If We're Wrong, That's OK. I'd Rather Live A Life With Godly Virtues, Than With All The Hate, That Is Around Me.

Philippians 2:12

Therefore, my faithful and devoted family, just as you always heeded and conformed to God’s commands and authority, not as in my presence only but presently in my absence, fashion yourselves as one fit for salvation with reverence and as one who religiously does his utmost to fulfill his duty.

As Paul finishes with his fire and brimstone theological lesson, in verses 5-11, he compliments the Philippians on their faithfulness. Believe it or not, there are some that say you shouldn't compliment, praise or be boastful in the church. Obviously, Paul had no problems with it. Honestly, it depends on why you are boasting, having pride or praising the behavior of someone. If it's for a good thing, then praise and have some pride in godly people. As long as it doesn't lead to sinful practices, like envy, lust, wanton behavior, etc. Keep in mind that the litmus test is conformation to God's commands and authority. Otherwise, be obedient as the Messiah, giving allegiance to God alone.

Here, Paul also reminds us to act like you belong to the Messiah. So many Christians think that we have a freedom to do whatever we want, no consequenses. In reality, whatever we do, we are covered by the Blood of Y'shua's sacrifice. In the previous verses, remember he tells us to have the mind of the Messiah. Therefore, even though our sins are covered by the Blood of Christ, it doesn't mean we should live our lives haphazardly, with a total disregard to what the Law says. No, we are to live according to the Law of God, having the Blood of Christ to cover our daily mistakes and to remind us of the price of our freedom. Freedom is not being allowed to do what we want, it is the freedom from the ramifications of our choices.

In our daily lives, we are to allow the Spirit of God to conform us to God's Will. It is this desire and the outwardly actions that shows that we are fit for the salvation that God has given to all the Remnant, through the sacrificial Blood of his Son, Y'shua.

Philippians 2:13

For God, who works for and in you indeed takes delight in you working for his pleasure and satisfaction.

If we are the Remnant of God, through the Messiah, then we should be making the daily commitment to allow God's Spirit to work in and for us, for we are allowing ourselves to be an extension of God, working to fulfill his Will. There is nothing that makes God more happy than when we freely allow him to work through us.

Philippians 2:14-15

Do everything without grudging or dispute that arises from doubt, in order to become blameless and innocent children of God, without moral faults, amongst a perverse generation, who has turned their backs on the ways of God, among whom you shine as lights in the world ... 

Most commentators say that this is a daily physical struggle within our daily lives, as we live our lives with each other. However, this goes much deeper. This is also reveals the struggle within us and against the spirits that constantly badger us to do the will of Satan, instead of the Will of God. The external battle, within this world is won within the Spiritual Realm, in which resides our true selves and where God Reigns supremely. If we allow the Spirit of God to reign supremely within us, we will automatically be that shining beacon of light, that the Messiah wants us to be and we will not turn our backs on the Ways of God.

Philippians 2:16

… holding onto, applying and observing the Word of Life, so in the day of the Messiah, I can boast because I did not run in vain nor work in vain.

I know I sound like a broken record, but how do we allow the Spirit of God to conform us. It's quite simple, we allow the Word of God to manifest in our minds, in the same way that the Word of God manifested into the Son of God. When we receive the gift of salvation, by receiving the Word of God, which is Y'shua and step out in obedience, by baptism, the Holy Spirit takes over and begins to conform us to God's image. This is what God had designed, when he first created to first Adam.

Also, when we help edify each other, we can spiritually boast in the Lord.

Philippians 2:17-18

nevertheless even if I am a drink offering upon sacrifice of taking an office at my own fruition, all of your faith rejoice and rejoice with you all. You should also rejoice and rejoice with me.

As I read this, I'm reminded of the thoughts that Satan and his evil ones occasionally put in my head. Every once in a while, our of the blue, Satan puts the thought of, "What if I'm wrong?" in my head. This is easily squashed by the Spirit of God, but the fact remains that Satan used this type of spiritual with Paul and he continues to use it today. It's usually followed by "Is there really a God?". This cracks me up.

I usually shout out the same things, to Satan and his evils one,

"If there wasn't a God, then why do you keep bothering me."

"If there isn't a God, then why does the Spiritual Battle constantly rage within me?"

"Satan, You do realize, that by the simple fact that you are constantly tempting me with things I definitely don’t want to do, it actually proves that you exist and if you exist, then God exists and with each battle, My Faith Increases."

But, back to the verse. When Paul says that even if I am a drink offering, he saying that even if we are doing all these things for our own will or for ourselves, not God's, then that's ok. Rejoice, because we are better human beings, as a result. Rejoice and Rejoice with each other. I'd Rather Live A Life With Godly Virtues, Than With All The Hate, That Is Around Me.