Joy — Philippians 2 – Tuesday
TODAY’S VERSE
Philippians 2:10-11
So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (ESV)
Paul knew all too well that his life was nothing without Jesus. When he wrote his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul was actively under house arrest, unsure of whether his imprisonment would conclude in release or death. So when he says, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain,” he means it literally (Philippians 1:21). In a season when the future held two very different paths, Paul learned something that changed everything about the way he lived: only Jesus.
The name of Jesus is above every other name, and one day, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
He is the One who matters most.
His gospel should be the primary words on our lips, and our lives are not to be lived for ourselves, but for the sake of the Kingdom.
Later in his letter, Paul puts it this way, “...I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11b-13).
Paul isn’t expressing a platitude to feel good, or justify actions, or manifest an outcome he desires. Paul is genuinely pointing out that the thing (or rather the Person) that has changed his life for the better, and allowed him to do the things he does, is undoubtedly, inarguably, and hands-down Jesus.
Without Jesus, Paul was murderous and prideful.
With Jesus, Paul can’t wait to share new life with those around him. His life is marked by humility.
That is the power of the gospel.
APPLICATION
Have you ever taken the time to reflect on how Jesus changed your life? Set aside some time this week and write out your story of how Jesus changed your life (aka your testimony).* It doesn’t have to be long. It could be a couple sentences, a couple paragraphs, or a couple pages. Here are two questions to get you started:
What was your life like before Jesus?
What is your life like after Jesus?
*If you’ve done this before, dust off your work! Spend some time in prayer and reflect on the ways God has grown you and the things He has taught you.
PRAYER
Lord, You are the One who matters most. When I get distracted by anything that takes my mind or my eyes off of You, correct me and remind me that You are where my strength comes from. Lord, my life has changed because of You. I am not who I once was, and the only thing that happened in between is Jesus. Place Your name on my lips that others might hear of You. Amen.
