Holding Forth the Word of Life

In a dark room you cannot read your newspaper. In a brightly lit room you can read a book with fine print. Light makes it possible for us to see things round about us. The brighter the light the more detail we can see on objects.

Therefore Paul exhorts us in Philippians 2:15, 16 with these words: "Shine ye as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life." The idea is that by holding forth or, if you will, displaying the word of life, we will shine as lights in the world.

Now that word of life is the Scriptures wherein is revealed God, and the salvation which He has wrought for us through His Son, the Word become flesh. Thus, when we work out that salvation with fear and trembling, we will be holding forth, that is, holding it out where those round about us can see it. Our love to God will then be displayed, and His grace upon us will be seen as clearly as the houses and trees can be seen when the light of the sun shines down on this earth. We will be bringing into this dark world the light of the truth of our salvation in Christ. In this dark world light will be shining.

Paul had told us to work OUT our salvation, because God had worked it IN us. And when we work it out, others see what God worked in us. That is why Paul also states that when the Philippians work theirs out, he sees that his labor was not in vain, and that he has been filled with joy and rejoicing (Philippians 2: 17 , 18).

However, we must also hold forth that word of God that reveals how we received this salvation. Unbelievers will see this. As we noted yesterday, Jesus said, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16 ).

Are you holding forth that word of life? Are you letting it shine? Are you a shining light in this dark world? If you love God and want to glorify Him, you will do that. Let Christ, the Word of Life, be seen by your walk of life, so that you are a light that glorifies God.

Read: Proverbs 4:14-27

Meditations on the Heidelberg Catechism

Through the Bible in One Year
Read today:
Jeremiah 30 ; Jeremiah 31:1-26 
1 Timothy 2:1-15 
Psalm 87:1-7 
Proverbs 25:18-19 
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Quote for Reflection:

Quite suddenly it happens, and we call it "accident;"

Yet all the while we know it well- This thing was heaven-sent. 'Twas not by chance that it occurred, It was a planned event; And all our human care and thought, Could not change or prevent. How good to know-come joy or pain, It is our Father's will. It is not ours to question, "Why?" But hear Him say, "Be still!" And when we hear His loving voice, The restlessness departs; The chafing and frustrations cease, And His peace fills our hearts.

"My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever."