For the Sake of Christ and Others: Philippians 1:24-26
“24) yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25) Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, 26) so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.” Philippians 1:24-26
Paul longed to step into his heavenly calling, but he could sense his earthly mission was not yet complete. For this reason, he was willing to tarry longer in his afflictions and circumstances to fully establish and build up the body of Christ.
His mind was fixed on others and not himself. He was constantly setting himself aside so he could fully minister to others. Much of the rest of the book of Philippians illustrates this servants heart and calling.
The point at which abundant fruitfulness begins is where self-centeredness ends. The eye fixed on self is blind to the heart and call of Christ. This attitude was exemplified most by Christ Himself. He laid down His life that we might find life.
Every believer needs to wrestle through the call to die to self. If your focus is on self, you can never be a channel of Agape love or gospel living. True influence and power will be absent from your life. All key relationships around you will suffer and dry up. This includes marriage, family, friends and others.
Paul was effective because he laid himself aside completely to serve God and others. He was a giver and not a taker. He was a servant and not a master. His interests were last and not first.
This is the point at which the book of Philippians becomes so profound. It screams of the call and importance dying to self so you can truly serve God and others.
Buckle your seat belt, the Holy Spirit is about to use this small book to expose the stench of self focus and self promotion. He is about to point you down the path that Christ walked and the path that every believer is called to walk. It is a path that puts the interests Christ and others first.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
“24) yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25) Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, 26) so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.” Philippians 1:24-26
Paul longed to step into his heavenly calling, but he could sense his earthly mission was not yet complete. For this reason, he was willing to tarry longer in his afflictions and circumstances to fully establish and build up the body of Christ.
His mind was fixed on others and not himself. He was constantly setting himself aside so he could fully minister to others. Much of the rest of the book of Philippians illustrates this servants heart and calling.
The point at which abundant fruitfulness begins is where self-centeredness ends. The eye fixed on self is blind to the heart and call of Christ. This attitude was exemplified most by Christ Himself. He laid down His life that we might find life.
Every believer needs to wrestle through the call to die to self. If your focus is on self, you can never be a channel of Agape love or gospel living. True influence and power will be absent from your life. All key relationships around you will suffer and dry up. This includes marriage, family, friends and others.
Paul was effective because he laid himself aside completely to serve God and others. He was a giver and not a taker. He was a servant and not a master. His interests were last and not first.
This is the point at which the book of Philippians becomes so profound. It screams of the call and importance dying to self so you can truly serve God and others.
Buckle your seat belt, the Holy Spirit is about to use this small book to expose the stench of self focus and self promotion. He is about to point you down the path that Christ walked and the path that every believer is called to walk. It is a path that puts the interests Christ and others first.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
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