READ:
Philippians 2:15a
15a That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke.
EXHORTATION:
Herein is God’s expectation of how His children ought to be in this world of sin and violence. There must be a marked difference in their conduct from that of the unregenerate people of this world. Christians ought to shine as lights in this dark world; that would be possible if and only if they are what the Spirit of God urges them to be in today’s text.
First and foremost, as sons of God, Christians ought to be “blameless”. The original Greek word for “blameless” (amemptoi) carries the idea of “above reproach”. All God’s children must know that it is our Father’s will that we live a life that is not marred by accusations of misconduct. We must not allow any occasion to be charged with wrongdoing. This is not to say that we will not be falsely accused of wrongdoing. But rather we must not be insincere professors of our Christian faith. We Christians must be like Paul, who said, “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day” (Acts 23:1).
Secondly, as sons of God, Christians are encouraged to be “harmless”. The original Greek word for “harmless” (akéraios) appears only one more time in the New Testament, in Matthew 10:16 – “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” The idea denoted by the word seems to be “without guile”. Christians are exhorted here to bear an untainted testimony.
A person who is truly justified by faith will surely pursue a sanctified life. The evidence of a sanctified life is expected in all God’s children. How could those who live unsanctified lives be truly said to be “God’s sons”? Those who have become the sons of God by faith will have a desire to live a holy life and will constantly seek to lay aside every sin that does easily beset them. God’s children will not become sinless immediately, but they, being guided by His Spirit and truth, will endeavour to please their Father by walking in holiness and bearing a good testimony.
A commitment to live a holy life is necessary, for all children of God are exhorted to be “without rebuke”. To be “without rebuke” is to live without giving any cause for complaints against oneself. Oh, how careful every child of God ought to be in this world, which is full of temptations and provocations! So, be watchful and be prayerful to bear a good testimony at all times.