(12/16/18) Dio Yang
Shining like Stars in a Crooked Generation

Intro: Ours is a crooked and depraved generation (2 Tim 3:1-5, 12-13)

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. (vv 1-5)

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. (vv 12-13)

Scriptures: Philippians 2:12-16

1. Work out our salvation with fear and trembling

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (v 12)

2. To will and to act according to God’s good purpose

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.” (v 13)

3. Be blameless without complaining and arguing

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing” (v 14)

4. Shine like stars by holding out the word of life

“So that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold out the word of life.” (vv 15-16)

Conclusion: In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matt 5:16)

By the inner working of the Holy Spirit, we can be the light of world!

Speaker: Dio Yang