Being a Star on God’s Stage: Simplified discussion prompts for Philippians 2:12-16

Do you follow movie stars? Or music stars? Sports stars? Who is your favorite? Would you like to be a star?

Did you know that God wants us to be stars? Paul wrote in his letter: … you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.                 Philippians 2:15-16 (NIV)

Being a Star

Paul tells us that if we want to live like stars on God’s stage, we must live a different lifestyle. He says: …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, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. Philippians 2:12-16 (NIV)

What Paul is telling the Philippians when he says, work out your salvation, is simply keep on living out your faith.  Don’t give up or become lazy. For Paul, faith in Christ means obedience to Christ.  Not just by following rules or commandments, but by becoming completely devoted to Him.

Being a star takes work

If you read the biography of any “star”, whether it’s a musician, an actor, or an athlete, you’ll see that their success didn’t come without hard work and effort.  They might have immense talent, but for most it takes years or even a lifetime to become all that they are.

Someone once said, “It’s easy to become a Christian, but being a Christian is hard work.” Would you agree?                                                                                                                      

Becoming a Christian is about believing in Jesus, but being a Christian is about following Jesus. I don’t know about you, but for me it’s easy to believe but a lot harder to follow.  It’s about not just knowing but doing God’s Word.  It means learning how to love God with mind, body, and soul, and learning to love others in the way that Christ loves.  That’s hard work!

Not grumbling or arguing

Paul says: …. Do everything without grumbling or arguing….    Philippians. 2:14 We all find something to complain about.  The weather, the government, your job, your spouse, your kids, your friends, your church…. Being grumpy and complaining is more common for many of us than being joyful, positive and up-lifting.

God sometimes uses difficult situations in life to develop our character and grow our faith.  So, when things don’t go as you’d like them, instead of complaining about it, maybe we should be asking God what He wants us to learn though it. As followers of Christ, we should be acting like members of God’s family, living with an attitude of hope and joy, treating each other with love and respect, instead of complaining and arguing. 

What do you grumble or argue about? How can you change your attitude? What can you do instead?

It was Paul’s hope that he would someday stand before God and hear Him say to the Christians at Philippi, “Well done my good and faithful servants.  You have represented me well.  You have been stars on my stage, reflecting my light and my glory to the world.  Now come and receive your reward!” 

May He say the same to us.

Read easily on a Kindle reader. Buy one by clicking on this link: https://amzn.to/3YYJsd9. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.