Morning Moments

Philippians Devotional Outline (cont)

II. The Mind of Christ - A Mind of Peace 2:1-30
A. Among Members (of the Body)
B. About Messiah (Kenosis explained)

C. Amidst Ministers (Examples)

Paul was bigger than life but he never let that go to his head. That is obviously why God permitted the "thorn in the flesh" for him. Maybe it would help us all as ministers of the GRACE of God to have a "thorn in the flesh" or to as Ruth Graham says, "Walk with a Limp."

We preach of grace but so many of us don't seem to need it. We have succeeded. We preach well or teach well or write well or do whatever we do so well that we are often unapproachable. I understand the problems and pressures. I know that there are culprits lurking in the dark who wish to draw us into unwanted arguments and debate. I understand that once in awhile there is someone who hears what you say or reads what you write and dismisses everything else to take issue with a minor point. But I also know that men of God should be close and compassionate toward one another. Consider:

1. The Witness of Paul 2:12-18

It is true that Paul was very determined about not taking John Mark with him a second time, but we really don't know what all he had to face when he took him once before. We do know that God used the experience in the lives of all concerned for Barnabas took him and all seem to go well with them.

Paul was no doubt demanding, but he also produced equal to or above his demands. In other words, he didn't ask more of anyone else than he would produce or provide himself. That is characteristic of a good leader.

a. He Admonished Them 2:12-16

[2:12] Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. [13] For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. [14] Do all things without murmurings and disputings: [15] That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; [16] Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

In a nutshell Paul says, "Keep doing what you have been doing - obeying, growing, without complaining and arguing, so that no one will have any reason to complain about you, but that they can see God at work in you, shining brightly and holding high the word of life until Jesus comes. That way I will know that my work among you was not for nothing.

b. He Assures Them 2:17-18

[2:17] Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. [18] For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.

Paul says, it is nothing for my life that was poured into you, be poured out for you as one would a sacrifice, for you would do the same for me, so we can rejoice together that we have such love for each other.

Paul was not where he was because of the Philippians, but because of the mutual faith that he and they shared. He is telling them as he tells us that it is worth whatever we must face. My suffering is part of you and your suffering is part of me because of our oneness in the gospel.

Those who are presently dying in other parts of the world such as Pakistan and India should be on our hearts as well, not because we know them personally but because we share the mutual faith of the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

BLESSINGS!