Shining Bright: Living as Gleamers in Darkness
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound message of living a life that reflects the light of Jesus in a world filled with darkness. We began by acknowledging our universal need for a Savior, as Paul states in Romans, "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." This humility is essential for recognizing our need for Jesus and living a life that honors Him. We are called to live differently, to be transformed from the inside out, and to let that transformation be evident to everyone around us.
We delved into the example of King Josiah from 2 Kings 23, who turned in total and repentant obedience to God, following His instructions with all his heart, mind, and strength. This level of commitment is challenging but possible, as Paul assures us that God is working in us, giving us the desire and power to do what pleases Him.
The sermon emphasized the importance of not grumbling or arguing, as Paul instructs in Philippians 2. Instead, we are to shine like stars in a crooked and perverted generation, holding firm to the word of life. This call to live blameless and pure lives is a direct contrast to the world's darkness, and it requires us to be intentional in our actions and attitudes.
We also discussed the significance of being "gleamers" rather than "grumblers." This means living a life that reflects God's light and righteousness, being a beacon of hope and love in a dark world. We are to practice biblical hospitality, showing genuine care and interest in others, and meeting their needs with intentionality and love.
The message concluded with a call to action: to live righteously, to be distinct from the world, and to let our light shine before others so that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. This requires a sincere commitment to following Jesus' teachings and allowing God to work through us. By doing so, we become unstoppable gleamers, shining the light of Jesus in a world that desperately needs it.
### Key Takeaways
1. Humility and the Need for a Savior: Recognizing our universal need for a Savior is the first step towards living a life that honors God. Paul reminds us that all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory, and this humility is essential for transformation. By acknowledging our need for Jesus, we open ourselves to His transformative power, which changes us from the inside out and makes our lives a testament to His grace. [41:02]
2. Total Obedience and Commitment: The example of King Josiah teaches us the importance of total and repentant obedience to God. This level of commitment, though challenging, is possible with God's help. Paul assures us that God is working in us, giving us the desire and power to do what pleases Him. Our obedience and commitment to God's instructions lead to a life that stands out and shines brightly in a dark world. [45:49]
3. Living Without Grumbling: Paul instructs us to do everything without grumbling or arguing so that we may be blameless and pure. This is a call to live differently from the world, to be a light in the darkness. By holding firm to the word of life and living clean, innocent lives, we become shining examples of God's love and righteousness. This requires intentionality and a sincere commitment to following Jesus' teachings. [47:54]
4. Being Gleamers, Not Grumblers: The concept of being "gleamers" rather than "grumblers" emphasizes the importance of reflecting God's light in our daily lives. This means living righteously, practicing biblical hospitality, and showing genuine care and interest in others. By doing so, we become beacons of hope and love, standing out in a world filled with darkness. Our good deeds should point others to God and bring glory to Him. [55:07]
5. Unstoppable Gleamers: Living a life dedicated to righteousness and being a light in the world makes us unstoppable. As Desmond Tutu said, people united in pursuit of a righteous cause are unstoppable. By seeking first God's kingdom and His righteousness, we bring value to others and shine the brightest. This requires sacrifice, intentionality, and a sincere commitment to living according to God's will. [01:11:14]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[37:09] - The Power of Light
[38:56] - Prayer and Introduction
[39:41] - The Messiah Poem
[40:23] - Living the Gospel
[41:02] - Humility and Salvation
[41:39] - The Boldness of King David
[42:47] - The Wisdom of Job
[43:26] - Reverence and Transformation
[43:58] - Living Differently
[44:37] - The Example of King Josiah
[45:16] - God's Work in Us
[45:49] - The Energy of God
[46:20] - Total Respect and Obedience
[46:42] - Distinction from the World
[47:16] - Living Blameless and Pure
