Our Scripture meditation is based on Philippians 2:1-4 from the Epistle Reading for next week, the 18th Sunday after Pentecost. For a meditation on the Old Testament Lesson, click HERE.
[1] So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, [2] complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. [3] Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. [4] Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
God does not use divine law such as the 10 Commandments to motivate us to live holy lives. Instead, God utilizes forgiveness and grace to move us to live according to His law. This helps us understand this Scripture passage about living the Christian life.
The Apostle Paul is using a literary device in writing: “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love…” In this passage, that little word “if” means “because.” If I may paraphrase Paul’s words: “So because you have encouragement in Christ, because you have experienced comfort from love…do nothing from selfish ambition.”.
Why does God use grace to motivate us to holy living? One reason is human nature rebels us against law. When we are forced to act against our will, we become resentful. We will stop doing what we’re forced to do. However, when we are willing to act, we can sustain that action almost indefinitely.
In the context of his passage, we live with humility because we received grace from Jesus humbling himself for us, even to the point dying on the cross. In Jesus’ resurrection we find our motivation to strive to live with His humility.
Until next week, the Lord bless and guide.
Kevin Wilson 360 