EGW WritingsPhilippians 2

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 22, 1889

6LtMs, Lt 22, 1889, par. 22

I entreat you to make diligent work for eternity. We have but little time in this life. We want to be led by the spirit of Christ at all times. We should never stir up strife by domineering words and actions. Put away everything like hard dealing, and seek for a closer walk with God. You used to be a more meek and humble man than you are now. You need the refining grace of God, the meekness of Christ. There is a work allotted to you that no one can do for you. “Holding forth the word of life” you are to practically set forth a Christian example. “Do all things without murmuring or disputing, that you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke in the midst of a crooked, perverse nation among whom ye shine as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.” Philippians 2:14-16.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 14, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 14, 1891, par. 8

By a godly example, those who occupy responsible positions can maintain the elevated character of the office. Not to do this is to incur guilt, to be unfaithful stewards, blameworthy before the heavenly intelligences who are waiting to co-operate with the human agencies in order to save souls. Christians are to shine as lights amid the moral darkness of the world. They are to be representatives of Christ, patterns for all who come within the sphere of their influence. They are exhorted to fidelity, and to the highest attainments of piety. The Word of God is plain upon this point. “Do all things without murmurings and disputings, that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life.” [Philippians 2:14-16.] In our own lives we should present to the world an illustration of the holy character of the truth which we profess to believe. This has not been done by many who are connected with the office. An indolent man occupying a position of trust in our institutions will make upon many minds an impression unfavorable to the truth; “by their fruits ye shall know them.” [Matthew 7:20.] The lights of the world are so to shine that men, by seeing their good works, may be led to glorify our Father who is in heaven. How terrible it is for any who hear His name to give to the world, through a defective character, a distorted image of Christ. They are constantly stumbling blocks.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 97, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 97, 1893, par. 1

“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” [Matthew 5:48.] “Do all things without murmuring and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of the Lord Jesus, that I may not run in vain, neither labored in vain.” [Philippians 2:14-16.] The Lord appeared unto Abraham, and said, “Walk before me, and be thou perfect.” [Genesis 17:1.] Enoch walked with God three hundred years.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 78, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 78, 1899, par. 3

Brother Harmon Lindsay, come to Australia, and you will see that it is the busiest place you were ever in. Your duty is plainly marked out. “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life.” [Philippians 2:14-16.] You are to gather to your soul divine rays of light, and you are to gather that you may give. You are to receive the truth, that you may communicate it to others. Man is to keep his soul as clear as crystal, then heaven’s light can shine through him to others. “Ye are the light of the world,” Christ says. “A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. ... Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 94, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 94, 1899, par. 37

The apostle Paul exhorts us, “Do all things without murmurings and disputings, that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.” [Philippians 2:14-16.] Unless those who claim to believe the truth in our institutions realize their obligations as followers of Christ, unless they understand the high principles which should be brought into the work, they will have no light to shine amid the moral darkness of the world. The true Christian will realize his obligations to rise to the highest achievements. He will live in unity with his fellow men, and will be a convincing argument to the world in favor of the grace of Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 148, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 148, 1899, par. 17

Paul writes, “Do all things without murmurings and disputings that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life, that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain neither labored in vain.” [Philippians 2:14-16.]

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9

Go Forward

9T 273.1

The cold, formal, unbelieving way in which some of the laborers do their work is a deep offense to the Spirit of God. The apostle Paul says: “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.” Philippians 2:14-17.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

Go Forward

3TT 420.2

The cold, formal, unbelieving way in which some of the laborers do their work is a deep offense to the Spirit of God. The apostle Paul says: “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.” Philippians 2:14-17.

Conflict and Courage

Let Your Religion Show, February 22

CC 59.1

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. Philippians 2:15.

Reflecting Christ

The World Needs a Revelation of Christ, August 5

RC 231.1

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. Philippians 2:15.

That I May Know Him

Dare to Be Different! November 8

TMK 318.1

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. Philippians 2:15.

