Giving of Oneself

August 8, 2010

Background Scripture: Philippians 2:1 – 3:1a
Lesson Passage: Philippians 2:1 – 18

This week we continue our study of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. In today’s lesson he addresses humility as the disposition of a mature Christian. Paul’s message to the Philippians was that church harmony is possible when everyone has the same agenda and attitude. That agenda and attitude should be the same as that demonstrated by Jesus. Jesus is always the supreme example for all Christians. His example of humility is the ultimate example. Jesus is and was fully God. He did not give up his divinity to be born into this world as a baby. He was born fully man by the will of God. Jesus did not exploit his divinity in order to endure the trials and tribulations that all mankind suffer. This was one of the temptations that Satan offered him when he was hungry. He tempted Jesus to use his divine power to turn stones into bread so that he would not have to continue to suffer the physical affliction of fasting. Jesus steadfastly resisted the temptation to be selfish and self-serving and instead used his power to feed thousands of other hungry souls during the next three years of his ministry. Again, Paul implored the Philippians to have the same mind as that of Christ. This would imply the willingness to give of themselves for the sake of others. In this letter he acknowledged that indeed the church had done so by meeting his needs two or three times. But this appeal is more on a personal level that would suggest that the individuals needed to have the same mind about such things and not just recognition of what was done collectively by the congregation. Each of them was admonished by Paul to be concerned about the welfare of others. Christ’s example was that of self-emptying or self-imposed humility that led to extreme obedience not just obedience that was tolerable. Christ’s obedience led him all the way to Calvary and the grave but God vindicated him by raising him from the dead and giving him a position that is above every creature whether in earth or in heaven. It is this extreme example and demonstration of God’s faithfulness that should serve as the Christian’s motivation to live a life of obedience to God. Paul refers to this type of living as the outworking of one’s salvation. This is not to suggest that salvation can be attained as a result of a person’s efforts or works but that the salvation they have already received should be the motivation for their actions. When a Christian acts out of love it is not to become someone different but it is an acknowledgement that they have already been made different by God. If anyone is in Christ he is a new creature. Righteous living is more than a made up mind. Many people make up their minds and fail to follow through with actions. But for the Christian, God puts in us the will to do righteously and then he gives us the power to do it. So we should follow through without complaining but rather set an example that is worthy for others to follow. As disciples of Paul, the Philippian Christians’ obedience to his teaching would provide the fulfillment of Paul’s joy. Their example would not be in receiving but in the manner in which they learn to give of themselves.

Robert C. Hudson
July 28, 2010