Scripture:
Philippians 2:3-11 ESV
[3] Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. [4] Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others. [5] Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, [6] who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, [7] but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. [8] And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. [9] Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, [10] so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Observation:
Paul is talking to the Philippines, a church known for its brotherly love. In fact, one of the Greek words used to describe brotherly love is phileo, and I’m pretty sure that’s how they got their name. They were known for how they loved. However, there must have been some of them that had incorrect motives. Otherwise, Paul would not have seen fit to correct them in this manner. Here in chapter 2, we see him saying to make sure your motives are right. By saying do nothing out of selfish ambition or with a look-at-me type attitude. But in humility count others more significant than you. It would be nice if he stopped there, but he doesn’t. In fact, he did just a little further. By saying, let’s look at the needs of others as well as our own. Explaining that if we indeed have the mind of Christ, our thoughts would not be inward but outward. Jesus was equal to GOD, yet in humility, HE took on the form of HIS servant. HE could have taken a very different stance and held tightly to that fact. Instead, HE chose to let go of it. Coming to the earth in the form of a man. To walk side by side with you and I, showing us meekness and humility. All the way to the cross. Where HE (the son of GOD) poured out HIS life in obedience to HIS heavenly Father. The humility and meekness that Christ exhibited by being obedient to the point of death was rewarded by GOD HIMSELF when HE gave HIM the name that is above every other name…that is the name of Jesus. GOD made HIM LORD of LORD and KING of KINGS and all because of HIS willingness to put down HIS life for the sake of others. The name that HE was giving stricks fear in the hearts of those who want to deny HIM so much that they tend to become angry and lash out. However, at that name, every knee will bow, and every tongue confesses that JESUS IS LORD. To the glory of GOD the Father.
Application:
yesterday was a very hard day emotionally. So many people are making choices to go back to a life that leads to nothing good. Honestly, it hurts my heart. In fact, by the time I got home from a situation where my wife and I had the opportunity to encourage a friend to get back up, My tank was somewhat empty, and I just wanted to stay home for the rest of the evening. However, GOD had other plans. You see, a little over 3 years ago, HE opened up a door for me to go into a treatment center called Clay Crossing. I had tried to open that very same door of my own accord 12 years prior but was unable. Emotionally drained and physically exhausted. My fellow ministry partner and I got in the vehicle and went anyway. Shortly after arriving. The Holy Spirit revealed to me why we were there and the importance of it. Rather than sticking to any format of how to run a meeting, we let GOD have all control. The men there seemed to be all in agreement with the words that came to Ronnie and me, and their participation was a clear indication that the Holy Spirit had something in mind. Somewhere around 15 minutes before, it was time to close up it was put on my heart to give an alter call. So I started to put together in my head how to get to that point. GOD is so amazing. HE gave me just the right words to say, and by the end of the meeting, 3 men made the decision to allow Jesus Christ to be the LORD of their life. Now my point in telling this story is not to bring glory to anyone but GOD. Because if I were completely honest. I wanted to stay home. I was drained… My emotions were not where they should have been. My cup was empty, and I thought it needed to be refilled. We had spent the day helping others, and it had taken a lot out of us. I was told a long time ago that ministry happens in the inconvenience, and today, I know that’s true. Selfless love brings selfish people out of a self-induced prison. It’s how Jesus showed us to do it. So let me make this statement, and then we can pray. I know your tank may be empty, and it may feel like you have nothing left to give. That may be when GOD calks on you because at that moment, when you decide to put yourself aside, GOD can step in and use you in a way you never thought possible. Just be obedient and listen to the Holy Spirit. HE will whisper the instructions in your ear. It’s up to you to…GO and make disciples. Present the gospel to those HE puts in your path. GOD wants to use you. HE did not save you, so you can sit on a church pew. So, GO. Put yourself aside and GO. None of this is about you anyway. I know you’re tired, and it seems like you have nothing left. But that’s just the time when GOD wants to show up and show out. Today is the day of salvation. We are not promised tomorrow. So press on to the upward call of GOD.
Prayer:
Father, we are so amazed by how you lead us. We are like sheep…with our heads stuck in the fence. Not even knowing how we got there and like a good Sheppard, you come along at just the right time as we are about to give up and take our heads out and tell us to go and all for your glory. I know that you orchestrate every moment in my life that has had anything to do with someone asking Jesus to be the LORD of their lives. We want to be used by you. We want to be obedient to your call. We want to put ourselves aside and do what you ask us to do. We know that the mission field is right here in our own backyard. It’s our workplace. It’s the grocery store it’s the line at the fast food place we eat at its right where we are right now. All we need to do is set ourselves aside and be obedient to you. Help us to do that. We know that this life we are living is not our own… you made the purchase of it with the blood of your son you gave HIS life in exchange for ours. Help us to lay down our wants and desires for the sake of others. Looking out for number one means looking out for you. Lead us, guide us, and give us the right instructions at the right time so that your kingdom will grow here on earth as it is in heaven. We love you and submit to your good plan. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus we pray, amen.