Philippians 1:1 - Part 1 - Posture

Written at 37,000 feet above sea level on SQ 324, somewhere over the Middle- East

………………………

”Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:“Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The Apostle Paul’ introduction of himself to the church in Philippi speaks volumes about his character and his relationship with God. 

First his posture of humility. Timothy was his disciple. Much younger to him in age. Less mature in his walk with the Lord.  Paul has seen more of life and ministry than young Timothy.  Yet Paul puts Timothy on the same level as himself. Surely Paul had all the reason and justification to put himself at least one notch above his his student. Yet the apostle purposefully puts himself on the same gradient.

Paul was following the footsteps of his master. The Lord Jesus Himself had set the example. ”Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.“ ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬.

Having been in the ministry for sometime now, one of the greatest challenges I find in myself is the ability to remain humble. Pride raises its ugly head in circumstances, I least expect. Outwardly I can easily display a “forced humility” but inwardly the battles rages. The I, Me, My adjectives strives for recognition and revenge.  The sad thing is we often dont see it in ourselves. It’s the others who observe our demeanor and its very difficult when someone points to us that we are lurking dangerous on defiled grounds. Unknown to us the baggages still remain, even when we feel we are within the veil. How tragic.

Paul would remind us Philippians 2:5 - ”In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:“

Having the Christ mindset How can this be done?

The apostle teaches us in Romans 12:2 -”Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Our mind needs to be renewed daily. With the help of the Holy Spirit snd  with God’s Word, our minds and hearts can be renewed snd transformed into the image of His Son. It may not happen overnight but daily as we walk in God’s presence, as we allow the Word of God to take deep root in our hearts and being filled with His Spirit - that’s the key to walking and living in humility.

I need to do an introspection myself and so do we. May the Lord help us in our going out snd in our coming in.

To be continued….

 

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