Sunday: Submission for Service
Read Philippians 2:5-9. What important message is there for us in these verses?
Contemporary culture urges us all to demand and assert our rights. And all this is good and is often the way it should be. But as with Jesus, the will of God may ask us to give up our rights freely in order to serve the Father in ways that will make an eternal impact for God’s kingdom. This process of giving them up may be difficult and uncomfortable, creating the conditions of a crucible.
Image © Greg Walker at Goodsalt.com
Look at how Jesus did this (Philippians 2:5-8). These verses describe three steps that Jesus took in submitting Himself to the Father’s will. And at the beginning, Paul alarmingly reminds us: “Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5, NIV).
In order to be in a position to save us, Jesus gave up His equality with the Father and moved to earth in the form and limitations of a human being (Philippians 2:6-7, , NIV).
Jesus did not come as a great and glorious human being, but as a servant of other human beings (Philippians 2:7, NIV).
As a human servant, Jesus did not live a peaceful and long life but became “obedient to death.” But He did not even die in a noble and glorious manner. No, He was “obedient to death — even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8, NIV).
In what areas of life is this example of Jesus a model for us? If rights and equality are good and should be protected, how would you explain the logic of sometimes needing to give them up? Now read Philippians 2:9. In what way does this verse help us to understand the logic of submission to the Father’s will?
| Pray for wisdom from the Holy Spirit, asking, “What rights am I holding on to right now that actually might be a barrier to submitting to Jesus’ will in serving my family, my church, and those around me? To what extent am I willing to endure discomfort to serve others more effectively?” |
(23)
The dilemma of the Gospel message is that "winning" is tied to the notion of losing. That is contradictory to what most of us believe about achievement. It you want to be a winner in sport, you have to have a bit of the "I am the greatest" philosophy swimming around in the back of your head. Nobody wins a tennis match by being generous towards the opponent. If you want to rise to the top in business, you have to systematically make stronger, meaner decisions than your business competitors.
Yet in the Gospel philosophy, its the loser that is the winner. God dies, so that his creation can live. That is so contrary to what we thing is right. If I am creating a photograph and something goes wrong in the process, I destroy that photograph and create another. I don't waste time trying to fix the photograph (although photoshop can sometimes do a pretty good job - but that's an illustration for a different idea!)
Jesus taught some pretty weird principles. If you want to be great, be prepared to be the least; turn the other cheek; go the second mile; rejoice when people persecute you; when you're the boss, wash the feet of the employees.
So much of Christian Church history shows how skewed our thinking has become. We have lost sight of humility and convinced ourselves that building bigger and better churches bring honour and glory to God. It always intrigues me that the greatest expansion of the Christian church occurred before we had purpose built large churches.
And its not just a case of admiring the servitude of God during his ministry. Somehow we have to internalise the principle of achievement through humble service in a way that is meaningful in a secular competitive society where Individual achievement is idolised.
It seems to me that any time we're "asserting our rights," we're moving in the wrong direction.
Or are there exceptions?
Good question Inge. I believe there is a time for bringing up the rights issue. Slavery etc. I will stop here to keep this non political.
It is interesting to note how Paul dealt with the slavery issue in one of his letters. Philemon 1-25. Compare that with 1 Cor 12:13, Gal 3:28, Col. 3:11.
Whether we acknowledge it or not, there are oppressed classes of people in every society, and I believe that God feels the suffering of such people.
The question is how to remedy the situation? Should the oppressed rise up and assert their temporal rights? What would/ does such assertion do to their characters?
I was once in a situation of being treated unjustly in a matter of employment. I subsequently discovered that others before me had been treated similarly - to their loss and the loss of the church. It was a systemic problem that had done much harm. It needed to be corrected. I considered the battle needed to correct it, and even in the consideration, I could tell that embarking on a course to correct the problem would negatively affect my character and my relation to Christ.i chose to let it go and trust God to deal with the problem in His own time, and I have never regretted it.
I'm not suggesting that Christ-followers should not be engaged in correcting wrongs in church or in society. But there's a question of who should be involved in this work. Should it be those who have been wronged, or should it be those who have not been wrong but who see the wrong done to others?
Worded differently: Should we stand up for our own rights, or should we seek to uplift others?
Besides those questions, we should consider the example Jesus set
Would Philemon 1-25 also apply to the abuse of girls and women in today's world of sex slavery? The institution of slavery found in the New Testament is very different from American slavery and today's sex slave trade. It was not considered "criminal". In Chapter 55—Slavery and the War. Ellen White wrote,
"God is punishing this nation for the high crime of slavery. He has the destiny of the nation in His hands. He will punish the South for the sin of slavery, and the North for so long suffering its overreaching and overbearing influence."
Hello Inge,
I understand your choice not to pursue the injustice of the situation. Those who struggled against systemic and social racism did so at great personal cost. It takes a very strong connection with the One who is meek and lowly to survive and manage the process. Without that connection, justice can bear bitter fruit.
For several years, I have been helping a friend with his case against the workers compensation board. It was obvious that some of the persons who worked for the agency took our case very personally, and it was very hard not to respond in kind and to view these persons as human beings worthy of respect.
