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We are reading in Philippians Chapter 2and verses 5 to 11 – it is a wonderful hymn or poem of the early Church of Jesus Christ. Jesus allowed men to strip him of everything and nail him to a tree. It was a humiliating death! Look at what he permits as he comes clothed in humility.

What a descent – but it was necessary – because that is where we were – and Jesus came to find us and lift us up.

Think of the delivered slave girl sitting there hearing this letter read – one day this will be true universally!

There even came that day when Jesus let go of the right to live. Most of us hold on to that with all we have got!

Because Jesus was so willing to obey His father – the Father’s desire was to exalt him to the highest place – and God the Father gave to his risen Son more than just a name.

It is a title – Jesus is Lord – Commander in Chief – the one who has supreme authority – and, it is he who has called us and chosen us. We need to remember that!

One day – every one – every part of creation – men and angels – will acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord – that he is Commander in Chief – that he is the one who has supreme control and authority. That will glorify the Father. Jesus was always pointing to the Father and giving glory to the Father and putting the Father in the limelight. Jesus had no vested interest in His own position.

For some it will be too late. The occasion will be one of joy and terror.

Verse 12 – That is why we are told to work it all out. Work out the implications of it all. Work out what your salvation means. You did it when I was with you – now, I am in prison in Rome. Continue to work it all out, with fear and trembling. Yes, be careful that you do not get it wrong. But, also, remembering this – God is working in you and he has good purposes to achieve through you.

Work all this out – hand in hand with God.

Paul was the kind of man who preached and wrote for a verdict – a decision. He wanted to see people living in obedience. That is how they could please the Father. Paul was not interested in being interesting, or entertaining. He never preached to get people debating or discussing – but obeying and serving.

Paul is not writing to get people to appreciate what he is saying, or to get people agreeing with him. He expected action – obedience to the risen living Son of God, as Jesus was obedient to the Father.

This is one of the reasons why he landed up in prison in Rome – and this is why John the Baptist lost his head – and why Peter was in and out of jail – and one of the reasons why Jesus Christ was crucified. Each preached with one thing in mind – obedience – commitment – discipleship – and service in the Kingdom.

How would they respond when he has gone? Think of boys doing exercises in the gym – what do they do when the teacher not looking?

Paul is in Rome, and he is encouraging them to work out all the implications of their faith in Jesus Christ. Work it out – without complaining or arguing – so that you may become blameless and pure – children of God – without fault.

What a challenge – in a crooked and depraved generation! It was bad then, just as it is bad today. Let us not think that it is worse today. It isn’t – not when you read the Scriptures. Reading this book keeps us balanced. And in this type of society, God calls us to become blameless and pure.

Wherever you go, know that Jesus wants you to be blameless and pure, and He equips us with all that we require to become blameless and pure. That is not being soft or sloppy. That is being like Jesus, with the attitude of Jesus and with the mind of Christ. And – while living in a crooked and depraved generation, we are to shine like stars.

We are called to be the ones to banish the darkness. How much darkness is there around – how much loneliness – how many face a bleak future? We are called to shine and to be light. The way to shine – the way to lighten people’s darkness – is by holding out the Word of Life. This word gives light and imparts life!

Paul had given this word to these disciples at Philippi. Paul had given them this truth, and now he is pleading with them to give it away – to share it with those living in darkness – so that one day he may boast – that he had not run or worked in vain.

When he appeared before Jesus, he wanted to be able to point to the Philippian disciples who had been saved and rescued and brought from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. Paul did not want his labours to go for nothing. Paul did not want to live a wasted life. He wanted to be able to point to some fruit.

“Jesus – that is the fruit of my years of preaching and teaching and travelling and writing – there they are Jesus – saved by you, through my preaching.” Jesus Christ permits that.

He was ready to be poured out as a drink offering – wine poured out on the meat – a libation. Yes, you are sacrificing. Yes, your faith is leading you into sacrificial and costly service – like a burnt offering – and I am like wine being poured out on the offering – but that makes me glad – and I rejoice with all of you.

So, you too should be glad and rejoice with me. Do not feel sorry for me in the Roman jail. Remember the Word is being preached – the light is shining – people are coming to believe in Jesus – serve and shine where you are and we can each rejoice in the will of God.

“Loving gracious generous Father – thank You for this uplifting and encouraging passage in Your Holy Word – You give us so much, covering every area of life – You speak to us of spiritual reality – what it has been like to serve in the world since the beginning, and what it is like to serve in the world today. We bow and give You thanks and praise and worship – as we pray in Jesus’ Name.” Amen

"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from Tom Kelley

The Curse is Gone