[47:54] - The Challenge of Not Grumbling
[48:29] - The Call to Be Gleamers
[49:06] - Practicing a Fast
[49:44] - Prayer Over Grumbling
[50:21] - Moral Faultlessness
[50:56] - The Example of Moses
[51:29] - The Righteous and the Sinners
[52:07] - Audience Interaction
[52:44] - Identifying Darkness
[53:17] - The Darkness of War
[53:50] - The Energy of God
[54:37] - The Darkness of Greed
[55:07] - Shining the Light of Jesus
[55:42] - Being a Light in Practice
[58:16] - Love Through Persecution
[58:52] - Social Media and Light
[59:18] - Responding to Persecution
[01:00:55] - The Qualities of a Gleamer
[01:01:37] - The Purpose of Good Deeds
[01:02:16] - Living Right by God
[01:02:53] - Practicing Righteousness
[01:03:38] - Aligning with God's Will
[01:04:17] - Shining Like Bright Lights
[01:04:59] - The Drink Offering
[01:05:30] - Light as a Covenant
[01:05:56] - Demonstrating God's Righteousness
[01:06:28] - God's Call to Righteousness
[01:07:00] - Paul's Love for the Philippians
[01:07:30] - Timothy and Epaphroditus
[01:07:56] - The Example of Epaphroditus
[01:08:44] - Biblical Hospitality
[01:09:05] - Treating Others Better
[01:09:31] - Meeting Others' Needs
[01:10:01] - Living Set Apart
[01:10:34] - The Jesus Way
[01:11:14] - Unstoppable Gleamers
[01:11:42] - Final Prayer
[01:12:15] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 2:12-16: "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. 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."
2. 2 Kings 23:25: "Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses."
3. Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul instruct the Philippians to do without grumbling or arguing, and what is the intended outcome of this behavior? ([47:54])
2. How is King Josiah described in 2 Kings 23:25, and what made his obedience unique? ([45:16])
3. According to Romans 3:23, what is the universal condition of humanity, and how does this relate to our need for a Savior? ([43:26])
4. What metaphor does Paul use in Philippians 2:15 to describe how believers should stand out in the world? ([47:54])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "working out your salvation with fear and trembling" in Philippians 2:12-13 relate to the idea of God working in us to fulfill His purpose? ([40:23])
2. In what ways does King Josiah's total obedience to God serve as a model for us today? What challenges might we face in trying to emulate his example? ([45:16])
3. How does recognizing our universal need for a Savior, as stated in Romans 3:23, impact our daily lives and interactions with others? ([43:26])
4. What practical steps can we take to "shine like stars" in a "warped and crooked generation," as Paul describes in Philippians 2:15? ([47:54])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you found yourself grumbling or arguing. How could you have approached it differently to align with Paul's instruction in Philippians 2:14? ([47:54])
2. King Josiah turned to the Lord with all his heart, soul, and strength. Identify one area of your life where you can increase your commitment to God. What specific actions will you take this week to demonstrate this commitment? ([45:16])
3. Romans 3:23 reminds us of our universal need for a Savior. How can this understanding foster humility in your relationships and interactions with others? ([43:26])
4. Think of a time when you were a "gleamer" rather than a "grumbler." What impact did your actions have on those around you? How can you make this a more consistent part of your life? ([52:07])
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of biblical hospitality. Identify one person in your community who might need encouragement or support. What specific steps will you take to show them genuine care and interest this week? ([01:09:31])
6. How can you practice being a light on social media or in other public forums, especially when faced with negativity or persecution? ([58:16])
7. Desmond Tutu said that people united in pursuit of a righteous cause are unstoppable. What righteous cause can you commit to this month, and how will you involve others in this pursuit? ([01:11:14])
Devotional
### Day 1: Humility and the Need for a Savior
Recognizing our universal need for a Savior is the first step towards living a life that honors God. Paul reminds us that all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory, and this humility is essential for transformation. By acknowledging our need for Jesus, we open ourselves to His transformative power, which changes us from the inside out and makes our lives a testament to His grace. This humility is not about self-deprecation but about understanding our position before a holy God and our need for His mercy and grace.
