Philippians 2:5-15

As a follower of Christ three ideas are settled:

1. We are the creation of God made in His will.
   
   
2. We have a purpose on this earth.
   
   
3. We will someday find eternal life in Jesus.
   
   

These three truths set our lives on a purposeful trajectory with Jesus as our Lord.

We are to shine as lights in a dark world.

How do we do that?
Let me give you two thoughts:

1. In our works

Matthew 5:14-16

We shine as we serve others.  

• The church in unity is supposed to shine. 
  
  
• The individual shines when they serve others.

2. Through our character

The demonstrated life of the believer.

We need the light to shine brightly in the world through the church, but it must also shine brightly through the witness of believers in life: the witness of love, joy, and peace being evident every day to those around us.

Philippians 2:14-15

God does not expect us to do this on our own.  

God will be a light in us so that by nature we walk in His character.

Love, Joy, and Peace

1. Love is the life driven by a desire for the best for others.
   
   
2. Joy is the life that reflects the abiding presence of God in us.
   
   
3. Peace is the life that finds rest in the promises of God.