Philippians 2:16
Verse
Context
Sermons
Denny Kenaston
George Verwer
David Wilkerson
Francois Fenelon
J.C. PhilpotSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Holding forth the word of life - An allusion, some think, to those towers which were built at the entrance of harbours, on which fires were kept during the night to direct ships into the port. Genuine Christians, by their holy lives and conversation, are the means of directing others, not only how to escape those dangers to which they are exposed on the tempestuous ocean of human life, but also of leading them into the haven of eternal safety and rest. That I have not run in vain - This appears to be a part of the same metaphor; and alludes to the case of a weather-beaten mariner who has been long tossed on a tempestuous sea, in hazy weather and dark nights, who has been obliged to run on different tacks, and labor intensely to keep his ship from foundering, but is at last, by the assistance of the luminous fire on the top of the tower, directed safely into port. Live so to glorify God and do good to men, that it shall appear that I have not run and labored in vain for your salvation.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Holding forth--to them, and so applying it (the common meaning of the Greek; perhaps here including also the other meaning, "holding fast"). The image of light-bearers or luminaries is carried on from Phi 2:15. As the heavenly luminaries' light is closely connected with the life of animals, so ye hold forth the light of Christ's "word" (received from me) which is the "life" of the Gentiles (Joh 1:4; Jo1 1:1, Jo1 1:5-7). Christ is "the Light of the world" (Joh 8:12); believers are only "light-bearers" reflecting His light. that I may rejoice in--literally, "with a view to (your being) a subject of rejoicing to me against the day of Christ" (Phi 4:1; Co2 1:14; Th1 2:19). that I have not run in vain--that it was not in vain that I labored for your spiritual good.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Holding forth the word of life,.... By which may be meant, either Christ the essential Word, in whom life was, and is, and who is called the quick or living Word, Joh 1:1; and here may be styled the Word of life, because he has all life in him; he has a divine life in him, as God, he is the living God; and it is given to him to have life in himself, as Mediator, for all his people; and he ever lives as man to make intercession for them: and because he is the author of life in every sense, of natural life to all men, of spiritual and eternal life to as many as the Father has given him: or else the Gospel is intended, and the doctrines of it; and which are sometimes called the words of eternal life, and of this life, Joh 6:68; and that because they are a means of quickening dead sinners, they are a savour of life unto life, Co2 2:16, and the Spirit that giveth life, and of enlivening and comforting living saints; they treat of Christ who is the life; by the Gospel, life and immortality are brought to light; that gives an account of everlasting life; points out Christ as the way to it, shows that meetness for it lies in regenerating grace, and a right unto it is in the righteousness of Christ. Now this Word of life is held forth, partly by the preaching of it to a dark world, as by some; and partly by professing it publicly, as it should be by all who are enlightened with it; and also by living lives and conversations becoming and suitable to it, That I may rejoice in the day of Christ. The apostle having observed the advantages that would accrue to themselves, and the benefit they might be of to the men of the world, by regarding the several exhortations he had given them, and which ends he mentions as reasons and arguments to enforce them, closes with taking notice of the use and service it would be to himself; it would give him joy and pleasure when Christ should come a second time to judge the world; and when dead in Christ would be raised, and set at his right hand, and these among the rest, to whom the apostle had been useful; and who continued to bear an honourable testimony in the world to Christ, and his Gospel, to the end: that I have not run in vain, nor laboured in vain; being blessed with such converts under his ministry, as were a credit to religion, an honour to the Gospel, and a crown of rejoicing to him. He expresses his ministerial function, and the discharge of it, by running in a race, as the ministry of a person is sometimes called his course, Act 13:25; in allusion to the Olympic games, which the apostle often refers to, when the conqueror obtained a crown; and it was enough for our apostle, and a crown of rejoicing to him, that his spiritual children walked in the truth, and as became it, to the end: and also by labour, and hard service, as the ministerial work is, when faithfully performed; and especially as his was, which was attended with so many difficulties, and yet with such constancy, diligence, and indefatigableness, all which was not in vain; and he could look back upon it with pleasure, when his followers stood fast in the faith, and adorned the doctrine of Christ.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:16 Hold firmly to the word of life: Believers must maintain their faith in Christ’s life-giving Good News. God is faithful, but they, too, must remain faithful (1:6; 2:12-13). • run the race: Paul frequently uses athletic language as a metaphor for the Christian life (see 3:12-14; 1 Cor 9:24, 26; Gal 2:2; 5:7; 2 Tim 4:7).
