Holding Forth the Word of Life. Philippians 2:16. “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.” The word of life is the Gospel of Christ, which we cling to by believing and living it out publicly so that others may be saved and blessed by its truth. Showing the effects and power of the Gospel confirms its message in ways that those who hear it can relate to. Holding tight to the Gospel brings rejoicing to those who shared it and see its evidence. Those who accept the Gospel message and, through its power, receive Christ as their personal Savior will surely rejoice. Angels in heaven rejoice, and God's saints rejoice when the word of life is proclaimed. Seeing faithful Christians serve the Lord year after year and share the Gospel with others is a cause for great joy. Watching those who receive the Gospel grow in Christ and mature in their faith allows many people everywhere to rejoice that the word of Christ is being held fast.
Paul did not want to boast out of pride or because of his efforts in bringing the Gospel to Philippi, but rather, he “boasted” or rejoiced in what God had done through him. Our privilege and responsibility to the Lord is to represent the Gospel through how we conduct ourselves in this world. As we hold fast to the word of life in this dark world, our role is to represent God and His kingdom by being morally and spiritually different. In that way, the light of life in Christ Jesus is reflected in us. On the day of Christ, the entire world will see the Source of that light, which is the Lord Jesus Christ. Every believer will rejoice in the small part we had in establishing the kingdom of God.
I have seen the Statue of Liberty holding a torch high in her hand to tell the world that liberty exists here. I have also seen statues of men on horses in towns all across our land with guns or swords in their hands, reminding us of battles fought to preserve freedom. God calls me to hold forth His Word by sharing what He has done and the liberty brought to us through the redemption found in Christ. The price He paid so we might be free from the bondage of sin forever surpasses any other cost people believe they can pay to buy their own freedom.
One man alone doesn’t connect with many people compared to everyone around us. But when there are many with the Word of God in their hands and the Spirit of God giving them words to speak, God’s work can, through them, significantly grow. We must continue to hold that Word very high so that those who see us remain consistent and realize God’s salvation is close to them. “But what saith it? The word is near you, even in your mouth and heart: that is the word of faith which we preach. It is up to us to present those we know with the Word being spoken and lived faithfully.”
When an assembly works in unity and love, there is a power beyond human organization. Not many people share a oneness of heart and mind. It is the joy of spiritual leaders to see their children in the faith continuing a work started amid opposition and pressure, following their example to bring others to God with enthusiasm and energy. The value of that cannot be measured, but it is clear to all that they are proclaiming God’s Word.