Charles Spurgeon Commentary Philippians 2:16

"holding forth the word of life; that I may have whereof to glory in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain neither labor in vain." — Philippians 2:16 (ASV)

That I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

God's ministers cannot bear the thought of having labored in vain; and yet if some of us were to die, what would remain of all we have done? I charge you, brothers, to think of what your life-work has been until now. Will it remain? Will it abide? Will it stand the test of your own departure? Ah, if you have any fear about it, you may well go to God in prayer, and cry, Establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands, establish thou it. Paul cared much about God's work; but he did not trouble about himself.

Holding forth the word of life;

You are to hold forth the Word of life as men hold forth a torch.

Your shining is largely to consist in holding forth the Word of life.