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. (Philippians 2:15)
The word used in this verse for “lights” is only used twice in the New Testament. The Greek word comes from the root for “light.” The root word most often references the thing light, not what produces it. However, the word is used of God. In 1 John 1:5, we read that “God is light.” This is not reference to Him being the source of light (which He is) but that He is in a state of light or illumination (there is no darkness in him, 1 John 1:5). That is why in 1 John 1:7 we are told to walk in the light as He is in the light. We are to be in a state of illumination or living in light. Our existence is to be shining as light.
The “lights” in our verse above were used in secular Greek to refer to stars or constellations. This was because they were constantly in a state of light or illumination. From what I have studied, this word was not used for heavenly bodies that reflected light (e.g., asteroids, comets, moons). (There was a word for Star. It referred to the object but not necessarily to the light. Thus, this word could include moons, etc.) This is important in the context of Philippians Chapter Two. As Christians, we do reflect the light of God. In that sense, we are represented by Scripture as being moons reflecting Light. Yet, in our context, we are given the personal responsibility of producing light. We must “work” out our own salvation (verse 12). So, in Philippians Chapter Two, we are self-illuminating lights.
Paul told the Philippians in 2:2 that he wanted them united in love and purpose. They should be living and teaching the same things. They were to all have the mind of Christ (verse 5). This was a personal responsibility, as each person must work out his own salvation, but the world needed to see the church as a united group. While other Scriptures teach that each person is to make his light shine, the context of Philippians Chapter Two points to a plurality of lights working together to present one message – one light.
Just as the physical heavenly lights have the purpose of communicating days, years and seasons, so Christians working together in unity present a message that “now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Travelers in ancient times used the stars and constellations to guide them. They knew if they followed the proper constellations that they would arrive in the right place. Those who are spiritually lost need to see our constellations shining in the darkness of their lives. They need the guidance of our light.
It is a fact that the constellation of Christians does communicate the message of salvation; it holds “forth the word of life” (Philippians 2:16). It is necessary for the lights of the constellation to all be illuminating. If some become too dim to be viewed, the constellation cannot be properly found. The message is harmed. If some of the stars decide to form a different message, the proper message is difficult to find.
Make sure you know how to be a part of God’s spiritual constellation. Study your Bible. Learn all you can. Then, obey Him. If you are having trouble understanding these things, ask an adult to help you.
