Philippians 2:12-18

STP Devotional for the Week of 10/27/25

Don’t you love when God lines up your Bible study with something from your daily life? God lined up our devo today with our upcoming show Around the World in 80 Days! This is a not-a-TTA takeover, but these TTAs in your class who are in the show: Mon. 4-8: Aria, Avery, Eden C., Henry, Kenzie, Khloe, Tirzah H.; Mon. 8-13: Brighton, Cailyn, Eden H., Jonathan, Megan H., Sue; Mon. 14-18: Elisha, Noah, Sarah L., Zach, Hayleigh; Tues. 8-13: Mia, Abi, Anna, Caleb, Eliana, Lana, Melina, Sarah C.; Tues. 14-18: Rachel Boland (Stage Mgr.); Weds. Homeschool: Cameron, Cat, Emily, Laura, Lydia; Weds. 14-18: Christa, Laura, Jadon.

Paul has been encouraging the Philippians and us to commit our lives wholeheartedly to Christ.

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, or it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13

If you remember, God began a good work in us (the past), will bring it to completion (the future), and we are to hold fast to the word of God that we may tell others the news (the present). (Philippians 1:6, 2:16)

If we want God’s grace and peace, there are certain things we must do.

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Philippians 2:14-16

In verse 14, Paul tells us we must “do all things without grumbling.” To me this is one of the more difficult things to get control of. I grumble while I’m driving. In case you didn’t know, I’m the best driver and everyone should drive like me. When they don’t . . . I grumble. This may seem trivial, but Paul does use the word “all.” It’s quite humbling. Passepartout initially grumbles about the trip but winds up being Fogg’s greatest ally and assistant.

When we curb our grumbling and deny self, we become “blameless and innocent, children of God” (v15). This creates a light in us that the whole world sees and wants. Around the World in 80 Days opens October 29 (https://go.stp.life/tickets). Our main character Phileas Fogg carries his light in a bag. Because he had a bad experience sharing the gospel, he became fearful of man and chose not to share God with anyone. If we’ve learned anything from our study in Philippians, it’s that we are to fearlessly preach the gospel and choose joy in all circumstances, good and bad.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:16 that we must not hide our lights under a bushel. When we shine for Jesus, we “give glory to our Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16). Fogg must learn throughout our story that God is glorified even in negative situations. Every step of Fogg and Passepartout’s journey is fraught with danger, delays, and discouraging encounters.

When we feel our light dimming, how should we recharge? Through God’s word/Word (both small and capital “W’s!” Psalm 119:106 states, “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path.” We can increase our light through Him, encouraging others to seek Christ for themselves.

Paul concludes this section with:

Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me. Philippians 2:17-18

Increasing our light to encourage others fuels our ability to rejoice and be glad.

AT HOME:

• What kind of response should we have when we consider what Jesus did for us?

• Why do you think Paul stresses the importance of doing everything without grumbling or arguing?