READ: Philippians
2
This chapter could be entitled ‘Serving with Joy’. Paul could easily
point to himself as a good example of servanthood. But instead he pulls no
punches and exhorts them to live up to the example of Christ, the ultimate
Example. He is telling the Philippians they can serve with joy and love because
Christ did it for them. He points them to the sacrifices Jesus made to become
human, suffer, and die for them without any hesitation because of the joy set
before Him and the love He had for them. He reminds them how Jesus never held
his sacrifice over their heads, He didn’t rehearse the cost over and over, He
didn’t become proud of His sacrifice or service. He just served in complete
humility. His joy came in obedience and the reward coming from it.
Paul wanted them to grow so deep in their faith that their external
behavior was affected. He encouraged them to serve and work without
complaining. It may seem like such a little thing next to his prison sentence,
yet Paul knew this ‘little’ thing could make huge inroads in a difficult
culture. The way the Christians would live and work and treat each other would
be the light in the dark world letting the crooked generation know there was
another way to live. Their lights, their pure lifestyles, would act as a beacon
in a dark, stormy world.
JOURNALING
AND PRAYER
1. Reflect on the way you serve your family (your
children or your parents or your siblings or your in-laws). Ask God to show you
where you have done well in serving in difficult situations. Ask Him to show
you an area or two where you could improve. Confess if necessary. Ask Him to
fill you with His Spirit again and cause His love to overflow so your service
to others can bring both you and Him joy.
2. Spend time reflecting on everything Jesus gave up
for you. Reread vs. 5-10. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring His thoughts, words and
pictures to your mind as you read these verses over several times to grasp this
more deeply. Spend time on your knees (if you’re physically able) thanking
Jesus for all He has done and all He gave up.
3. Ask Jesus if you are a complainer, or if you have
behaviors or attitudes that turn others away from Christ rather than drawing
them to Christ. Confess if necessary. Ask Him to show you one thing you can
work on in the next while to live as a light in a dark world. Thank Him for His
forgiveness and grace.