Philippians 2:16
Lights in the World
15so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world16as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
How Do I Humble Myself? (Part 1)
By Denny Kenaston2.2K1:05:58Humble YourselfPSA 138:6ISA 66:2MAT 6:33PHP 2:161TI 3:16HEB 12:1JAS 4:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of humility in the kingdom of God. He shares a personal story of giving money to a beggar and witnessing the man's gratitude and brokenness before God. The speaker encourages listeners to humble themselves by getting on their knees and acknowledging their need for God's grace. He also urges them to identify and lay aside their besetting sins. The sermon concludes with a reminder of Jesus' example of humility and His teachings on the subject.
Joy
By George Verwer1.2K38:28JoyPSA 16:11PSA 51:12HAB 3:17MAT 6:33PHP 2:2PHP 2:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in the Lord always, even in difficult circumstances. He acknowledges that life can be challenging and filled with irritations, but encourages listeners to find joy in their hearts and express it wisely. The speaker shares a personal story of a team member who was angry with their leader for a mistake that almost cost their lives, but the leader responded with praise to the Lord, diffusing the situation. The sermon concludes with the reminder that when we reach the end of ourselves and our own strength, that is when God wants to meet us.
Holding Forth the Word of Life
By David Wilkerson0Trusting in God's PromisesFaithfulness of GodPSA 34:7ISA 41:10JHN 14:27ROM 8:31PHP 2:16PHP 3:132TI 4:7HEB 13:51PE 5:7REV 21:4David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of holding forth the Word of life as Paul describes in Philippians 2:16, reflecting on the day when believers will stand in Christ's presence and witness the unveiling of redemption's secrets. He paints a vivid picture of the glory and power of God that will be revealed, assuring us that we were never in danger and that God's angels were always with us. Wilkerson urges us to trust in God's faithfulness and to let go of our past worries, focusing instead on the promises of the future. He encourages believers to live in a way that they can rejoice on that glorious day, having fully trusted in God's purposes. Ultimately, he reminds us that to embrace our future in Christ, we must first release our past.
The Love of Souls, a Necessary Qualification for the Ministerial Office
By Samuel Davies0ACT 20:28ACT 26:182CO 1:12PHP 2:16COL 3:41TH 2:82TI 4:2Samuel Davies preaches about the importance of the love of souls as a necessary qualification for the ministerial office, emphasizing the need for ministers to possess a constellation of graces and virtues, including love of God and man, compassion, meekness, and humility. He highlights the selfless and sacrificial love displayed by the apostle Paul towards the Thessalonians, willing to impart not only the gospel but also his own life for their sake. Davies urges ministers to ingratiate themselves with mankind through genuine love, to affect their hearers deeply, to be diligent and laborious in their ministry, to bear hardships with patience, and to avoid anything low or offensive in their conduct.
The Advantage of Humiliation
By Francois Fenelon0PSA 119:11MAT 13:9EPH 5:18PHP 2:16COL 3:161TI 6:172TI 2:15TIT 3:62PE 1:11The preacher delves into the meaning of 'plousios' (richly) in the Bible, emphasizing its implications of abundance and value, both materially and spiritually. The sermon explores how letting the Word of Christ dwell richly within us involves quantity and degree, urging believers to apply and use it in all aspects of life. Various Bible verses are examined to illustrate the concept of dwelling in God's Word richly and the transformative impact it can have on individuals.
