Example

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who being in the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance of a man, humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Philippians 2: 5-11.
To me this is one of the most exciting passages of scripture. My heart beats a little faster when Paul writes that every knee should bow, every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Jesus is so wonderful, but Paul uses this as an example which we should follow in our relationship with others. This is how we should behave toward other believers. Paul writes in these verses that Jesus did four things and expects us to do them as well.
1. He made himself nothing.
2. He took the very nature of a servant.
3. He humbled himself.
4. He became obedient.
When we are asked to do as Jesus did the passage becomes daunting. It is our very nature to exalt ourselves, to be self important, to be dominating and to do as we please.
It is clear we are unable to do this without the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Do we really believe that we can do nothing without Christ? If we do we will pray. The very act of prayer is an act of humility. If we cannot humble ourselves before God how are we going to be able to humble ourselves before man? If we do not pray then we are trying to be self-sufficient and we will never be able to obey.
The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 2 what we should be like with other believers. Is this how we are when we gather at our local church? “Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interest, but also to the interest of others. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure children of God. Philippians 2: 2-4, 14.” Let us pray.

Bread

Wherever the words of Jesus echo in the Old Testament scripture I always take a closer look. “Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord? Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” Proverbs 30: 8-9. This reminds me of the Lords Prayer when Jesus instructing us how to pray say’s “Give us today our daily bread.” Matthew 6: 11. For me it is quit clear from scripture that we are not to pray for more than we need. Continuing in chapter 6 of Matthew, Jesus teaches that we are not to worry about tomorrow concerning what we are to eat or drink or what we are to wear. He ends his comparison to us with the lilies of the field: So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we drink?’ Or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things and your heavenly Father knows you need them. Matthew 6: 31-32. Please beware of wrong teaching. Jesus compares the pursuit of material possessions with paganism. It is of the world and not of God’s kingdom. King David also assures us, “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed.” Psalm 37: 25-26. My favorite scripture concerning wealth and poverty comes from the Apostle Paul and should be our attitude as well. “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want, I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13. May the presence of Christ be with you and me.

List

“And they devoted themselves to the Apostles teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Acts 2: 42. Luke gives us this list of four practices of the young church. First they devoted themselves to the teaching of the Apostles. We have the Apostles teaching through scripture. We, like them, must set aside time for their teaching.
I like to watch sports and forensic shows on television. I like to read biographies and books on American history. If I’m not careful I can neglect the Scriptures. I have found that I can read one or two fewer books a month and watch less television to study God’s word. Maybe this can work for others also. Second they devoted themselves to fellowship. I have heard it said, by some who won’t join a church, “it is full of hypocrites” or they “don’t believe in organized religion.” The church is full of imperfect people who know they need help. I am one of them. We cooperate together in doing God’s work and growing in Him. Yes we know we are hypocritical at times but with God’s grace and love we will grow more consistent in our life with Christ. Is Christ body disorganized? Jesus, Peter, John, Paul, James, all the New Testament teaches unity and love between believers. I cannot have fellowship by myself. I need other believers to share in the breaking of bread, to participate in Communion. I need to spend time with other believers to be loved and love on a level one cannot find in the world. If you are one who has been hurt by some in the church, please read the June post entitled Slain. I urge you to find a local church and join us.
And they prayed. Prayer for me is the most difficult on the list. Do what you must from your heart. Pray the Lords Prayer. Pray the Psalms. Use a book of prayers. Bring everything to God. Pray and pray some more. If we are to grow and become more like Jesus then we like the early church must devote ourselves to Him. Then “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1: 6.