The Script
14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. 16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. 17 But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. 18 Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy. Philippians 2:14-18
The Plot
Paul is saying that our service in the kingdom of God, our relationships with people, our personalities, our dispositions, our demeanor, our words, and our actions are to be without complaining or arguing.
When Jesus went to the cross, no where do we read that He said, “Crosses are so dirty. Those miserable Jews are so unenlightened. The disciples are such wimps. The Romans are so cruel. The way the people are dressed at this crucifixion is so casual. The people I have to die for are such s-s-sinners. And everyone lacks any gratitude for what I’m about to do!”
Instead, we read in Isaiah, “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” [Isa 53:7]
The Walk Through
- What is a drink (liquid) offering?
- Why is it important that we not complain?
- How can we be like bright lights in our world?
Ad Lib
Don’t complain and talk about all your problems — 80 percent of people don’t care; the other 20 percent will think you deserve them. - Mark Twain