Tag: Philippians 2
Unity and humble service
Scripture reading for September 3: Philippians 2
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, Who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death upon a cross.” Philippians 2:1-8
A great key to living a life that pleases God is to find unity with Christ and His followers. Paul understood the basics of building unity were found in Christ Jesus and His Holy Spirit. Jesus was motivated by a deep love for God and those created in His image. He chose to only do what the Father desired, so that He and the Father were One. He gave up personal privilege and comfort as God’s Son to take on human flesh and suffering temptation like all other men, but without sin. He then willingly gave His life on the cross as a sacrifice for all mankind that the penalty of sin would be paid for.
When we cooperate with the Holy Spirit, He will lead us in unity with God the Father and Jesus. He will give us a heart of love for God and mankind. He will help us to focus on what pleases God and best serves those in His image. We begin to value others higher than ourselves and look out for their highest good. We become servants of God on behalf of others, sharing with them the Gospel in loving actions and words of truth. We put God and Christ first and unity is the byproduct of humble hearts that follow Jesus by the Holy Spirit.
How does Paul’s call to humble service and imitating Jesus clash with the world view of our culture? Why is there so little unity in our culture and even the church? Do you ever struggle with viewing others as better than yourself, especially those who are themselves proud and conceited?
Prayer: Father God, forgive me for sometimes lacking true humility towards others who may be proud and disobedient. Help me to maintain the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace as I serve You by loving them and serving them. Thank You for the mind of Christ through the Holy Spirit in me. Amen.
Shining like stars in a dark world!
Scripture reading for September 2nd: Philippians 2
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Philippians 2:12-16 “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed–not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence–continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe, as you hole out the word of life–in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.”
Paul urged the Philippian believers to obey the Lord Jesus and the word of God and the Holy Spirit with a holy respect and awe of God’s great work on our behalf. Jesus Christ, Himself, is our great example of humble obedience, even unto death on the cross. He did this amazing work of total obedience without grumbling or complaining and so should His followers. In fact, believers’ lives should contrast the world and culture that they live in as much as stars shine out against the darkness of the night sky! Paul stated that their holy lives of obedience to Christ and the great commission would validate his own efforts on their behalf.
Observations for over-comers: We are saved by God’s grace alone through Christ’s sacrifice but work out that salvation through lives of growing obedience as God works in us by Word and Holy Spirit. “The Lord Almighty is the One you are to regard as holy, He is the one you are to fear, He is the one you are to dread, and He will be a sanctuary;. . .” (Isaiah 8:13-14a)
The attitude of Christ!
Scripture reading for September 3rd: Philippians 2
As Jesus Christ taught that a student would eventually become like his teacher (Luke 6:40), so Paul called the Philippians to imitate Christ’s attitude. This is not just something to do by our will power, but we have the Holy Spirit to take Christ’s words and example enabling us to have His holy character.
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death–even death on a cross!” (Philippians 1:5-8) Christ was God by nature! But he chose to humble Himself and take human form, becoming a human man! Then, to fulfill God’s plan, He further took the form of an obedient servant who would bear the penalty for all of man’s sins by dying on a cruel cross! This He did willingly to save lost sinners among men!
Paul told the Philippians that they should have the same attitude! They should realize that they are also made in God’s image and are now children of God as Jesus was the Son of God! This should help them to choose to serve all lost mankind and encourage believers, even if this cost them their life here on earth! Because Jesus Christ was exalted to the highest place–God’s right hand and the throne of heaven, we now have the hope and assurance of eternal life. He deserves our complete obedience! The best is yet to come!