Humble Like Paul!

Paul urged the church at Philippi toward a spirit of humility among themselves. He also pointed to Jesus as the supreme example of humility. Though Paul always seems to have upheld Jesus as the number one standard to pattern life after, he was still very much aware of the need to practice what he preached. I believe that even in this area of humility Paul could have said, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." ( 1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV) Paul made no boast about his humility, but it was a characteristic of his life truly worth imitating.

Paul was earnest and exercised diligence in his ministry. From those labors he desired to see continued fruit. (note Philippians 2:14-16) The manner in which the Christians at Philippi conducted their lives together would be a sign of the impact the Gospel of Jesus had made on each one of them individually.

Note Paul's attitude relative to His service for the Gospel of Jesus as stated where he wrote. . .

"(17) Even if I am to be POURED OUT AS A DRINK OFFERING UPON THE SACRIFICIAL OFFERING OF YOUR FAITH, I AM GLAD AND REJOICE WITH YOU ALL. (18) Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me." ( Philippians 2:17-18 ESV)

Remember, Paul wrote this letter while imprisoned. He was willing to OFFER HIS LIFE SACRIFICIALLY for the sake of reaching others with the Gospel of Jesus. Gladly and joyfully he was willing to be POURED OUT on behalf of others. This very much paralleled what we noted yesterday regarding Jesus. Just as Jesus humbled Himself and was willing to obey wherever that obedience led Him -- "even death on a cross" ( Philippians 2:8) -- so Paul was also willing to obediently proclaim the Gospel and serve His Lord, humbly going WHEREVER THAT OBEDIENCE LED HIM. Because of His HUMBLE OBEDIENCE, the Lord used Paul in powerful ways to bring the message of salvation to others.

Jesus: a humble servant Who came into this realm to fulfill the Father's Will. Paul: a humble servant willing to live SACRIFICIALLY to fulfill the Will of His Lord. May we die to self so that we can better live for the Lord ( 2 Corinthians 5:15), thus having our life marked by the same willingness exemplified by the Lord Jesus and His servant Paul.

Have a great day WILLINGLY POURING OURSELVES OUT IN SERVICE TO THE LORD!
Carl

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