RADICAL OBEDIENCE

"And being found in appearance as a man, [Jesus] humbled himself and became obedient to death - even to death on a cross!" Philippians 2:8

One key reason why we have Scripture that has been written is that men and women of exceptional godliness have lived lives that were recorded to inspire future generations of followers of God. Their lives bear out the truthfulness of God's word as they obeyed what had been written for them, and their radical obedience was then written about for us to study out. Think about it, how inspiring would the Bible be if it had God's commands and promises but no examples of people who actually obeyed the commands or saw the promises fulfilled in their lives?

As we appreciate all that is written in Scripture, let us also ask ourselves this, "If an account of my life were written down and preserved, would it inspire future generations? Even now, are my obedience and my trust of what is written a chronicle of greatness or a record of mediocrity?" What has been written must also be obeyed. Consider the following high standards to which we are called:

Philippians 1:27
We are to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel under all circumstances.
Q. Under what circumstances are you more easily tempted to compromise - at work, when alone, with non-Christian friends, when opposed for your faith, when unfairly treated?

Christmas period is a time of much temptation to be worldly, to go back to our old passions and to engage in the ungodliness taking place around us. Wherever and with whomever you spend the Christmas season, conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

Philippians 2:3,4
When you consider others better than yourself it will be shown by serving others, accepting correction form others, giving of your time and personal resources for others, tiring yourself in order to be there for others, etc.
Q. Does this describe you? Are you selfless with your time and energy?

Philippians 2:14
There is never a valid reason to grumble or complain regardless what happens to or around you.
Q. How has your example been in this area? Who do you tend to complain to - your spouse, your children, people at work, strangers whom you find irritating and bothersome?

Philippians 2:21
When we look out for Christ's interests above our own, we will give sacrificially to His church, the way the Bible calls us to.
Q. In the use of your finances, whose interests do you look out for first, yours or Christ's?
Q. Do you give sacrificially, generously, consistently and cheerfully or do you give half-heartedly?

Philippians 4:4-6
Because "the Lord is near," there is never any reason for us to be anxious or lacking in joy.
Q. Do you rejoice in the Lord always, or only in the "good times?" Have you learned to be grateful for the trials that you face?

Philippians2:12,13
The Scriptures we have studied here comprise just a few of the high standards to which we are called as we study out what has been written. We must make it our goal to live it out regardless who may be present or who may be absent. Then, whether an account of our faith is written or not, our salvation will be ensured, we will see God's good purpose for our lives, and our lives will be a light to those around us.

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