The Faith I Live By

A Bright and Holy Light, September 29

FLB 278.1

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. Philippians 2:15.

Ye Shall Receive Power

Emptying the Vessel, October 10

YRP 292.1

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. Philippians 2:15.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

As the Days of Noah

2TT 124.2

My dear sister, as a disciple of Jesus you should inquire what will be the influence of the step you are about to take, not only upon yourself, but upon others. The followers of Christ are to be co-workers with their Master; they must be “blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom,” says Paul, “ye shine as lights in the world.” Philippians 2:15. We are to receive the bright beams from the Sun of Righteousness, and by our good works let them shine forth to others in clear, steady rays, never fitful, never growing dim. We cannot be sure that we are doing no harm to those about us unless we are exerting a positive influence to lead them heavenward.

From Splendor to Shadow

The Test That Will Come to All

SS 100.1

Scattered in every land, there are those who have not bowed the knee to Baal. Like the stars of heaven, which appear only at night, these faithful ones will shine forth when darkness covers the earth. In Africa, in Europe, in South America, in China, in India, in the islands of the sea, and in all the corners of the earth, God has in reserve a firmament of chosen ones that will yet shine forth amidst the darkness, revealing clearly to an apostate world the transforming power of obedience to His law. In the hour of deepest apostasy, when Satan’s supreme effort is made to cause “all” to receive, under penalty of death, the sign of allegiance to a false day, these faithful ones, “blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish,” will “shine as lights in the world.” Revelation 13:16; Philippians 2:15, RSV. The darker the night, the more brilliantly will they shine.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 70, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 70, 1893, par. 10

There is a work for you to do that has been left strangely neglected. You are not justified to continue in a business one day after you embraced the light upon the Sabbath. Your works are a denial of your faith. You make yourself a transgressor. You have set the matter before your mind in every possible [way] to make it no offense to God. True, some one must bury the dead, but let it not be the men who are claiming to be commandmentkeepers, “in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” [Philippians 2:15.] There is business done on the Sabbath that ought not to be done. Whatever may be your reasoning, unbelievers look upon the matter from a business standpoint.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 55, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, par. 27

We are counselled that we are to do all things without murmurings, that we may be “harmless,” without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom we are to shine as lights in the world. [Philippians 2:15.] No one else can do this work for us. If we withhold our abilities or talents when God has appointed us to give the light, some souls will be left in darkness through our refusing to shine. We are to hold forth the Word of life. We are required to make known Him in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 69, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 69, 1897, par. 15

Every man that is saved will have lived a Christian life, doing God service. It will be by putting His Word into the daily life. “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whose hath this world’s goods, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” [1 John 3:16-18.] In pure well-being, and actual well-doing, you may become a new man, wiser, happier, and blessed in Christ Jesus. You may show your life to be transformed into a pure life. “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” [Philippians 2:15.]

The Three Angels’ Messages

“Here are those who keep the commandments of God”

3AM 112.1

Among earth’s inhabitants, scattered in every land, there are those who have not bowed the knee to Baal. Like the stars of heaven, which appear only at night, these faithful ones will shine forth when darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the people.... God has in reserve a firmament of chosen ones that will yet shine forth amidst the darkness, revealing clearly to an apostate world the transforming power of obedience to His law. Even now they are appearing in every nation, among every tongue and people; and in the hour of deepest apostasy, when Satan’s supreme effort is made to cause “all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond,” to receive, under penalty of death, the sign of allegiance to a false rest day, these faithful ones, “blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke,” will “shine as lights in the world.” Revelation 13:16; Philippians 2:15. The darker the night, the more brilliantly will they shine.—Prophets and Kings, 188, 189 (1917)

In Heavenly Places

Light Bearers on the Way to Heaven, November 5

HP 316.1

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. Philippians 2:15.

Lift Him Up

Transforming Power of Obedience to God’s Law, May 30

LHU 164.4

Among earth’s inhabitants, scattered in every land, there are those who have not bowed the knee to Baal. Like the stars of heaven, which appear only at night, these faithful ones will shine forth when darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the people. In heathen Africa, in the Catholic lands of Europe and of South America, in China, in India, in the islands of the sea, and in all the dark corners of the earth, God has in reserve a firmament of chosen ones that will yet shine forth amidst the darkness, revealing clearly to an apostate world the transforming power of obedience to His law. Even now they are appearing in every nation, among every tongue and people; and in the hour of deepest apostasy, when Satan’s supreme effort is made to cause “all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond,” to receive, under penalty of death, the sign of allegiance to a false rest day, these faithful ones, “blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke,” will “shine as lights in the world” (Revelation 13:16; Philippians 2:15). The darker the night, the more brilliantly will they shine (Prophets and Kings, 187-189).

Lift Him Up

Radical Changes Are to Be Made, December 11

LHU 359.1

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. Philippians 2:15.

Maranatha

A Character the World Will Recognize, April 15

Mar 113.1

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. Philippians 2:15.

Maranatha

Former Brethren Worst Persecutors, July 7

Mar 196.5

Among earth’s inhabitants, scattered in every land, there are those who have not bowed the knee to Baal. Like the stars of heaven, which appear only at night, these faithful ones will shine forth when darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the people.... In the hour of deepest apostasy, when Satan’s supreme effort is made to cause “all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond,” to receive, under penalty of death, the sign of allegiance to a false rest day, these faithful ones ... will “shine as lights in the world.” ... Philippians 2:15. The darker the night, the more brilliantly will they shine.25Prophets and Kings, 188, 189.

Our Father Cares

A Character the World Will Recognize, December 9

OFC 355.1

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. Philippians 2:15.

Our High Calling

A Superficial Experience Not Enough, November 20

OHC 330.1

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. Philippians 2:15.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 14—“In the Spirit and Power of Elias”

PK 188.2

Among earth’s inhabitants, scattered in every land, there are those who have not bowed the knee to Baal. Like the stars of heaven, which appear only at night, these faithful ones will shine forth when darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the people. In heathen Africa, in the Catholic lands of Europe and of South America, in China, in India, in the islands of the sea, and in all the dark corners of the earth, God has in reserve a firmament of chosen ones that will yet shine forth amidst the darkness, revealing clearly to an apostate world the transforming power of obedience to His law. Even now they are appearing in every nation, among every tongue and people; and in the hour of deepest apostasy, when Satan’s supreme effort is made to cause “all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond,” to receive, under penalty of death, the sign of allegiance to a false rest day, these faithful ones, “blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke,” will “shine as lights in the world.” Revelation 13:16; Philippians 2:15. The darker the night, the more brilliantly will they shine.

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

The Reward of Service

GW 517.3

And will not His workers rejoice when they, too, behold the fruit of their labors? The apostle Paul, writing to the Thessalonian converts, says: “What is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? for ye are our glory and joy.” [1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20.] And he exhorts the Philippian brethren to be “blameless and harmless,” to “shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.” [Philippians 2:15, 16.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]

MR No. 1394—Be Meek and Kind to Critics, Not Avenging Oneself; Trust in God and Seek His Guidance, Intercession, and Approval

19MR 209.1

Christ says to His disciples, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Let that soul leave its impression upon the professed followers of Christ. Oh, for less and less of self, and more and still more of Jesus! “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain” [Philippians 2:15, 16].

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Chapter 37—The Reward of Service

6T 309.5

And will not His workers rejoice when they, too, behold the fruit of their labors? The apostle Paul, writing to the Thessalonian converts, says: “What is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? for ye are our glory and joy.” 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20. And he exhorts the Philippian brethren to “be blameless and harmless,” to “shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.” Philippians 2:15, 16.

