The word blameless can be defined as innocent, guiltless, above reproach, above suspicion, or in the clear. If you are blameless, you are innocent of any wrongdoing. This word is one that cannot be applied to anyone in a general situation. Paul teaches us in Romans 3:23 that we all have sinned, and we don’t measure up to the standard God has for spending eternity in Heaven with Him. Therefore, we are not blameless when it comes to sin, but in Philippians 2:15 Paul teaches us that after salvation, we are to be blameless and harmless.
Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
Paul is instructing the church at Philippi and us, to live a life that is above reproach. Living in such a way that others can’t point a finger at us and use us as an excuse to sin. We are to live a life so different from the unsaved that we are refreshing to a world where lying is part of everyday conversation and cheating is expected.
Long gone are the days when a handshake sealed a deal. No longer is man’s word considered a guarantee that a situation is taken care of. We are on the opposite side of this spectrum in our world today. Even legal paperwork doesn’t always mean the truth is carried out. Paul is seeking to remind Christians that we live in a world where sin is the norm. We live among those who are crooked and perverse. Their habits, their words, and their actions are perverted by sin and selfishness. Instead of upholding the truth and seeking righteousness, they look for ways to place those who are righteous in a bad light. At the time Philippians was written the Jews were bitter foes of the gospel. They were constantly seeking ways to show Jesus and His followers as lawbreakers. Their goal was to prevent the gospel from spreading.
Philippians 2:15 “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;”
We are to live above reproach thinking about how our actions can affect others. Living above reproach will not be achieved by just doing what we think is ok. It will be living with the mindset of excellence. A mindset that decides if an action can be misconstrued by an unsaved person, or a weaker Christian as sin. For instance, I will not go into a store that only sells liquor. There may be situations where alcohol is needed for medicinal purposes, but if others see me buying it, they will not assume I need a cough medicine they will think I am buying it for pleasure. Why are we to live this way? Because we are to shine as lights to a lost world. Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16, that we are to be a light that cannot be hidden. We are the light of the world and when we shine others should see our lives and glorify our Father in Heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16 “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Why is this so important? Because people are dying and going to Hell because Christians care more about their liberty than they are about the souls of men. While it may seem to be a hard thing to live this way it is not. The only reason it may seem hard is because your selfish desires are more important than your love for Jesus. When we love Him, we will love what He loves, and He loves everyone enough to give His life for them.
