Tuesday after the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity Sunday
Posted on August 25, 2020 by under
Scripture: Philippians 1:12—2:4 (NKJV)
1:12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.
19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.
27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. 29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
2:1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Devotion
“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Paul is imprisoned, yet his concern is for others and, most importantly, that the Gospel continued to be preached.
James reminds us that our faith is nothing, it is dead, if we are not concerned about our neighbor’s welfare. “If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:15-17). While Paul cannot personally attend to the physical needs of others, he still brings the “one thing needful” to people, the Gospel, knowing full well that those to whom he is writing will fulfill what he cannot.
Likewise, a pastor may not be able to attend to physical requirements of a member in their time of need. Yet, he knows he can call upon his congregation to help. As the Gospel has its way with people, the Holy Spirit continues to move people to good works in service to their neighbors.
Lastly, as God’s people grow in faith so does the desire to be with Christ. Like Paul, the Christian wishes to “depart and be with Christ,” yet Christians realize that they reside in this world for the purpose of serving their neighbor. Self interest is outweighed by concern for our neighbor, knowing full well that our time in this world is left to God.
Prayer: Almighty God, bless us with concern for our neighbor, and patience as we await the time we leave this world to be with Thee. Amen.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
