Philippians 2 - 12.5.24
S - 3 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:3-5
O – Paul writes this personal letter to the Philippians to thank the believers for helping him when he had needs, to encourage them to be content, and to find joy in Christ through ALL circumstances. In chapter 2 he is telling us to find joy in serving others by imitating Christ’s humility. Christ who came to serve us and not to be served.
A – This verse goes so far against the worldly view that says always look out for number one; protect yourself, take care of yourself, acquire all the toys, go on all the vacations, eat, drink, and be merry. THEN if you have some time, or some extra, maybe donate some to a worthy cause and feel good about yourself. Many people, even Christians, live only to make a good impression on others or to please themselves. Selfish ambition brings discord. When we live to please ourselves, we are not following God’s Greatest Commandment which clearly states to put others first. He tells us many times throughout His Word. Here are just a few:
Matthew 22:37-39 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’.
Leviticus 19:18 18 Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.
Mark 12:31 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
NO greater commandment then to love God and your neighbor. Then WHY aren’t we doing that?! My heart cringes every time I watch someone put a higher value on their time than on my life when they run a red light out here (which seems to be the norm now). Or why isn’t the entire Church serving in some capacity? How many of us say I don’t have time to help my neighbor because I have things to do, yet we cry out to God when we are in need of help. Or how many of us don’t show up to church on a Sunday because maybe we were up too late and needed to sleep? We need to prioritize showing God and others that we truly love Him/them. God came to earth to humbly SERVE us, THEN he gave His life for us by dying a horrible death on a cross. Showing up for others should be seen as a privilege to be used by God…..to show them HE cares for their well-being and all of their concerns. Can’t we simply be kind to one another? What if we ALL let that person squeezing their way in, cut in front of us in traffic, or we ALL held that door open for someone even though we ourselves are running late, or we ALL bought that homeless man on the corner a meal, or we ALL made that phone call to someone we know is hurting right in the middle of our hectic day? Can you picture what a different world we would see? What a ripple effect it could have on mankind! What if that one act of generosity or kindness changed the trajectory of that one person’s life for the better? What if God revealed Himself to them in that moment because of your kindness? That’s a lot of what ifs, but they are good, and they are Godly.
When we work together, caring for the problems and needs of others as if they were our own problems and needs, we demonstrate Christ’s example of putting others first and we experience unity. Selfish ambition can ruin a church, but selflessness can bring a multitude of others in the doors and on their way to becoming Disciples of Christ!
I love that our church has an annual tradition to tangibly love others during our Crazy Generous, Christmas at Desert Streams Church. This year we have two families we have adopted through Family Promise, as well as an option to give to Global Missions. We have a team going to India at the end of the month and our $1 goes a LONG way there! We can ALL participate on some level, even if we need to buy one less gift for someone in our own family this year. If you haven’t done so, please pray and take a moment to be Crazy Generous!
Crazy Generous — Desert Streams Church
P - God, I humbly come to you and ask for forgiveness for myself, and for any of my brothers and sisters who are living only for ourselves and not putting the needs of others FIRST. Help us to first SEE the needs of others by moving away from our own selfish thoughts and desires. Help us to not turn away from the needs we see and to seek ways to love your people as you have called us to do. In Jesus’ name I pray! Amen!
- Crystal Flory
Philippians 1 - 12.4.24
Scripture
Philippians 1:18-21
The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Observation
Paul is writing his letter to the Philippians from prison. He does not know what is going to happen to him – will he live or will he die? And yet, in the face of great adversity, he continues to rejoice, knowing that God is in control. He knows that God will continue to use him regardless of his circumstances.
Application
I have to think that Paul sometimes struggled with normal human reactions – at times he must have been scared, angry, disheartened, or a host of other emotions. But whatever came his way, he was able to trust God and allow God to use him.
Vs. 12-13 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.
How would the palace guard and everyone else know that Paul was in chains for his faith in Christ unless he told them about his faith in Christ? Paul was not wallowing in self-pity – he was allowing God to use him in every circumstance.
I Peter 3:15 - But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
Prayer
Father, help me to overcome feeling sorry for myself when I encounter hard times. Help me learn to rejoice in all circumstances, knowing you are in control. Help me to allow myself to be used in all circumstances. I want to be able to say, “what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.”
- Debbie Dunn
Ephesians 6 - 12.3.24
SCRIPTURE: EPHESIANS 6:10 - 12
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
OBSERVATION
This is one of the most quoted and studied scripture in the Bible, and for good reason. We can all use every tip and tool available when it comes to battles with the enemy of this world: the Devil.
First and foremost, the Armor of God is where we can be strong in the Lord and have his mighty power. You can find specifics on the armor in verses 14 – 17. In addition to reading more about it, I highly encourage everyone to watch Pastor Levi’s series on the Armor of God to learn more about each piece of armor. Here’s the first sermon in the series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqAAeraJvOw
We might think our struggles on this earth are from the individuals we have disagreements with, or situations that occur in life, but this scripture shows the root of these struggles “is not against flesh and blood.” Realizing there is a spiritual element to our struggles, and not a physical human element, is eye opening. It brings about a whole new view to what goes on in this world. Your prayer life, how you view these struggles, and overcome them can dramatically change.
APPLICATION
Years ago, while watching a Star Trek Next Generation episode (yes, I am a sci-fi geek), I literally had one of those moments where a Biblical principle comes to life. No, I’m not saying the episode or series is anything on a Godly level, but it did provide a powerful visual for this very scripture verse. The episode revolved around a species of people who could not be seen but were alive in another dimension. I realized the episode was a great visual example of the spirit world around us. We can’t see them or know their movements but they do exist. In 1 Peter 5:8, we’re told to “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Be encouraged because we have a powerful way to defeat and stand against the devil with the Armor of God.
Next time you have a struggle or a disagreement with someone, anything that is “flesh and blood,” remember that what you’re going through might come from a spiritual force and not the person you’re dealing with. The struggle could be a spiritual battle that has nothing to do with that person but is a deeper spiritual level. Realizing this fact can change your perception of the person. If you can view them more as a vessel of the enemy and not a personal attack on you, your prayer life changes, and your interaction with that person can change. In that moment, you can see that person as God sees them with forgiveness and mercy. During the struggle, keeping the Armor of God on will give you the power and strength needed against the “devil’s schemes”.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your word which is the power needed against the Devil. You’ve given us everything we need to be victorious in these battles. Help me Lord to always have your Armor on to be ready for battle. Help me to not become complacent or lazy. Give me your strength, wisdom and power to be victorious in each battle. Lord, help me to remember that each battle is not against the person I’m dealing with but can be part of the devil’s scheme to weaken or defeat me in a spiritual way. Lord, help me to view the people in life that are being used as the enemy’s puppet, not something personal against me. Help me to love these people just the same as you love them, died for them and seek to save them. In Jesus name! Amen
- Mary Oberg