 33 partly, by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. 34 For you showed sympathy to the prisoners, and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and an abiding one. 35 Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. 37 For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay. 38 But My righteous one shall live by faith; And if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.” James 1:2-4, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 5:10-11, “As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.”

How do we prove to be lights in the world? Never Quitting – We need both endurance (our response to circumstances & patience (our response to people). We need encouragement (Heb. 3:13-14) to run our race with endurance (Heb. 12:1-2) It’s been said… The race is not to the swift but to those who keep running. Success consists of getting up one more time than you fall. Do you think that a person’s light will shine when they refuse to quit in their pursuit of heaven in spite of challenges, trials, and misfortunes they’ve faced? Heb 3:13-14, “But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end” Heb 12:1-3, “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 NASB

How do we prove to be lights in the world? Consistent Obedience – Phil 2:12 Diligent Effort - Phil 2:12, Useful To The Master - Phil 2:13, Consistently Proper Attitude - Phil 2:14, Higher Standards & Goals – Phil 2:15, Never Quitting - Phil 2:16, It’s was Paul’s mission to turn men from “darkness to light” so that we might receive forgiveness of sins. Acts 26:18 Acts 26:18-19 to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, in order that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me. ' NASB