BROADCASTS.com

But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So, you too should be glad and rejoice with me (Philippians 2:17-18).

We are still following Paul\u2019s reflections on \u2018working out your salvation with fear and trembling\u2019. Or, as Pastor Anthony said yesterday, \u2018working out what Christ has worked in\u2019. As we have noted before, \u2018in fear and trembling,\u2019 does not mean nervous apprehension with which we face a judge when we are guilty of a crime. Rather, this phrase expresses the awe that we experience in the presence of God. Now we discover that this fear and trembling includes joy; the deep, foundational joy of the Christian life.

The salvation process in which the Spirit and the Christian both participate is worked out in all circumstances, even in pain, suffering, loss, death, prison, uncertainty, perplexity. It is not that we are glad for the pain, but we know the suffering is temporary and God is at work within it. So, even during unpleasant circumstances we know the \u2018joy of our salvation\u2019 (Psalm 51:12).

In yesterday\u2019s devotion, we were brought back to Israel\u2019s wilderness wanderings. In today\u2019s verses, Paul picks up a different image introduced during those years, namely, sacrifices made to God, especially freewill and thank offerings. We will get to that in a moment. First, these words from the book of Hebrews, \u201cFor the joy set before him, [Jesus] endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God\u201d (12:2). Our salvation was wrought through the shame and suffering of this cross.

However, for the writer of Hebrews and for Paul, the cross is more than just the instrument of salvation. Christ\u2019s suffering also stands as an example for us to follow. He endured the torture, at least in part, because he knew the joy salvation would bring to us. Likewise, we are called to suffer for the sake of the gospel because of the joy it will bring to others.

Here is an element of the Christian faith that we may have lost touch with. My parent\u2019s generation speak of the sacrifices they made to establish churches and Christian schools and to send out missionaries. They often went without because they believed God called them to make sacrifices for his kingdom. Are we willing to make those kinds of sacrifices today? Take some time to reflect on how much you have sacrificed for the sake of the gospel. Let the Holy Spirit speak truth to you.

Now, back to the sacrifices of Israel. If you don\u2019t know much about them, read the book of Leviticus. After a few chapters, you\u2019ll get the picture. The Philippians have done much and sacrificed much to aid Paul in his proclamation of the gospel; he names this \u201cthe sacrifice and service coming from your faith\u201d. \xa0In Leviticus, there are several passing references to a \u2018drink offering\u2019. It is not well explained, but the common understanding is that these were poured on the altar as a small gift to wrap up the offerings that had been made to God. It was also a common practice in pagan rituals in Paul\u2019s day, so the Philippian Christians would have understood his reference.

Paul knows that he may soon be executed for the gospel. He alludes to his potential death as but \u2018a drink offering\u2019 added to all the sacrifices the Philippian Christians have made for the gospel in the process of \u201cworking out their salvation with fear and trembling\u201d. He will be glad to give his life for the sake of the gospel in addition to all that the Philippians have given. Paul views the Philippians\u2019 continued obedience and steadfastness amid persecution as an offering to God of greater worth than the offering of his own apostolic labors\u2014labors that may end in his death.

We have no animals to bring but we do have a sacrifice acceptable to God. The gift of a life of obedience, character-building, holiness and witness\u2014the life to which our faith prompts us. This is our priestly service to God. May we all joyfully offer it to him.