Greetings
We always seem to whiz past these opening verses in all of the epistles and yet they are so full of amazing truths. This opening verse reinforces to me the importance of the church, God's family, Christ's Bride - and not just the universal church but also the local representation of it. It speaks of teamwork and family, service and leadership. Paul and Timothy write this together and there is no hint of Paul acting superior to Timothy, his "apprentice". They're listed equally and together and they are both "servants," or in other translations 'slaves' or 'bond-servants,' of Christ. There is such a challenge in these words, especially for those of us in any form of Christian leadership. Out first and foremost identity is as servants of Christ Jesus - nothing else. If we ever put ourselves higher than a servant, we've put ourselves higher than Jesus. Paul and Timothy knew that what was important was that recognition that all they had and were was because of Jesus. I need to keep my eyes down low, remembering the call to be a servant before everything else.
Paul then turns to talk to those he is writing to and describes them as "God's holy people" or "saints" in some translations. What a declaration he is speaking over them! Whilst Philippi was probably one of the least troublesome churches, I am sure that they had their problems and struggles and yet Paul writes to them declaring them as "God's holy people." I find that really encouraging. When I look at my life I can see that I am far from perfect and there are so many areas and ways in which I live a less than holy life and yet God declares me to be Holy! Of course it doesn't mean I shouldn't be striving to be holy and live a holy life but I must remember that I am not what I was. God has declared me holy and that declaration should encourage me to pursue greater holiness.
Finally, Paul mentions the leaders in the church, both the overseers (or 'bishops') and the ministers (or 'deacons'). For me the challenge here is not the difference between overseers and ministers and their respective roles within the church but the Paul places those leader firmly within the church. They are not separate to the church or distinct from it but they are part of the body and they should be building their lives with the church. Whether a leader is 'home-grown' or imported from outside, they should - in line with their position as servant - be building and opening up their lives with the church, leading in creating the community of believers God intends his church to be and describes in Acts 2:42-47. Leaders are not to stand at the front and tell others how to be church, they are to live it out by example.
Wow! So much in one small verse.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to understand your plans and purposes for the church and how you view each one of us. Teach me what it means to live a holy life and may I view my brothers and sisters with your eyes not the world's, as a holy people! Help me encourage those around me to become more and more like you. I pray for those you have placed over me as leaders in your church that they would live lives worthy of the calling you have placed on them. In the precious name of my Lord, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Created almost 2 years ago
