June 28th, 2023 – Late Wednesday Night
“Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.” ~Philippians 2:17
At first glance, this verse may look a bit out a place – especially since the previous three were tied together by the theme of joyful obedience leading to testimony. However, when we recall those previous verses and the preceding instructions (see verses 1-16), it seems apparent that Paul is here exemplifying the exact instructions he just conveyed. Instead of simply commanding obedience with joy, Paul is emulating it; rather than only speaking the truth, Paul is also living it out.
Let’s take a closer look: 1. Paul, through the Holy Spirit, instructed the Philippians to be humble, to care for each other, and to have the mind of Christ. 2. Paul illustrated Christ’s humility, obedience, and authority. 3. Paul exhorted the believers to be obedient and to have a proper perspective before the Lord. 4. Paul commanded the Philippians to be obedient without any grumbling or arguing [with what ought to be] so they might be the faultless and blameless children of God who would shine in the darkness. 5. Finally, here in verse 17, Paul humbly and cheerfully embraces the mind of Christ by willingly and wholeheartedly allowing himself to be “poured out” (as a drink offering, for example) on behalf of the Philippian church.
Do you see the connection? By God’s grace and through humble obedience, Paul didn’t grumble or argue about being used up by God for the Church’s sake. Paul didn’t shrink back from costly trust and selfless concern for others; instead, he ran towards the pure and faultless life for which Christ had laid ahold of him. Paul understood the commands of God and he submitted himself to a life of joyful, glad obedience.
Wow! Can you imagine what would happen if each one of us would embrace that same wildly radical attitude?