For this series in Philippians, I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.

2:16   holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

Holding fast to the word of life is the anchor out of which we can endure in the correct path. The previous verse speaks of the church as lights in the world, and to be light is what we have been called to. This light we are called to shine is the light of God’s truth, love and ways.

If we go about imagining God’s ways, we simply become darkness, assimilating into the ignorance of God that the world lives in. We need to be in the Word if we are to know reflect the truth.

We need to hold the Word in the conventional sense, that is to not let go, to possess the Word, to hang on to the promises, and bend our wills to its teachings. Yet there are shades of meaning that the Greek word ἐπέχω epéchō (“hold fast”) may provide us additional truths for our lives.

Noticing

To hold fast in the ancient world also spoke of actively noticing, being alert to a situation, as Luke uses in his gospel.

Luke 14:7 Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them,

Jesus noticed, perceived, caught sight of His surroundings. He was taking it all in, understanding the environment. He was not passively existing, simply existing, but absorbing the situation He was in. May this word also be informing us to be active in our understanding in the Word of Life and not simply be a passive reader, one who has heard and walked away?

Concentrating

Acts 3:4-5 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them.

When Peter and John were entering the Beautiful Gate, Peter and John looked at a cripple begging for alms. When Peter told the beggar to look at them, the beggar “fixed his attention” on the apostles. This speaks of focus, of concentration. He was single minded in looking at Peter and John. Of course he did not know what he would end up receiving, but that is immaterial to our topic at hand. He concentrated on the apostles.

May this word also be informing us that we are to concentrate on the principles and truth of the Word of God. Paul, when speaking of holding fast the Word of Life is also exhorting us to concentrate on the truth of the Word. Surely this is a responsibility and the desire of the believer that always needs to be refreshed!

Watching

1 Timothy 4:16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Although Paul is speaking to Timothy in this verse, the Greek word ἐπέχω epéchō exhibits one additional facet of meaning for the believer. Paul uses the term in an application to Timothy to watch, or even guard his life and teaching. Back in Philippians 2:16, we might apply it to our own guarding of the Word in our own lives. As we grow in the Word we need to be careful (diligent) to maintain that which we have already learned. A relearning of principles and truths in the Word is an ongoing practice of the believer, and builds the spiritual fencing we need in guarding or protecting the Word in our own lives.

Presenting

Finally, Paul’s use of the term in Philippians 2:16 may also have the meaning of presenting, holding forth (as is translated in my old KJV) or displaying. After Paul speaks of the church as shining as lights in the world, he exhorts them to present, or display the Word of Life to those outside of the church, as light shines from it’s source. If the world is watching (and they are!), they should see the truths of the Word in the life of the believer.

The picture in this verse is of gospel truths being clearly presented to the world by redeemed sinners, for the world to see in those who claim the name of Jesus to actually recognize Jesus (in some manner) as we walk about in the darkness of this world.

Be in the Word in the morning, evening or afternoon. Consider the truths you have learned and walk in them. Notice the Word, concentrate on the Word, watch over the Word and finally present the Word to those around you. And if necessary, use words!

Remember God is good, all the time!

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