ESOCS Devotional 7 July 2022
TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 2:19-30
MEMORY VERSE: “For all seek their own, not the things which are Christ’s.” Philippians 2: 21 KJV
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
Our world can so consume us that we fail to properly weigh our needs of spirituality and the gain of the world. Even Apostle Paul admitted the world of his time took so many hearts away from the service of the Lord.
Writing to the “saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons,” he encouraged them with the knowledge of Timothy’s arrival. He commends this young man in verse 20-21 with these words: “For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.” Paul could rely upon Timothy as he was not like others in his service to Christ. Their souls were alike in their love of the truth and zeal for the work of God. The heart of Paul bonded with the heart of Timothy for the same cause.
Our lives can be busy with many good and helpful things. The contrast is to view our lives in light of service to God. When one obeys the gospel of Christ, it is more than seeking the forgiveness of sins. The negative side of obedience is found in the removal of sins. The positive side of obedience is seen in the willingness to obey the will of God.
The key to Paul’s statement in verse 21 is the contrast between what is the focal point of life: our own needs versus the things of Christ Jesus. He is not implying that all should become preachers. What Paul needed to do was to send someone to Philippi – and people were just too busy with their own lives to be bothered.
Every Christian, however you earn your living, should live every day in fellowship with the Lord, in submission to His will, in obedience to His Word, available to do His work. Christian servants will be eager to talk about the great truths of the Bible with fellow Christians. They will be ready to tell lost people about the Savior and His work on the cross. They watch for opportunities to please Him by helpful deeds toward others. Three attitudes mark servants who are focused on the Lord Jesus Christ: They are willing to be sent anywhere. They are willing to serve anyone, They are willing to sacrifice anything.
Jesus had a servant’s heart; He endured a servant’s hardships; He received a servant’s honor. That’s the pattern for all who serve Him. Let’s all strive to become imitators of Timothy and Epaphroditus; but not only them, but the Apostle Paul also; and, beyond him and greater still, our Lord Jesus Himself. There should be only one entrance to the Church: the servant’s entrance.
- Must every Christian be willing to be sent anywhere? Is the missionary calling something every Christian must consider?
- Lord, grant me a genuine servant’s heart to be willing to sacrifice anything for you
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Isaiah 6:1–8; Micah 3:1–8; Luke 12:8–21
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ESOCS Devotional 7 July 2022
