stephen R Harrison

(Read Philippians 2:16)

Have you ever run a marathon?  I did.  I once ran 26.2 miles to raise money for planting a church. I mapped out the race route on my computer, drove it, and ran sections in preparation for the marathon.  I knew the path and pace I needed to run to finish strong.  I knew where my rest stops, refreshments, and rally points of encouragement would be. All that was left was to stick to that path and pace as I ran it. I didn’t need to deviate from my path and pace plan if I expected to finish the race well.  Thankfully, I ran the race strong and raised several thousand dollars to help start a new church.  

In Philippians 2:16, Paul asked the believers to “hold firmly to the word of life.”  This word of life was something Paul had spoken of in 1 Thessalonians 2:13 when he said, “And we also thank God continually because when you received the Word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it is, the Word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.” They heard the Word, and now they must hold fast to it. This wasn’t for salvation, as they weren’t striving to be saved. They weren’t working for their salvation but staying true to the mission of salvation to win the lost. Paul felt confident he could then boast on the Day of Christ that the Philippians did their part by holding fast to the Word by striving to accomplish its gospel mission (the Great Commission). They would then shine like stars in a crooked and perverse generation.  

On the Day of Christ, our life’s work will be examined.  1 Corinthians 3:11-15 says our works will be brought to light, and those done in vain apart from Christ’s mission for our lives will be burned up while our salvation remains. We aren’t working for salvation, as we can do nothing to earn it.  We work from salvation. Each saved person must carry out God’s purpose and call, share the gospel, and make disciples. “Running” is a metaphor for Paul’s labor in his missionary work.  He didn’t want the Philippians to deviate from God’s gospel path and plan.  He didn’t want to run and finish well. He desired his life’s effort for Christ to be fruitful. The Philippians could only make this happen by holding fast to the Word of life Paul has shared with them.  Not holding fast meant someone cut in on their excellent run and kept them from obeying the truth (Galatians 5:7). Paul wanted them to “run in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24).

Questions for the Head (Think)

• Are you firmly holding on to God’s Word? 

Reflection for the Heart (Worship)

• Let the Lord reveal where others have cut in on your good race. Where have you deviated from God’s Word?

Action for the Hands (Do)

• Identify one area where you have deviated from the Word.  How did this happen?  How do you get back on track?  What’s the first step?