“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.” Philippians 2:14-16
The Philippians have been secretly discontented and have been complaining. But the word used suggests that loud dissension had not yet broken out.
This exhortation from the Apostle Paul flows from the previous section revealing the significance of Jesus’ life and sacrifice. Like Paul, our labor would be meaningless and of no use to others if we lived crookedly and perversely as the world around us lives. God refuses to leave us in our broken, sinful state so He sent Jesus to reconcile us back to Him.
“Grumbling or arguing” is a problem indicative of the sinful human nature, which is selfish and unbelieving.
“Children of God” is a state resulting from God providing regeneration so that by His Word and Spirit we are a new creation according to the inner person. This nature is inclined to live as His child.
“Without fault” means that everything that is wrong with us has been forgiven by the Lord Jesus. According to our new nature, there is nothing wrong with us.
“Warped and crooked generation” … God created us to live in perfect harmony with Him, His creation, and one another at every point of contact, in every way. Since the fall, our human nature contradicts that design at every point; nothing matches or fits right.
“…you will shine … like stars” is an important theme for both Paul and John. Light may be directed or reflected. We reflect God’s light (His truth and grace) by receiving it and directing that light to shine on others.
God’s blessings on your day…