When we come to terms with our own shortcomings and sins, we can fully appreciate the sacrifice Jesus made for us. This realization should lead us to live lives that reflect His love and grace to others. It is through this humility that we can truly shine the light of Jesus in a world that desperately needs it. [41:02]
Romans 3:23-24 (ESV): "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Think of a recent moment when you recognized your own shortcomings. How can you use that experience to draw closer to Jesus and reflect His grace to others today?
### Day 2: Total Obedience and Commitment
The example of King Josiah teaches us the importance of total and repentant obedience to God. This level of commitment, though challenging, is possible with God's help. Paul assures us that God is working in us, giving us the desire and power to do what pleases Him. Our obedience and commitment to God's instructions lead to a life that stands out and shines brightly in a dark world.
King Josiah's story is a powerful reminder that true transformation begins with a heart fully committed to God. His actions were not just about following rules but about a deep, heartfelt repentance and a desire to align his life with God's will. This kind of obedience requires us to be intentional in our daily choices and to seek God's guidance in all that we do. [45:49]
2 Kings 23:25 (ESV): "Before him there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses, nor did any like him arise after him."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle with obedience to God? How can you take a step towards total commitment in that area today?
### Day 3: Living Without Grumbling
Paul instructs us to do everything without grumbling or arguing so that we may be blameless and pure. This is a call to live differently from the world, to be a light in the darkness. By holding firm to the word of life and living clean, innocent lives, we become shining examples of God's love and righteousness. This requires intentionality and a sincere commitment to following Jesus' teachings.
Living without grumbling means adopting an attitude of gratitude and trust in God's plan, even when circumstances are challenging. It means choosing to focus on the positive and to be a source of encouragement to others. This attitude not only honors God but also sets us apart in a world that often focuses on negativity and complaints. [47:54]
Philippians 2:14-15 (ESV): "Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you found yourself grumbling or complaining. How can you change your perspective and respond with gratitude and trust in God instead?
### Day 4: Being Gleamers, Not Grumblers
The concept of being "gleamers" rather than "grumblers" emphasizes the importance of reflecting God's light in our daily lives. This means living righteously, practicing biblical hospitality, and showing genuine care and interest in others. By doing so, we become beacons of hope and love, standing out in a world filled with darkness. Our good deeds should point others to God and bring glory to Him.
Being a gleamer involves more than just avoiding negativity; it means actively seeking ways to bless and serve others. It means being intentional in our interactions and looking for opportunities to demonstrate God's love in practical ways. This kind of lifestyle not only impacts those around us but also strengthens our own faith and relationship with God. [55:07]
1 Peter 4:9-10 (ESV): "Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who could use encouragement or support. How can you show them genuine care and hospitality today?
### Day 5: Unstoppable Gleamers
Living a life dedicated to righteousness and being a light in the world makes us unstoppable. As Desmond Tutu said, people united in pursuit of a righteous cause are unstoppable. By seeking first God's kingdom and His righteousness, we bring value to others and shine the brightest. This requires sacrifice, intentionality, and a sincere commitment to living according to God's will.