Life Given for a Prey
By J.C. Philpot0ROM 4:21CO 5:6GAL 6:4PHP 2:16HEB 3:6The preacher discusses the concept of boasting in the Bible, distinguishing between proper and improper boasting. He emphasizes the importance of boasting in the Lord and His work rather than in oneself. The sermon delves into the idea of running the race of faith without running in vain, highlighting the need for believers to live faithfully and endure to the end to receive the imperishable prize awaiting them at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Holding forth the word of life - An allusion, some think, to those towers which were built at the entrance of harbours, on which fires were kept during the night to direct ships into the port. Genuine Christians, by their holy lives and conversation, are the means of directing others, not only how to escape those dangers to which they are exposed on the tempestuous ocean of human life, but also of leading them into the haven of eternal safety and rest. That I have not run in vain - This appears to be a part of the same metaphor; and alludes to the case of a weather-beaten mariner who has been long tossed on a tempestuous sea, in hazy weather and dark nights, who has been obliged to run on different tacks, and labor intensely to keep his ship from foundering, but is at last, by the assistance of the luminous fire on the top of the tower, directed safely into port. Live so to glorify God and do good to men, that it shall appear that I have not run and labored in vain for your salvation.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Holding forth--to them, and so applying it (the common meaning of the Greek; perhaps here including also the other meaning, "holding fast"). The image of light-bearers or luminaries is carried on from Phi 2:15. As the heavenly luminaries' light is closely connected with the life of animals, so ye hold forth the light of Christ's "word" (received from me) which is the "life" of the Gentiles (Joh 1:4; Jo1 1:1, Jo1 1:5-7). Christ is "the Light of the world" (Joh 8:12); believers are only "light-bearers" reflecting His light. that I may rejoice in--literally, "with a view to (your being) a subject of rejoicing to me against the day of Christ" (Phi 4:1; Co2 1:14; Th1 2:19). that I have not run in vain--that it was not in vain that I labored for your spiritual good.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Holding forth the word of life,.... By which may be meant, either Christ the essential Word, in whom life was, and is, and who is called the quick or living Word, Joh 1:1; and here may be styled the Word of life, because he has all life in him; he has a divine life in him, as God, he is the living God; and it is given to him to have life in himself, as Mediator, for all his people; and he ever lives as man to make intercession for them: and because he is the author of life in every sense, of natural life to all men, of spiritual and eternal life to as many as the Father has given him: or else the Gospel is intended, and the doctrines of it; and which are sometimes called the words of eternal life, and of this life, Joh 6:68; and that because they are a means of quickening dead sinners, they are a savour of life unto life, Co2 2:16, and the Spirit that giveth life, and of enlivening and comforting living saints; they treat of Christ who is the life; by the Gospel, life and immortality are brought to light; that gives an account of everlasting life; points out Christ as the way to it, shows that meetness for it lies in regenerating grace, and a right unto it is in the righteousness of Christ. Now this Word of life is held forth, partly by the preaching of it to a dark world, as by some; and partly by professing it publicly, as it should be by all who are enlightened with it; and also by living lives and conversations becoming and suitable to it, That I may rejoice in the day of Christ. The apostle having observed the advantages that would accrue to themselves, and the benefit they might be of to the men of the world, by regarding the several exhortations he had given them, and which ends he mentions as reasons and arguments to enforce them, closes with taking notice of the use and service it would be to himself; it would give him joy and pleasure when Christ should come a second time to judge the world; and when dead in Christ would be raised, and set at his right hand, and these among the rest, to whom the apostle had been useful; and who continued to bear an honourable testimony in the world to Christ, and his Gospel, to the end: that I have not run in vain, nor laboured in vain; being blessed with such converts under his ministry, as were a credit to religion, an honour to the Gospel, and a crown of rejoicing to him. He expresses his ministerial function, and the discharge of it, by running in a race, as the ministry of a person is sometimes called his course, Act 13:25; in allusion to the Olympic games, which the apostle often refers to, when the conqueror obtained a crown; and it was enough for our apostle, and a crown of rejoicing to him, that his spiritual children walked in the truth, and as became it, to the end: and also by labour, and hard service, as the ministerial work is, when faithfully performed; and especially as his was, which was attended with so many difficulties, and yet with such constancy, diligence, and indefatigableness, all which was not in vain; and he could look back upon it with pleasure, when his followers stood fast in the faith, and adorned the doctrine of Christ.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:16 Hold firmly to the word of life: Believers must maintain their faith in Christ’s life-giving Good News. God is faithful, but they, too, must remain faithful (1:6; 2:12-13). • run the race: Paul frequently uses athletic language as a metaphor for the Christian life (see 3:12-14; 1 Cor 9:24, 26; Gal 2:2; 5:7; 2 Tim 4:7).