Where does submission and humility leave me? Well, in Philippians Paul addresses the value of a humble attitude by explaining why we should submit to each other.
Key Passage: Philippians 2.1-15
Where does submission and humility leave me? Also, what examples do I have of how this works?
As it turns out, in Philippians Paul addresses the value of a submissive and humble attitude. Similarly, he makes a case for why we should submit to each other.
The Value of Submission
Philippians Chapter 2 begins with a series of “If” statements.
In fact, the rationale is that if there’s any value to traits such as comfort, love, and mercy, believers should be humble and should notice the needs of others, Philippians 2.1-4.
Moreover, our example for submission is Christ Himself , Philippians 2.5-8. How so? Because He took on the inner nature of a servant.
In addition, Christ became a human and submitted to the will of God the Father.
What was the outcome? The Father greatly multiplied the influence of the Son, Philippians 2.9-11.
Likewise, I’m expected to allow God’s will to be worked out in my life, Philippians 2.12-15. In so doing, I respond with humility and submission to God’s work in me!
Don’t offend anyone by insisting on getting your rights! 1 Corinthians 10.32 paraphrase
Some Insights
So then, an attitude of humility and submission requires a change in my inner nature.
Specifically, I’m to be transformed from the inside out by taking on the inner nature or the form of Christ Himself.
Character Change
Interestingly, the root word for “form” in Philippians 2.6 and 2.7 means inner nature.
As such, it’s repeated in Philippians 3.10. There, I’m to be made over – to be conformed – in the same way Christ Himself was submissive.
Also, that root word is used in Romans 12.2 as “transformed” and in 2 Corinthians 3.18 as “changed.”
But, why should I change? Because God is working in me to change me, Philippians 2.13.
In addition, God is carrying out His will for my life. But only if I’m willing to let Him!
Moreover, according to Philippians 2.13, God’s will is good for me: “…do His good pleasure.”
Thus, God gives me good! For example, see Ecclesiastes 2.26.
Apply These Precepts
How peculiar, that I can block God’s good in my life by my pride and stubbornness!
Or, I can shine as a “light in the world” Philippians 2.15. In other words, I’m expected to be “the light of the world…that shines through my good works” Matthew 5.14-16, paraphrase.
So then, inner transformation enables people of faith to submit to each other. As a result, we receive back good from God Himself!
“The Lord make his face shine upon you…” Numbers 6.22-27
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