Memorize: Outward evidences of humility
Key Verses: 3, 4, 5-11, 13, 21
Some benefits of being a Jesus-follower we can feel, like encouragement, comfort, tenderness and compassion, and they are worth the struggles. Paul challenges us to remember the benefits and then step up and get along with each other. We must remember that we are now involved in something much bigger than ourselves. The common good is more important than our individual gain. (As I write this I just found out that I did not get a promotion at work. Object lesson!) We need to consider the other’s place and our place from God’s perspective.
And then Paul gives us the ultimate example of this attitude of service to others: Jesus. Jesus is God and chose not to use His position to serve His own interest, but served us instead. He was obedient in His death, a death that secured our new position with Him in heaven. Read verses 5-11 slowly. Every phrase is packed with meaning. Are we able to put our own self-interest aside and serve others like this? We may not be called to die, but we are called to die to self. Self is not on top of the priority list of life.
When we are obedient, then God works in us at the deepest levels. He works on our will, the place where desire and action meet. God wants to work on our wants, and change them into godly wants. As we take off the old wants and desires, and put on the new wants, then God is changing our will. He is right there in the middle of that process, enabling us to live godly lives, pleasing to Him. That is why we need to have the right attitude toward life. We must get rid of the ‘bad attitude’ that is so easily displayed. Grumbling just doesn’t have a place in the believer’s life. When it is gone, we really are different. We will shine. Remember, Paul is in prison as he writes this letter. He has lots of reasons to grumble and complain, but he doesn’t.
Epaphroditus was ill to the point of death. Sometimes very difficult things happen to believers causing grief and sorrow. Paul and the Philippian believers struggled to understand his illness. Both were almost overcome in their concern, so Paul wants to send Epaphroditus back to them to help relieve their anxiety, even though Epaphroditushas been Paul’s connection to them as he was in prison. He had risked his life for Paul. Have you ever risked your life for someone else?
The Arnold Journey 