Elder Peck Thian Guan

"Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain." (Philippians 2:16)

The Apostle Paul frequently used the imagery of athletics to illustrate the Christian life. In Philippians 2:16, he spoke of running and labouring, suggesting an athlete striving toward a goal and rejoicing upon completing the race.

The image of a race is one we can all relate to. We can imagine an Olympic athlete crossing the finishing line after years of preparation and hard work. In many ways, life itself is a race. Every person is pursuing something. The question is not whether we are running, but what race we are running and what prize we hope to obtain.

Many people, even Christians, are caught up in what is often called the "rat race". They devote themselves to pursuing worldly success, wealth and human recognition. They spend long hours at work, often sacrificing time with family, ministry opportunities, and even their own physical and spiritual well-being.

While the Bible commends diligence, excellence and faithful stewardship, these pursuits become misdirected when earthly accolades become the ultimate goals of life. The Bible teaches that believers will one day appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ. This is not a judgment concerning salvation, for salvation is secured through faith in Jesus Christ. Rather, it is an evaluation of the believer's life and service. God will assess how we have run our earthly race. Our works can be like gold, silver and precious stones, or like wood, hay, and stubble (1 Cor 3:12). When tested by fire, the valuable materials remain, while the worthless materials are consumed.

In Philippians 2:16, as believers run their race, we are called to hold forth the Word of Life. The phrase "word of life" refers to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and all that the Bible stands for. It is called the Word of Life because it is the message that brings life to those who are spiritually dead. Through the Gospel, sinners receive forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and the promise of eternal life.

The Gospel stands in sharp contrast to all human systems of religion. Human efforts, philosophies and religious rituals cannot save the soul. They may improve behaviour or provide moral guidance, but they cannot remove sin or grant eternal life. God’s law reveals man's sinfulness (Rom 3:20) but cannot provide the power to save. The Gospel alone proclaims salvation through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Cor 15:3). It is truly the Word of Life because it offers the life that only God can give.

What, then, does it mean to hold forth the Word of Life? The phrase conveys the idea of presenting or displaying something to others. Christians are to present the truth of God's Word to a lost and dying world. People around us are navigating life without spiritual direction. They face the dangers of sin, hopelessness, and eternal damnation from God. Believers are called to point them toward Christ.

This responsibility involves more than sharing the Gospel. Genuine Christians hold forth the Word of Life through both their words and their conduct. Their lives become visible testimonies of the transforming power of God's grace. As people observe their character, attitudes and actions, they see evidence of Christ at work within them. Paul provided practical instructions in Philippians 2 on how believers should live as they hold forth God's Word.

First, Christians should avoid striving and acting out of vain glory (Phil 2:3a). Many conflicts arise because people seek personal recognition and advancement. Instead of promoting ourselves, we are called to glorify Christ.

Second, believers should esteem others better than themselves (Phil 2:3b). The Lord Jesus Christ perfectly demonstrated humility. He made himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Phil 2:7,8).

Thirdly, believers should avoid murmuring and complaining (Phil 2:14). A complaining spirit undermines Christian testimony. Gratitude and contentment reflect confidence in God's sovereign care.

Fourthly, Christians are to be blameless and harmless (Phil 2:15a). This does not mean sinless perfection, but it does mean living with integrity and sincerity. Our conduct should be above reproach, consistent with our profession of faith and our daily actions.

Finally, believers are called to be lights in the world. In a society darkened by sin, confusion and moral compromise, Christians are to shine brightly for Christ (Phil 2:15).

When believers live in this manner, they truly hold forth the Word of Life. Their lives become powerful testimonies that direct others toward Jesus Christ. One day, every believer's earthly race will come to an end. When we stand before Christ, may we not regret having spent our lives pursuing temporary prizes. Instead, may we be found faithfully holding forth the Word of Life, shining as lights in a dark world, and pointing others to the Saviour. Then, like Paul, we may rejoice that we have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain, because the gospel Paul preached truly saved the Philippian Christians. The greatest prize will not be earthly success, but the approval of our Lord and the eternal rewards that come from a life faithfully lived for Him.