One of my favorite passages of Scripture is from Paul's letter to the Philippians. I've heard the book of Philippians described as "Paul's happy book". He loves this fellowship of believers - that is obvious. The 2nd chapter is especially a beautiful admonition to unity and fellowship in Christ together.
Philippians 2:1-4
1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
A church like this is a church that is focused on Christ above all other things. What is it that Christ Jesus demonstrated in his own life that makes this so appealing? Paul goes on:
Philippians 2:5-8
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross!
Philippians 2:1-4
1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
A church like this is a church that is focused on Christ above all other things. What is it that Christ Jesus demonstrated in his own life that makes this so appealing? Paul goes on:
Philippians 2:5-8
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross!
Taking a "low" position...a serving one...a humble one...an obedient one...this is Jesus. While deserving the status of King, he becomes a servant. While deserving honor and glory and praise, he "empty" (made himself nothing) himself of status, power, authority and position. While innocent and free from any sin, he humbles himself and takes our place at the cross - bearing our sins which would only destroy us without him.
Paul reminds us of what it leads to:
Philippians 2:9-11
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 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.
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 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.
Here is the ultimate end of all things...our actions...our acts will either copy Paul and live in such a way that we seek only one thing: "To bring glory to God"...or we will take for granted Jesus' sacrifice for our sins and lose sight of the great need that we must have every day of our lives - to "confess that Jesus Christ is Lord".
The acts of our lives...Our own actions...determined by our choices, but born of our heart's inclinations. We respond to the greatest motivation of our hearts in what we choose. Paul reminds us to choose Jesus - why? Because God chose us, and chooses to work in us every day.
Philippians 2:12-13
12 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, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
12 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, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Peace
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