There Is Joy In Serving Jesus
posted: May 10, 2010
As we read through the book of Philippians, we must keep in mind that Paul is writing from a Roman prison. He is literally sitting in a dark, dingy prison cell, writing to the church at Philippi about being joyful, regardless of their circumstances. You see, Paul understood what it meant to be content with what the Lord was doing in his life, and was thankful for it. Paul didn’t care what all was happening to him as long as he was close to the One who was allowing it!
In Philippians 2:5-11 Paul exhorts believers to have joy while serving; and in order to have this joy while serving, we must see that service has three requirements. First, service requires a decision (vs.5). Our mind must be made up that we will serve no matter what may be required of us. We must serve with a sacrificial love, without expecting anything in return! Secondly, service requires a demotion (vs. 7). Jesus Christ chose to leave His throne in Glory, and come to die on an old rugged cross… for you! He left the highest position in Heaven to be a servant to His creation. If Christ could demote himself to serve sacrificially, we ought to be willing to do the same. Thirdly, service requires a destination (vs.8). Christ knew where His decision to serve would lead Him…to Calvary. He knew that He would be used and abused and would be refused by many; but He came anyway! Likewise, as a servant, you will be used. The end of service is not always glamorous! But service is always good because, lastly, service remits a deposit (vs.9-11). Although Christ was demoted to be a servant, God honors Him with “a name which is above every name.” The demotion turned in to a promotion! Likewise, in your Christian life, every time you humble yourself and serve, God takes note and will reward you greatly for it! The more you sacrifice in service the more joy you will have inside your soul, because there is joy in serving Jesus!