The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 13 September 2019 – The Joy Of The Father
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TOPIC: The Joy Of The Father
READ: Philippians 2:1-4 King James Version (KJV)
1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,
2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
THE MESSAGE:
In this text, Paul is showing the Philippians “the manual.” The best model of a genuine Christian mindset is Christ Himself. Christ is the ultimate manifestation of the character of God which God aims to reproduce in His people. Union with Christ and love for Him are necessary for Christian love and unity (verse 2). Paul enumerates the conditions to fulfilling His joy: be likeminded, have the same love, be of one accord and of one mind. This is the unity expressed. A wise son makes a glad father, (Proverbs 10:1) and whoso keeps the law is a wise son (Proverbs 28:7). Therefore let us make God happy by being united and having the mind of Christ (Amos 3:3).
Christ’s ultimate example of one not looking only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others, is clearly outlined (verse 4). Putting others first is a sure mark of love, humility, maturity, selflessness, politeness and servant-leadership. Humility eradicates strife and vainglory and makes one to esteem the other better than oneself. Self-exaltation, which is exaggerating one’s own importance or power, is not a Christian spirit. Rather, let men see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
Prayer: Dear Lord, may my life give You joy continually.
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