Philippians 2 - 7.8.25
SCRIPTURE: Philippians 2:1-4 “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
OBSERVATION: Paul described what it looks like to be an imitator of Jesus, Who, being in the very nature of God didn’t consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage, rather He made Himself nothing by taking on the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. Paul followed Jesus’ example by clothing himself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. He showed forgiveness as the Lord had so graciously forgiven Him. He worked diligently to live in peace between the body of believers. He genuinely cared for others by meeting their needs. When conflicts arose, he sought reconciliation. He was a peace maker like Jesus.
APPLICATION: The bi-product of the Holy Spirit working in and through us starts with us giving Him control. “No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the Vine.” (John 15:4a). Jesus is the Vine, and we must remain in Him. As Jesus submitted fully to His Father, we must do the same, and as we do, He fills us with His peace and joy through every circumstance as we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us.
PRAYER: “God opposes the proud, but shows favor to the humble.” ( 1 Peter 5:5b). No matter our age; whether we’re young or old, as we follow the example of Jesus, God’s favor will be upon us as we humble ourselves and serve each other. I pray I will die to my selfish desires, keep my eyes on the Lord, seek Him first, and remain in Him so that His Spirit will have room to fill me to overflowing as I practice being an imitator of Jesus by being like-minded, having the same love, and valuing others above myself.
- Robin Orefice
