A life that shines brightly

Speakers: Pastor Cui

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-16

Looking back at the "experience of the heart of Christ" discussed in the first chapter of Philippians pointed out that if you truly experience the heart of Christ, your life will change, and you will no longer exchange your old self for a new life. This sermon is further expanded to the second chapter, delving into how Christians live a "life of light," which is reflected in the three aspects of our relationship with God, to others, and to ourselves. This is not only an outward act, but also an expression of inner life, so that we can become unblemished children of God in this crooked and perverse generation.

1. To God: To obey God's will

• Core Verse: "For it is God who works in you with your will and deeds, that you may accomplish His good will." (Philippians 2:13)

• Key points elaborated:

  • The illumination of life begins with obedience, allowing God to make decisions in our hearts to fulfill "His" good will, rather than asking Him to fulfill "our" plan.

  • The "fear and trembling" in the scriptures does not mean fear, but refers to a cautious and awe-inspiring attitude, fearing to make mistakes, striving to take every step and acting according to God's will.

  • We need to reflect on whether our prayers are for our own plans or are we willing to submit to God's plan?

• Illustrative story: Sister Song's dedication

  • A sister in her nineties, who lived a simple life, sold everything in her later years, donated her savings of HK$1 million to set up a fund, and asked the police to manage it on behalf of the low-paid and poor preacher families in the Mainland, including their living and theological training needs. Her desire to be a "good and faithful" servant of God is a perfect interpretation of the life that allows God to work in her heart and fulfill His good will.

2. To people: to show the character of Christ

• Core Verse: "Whatever you do, do not complain or argue." (Philippians 2:14)

• Key points elaborated:

  • The character of a Christian is evident in his interactions with people. A person who can shine knows how to restrain his tongue and temper, and can remain gentle and humble even in unreasonable and misunderstood situations.

  • Complaining and arguing often stems from the fact that one's own ideas are not accepted. True spiritual virtue is to be safe in the face of adversity, to turn your eyes to God, and to seek help from God.

• Key Action Points:

  • Learn to control your character, let your life emit the fragrance of Christ, become a peacemaker, and bless people because of you.

  • Does reflecting on our lives bring comfort and peace, or do they make people want to avoid them? Can our lives be a blessing to others?

  • Learn to maintain good character in any situation—lowly or abundant, full or hungry, excess or lack—by the Lord.

3. To yourself: be honest and unpretentious

• Core Verse: "That ye may be blameless and honest and unfeigned, and be blameless children of God in this crooked and perverse age." (Philippians 2:15)

• Key points elaborated:

  • The most terrible lie is "deceiving yourself". We often make excuses for our mistakes, shift the blame to others or circumstances, and even convince ourselves that the signs we see are the fault of others.

  • A life that can shine must be honest with itself, have the courage to admit mistakes and weaknesses, and turn around in time so that it can be worthy of heaven, earth, and conscience.

• Illustrative story: The pastor went to the wrong house

  • The pastor shared that he once went home to the wrong building, but firmly believed that the access control was broken, the postman sent the wrong letter, and even the administrator was different. It wasn't until I found out that the iron gate at the door had a different style that I realized that I was wrong from beginning to end. This experience reminds us that on the road of life, we can also be so "convinced that we are right", but ignore all the wrong signals, insist on our own opinions, and ultimately suffer the consequences.

Summary and action points

A "life that shines with bright light" requires efforts in three aspects:

• To God: Have a true and obedient heart and let His will be done in us, rather than forcing God to fulfill His plan.

• To people: Exercise the character of Christ, do not complain or argue, become a peacemaker, and emit the fragrance of Christ.

• To yourself: Be honest and unhypocritical, do not deceive yourself, have the courage to admit and correct mistakes, and be worthy of the conscience of heaven and earth.
  
  

Faith cannot only be an external form, but also requires the true practice and growth of inner life, so that in the day of Christ, we can boast that we have not run in vain or in vain.

Sacrament reminder

• Read the scriptures: Hebrews 12

• Core Reminder:

  • Let us lay down all our burdens, put off the sins that easily entangle us, and be patient and run on the road that is before us.

  • strive for harmony with all men and pursue holiness; No one who is not holy can see the Lord.

  • Before partaking the Lord's Supper, examine yourself, if you have any deficiencies, you should repent before God, and commemorate the Lord's sacrifice and redemption with clean hands and a pure heart.