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V.14 again touches the need for unity, this time through the absence of complaining or arguing. Beet (p. 77) says that the goal of becoming blameless and pure (v.15) is “a designed result of laying aside” complaining and arguing. He further suggests “that these defects are the last to cling to the Christian.”
The terms blameless, pure (Wesley: unmixed, “aiming at God alone”), and without fault (without shame) are dynamic moral terms descriptive of Christian perfection (cf. comments on 1:10). Such qualities enable the Christian to display “light” and life to a dark and fallen world. The phrase “word of life” (v.16) is the Gospel, which brings life.
V.17 is difficult (see standard commentaries for full treatment). Both Jewish and pagan religions practiced drink offerings (libations). The Jews poured out theirs around the altar, while in pagan practice the offering was poured upon the sacrifice. The predominantly Gentile membership of the Philippian church suggests the latter meaning here. In a context of adversity and suffering, Paul urges them to persevere and triumph. In such a context, Paul views their Christian living as a sacrificial offering. They are as priests offering sacrifices, i.e., their own costly faith and service (cf. Ro 12:1). Paul sees his own costly ministry, which may include imminent martyrdom, as a crowning offering being poured out on top of their sacrificial living. The language is metaphorical but has deep spiritual meaning.