Being an unstoppable gleamer means being unwavering in our commitment to God's principles, even when faced with opposition or challenges. It means being a consistent source of light and hope, regardless of the circumstances. This kind of dedication not only transforms our own lives but also has a profound impact on those around us, drawing them closer to God. [01:11:14]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can be more intentional about shining God's light? How can you take a step towards being an unstoppable gleamer today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Don't be a grumbler, be a gleamer. Gleaming the light of Jesus in our dark world. Theologian Jonathan Pennington says, Let your good deeds, the quote, let your good deeds, another term for righteousness, is to affect people such as the Heavenly Father would then be honored. Our good deeds are for not us. Our good deeds are for us to put ourselves on display and say, Hey, guys, look at me. Look what I've done. No. Nope. Trick question. The good deeds are for us to honor God and point others to him. This takes intentionality. This takes practice. This takes attention. This takes sincere commitment to living a life dedicated to righteousness and dedicated to being a light. Dedicated to being a gleamer." [01:00:55]
2. "Light is powerful. It cannot be overtaken by darkness. Because light pierces the darkness. Darkness cannot control it, cannot subdue it, cannot escape. It cannot extinguish it. Apostle Paul, Apostle John wrote, in Jesus was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it." [38:09]
3. "Living as lights of the world and shining like stars puts us in a position to demonstrate God's righteousness which is doing right by God and by other humans. Being guided and protected by God and standing out to those who live in the world's darkness. The prophet Isaiah wrote, I am the Lord. I have called you for a righteous purpose and I will hold you by your hand. I will watch over you and I will appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations. When we are God's lights, the nations take notice. The world sees through its darkness. From miles and miles away they see that little light. Don't be afraid. Don't be a grumbler. Be a gleamer." [01:05:56]
4. "Don't be a grumbler. Jesus said, look, I'm sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. Paul said in Romans 16, Therefore, I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise about what is good and yet innocent about what is evil. There and in the Philippians passage, Paul is teaching true followers of Jesus are to be morally faultless in the world. That's crooked and perverted by its failure. Failure to understand and follow the word of God. Believers are to be straight models for the world's distorted lives." [50:21]
5. "When we live and pray and pray and live to align with God's will, our whole life changes and people around us engage and they take notice. They see that we are gleamers. The New Living Translation put our passage like this in Philippians 2, 14 through 16. Do everything without complaining and arguing 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. 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. Shining like bright lights. He's saying here, don't be a grumbler, be a gleamer." [01:03:38]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul said, we are to shine like stars whose brilliance contrasts the darkened world. Jesus wants us to gleam his light, to be gleamers. So here's the phrase I want you to remember today and go home with. Don't be a grumbler, be a gleamer. Don't be a grumbler, be a gleamer." [51:29]
2. "The qualities of a gleamer. Paul said, continuing our obedience to follow the Jesus way. Working out our salvation with fear and trembling. Allowing God to work in us and through us. Doing everything without grumbling or complaining or arguing. Living blameless and pure lives. Shining like stars in the world. Being a welcome, welcoming person. By going out of our way to practice biblical hospitality of loving others and letting them see our good deeds because they lead them to the Father. This is everything Paul was trying to say. All this is how to live a righteous life. This is how we shine as lights to the world. This is how we are gleamers." [01:10:34]
3. "When we consider how to get saved, we realize there's nothing we can do ourselves. Bluntly, Paul said, for you are saved by grace through faith. It is not of yourselves. It is a gift from God. Even when we try to get out of our sticky situations that we put ourselves in or maybe the hole that we fell in is put there because of other sins or the sin in the world and the impact of that sin from the world. But we can't get out of that hole. We can't get out of that hole on our own. We're incapable of standing in front of God and saying, okay, God, look me up and down and tell me am I a good person. Whoa. Would you want to stand in front of God and ask him to tell you whether or not you are a good person? Maybe you have your own, we have our own checklist of what makes a good person, but would you want to have God tell you his? Would you be ready for that answer? No way I would." [41:02]
4. "So I think it's wise that we don't question God. We don't question God's motives and God's processes or submit that we don't need a Savior because we're good enough not to need one. We're not good enough to not need one. Paul said in Romans, For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. All of us equally are not good. No matter what our metrics are for good, we are not good in God's eyes, but on our own. So what Paul is suggesting in our Philippians passage is to have a level of humility to know that we need a Savior. That Savior is Jesus. And what God wants us to have is an appropriate degree of reverence to show Him appreciation by living our lives in a certain way, according to the Jesus way, rather than the world's way. When we do that, our lives are completely transformed from the inside out and that transformation is evident to everyone around us." [43:26]
5. "The world looks vastly different than followers of Jesus do, unless we assimilate into the world and begin to look like the world where there is no distinction, which is an unfortunate case, that oftentimes many Christians have. Oftentimes there is not enough distinction in their lives to look differently than the world. So how do we become distinct? Not extinct, but distinct. What's that like? Paul goes on, verses 14 through 16. Here's the hard part, guys. Do everything without grumbling or arguing so that you may be blameless and pure. Children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation. Among whom you shine like stars in the world by holding firm to the word of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn't run or labor for nothing." [47:16]
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