Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

July 26
Sunday


ROLE MODELS

READ:
Philippians 2:12-18
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Do all things without
complaining and
disputing, that you may
become blameless and
harmless, children of
God without fault.
__Philippians 2:14-15
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During a summer of international sports scandals involving gambling and substance abuse, two athletes were applauded for their character as much as their professional accomplishments. A record crowd of 75,000 cheered Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn during their 2007 induction into the National Baseball hall of Fame. "Whether we like it or not," Ripken said, "as big leaguers, we are role models. The only question is, will it be
positive or will it be negative?"

Gwynn echoed the sentiment: "There's more than just playing the game of baseball....You're responsible, you've got to make good decisions and show people how things are supposed to be done."

Every day, people are watching us. As followers of Christ, we are guided by Paul's challenge to "become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" (Phil. 2:15).

Compromise causes others to become disillusioned, while character fosters hope. As the life of our Savior flows out from us, we can encourage others and point them to Him.

What kind of role model will we be for someone watching today?
__David McCasland
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````````````````Guard well your life, to the Savior be true;``````````
````````````````Many are watching each deed that you do;``````````
````````````````Hence if you stumble and fall in deep sin,```````````
`````````````It will prove harder lost souls here to win. __Bosch`````
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The best role models model christ.

**************Today's Bible Reading __ Philippians 2:12-18*********

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

14 Do all things without
complaining and disputing,

15 that you may become
blameless and harmless,
children of God without
fault in the midst of
a crooked and perverse
generation, among whom
you shine as lights in the
world, 16 holding fast the
word of life, so that I may
rejoice in the day of Christ
that I have not run in vain
or labored in vain. 17 Yes,
and if I am being poured
out as a drink offering on
the sacrifice and service of
your faith, I am glad and
rejoice with you all. 18 For
the same reason you also be
glad and rejoice with me.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

The "therefore" in verse 12 connects to the preceding passage (2:1-
11). Christians are told not to work for their salvation, for it is a gift
from God (Eph. 2:8-9). Rather, having received salvation, they are
to "work out" their salvation. Living as God's children, they are to
put others before self, follow Christ's example in servanthood and
to be blameless and pure and a shining light to a darkened world
(vv.14-15). __SIM KAY TEE