who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:6-9)

God commands us to develop the spirit of Christ. (Vs. 5) Such a selfless spirit promotes unity in the family of God. (Vs. 1-4)  

To fully grasp the spirit of Christ, we must first understand his existence before he appeared in the flesh. (John 1:14)  Though equal to God in glory, Christ did not cling to this state, but willingly laid it aside to come in the likeness of man. He laid aside the honor of His throne and became a man.

There are three virtues that are worthy of our thoughts as we strive to emulate the spirit of Christ. First, he became a servant.  Isaiah (see Isaiah 52:13) prophesied of the suffering servant 700 years before: "He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge, My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities. (Isaiah 53:11)

Jesus’ attitude toward sinful man was one of complete service. (Matthew 20:28) In pursuit of unity, it is necessary for us to take that position as well. (John 13:1-17) One who serves is one who loses themselves to unselfishly meet the needs of others. Can you imagine a family or a church full of such people?

Second, as a man he became obedient. Repeatedly Jesus reminded his followers of his earthly mission.  "Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” (John 4:34) Disciples of Christ must have the same spirit.  They are called to be totally given to the Father’s cause. When one is fully given to the will of God there is no room for self-aggrandizement that promotes discord.

Third, Jesus was obedient to his death. Jesus died the death of a condemned criminal. New Testament writers tell us he hung on a “tree”.  (Galatians 3:13) Early disciples were glad to identify with this symbol of shame. (Acts 5:30; 10:39; 13:29)

Do you agree that relationships from family to church would improve if those involved would have this attitude? “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”  (1 John 3:16)  We must be willing to die that others might live. 

Jesus did not come to please himself nor do we find him in the high places of the world. He did not seek his own comfort but the comfort of others. He went about doing good and caring for others. He died so we could enjoy the highest state – to be called children of God. Christ’s disciples must also mind these things.

By George Slover 
 

For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud,That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11)

Every word that proceeds from the mouth of God will accomplish its intended purpose. “It runs like a swift messenger through nature and the world of man…to heal and to save; it does not return from its course till it has given effect to the will of the Sender.” (Keil and Delitzsch) The immediate application for Isaiah's listeners was the promise of deliverance from Babylon.  However, the power of God's word is manifest in various ways.

The force of God's word is seen in his miracles.  The universe, the earth, and its inhabitants were all created by the utterance of God. It was by God's word that the demons were cast out, the sea was calmed, the lame and the blind were healed, and the dead raised.  God's word will not return unto him void.

The efficacy of God's word is seen in its fruitfulness. God's word can probe into the hearts of men revealing their intentions and ways.  Its truth is either accepted or rejected. One cannot remain neutral. By clearly dividing the light from the path of darkness, God’s word accomplishes its purpose.  It exposes human folly. It will not return unto him void.

The power of God's word is seen in its moral qualities.  When it is planted in an honest heart, it can radically change the life of that individual.  There is nothing more beautiful than a godly man or woman who has allowed its truths of love, gentleness, faith, and conviction to mold their character.  God's word will accomplish its purpose.

Throughout history, man has sought for a purpose by his own schemes. He has tried to fulfill his longing for contentment by worshiping idols made by his own hands. Like a steadfast beacon, the word of God has been pointing to a way of genuine peace. His word is incorruptible and will accomplish its purpose.

There may be times when we may doubt it's power, but we have strong assurance that God's word will not return unto him void.  Learn it,  live by it, and share it.

George Slover

Jesus said to him, “ I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

Before the Lord’s death, resurrection, and ascension to heaven, he prepared his apostles for their mission after his departure. This would have been a startling revelation, for most likely they did not envision the events about to take place. Thomas voiced his concern: “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”.(John 14:5) Jesus’ answer is revealed in the well-known text above. Jesus states he is the way. In fact, he is the only way!

Christ is the only way to a knowledge of God. In the same setting, he told Philip, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father”. (John 14:9) By his earthly life and ministry, he not only points to the disposition of the father but displayed the very power of Deity. God became flesh and dwelt among men.

Christ is the only way to favor with God. God is infinitely righteous. He is totally incapable of evil and repulsed by our sin and rebellion. The blood of Christ is the only path to reconciliation with God. (Romans 5:8-11)

Christ is the only way to fellowship with God. The unregenerate are called “children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3), but through Christ one is adopted into God's family to become his child. (Galatians 3:26,27)

Christ is the only way to the Father's presence. Jesus was about to leave them to go to the Father. Through Christ alone, one day God's people will be able to enjoy the Father’s eternal presence. Jesus is showing the way home.

Contrary to the “many roads” ploy of Satan, Jesus says, “I am the way”. “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”  (Acts 4:12)

By George Slover

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” (John 7:37,38)

Both Joel (Joel 3:18) and Zechariah (Zechariah 14:8), spoke of a day when pure, fresh, living waters would flow out of Jerusalem, provided by Jesus Christ, the Savior. It was customary on the last day of the feast (vs. 2,37), for the priest to draw water from the pool of Siloam and bring it back with joy to the temple. It may have been this custom, that Jesus used as an object lesson to make this joyful promise.

There is a deep thirst in every human soul. The many wells of the world - wealth, wisdom, and pleasure - are powerless to fully quench this human longing.  Jesus boldly claims to be the one who fulfills that need.

There is in man a thirst for righteousness, reconciliation, peace, and hope. Christ alone possesses the ability to answer these human needs. He is the Rock in the wilderness out of which the water of salvation flows. (1 Corinthians 10:4) He invites all to come and to receive it.

Another look at the passage reveals that the promise of Jesus goes beyond the immediate blessing to the believer. Those who receive this life-giving water, also become life-giving fountains. The influence of Christ in their lives transforms them into a refreshing source of moral purity and goodness. Paul tells us that Jesus Christ “gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:14)

Finally, the reference to the giving of the Holy Spirit may be connected to the events recorded in Acts 2. After the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, there was a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Accompanying the outpouring of the Spirit was the glorious message of redemption. (Acts 2:21,36-38) Since then, multitudes have come to the Water of life, and have received the assurance that they are the sons of God. 

Jesus offers this spiritual drink freely to those who believe, who come, and who drink. Have you come to this marvelous fountain of life?

By George Slover


 

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; (Philippians 2:12)

Paul commends the brethren for their past obedience and urges them to allow past victories to be an incentive to continue.  He urges them not to work to please earthly teachers, but for the approval of the Heavenly Father.

He exhorts them to work out their salvation.  “Salvation” means safety from danger and harm.  In scripture, it means the safety of the soul from sin and eternal condemnation.  Salvation is primarily a work of God, but it requires the faith and cooperation of man.  It should be one’s chief work and concern.  One must keep walking in the light (I John 1:7), and must keep themselves in the love of God. (Jude 21)

The Lord commands his children to “strive” (Luke 13:24), to “press” (Philippians 3:13), and to “give diligence” (II Peter 1:5).  To “work out” or to carry to completion is a personal endeavor.  No other person can do this for you.  There is the need of perseverance to complete the task.

Finally, Paul says work it out with “fear and trembling”.  Fear or reverence is an essential element in holy living.  And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; (1 Peter 1:17)  One’s service to God is to be with reverence and godly fear. (Hebrews 12:28)  Hallowed be thy name must the posture of every prayer (Matthew 6:9) Too much is at stake to take this task lightly.

Our salvation is not yet accomplished.  Hopefully, it is nearer than when we first believed.  As long as sin still haunts us, temptations still attack us, and troubles still threaten us, our work is not finished.  The perfecting of our soul is a life- long process.  We must carry on what God has begun!

By George Slover