HUMILITY SHOWN BY SACRIFICIAL SERVICE

Philippians 2:5-8
Jesus, in humility, made himself a servant and was obedient to death. His humility allowed him to go beyond what was comfortable and convenient for himself and sacrifice himself for the good of others. Humility is shown by sacrificial service.

Q. Are you a servant? Are you sacrificial? Is it your habit to be giving to others?

The humble offer sacrificial service in many areas, a few of which are:

1. SERVING AND ENCOURAGING THE CHURCH - Philippians 2:20-22
There are many people to encourage in the church - those who are struggling in their faith, looking for employment, facing academic exams, experiencing poor heath, experiencing financial difficulty, bereaved, etc.

2. EVANGELISTIC GIVING - Philippians 2:28,29
Epaphroditus gave to the point that he almost died. That is sacrificial indeed! Humility moves us to do the best we can with the opportunities we have to help people get saved. Pride, on the other hand, dictates that we overlook people's spiritual needs and thus make little or no effort to save them.

3. SERVING THE NEEDY - Philippians 4:14
The heart of helping the needy is the heart of sharing of sharing in their troubles and challenges. It has been said that "People do not care hat happens as long as it does not happen to them." That is proud. The humble person feels for others and tries to do his best to help.

4. FINANCIAL GIVING - Philippians 4:15-19
The Philippians gave financially towards the work of the God. Paul says that is pleasing to God. Humility allows us to give our contribution regularly and sacrificially as commit to obeying God and to serving the church with our finances. Pride dictates that we overlook God and others and focus solely on ourselves.

JOYFUL GIVING - Philippians 2:12-15
The Philippians were called to obey even in Paul's absence and to do everything without complaining. They were called to be joyful even as they were sacrificial.

Q. In the above areas - serving and encouraging other disciples, evangelistic giving to the lost, serving the needy, financial giving - do you have to be reminded in order to live it out?
Q. Do you practise the above with a heavy heart or a happy heart?
Q. Do you complain or are you joyful?

Giving was Jesus' heart and habit. Giving - radically and sacrificially - was one of the greatest demonstrations of Jesus' humility towards God and men. "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name." (Philippians 2:9) As disciples of Jesus, let us imitate his humility and become selfless givers.

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