S) "5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men."
Philippians 2:5-7 (NASB)
O) The beginning of this chapter is an elongated instruction about selflessness. It can largely be a convicting passage, but as I noted the other day (see SOAP 12/01/2014), understanding why we are called to certain acts, goes a long way in helping us stay focused on obedience. And of course, it is only through the presence of the Holy Spirit within us, that we are able to obey (all of which is addressed throughout the book of Philippians). In the verses above, Paul highlights that we are following the example Jesus gave us, being selfless. Especially important, is the fact that Jesus was actually God. Even still, the discipleship we undertake, is not trying to emulate deity. Quite the opposite, in fact. On a daily basis, I am not called to literally give up my life for others, but I should be willing.
A) I was particularly convicted reading v.3 ("...regard one another as more important than yourselves;"), because that is a common struggle for me, honestly. I can fall prey to the mindset that what I am doing is "more important" than what someone else is doing, and therefore I get to have my way (usually, that I should get to keep doing what I'm doing). At the root of that issue, really, is what is being addressed in the verses above. When I have that posture in my heart, that what I am doing is supremely important, I'm really saying that I'm supremely important. I am (in my hear) putting myself above others. I am exalting myself to a god-like status. What cuts to the quick, is that Paul demolishes that evil mindset entirely. Even if I was somehow equal with God, that is still not an excuse, because Jesus was actually equal with God while He walked the earth, but He was still humbling Himself to serve others! The example we have in Christ Jesus, completely destroys any pretense of excuse for selfish posture in my heart. So, while verse 3 is very convicting (as is the rest of this chapter, up to the above passage), my real focus needs to be on the example I have in Christ, and allowing Him to continue reshaping my heart to resemble His.
P) Father, the depths of gospel never cease to amaze me. You continue to show more and more aspects of the perfection that is Your plan to redeem. Thank You for redeeming me, for opening my eyes to see the truth You have laid up. Thank You for continuing my education in You. Open my ears to continue hearing Your will. I welcome the conviction of the Holy Spirit within me, that You would discipline me as a son, so I will continue to grow into the likeness of Your Son. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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