“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.” Philippians 2:16
Hebrews 12:1 states “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Paul gives us insight into the meaning of that verse as he continues his instruction to the Philippines.
Holding fast Paul uses a phrase that could better be translated
“holding forth”. Paul just stated the role of the believer to shine as a
light in the crooked and perverse generation. Paul continues that
thought as he discusses their responsibility to reflect the light that
comes from Christ into the world in which they live.
He also shares the message that the word of life is not something believers are to keep to themselves but something that believers should offer to others. Light is to be seen.
The word of life Paul now equates the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with eternal life. He knows no one can be saved any other way than through the gospel in the word of God. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” Paul tells the Philippians to hold out (offer) the gospel of Christ to this wicked world who needs eternal life. Paul knows that all Christians witness. Many, however, present a wrong kind of witness. The way they live (murmuring and disputing) shares a testimony that says, “God is insignificant and unimportant in my life. Knowing Him changes nothing.” Paul desires the truth of the gospel be presented not only in word but in the way the Philippians live. This is the way we are to witness today as well.
So that I may rejoice Paul lived a life of suffering but he looked forward to a day of great joy. Rejoice means to take pride in or glory. The word can be positive or negative. Here is it positive as Paul is joyful if Christ is pleased by ones he led to Christ.
In the day of Christ Paul did not live to please himself. His eyes are on “the day of Christ.” That was the day when believers’ works would be judged by the Lord Himself. That is the day that matters.
That I have not run in vain or labored in vain Paul knew that anything gained in this life, if it did not please the Lord, was in vain. The effort it took to obtain it was wasted. Vain means empty. It refers to actions that are without substance, purpose, or truth. Solomon used the Hebrew equivalent of this Greek word in Ecclesiastes to describe the things he chased after in life –after he obtained them, he learned they were empty. Paul knows that bringing the fruit of an empty life before the Lord at the Bema Seat will not result in a day of rejoicing for him or his spiritual children. Walking worthy of their Savior will.
What can we learn? This passage gives us insight into Hebrews 12:1. Believers are concerned that God’s will is carried out on earth. Believers are concerned that their spiritual children follow the Lord and are faithful to Him in the way they live. They want their spiritual children to hear those great words of commendation from the Lord, “Well done, good and faithful servant”.
We don’t know if those in heaven actually witness our faithfulness on earth or not. Perhaps Hebrews is referring to the witness they are to us in serving the Lord here. We do know from Paul that faithful believers are very interested in God’s work being carried out and their desire to see all believers they have influenced to “walk worthy” with the “mind of Christ”. That produces great joy.