let the same mind be in you

Good morning sisters and brothers,
Today's reading is a great example of thinking theologically about life. Paul urges his readers to base their lives and the way they treat others on Jesus' life. In this case, he's especially thinking about how we use power and how we approach others. Some scholars believe that the second paragraph was taken from a hymn the congregation would have known. Whether that is the case or not, it's certainly one of the most powerful images of Christ's ministry and one I hold dear and hope to live.

God bless,
Sam

Philippians 2:1-11

If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, ²make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. ³Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. ⁴Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. 

⁵Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, ⁶who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, ⁷but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, ⁸he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. ⁹Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

content in prison

Good morning brothers and sisters,
This closing piece of Paul's letter seems to have been written in response to a gift he received from the Philippian church. Throughout his ministry, Paul took pride in working to support himself, rather than being supported by the communities he served. It seems that the Philippian church was a bit of an exception, since they did support him and continue to support him in prison. Paul's comments about being able to be content in any circumstances through Christ is a helpful piece of encouragement, though we also know that as Christians we are called to serve those in need material and not just serve spiritual needs.

God bless,
Sam

Philippians 4:10-22

10I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it. 11Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. 12I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. 13I can do all things through him who strengthens me.



14In any case, it was kind of you to share my distress. 15You Philippians indeed know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you alone. 16For even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me help for my needs more than once. 17Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that accumulates to your account.



18I have been paid in full and have more than enough; I am fully satisfied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.



20To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. 21Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The friends who are with me greet you. 22All the saints greet you, especially those of the emperor’s household. 23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

shining brightly

Good morning sisters and brothers,
I just love Paul's letter to the Philippians. We read the most familiar part of it in worship yesterday, the "Christ hymn," which talks about Christ not regarding equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself. The letter overall has a tone of such love and encouragement that it always inspires me. It is one of the letters Paul wrote from prison, and though he knew his death might be imminent, he was unafraid. Today he encourages the Philippians to live in community without arguing. He reminds them that the world is hard and often twisted, but for that reason if they are blameless, their example will shine brightly. He reminds them also that their faith is what he will boast about when Christ comes again and that even if he is "poured out" (killed) he will still rejoice as that will be an offering to God. All I can say is praise Jesus and amen. May we find such joy and courage in Christ as well.

Blessings on your week,
Sam

Philippians 2:14-19

14Do all things without murmuring and arguing, 15so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. 16It is by your holding fast to the word of life that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17But even if I am being poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and the offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you— 18and in the same way you also must be glad and rejoice with me. 19I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I may be cheered by news of you.

let the same mind be in you

Good morning friends,
This morning my other workplace, Rural Metro Medical Services, says goodbye to one of our coworkers, Darcy Kipphut, who died suddenly on March 27th. Please keep Darcy's family and friends in your prayers today and in the days ahead. Our passage for this morning is one of my favorites. Many biblical scholars believe Paul is quoting a hymn that would have been familiar to the church in those days. In any case, the image of Jesus pouring his Godliness out to become humbly human and then to go all the way to the cross for us is overwhelmingly beautiful. In that humble emptiness Jesus received the name that is above all names. One day everyone will recognize and worship Jesus, when we see him face to face. For those of us who are blessed enough to know Jesus now we feel confidence because of God's amazing love. Many people don't have that assurance yet, which is why we want to share the good news that God loves us. Christ's love is amazing and there's nothing that love won't do.

God bless,
Sam

Philippians 2:5-11

5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
6 who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
7 but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
8 he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death —
even death on a cross.

9 Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.