We Fall Down
Today we are going to look at the example Jesus gave us for living a humble life.
Take a moment to read these verses in Philippians, meditate, journal, and reflect.
1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:1-11
Paul wrote these words (while in prison) to the Christians in the Roman colony of Philippi—the first church Paul founded in Europe. He wrote this letter to encourage them to keep growing in their faith even though he was not able to be there physically. He wanted to spur them on to live as citizens of heaven, by being committed to serve both God and others. This way of life was manifested by Jesus’s life on this earth, so Paul wrote to give the Philippians the best example of humility we will ever see or know— Jesus.
In this passage of scripture, Paul is urging the Philippians, as well as us, to humble service. Humility starts by acknowledging that God is God, and we are not (“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God” 1 Peter 5:6).
A humble life also means not feeling entitled to better treatment than Jesus got when He walked this earth (“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you” John 15:18). It does not repay evil for evil and it is not based on perceived rights.
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:21-24
Jesus is the perfect model of genuine spiritual progress—not a self-exalting struggle for supremacy, but a deep love for God and His neighbors, shown by the way He served ( “even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” Matthew 20:28).
How beautiful is it that Christ put our own interests above his own earthly comforts and died for our sake? May we look to this model each day, as we navigate and discern how we too should walk in humility. If you find yourself struggling with humility, self-denial, or loving those who are hard to love, think about the way Paul describes Christ’s example of humility in Philippians 2:6-11. This is what He did for you and for me.
I pray we would fall down on our knees and humbly submit ourselves before our mighty God, who deserves our praise and our service. May we find pure joy in serving Him and others!
Reflection Question(s):
In what area of your life are you most likely to struggle with humility?
Where do you tend to judge people the most?
In what ways are you overly self-focused, instead of others-focused? Do you find yourself being anxious, prideful, insecure, self-promoting, or worrisome?
Are there areas in your life where you insist on going your own way, instead of walking in humble obedience to the Lord?
What is competing with your obedience to God?
Are you willing to look at Biblical instruction and correction?
Today’s Worship Song: We Fall Down — Chris Tomlin
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ge9O_HOKcE
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/5gnMKEfIyg2zu84vfmfSpa?si=h5q9fQ45TFC9Cv-20BmsXg
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/we-fall-down/1440842149?i=1440842268
Please continue to send prayer requests my way! If you have any questions about what you read today, or just want to chat, my email is: blrich1399@gmail.com
With Love,
Brooke
