Scripture:
Philippians 3:17
Brethren,
join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the
pattern you have in us.
Insights: Whenever you are attempting to get to
the root issue of a problem with an individual the first answer they give is
normally not the real issue at hand. In
fact, often times the next two or three answers are not the real issue. That same principle also applies when one
needs to confront another individual as well.
This truth is present in this letter to the church of Philippi. From the outset Paul has wanted to address
the issue we will find in chapter four, but he started with the joy the church
is struggling to experience and then gave examples of what that joy looks like
in other people. He then began to hit
the edges of the real issue when he discussed those outside of the body of
Christ that are trying to steal the faith of the believers and persecute them
as well. The verses this week are in
many ways the equivalent to a verbal pause (uhh), because Paul gave us a review
of where we have been in this journey.
Today’s verse is a review of chapter two, verses seventeen and eighteen
which read, “But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the
sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.
You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy
with me.” These are the verses that
truly express the example Paul lived before the people. He again was telling the church of Philippi
to follow his example and even the example of others like Timothy and
Epaphroditus. In reference to Paul
himself, his example was that of a drink offering being poured out. In other words, he spent every aspect of his
life for the proclamation of the gospel and the praise and glory being bestowed
on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Beloved, we need to not only follow Paul’s example, but we must also
become examples ourselves for others to observe.
Questions:
- Is your life an exemplar life?
- Are you being poured out as a drink offering in
whatever way the Lord desires?
Prayer: Lord, as we
have traversed through this book of Philippians I have often been confronted
with my inadequacies and failures.
Forgive me Lord, when I have not been the appropriate example before
others and transform me to be such a person for You. Amen.
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