Philippians

Reader 6: Grasping, Giving and Last Words

Reading: Philippians 2:5-11, Isaiah 45:23

In Paul’s day the most powerful leaders and heroes were often believed to be gods.  In Rome where Caesar used every bit of his authority, might, military force and wealth to spread his empire, it became clear that only a god could exercise and maintain such force.  Therefore, Caesar is Lord.  By grasping, stealing, exploiting…anything to get ahead of everyone else he and other leaders before and after took for themselves the title of god. 
When we read Philippians we see that Paul is suffering in a jail far, far away because he believes in an entirely different way.  He claims that the resurrected Jesus is the true messiah and HE is the true Lord.  Paul is risking everything for the sake of this radical Gospel message that says God sent his son as a gift for sins and his son showed us that the true reality isn’t about grasping, exploiting, and trying to get ahead of others…but rather it’s a reality centered in serving, giving, forgiveness and compassion.  You can see why Paul was in a world of trouble!

Discuss: Do you remember the parable Rex told on Sunday? How do you understand the parable?  How does it relate to Philippians 2:5-11?  What have been some of the lowest moments in your life?  Did you have an experience where God lifted you up and showed you that your pain doesn’t have the last word in your life?  How has God used people in your life to remind you that your lowest moments aren’t the end?

Practice: Pray specifically this week for God to show you ways in which you’ve been “grasping” for yourself.  Ask God to also open your eyes this week to all the opportunities to get ahead by giving and serving others.