1. Shine Don’t Whine! (Phil 2:15) – “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.”

The word “shine” is φαίνω: (fah’-ee-no), which means to bring to light, or it can mean to cause to appear. In other words, we are to bring LIGHT to a dark world. Keep in mind, men love darkness rather than light. Since we are living in a warped and perverse nation (mixed up and confused), we need to turn the light on! Are you lighting up your world?

2. Hold Forth and Look Forward! (Phil 2:15) – “Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.”

The word “hold forth” is ἐπέχω, ep-ekh’-o), which means to hold fast, to hold toward, or can even mean to stop. In its usage, it can mean to delay or wait or pay attention. The word “vain” means empty, worthless. The word “laboured” is κοπιάω, (kop-ee-ah’-o). It suggests to grow weary, or to toil. In other words, the message is to every Christian to keep serving the Lord as tiring and weary as it may be because we will stand before Him in glory one day.