Called To Serve
As believers, we should all be familiar with the writings of Paul the Apostle. Collectively his Biblical letters are called the “Pauline Epistles”. In each of his letters, he typically opens them by saying “Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ”. However, there are four or five letters in which he forgoes the use of his title, Apostle. Whenever he does not cite his title, the reason for doing so is always found within the body of the letter. Additionally, the reason for doing so is always germane to that particular letter. In other words, when he forgoes the usage of his title, it is not always for the same reason.
Philippians
One such occasion is the Epistle to the Philippians. When we read Paul’s letters, we learn that from time to time his apostleship and authority would be called into question. Philippians is the one church that never questioned Paul. I am not saying that they did not have questions regarding doctrine, theology or practice. I am saying that they never questioned his calling, his status or his authority.
If any church would have recognized his Apostleship, it would have been the Philippian congregation. So why does he refrain from its usage? I believe that the answer lies in the occasioning for the letter. In this epistle, Paul is writing to a church that is arguing over status, title, office, and position.
In chapter 2, we are introduced to some of the highest theology in the entire bible. We encounter what is known as the kenosis. The kenosis is the emptying of one’ self. (We can explore this section of scripture at a later date, perhaps in another blog post or even a podcast). We are told that Christ took on the form of Servant. Chuck Missler says that in so doing, Christ left the highest position in the entire universe.
Christ’s emptying of Himself:
- Had sacrificial overtones
- Its motive was love.
Paul tells them that this is the mindset that we should have towards one another. Our service should be self-sacrificing and it should be motivated by love.
So how does Paul begin his letter? He begins by modeling this very mindset. He opens his letter by divesting himself of status, office, and title. However, notice that he affirms his position, that of servant. He declares himself to be a servant of Jesus Christ. He is reminding them that all of us are merely servants of Jesus Christ.
Thoughts To Grow On:
• Many theologians and scholars believe that the theme of the letter is Christian joy. I believe that the real theme is the joy of serving or the joy of being a servant. Do you find joy in serving others?
• Are you serving in your church? What about on your job? What about your home? Often we speak of serving in the church, we think of joining a ministry. The best place to start is by serving one another.