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 20—Exalting the Cross

AA 206.1

The apostle Paul felt a deep responsibility for those converted under his labors. Above all things, he longed that they should be faithful, “that I may rejoice in the day of Christ,” he said, “that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.” Philippians 2:16. He trembled for the result of his ministry. He felt that even his own salvation might be imperiled if he should fail of fulfilling his duty and the church should fail of co-operating with him in the work of saving souls. He knew that preaching alone would not suffice to educate the believers to hold forth the word of life. He knew that line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, they must be taught to advance in the work of Christ.

AA 206.2

It is a universal principle that whenever one refuses to use his God-given powers, these powers decay and perish. Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Hence the apostle’s fear that he might fail of presenting every man perfect in Christ. Paul’s hope of heaven grew dim when he contemplated any failure on his part that would result in giving the church the mold of the human instead of the divine. His knowledge, his eloquence, his miracles, his view of eternal scenes when caught up to the third heaven—all would be unavailing if through unfaithfulness in his work those for whom he labored should fail of the grace of God. And so, by word of mouth and by letter, he pleaded with those who had accepted Christ, to pursue a course that would enable them to be “blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, ... as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life.” Philippians 2:15, 16.

From Trials to Triumph

How Two Women Trained a Man of God

TT 109.5

Whenever one refuses to use his God-given powers, these powers decay. Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Paul’s knowledge, his eloquence, his miracles—all would be unavailing if through unfaithfulness in his work those for whom he labored should fail of the grace of God. And so he pleaded with those who had accepted Christ to be “blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, ... holding fast the word of life.” Philippians 2:15, 16, RSV.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 13, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 13, 1892, par. 13

Oh, if we as a people had improved our opportunities to gain a knowledge of the Word, to obtain a vital experience in the things of God, we would have fulfilled the word, “Ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ.” [Philippians 2:15, 16.] We can impart only that which we first receive. Those who are united to the church should be living, working agents to impart light to those who are in darkness. They should declare the truth of God, revealing His love and faithfulness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 92, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 92, 1895, par. 26

Christ says to His disciples, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] Let that soul leave its impression upon the professed followers of Christ. Oh, for less and less of self, and more and still more of Jesus. “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.” [Philippians 2:15, 16.]

Radiant Religion

To Know I Have Not Worked in Vain, December 10

RRe 346.1

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.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 82, 1887

5LtMs, Lt 82, 1887, par. 10

My anxiety is to do the work the Master has given me to do and let nothing divert me from this work; to have zeal and fidelity in holding forth the Word of life, “that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.” Philippians 2:16.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 9, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 20

The apostle Paul felt a deep responsibility that those converted under his labors should be faithful, “that I may rejoice in the day of Christ,” he said, “that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.” [Philippians 2:16.] Paul trembled for the result of his ministry. He felt that his own salvation would be imperiled if he should fail in fulfilling his duty and the church should fail to co-operate with him in the work of saving souls.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 18a, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 18a, 1893, par. 7

Present the truth as it is in Jesus and let the truth do its work on human hearts. It is not you that can make the impression on human minds, and if you should leave, in words you speak, a sadness, a discouragement upon the minds, and a sort of hopelessness, who shall make you glad? “Holding forth the word of life” [Philippians 2:16] in the simplicity of the gospel, and in its most symmetrical and beautiful form, you can win; but never attempt to force. You will find men who profess the truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 9, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 9, 1895, par. 10

The Unseen is working in every home and in every region, through His appointed agencies making Himself manifest to all men. Those who hear are also to bear witness of Him. “Ye also,” said Christ, “shall bear witness of me,” holding forth the “Word of life.” [John 15:27; Philippians 2:16.] “Ye are the light of the world.” “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.] The pure, holy lives of believers will be a living sermon, an effective argument through which the Holy Spirit may convince and convict.

Radiant Religion

In Self-Sacrifice to Bless Others, June 17

RRe 170.1

Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me. Philippians 2:17, 18.

This Day With God

A Sympathizing Saviour, July 1

TDG 191.1

I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice.... Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death. Philippians 2:28-30.

Radiant Religion

Entertain Christ’s Servants, July 10

RRe 193.1

Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation. Philippians 2:29.