This passage, well shared by Ben, is truth and encourages us that “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training unto righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16. If we have followed Christ for some time, we have the benefit of personal history to know that Jesus Christ is Lord. He has ordered my steps throughout my life and I now see it. We can live forward-focused lives knowing that God is in complete control, even Covid -19. Yes, Ben, we are to live out the scripture in our service to our Lord as we serve others. Thank you for reminding me of how important Paul is to us Gentiles. Well done.
Wow, Tom, thanks for that encouragement and reminder! I love that Jesus’ authority goes hand in hand with his faithfulness. Even as we mistakenly and sinfully set up our “lords” over our lives, there is one true Lord, capable of satisfying all of our deepest longings. Yes, with that truth in mind, how can we not live “forward-focused lives,” serving God and others? Or better yet, serving God by serving the people around us. I’m thrilled we can take this journey through Philippians together. It’s such a blessing.
I have never in all my years made the connection with the context of the words humble and humiliation.
I think the idol that stands in my way most often (but it’s most oblivious) is comfort. I think I often choose comfort over the humiliation/sacrifice/nothingness that Jesus and Paul are talking about here…
Meaning I will often do the American thing of giving you my coat off my back, but it will be a used and worn out one while I go to the store and buy me a brand new one.
So yes, I try to serve others daily, but there are times I know and need to continue to lean into that more. Jesus served everyone, even those people that surely were an inconvenience to him or at first glance, I would never notice. I hope that makes sense.
Thanks for making me think and grow!
Thanks for sharing all of that, Laurie! I, too, find myself chasing after the comforts of life, which, as you said, is easy to do in our American context. I’m grateful for all of the blessings that God has given to me, but at the same time, I shouldn’t assume comfortability as a right. In fact, part of the Christian walk involves recognizing how the gospel shakes up my life in uncomfortable ways. Thanks for that reminder!
Thank you Ben. I appreciate your teaching focusing on verse 11 and the word “Lord.” I’m always amazed how scripture, written so long ago, is so on point today. I can identify with Laurie’s comments. I think many of us are comfortable in our comfort! Striving to be humble is difficult enough, but willing to be humiliated – that’s a whole new level. I’m so grateful for my Lord’s mercy – and his never ending patience with me!!
Thank you Ben. What an important and timely passage. I wish all our neighbors and friends could hear. I think many of us fall into the trap that every word or action a politician or their supporters make is life and death. We look to them as our lord and the bringer of peace and happiness. How important it is for us to live in a way that confesses Christ is the only true lord.
EXPLORING THE BIBLE
This passage, well shared by Ben, is truth and encourages us that “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training unto righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16. If we have followed Christ for some time, we have the benefit of personal history to know that Jesus Christ is Lord. He has ordered my steps throughout my life and I now see it. We can live forward-focused lives knowing that God is in complete control, even Covid -19. Yes, Ben, we are to live out the scripture in our service to our Lord as we serve others. Thank you for reminding me of how important Paul is to us Gentiles. Well done.
LikeLike
Wow, Tom, thanks for that encouragement and reminder! I love that Jesus’ authority goes hand in hand with his faithfulness. Even as we mistakenly and sinfully set up our “lords” over our lives, there is one true Lord, capable of satisfying all of our deepest longings. Yes, with that truth in mind, how can we not live “forward-focused lives,” serving God and others? Or better yet, serving God by serving the people around us. I’m thrilled we can take this journey through Philippians together. It’s such a blessing.
LikeLike
I have never in all my years made the connection with the context of the words humble and humiliation.
I think the idol that stands in my way most often (but it’s most oblivious) is comfort. I think I often choose comfort over the humiliation/sacrifice/nothingness that Jesus and Paul are talking about here…
Meaning I will often do the American thing of giving you my coat off my back, but it will be a used and worn out one while I go to the store and buy me a brand new one.
So yes, I try to serve others daily, but there are times I know and need to continue to lean into that more. Jesus served everyone, even those people that surely were an inconvenience to him or at first glance, I would never notice. I hope that makes sense.
Thanks for making me think and grow!
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing all of that, Laurie! I, too, find myself chasing after the comforts of life, which, as you said, is easy to do in our American context. I’m grateful for all of the blessings that God has given to me, but at the same time, I shouldn’t assume comfortability as a right. In fact, part of the Christian walk involves recognizing how the gospel shakes up my life in uncomfortable ways. Thanks for that reminder!
Can anyone else relate to this?
LikeLike
Thank you Ben. I appreciate your teaching focusing on verse 11 and the word “Lord.” I’m always amazed how scripture, written so long ago, is so on point today. I can identify with Laurie’s comments. I think many of us are comfortable in our comfort! Striving to be humble is difficult enough, but willing to be humiliated – that’s a whole new level. I’m so grateful for my Lord’s mercy – and his never ending patience with me!!
LikeLike
Amen, Conni! I’m forever grateful for those things, too.
LikeLike
Thank you Ben for the message.
LikeLike
Thank you Ben. What an important and timely passage. I wish all our neighbors and friends could hear. I think many of us fall into the trap that every word or action a politician or their supporters make is life and death. We look to them as our lord and the bringer of peace and happiness. How important it is for us to live in a way that confesses Christ is the only true lord.
LikeLike