January 22, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Philippians Chapter 2
1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.
22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.
24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.
27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
Philippians Chapter 2 delves deeper into the themes of unity, humility, and selfless love within the community of believers. The Apostle Paul urges the church in Philippi to lead a life shaped by the mindset of Jesus Christ. Christ is presented as the ultimate example of humility and obedience, having humbled Himself and remained obedient even unto death on the cross. Additionally, Paul encourages believers to live out their faith earnestly, shine as lights in a dark world, and value serving one another. The mention of Timothy and Epaphroditus underscores the importance of faithful workers in the service of the Gospel.
Commentary
Verses 1-4: Exhortation to Unity and Humility
Paul calls the church to stand together in love and harmony. This is achieved through humility, with each person valuing others above themselves. Selfishness and pride are to have no place. Paul emphasizes that everyone should not only look out for their own interests but also for the interests of others. This attitude strengthens the community and promotes peace.
Verses 5-11: Christ as the Model of Humility
These verses contain one of the most significant Christological texts in the New Testament. Jesus Christ, though divine, relinquished His glory, became human, and was willing to go all the way to death on a cross. For this self-humiliation, God exalted Him and bestowed upon Him the highest name, before which every knee will bow. This passage calls believers to emulate Christ in His humility and dedication.
Verses 12-18: Responsibility for One’s Own Salvation and Witness in the World
Paul urges believers to work out their salvation with “fear and trembling”—not out of fear, but out of reverence for God. He emphasizes that God is the one who works in them to will and to act according to His good purpose. They are to act without grumbling or disputing so that they may shine as “lights in the world.” Paul expresses his willingness to risk his own life for the faith of the church and simultaneously rejoices in their faith.
Verses 19-24: Timothy as a Faithful Worker
Paul commends Timothy as a faithful worker who does not pursue his own interests but is genuinely committed to Christ and the church. Paul highlights that Timothy is like a son to him, standing with him in the service of the Gospel. Timothy’s planned sending is intended to encourage and bring joy to the Philippians.
Verses 25-30: Epaphroditus – Acknowledging Exemplary Service
Epaphroditus, another faithful servant, was seriously ill while supporting Paul. Paul emphasizes how much he cared for him and how God kept him safe. He urges the church to receive such individuals with respect and joy, as Epaphroditus risked his life in the service of the Gospel.
Summary
Philippians Chapter 2 emphasizes the central role of unity, humility, and selfless love within the Christian community. Jesus Christ is portrayed as the supreme example, who through His self-humiliation and obedience unto the cross found the path to exaltation by God. Believers are called to imitate this attitude and live out their faith earnestly by shining as lights in the world. Paul highlights the importance of faithful workers and, through the examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus, demonstrates the value of selfless service for the Gospel. The chapter calls believers to follow Christ and live their faith together in unity and humility.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 1—God’s Love for Man
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction:
The first chapter of the book The Way to Christ powerfully depicts God’s immeasurable love for humanity. It shows how this love is made visible through nature, revelation, and especially through the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. God is described as the source of life, joy, and truth, whose actions are always directed towards blessing and redeeming humanity. Even in a world marked by sin, His love remains visible, whether through the beauty of creation or through the redemptive work of Jesus, which clearly reveals God’s nature and His plan for salvation.
Commentary:
Chapter 1 offers a profound reflection on God’s love, which is evident throughout creation and in the redemption through Christ. A central theme is that God continues to love humanity despite their sin and strives to reconcile them with Himself. The depiction of nature as an expression of God’s care is particularly moving: every sunbeam, every flower petal, and every bird’s song is interpreted as a testimony to His immeasurable love. This reminds us that God’s care is not abstract, but tangible in every facet of life.
The chapter also addresses the dark reality of sin, which destroyed the world’s original state of perfection and freedom from suffering. Interestingly, the suffering that entered the world through sin is not portrayed as meaningless or arbitrary but as a tool that, within God’s salvation plan, serves an educational and restorative purpose. This perspective invites us to seek God’s intent even in difficult moments and to recognize that He does not abandon His children, even in suffering.
Another highlight of the chapter is the description of Jesus Christ as the perfect revelation of God’s love. Christ assumed human nature to show the world the true nature of God and to provide the way for human salvation. The chapter emphasizes that Jesus was not only a teacher or prophet but the living embodiment of divine love. His acts of healing, kindness to the weak, and willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice on the cross demonstrate the depth of God’s compassion and selflessness.
At the same time, an important misconception is addressed: Jesus’ sacrifice was not meant to move God to love or forgive humanity, but it was the result of His pre-existing love for humanity. John 3:16 is highlighted here as a central theme: God gave His Son because He loved the world. This truth not only forms the foundation of the Christian faith but also serves as a call for readers to be transformed by this love.
The chapter is not only a theological discourse but also an invitation to personal reflection. It encourages readers to contemplate the depth and breadth of God’s love and to respond by turning to Him in trust and gratitude. Particularly striking is the depiction of how, through Christ, people can become “children of God” — a calling that carries both dignity and a special responsibility.
Overall, Chapter 1 serves as an encouraging and inspiring introduction, connecting the reader to the central message of the Christian faith: God’s love is infinite, it seeks us, and it desires to draw us to Himself, regardless of our faults and weaknesses. This love is the path to true joy, peace, and hope.
Summary:
Chapter 1 of The Way to Christ describes God’s immeasurable love for humanity, which is revealed through nature, revelation, and the life of Jesus Christ. Creation reflects God’s care, and even the suffering that came into the world through sin is understood as part of His salvation plan. Through Jesus’ life and sacrifice, God’s nature is made visible — a nature full of compassion, selflessness, and a will to redeem. Christ not only revealed God’s love but also made it possible, through His death on the cross, for people to become “children of God.” The chapter invites readers to reflect on this love and find in a personal relationship with God the hope, joy, and salvation He offers.
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