Explores our privileged position, service, and the peace and grace we receive in Christ.
Good morning, beloved family in Christ. It is indeed a joy and honor to stand before you today, not as someone who is above you, but as a fellow traveler, a fellow believer, who is eager to share the richness of God's word. Today, we are going to immerse ourselves in the profound wisdom of Philippians 1:1-2.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, writes,
"Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Isn't it wonderful how these verses, though brief, provide us with a wealth of spiritual insight? In these two verses, we find a roadmap to our privileged position in Christ, our pursuit of service in Christ, and the peace and grace we receive through Christ.
When we think about our place in this world, we often consider our roles, our relationships, our jobs, and our communities. But there's another aspect that is far more significant and eternal. It's our position in Christ. This position is not earned or achieved. It's a gift, a privilege granted to us through the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ.
The first part of the verse: "Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus." Here, Paul, a prominent apostle, and Timothy, his faithful companion, identify themselves as servants of Christ Jesus. They could have used any number of titles or roles to describe themselves. But they chose the term "servants." Why? Because they understood their privileged position in Christ. They knew that being a servant of Christ is the highest honor, the most privileged position anyone could hold.
What it means to be a servant: In the world's eyes, a servant is someone of a lower rank, someone who serves others. But in God's kingdom, the greatest are those who serve. Jesus Himself said in Mark 10:45, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." As servants of Christ, we are called to follow His example, to serve others with love and humility.
The verse continues: "To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi." Here, Paul addresses the believers in Philippi as "God's holy people in Christ Jesus." This phrase tells us two important things about our position in Christ.
First: We are God's people. We belong to Him. We are His chosen ones, His treasured possession. This is a profound truth that should fill our hearts with awe and gratitude.
Second: We are holy in Christ Jesus. The word "holy" means set apart, consecrated, sacred. In Christ, we are set apart for God. We are consecrated, made holy, not by our own efforts or goodness, but by the righteousness of Christ. This is a profound mystery and a glorious truth. In Christ, we are made holy. We are set apart for God.
The last part of the verse: "together with the overseers and deacons." Here, Paul includes the church leaders in his greeting. This shows us that our privileged position in Christ is not just for a select few. It's for everyone who believes in Christ, from the least to the greatest, from the newest believer to the most seasoned church leader. In Christ, there is no hierarchy, no ranking. We are all equal. We are all servants. We are all God's holy people. We are all together in Christ. This is a beautiful picture of the unity and equality we have in Christ.
What does all this mean for us: It means that our privileged position in Christ is not just a theological concept. It's a reality that should shape our lives, our relationships, our service, and our identity. It's a truth that should fill us with awe, gratitude, humility, and love. It's a privilege that should inspire us to live for Christ, to serve others with love and humility, to strive for holiness, and to foster unity in the body of Christ.
As we continue to reflect on Paul's opening words in his letter to the Philippians, we find ourselves drawn to the notion of service ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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