Part 4 - Light in the Darkness
November 5, 2017 • Paul Barnard
This is Us III “Represent”
***Philippians 2:12-16 (Represent)***
**Vs. 12-Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13-for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.**
-Be confident and knowing what happened
-This is huge (fear and trembling) for your continued growth. Some people stall out
-Understand that is not about you
**Vs. 14- Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15-that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish**
-You are are ambassadors (do your colors represent your country?)
-If Christ is in us, our actions will reflect that
-* I John 2:11But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the * *darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has * *blinded his eyes.*
**Vs 15 in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,**
-Crooked an twisted generation (give examples)
-Hope to the hopeless
-Us against them mentality is killing their thoughts on love grace and mercy.
**Vs.16-holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.**
-We are people who live and die by the Word of God.
-God is working in and around you.
**Conclusion:**
*Work out your salvation *
Discussion questions for life group:
1. What was an insight you gained from this message?
2. What was something you would have liked to have expounded on?
3. How do you see the generation that we live in as “crooked and twisted?”
Example: (Current event issues)
4. Can you give an example of someone “shining a light” (being christlike) in a dark place?
Example: (workplace)
5. Why do you think Paul equated “living by the Word” and “not running in vain”? What do the have to do with each other?
Example: (If we do not believe the Word of God is true, then all we do is pointless [in vain]. If we believe the Word is true, it has to be our standard.)
