By Ruth Dusingize 
Introduction: Jesus Christ is the Light of the World and Christians are called to be lights in this dark world, as declared by Jesus Christ and Apostle Paul. Light as well, symbolises mission during the Early Church which was tied to continuing Jesus’ mission. This week, we dive into what being lights in the world means with examples drawn from Paul and his two disciples, Timothy and Epaphroditus.
Memory Text: Philippians 2:14-15(NKJV)[14]Do all things without complaining and disputing,[15]that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.
SABBATH: This week’s study reminds us that true wisdom and light come only through obedience and a living connection with Jesus. God told Israel their obedience would reveal His wisdom to the nations (Deut. 4:6), and Christ declared, “You are the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14).
We reflect that light only as we stay united with “the true Light” (John 1:9). Exalted above every name, Jesus empowers believers to shine for Him. Paul urges us to surrender self, cooperate with God, and let His love shine through us to a darkened world.
SUNDAY: We work out what God works in
We are saved by grace through faith, for it is a free gift from the Lord. When we undergo a new birth(baptism), God recreates us spiritually, therefore, enabling us to do good works.
Furthermore, the Holy Spirit works in us, empowering our will to do that which pleases God by resisting temptations and making the right choices. Therefore, the call to work out our salvation with fear and trembling is a call to take God’s saving grace seriously and act accordingly in respect to this.
READ: Acts 16:13-15,32,33, Philippians 2:12&13, Romans 3:23&24; 5:8, Ephesians 2:8-10, Psalms 2:11).
MONDAY: Light in a dark world
For us to be shining lights in this dark world, we need unity, which is only produced through our union with God and surrendering to obey His word.
Drawing an example from Job, whose character was faultless and pure, we’re called to avoid anything that pulls us into conformity to this world’s standards, but rather holding fast onto the word of God. Only by being different from this world can we be shining lights in this dark world.
READ: Philippians 2:14-16, Job 1:1,8; 2:3; 11:4; 33:9, Romans 16:19, Psalms 101:3; 1, Corinthians 9:24-27.
TUESDAY: A living sacrifice
In the Old Testament times, a portion of a drink was poured out as an offering to God. Though considered ‘wasteful’, similarly to Mary Magdalene’s costly anointing of Jesus’ feet, this represented Christ’s infinite sacrifice for our salvation.
Paul would rejoice if his life were poured out as an offering to God. In the same way, the Philippians dedicated their lives wholly to the cause of the Gospel, Paul urges us to do the same even now.
READ: Philippians 1:20-23, 2:17; 2 Timothy 4:6, Romans 12:1&2, 1 Corinthians 11:1; Genesis 35:14, 2 Samuel 23:15-17, Mark 14:3-9, Numbers 28:1-15, Acts 17:11; 18:26.
WEDNESDAY: Proven character
Timothy is considered a dear son and gospel co-worker with Paul. He is described as an evangelist, a diligent worker of God and a faithful messenger. Above all, Paul considers him as one who shares the same mind as his.
Even when faced with trials and tribulations, Timothy remained faithful to God and his character was proven to be genuine. Likewise, we’re encouraged to hold onto our faith despite the trials for when they’re well endured, a Christ-like character will be built in us.
READ: Philippians 2:19-23; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 2 Timothy 1:5; 2 Corinthians 9:13.
THURSDAY: Hold such men in esteem
Drawing great lessons from Epaphroditus, an active believer who had love for his fellow believers, the people of Philippi, whom he loved so much. Despite being struck down by sickness, almost overcome by death, Epaphroditus kept strong in faith.
Paul urges us to learn from him and Timothy and hold them in high regard not because of wealth or social status, but because of their sacrificial spirit in following Jesus’ example.
READ: Philippians 1:25; 2:6-11,25-30; 4:18; Acts 24:23; 2 Timothy 4:21,13; 1 Peter 2:4,6.
FRIDAY: Further thought
The time is not far distant when the test will come to every soul. The mark of the beast will be urged upon us. Those who have step by step yielded to worldly demands and conformed to worldly customs will not find it a hard matter to yield to the powers that be, rather than subject themselves to derision, insult, threatened imprisonment, and death. Satan will sorely harass the faithful; but, in the name of Jesus, they will come off more than conquerors.
READ: The Desire of Ages page 549 and Testimonies for the Church vol.5 pages 81 and 82 by Ellen G White
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- In what ways have you experienced Christ working in you? How, though, does your fallen nature fight against what God is doing in you, and how can you resist that pull?
- If there are areas of your life that you would consider “worldly”(and there probably are), how can you be cleansed from them?
- Reflect on what it would mean for your life to be a “living sacrifice”. How much do you sacrifice for the kingdom of God, and what does your answer tell you about yourself?
- Think about the provocations, hardships and annoyances you have faced recently. Have these been “meekly borne” and “well endured”? What can you do to enable these experiences to help make you more disciplined?
- How can we understand the concept of working out our own salvation without falling into the trap of legalism?
Edwin Kyle Kule