"Like Jesus" October 15 Readings: Jeremiah 33-34, Philippians 2, Psalm 118:1–10, Proverbs 25:7–9

By


Today's Readings - Jeremiah 33-34, Philippians 2, Psalm 118:1–10, Proverbs 25:7–9


Devotional 


Paul cared about the glory of God, the proclamation of the gospel, the power of the resurrected Christ and the fullness of the Spirit. But one of the things he cared most about, as a result of those truths, was the unity of the Body of Christ. It glorified God, it was one purpose of the gospel - to redeem ONE Body, and it was a work of the Holy Spirit. It was one of the most common themes of his writings.

We see that in Philippians 2:1-11. Because of the mercies and comfort of God and because of the work of the Spirit, he called on the church to:
"...make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love,united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more importantthan yourselves. 4 Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." Philippians 2:2-4 
What would bring Paul bliss would be if the church were of the same mind (that doesn't mean they always have to agree, but that they agree to put Christ first), unite in love for God and for one another and to live in one accord. Again, that does not imply any kind of forced uniformity or suppression of various opinions. It means a united will to make Christ known and to encourage one another in the Body of Christ.

The second phrase, in verse 3, is a shocking one. We are not to act out of selfishness of any form, but are to "count others more significant than yourselves." That runs directly contrary to the "you have to love yourself first" mentality that predominates in this world. We are not to assert ourselves or put ourselves first, but to honor one another. Each of us should see ourselves as servants among royalty, humble and devoted to the other's success. That is what verse 4 says, that we ought to see the interests of others, not just our own.

Paul makes it clear (1 Corinthians 3, Romans 14) that we will stand before God to have our lives as believers reviewed. I believe that the basis of that review will primarily be our obedience to that verse. Jesus' life and ministry were all about serving others. Who is a spiritual success as a result of my ministry in his or her life? Who have I encouraged? Helped to lift up when they were fallen? Led to walk with Christ? Instructed in the full counsel of God? Our lives are measured in the lives of those we serve in the name and by the power of Christ.

Verses 6-11, thought by some to be the remnants of an early hymn sung in the NT church, describe Jesus as the model of this selflessness. He left heaven and sacrificed his lofty position to come to earth in humility and die for the redemption of sinners. God then exalted him to the highest place which he occupies today and bestowed on him that Name he always deserved.

We must, by the Spirit's power, follow the example of Jesus and give up our status, our ambitions, our goals, hopes and dreams to serve others as Jesus did. We must have the mind of Christ.

Father, may I be like Jesus Christ, who gave up his own glory and served others in your name. 

Think and Pray



Self-centeredness is directly contrary to the way of Christ. 
Do you live for self or for Christ and others? 
Think through your life and consider this question carefully. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

"Battle Begins" February 9 Readings: Numbers 31-36

By
Image
   Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2024 This year, instead of reading from Genesis to Revelation, we will read the Bible as the story flows, as it happened and was written. There are several plans out there and I have worked to combine them into a plan that lets the Bible tell its own story "as it happened."  Remember, the Bible is inspired, but not in the order the books appear in our Bibles.   The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   Numbers 31-36 Background:    We wrap up our reading of Numbers today with another difficult reading. Chapter 31 tells of a war with Midian and then the journeys of Israel are recounted in detail. The boundaries of the Promised Land are spelled out - far larger than modern Israel. Then we read of the founding of the cities of refuge and the inheritance of Zelo...
Read more

"Not Many Wise" October 6 Readings: 1 Corinthians 1

By
Image
  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2024 This year, instead of reading from Genesis to Revelation, we will read the Bible as the story flows, as it happened and was written. There are several plans out there and I have worked to combine them into a plan that lets the Bible tell its own story "as it happened."  Remember, the Bible is inspired, but not in the order the books appear in our Bibles.   The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   1 Corinthians 1 Background:    Introduction to the Book of 1 Corinthians Paul started a lot of churches. He had great churches like Philippi and Ephesus, who brought him constant joy, who demonstrated the fruit of the Spirit and a passion for the gospel. He had the Bereans who searched the Scriptures to see if what he preached was true. He started churches in Thess...
Read more

"He Prayed for ME!" September 2 Readings: John 17

By
Image
  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2024 This year, instead of reading from Genesis to Revelation, we will read the Bible as the story flows, as it happened and was written. There are several plans out there and I have worked to combine them into a plan that lets the Bible tell its own story "as it happened."  Remember, the Bible is inspired, but not in the order the books appear in our Bibles.   The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   John 17 Background:    John 17 is truly "The Lord's Prayer." This is the prayer that the Lord prayed the night before he died, pouring out his heart to the Father on behalf not only of his disciples but for all of us who would follow. Daily Devotional:   He Prayed for ME! The night before Jesus died, just before he agonized in the Gard...
Read more