The struggle that my friend and I had brought me a deeper understanding of the character of Christ in Matthew 23. The words spoken to the scribes and Pharisees were spoken in love and in meekness. It was a great struggle for me to write words for the presentation of our case that responded kindly and in love. It was a matter of much prayer.
Thanks, Richard. My decision was solely based on my personal level of maturity. At this stage in life, perhaps I could handle it, but I still don't know.
Yes, I understand that
I really appreciate your sharing, and I pray that the Lord will continue to bless you as you serve Him in your unique situation.
Dear Mr. Duncan,
Not to be political as well (I hate politics), and especially, when it comes to sensitive topics such as slavery.
What is the difference between slavery, and the current system of employment? Not much, it can be called "slavery by another name". And we must consider that there were different forms of slavery (such as indentured servitude).
We are facing the threat of a major Railroad strike, here in America, one that could further weaken an already weak economy. But the workers feel that their points should be "heard or considered" as well. Who is right? Should the workers protest for better employment rights anyway, no matter the outcome?
I think it is as Ms. Inge has said below, "I chose to let it go and trust God to deal with the problem in His own time".
Being a lover of History, I can tell you in many different ways how the slave problem was dealt with in God's time, as all the other conflicts in world history were too. Many had tried without success to bring an end to slavery, by protest, by revolt; but the problem wasn't resolved until God said it would be, in His time.
We have to learn to be patient, and wait on God, and His time, no matter how hard or how long we have to live without our rights. We have to remember, "It's not about us, but It's about Jesus".
Lastly, when God calls us to protest or revolt, He will definitely let us know.
God's blessings to us all!
Slavery in the Jewish economy was closely related to employment, and God provided regulations. This system provided release after a time and addressed physical abuse.
I also agree with Ms. Inge statement below. But some systems are so abusive that God expects governments to act, as we read in Sis. White's statement. Civil authorities are instruments of God’s wrath on wrongdoers and for the good of the society, have the responsibility of retribution. “The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong” (Romans 13:4). The government is also to defend its people from external or foreign threats.
The essential role and purpose of government is to exercise justice. Based on the truth of the dignity of every human being, justice means to give each person that which is due and is expressed negatively and positively. Negatively, government is to punish evil. Positively, it is to promote good. Romans 13:3–7 and 1 Peter 2:13–14 provide the most thorough treatment of a government’s purpose. Under God, governments are given the authority to use force for the purpose of punishing evil and rewarding good.
Slavery and Employment:
“When you acquire a Hebrew slave, he shall serve six years; in the seventh year he shall go free, without payment. If he came single, he shall leave single; if he had a wife, his wife shall leave with him. If his master gave him a wife, and she has borne him children, the wife and her children shall belong to the master, and he shall leave alone.
“But if the slave declares, ‘I love my master, and my wife and children: I do not wish to go free,’ his master shall take him before God. He shall be brought to the door or the doorpost, and his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall then remain his slave for life.
“When a man sells his daughter as a slave, she shall not be freed as male slaves are. If she proves to be displeasing to her master, who designated her for himself, he must let her be redeemed; he shall not have the right to sell her to outsiders, since he broke faith with her.
“And if he designated her for his son, he shall deal with her as is the practice with free maidens. If he marries another, he must not withhold from this one her food, her clothing, or her conjugal rights. If he fails her in these three ways, she shall go free, without payment.
“When a man strikes his slave, male or female, with a rod, and he dies there and then, he must be avenged. But if he survives a day or two, he is not to be avenged, since he is the other’s property.” (Exodus 21:2-11, 20-21)
There has certainly been a rise in the demanding and asserting of rights within contemporary culture over the past 18 months or so. When does demanding and asserting rights become self-seeking and when does it become other benefiting?
What principles do you notice you are drawing upon as you answer this question for yourself?
I believe that Jesus asserted himself whenever he declared that He is God, when He told the people that He and the Father are one and when he told them that God is His father. He was associating himself with the God of creation, the unmatched power, king of all kings.
Mitzie, could there be a different reason that Christ revealed His relation to the Father than lifting Himself up? Could it be essential to His mission of saving humanity that people should know that He represented the Father?
Jesus actually spoke of being "lifted up" in John 3:14 and John 8:28.
What was He talking about here?
I believe the rights issue can take a more personal turn in a home where one person is seeking to control another in always insisting on having their own way. I believe sister White says a person’s individuality is not to be trampled.
Good point.
No individual should submerge their personality in another, because that is robbing Christ of service due to Him. And, of course no one should attempt to force such a submerging of personality.
Let's consider the issue in such a situation: Is it primarily a matter of "my rights not recognized," or is it an issue of Christ's Lordship not being recognized? I think our view of that matter makes a difference in how our character is effected. If we stay fully submitted to the Lord, He will give us proper discernment in the matter, but it will never be easy. (It's too easy to fool ourselves.)
We are moral creatures and have the right to choose between good and evil, right and wrong, love and hate, life and death. God will not trample on that right. But if we want him to work a transformation in our lives, we must give up that right and submit to his will.
Deuteronomy 30:19 "This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live"
David, rather than giving up the right to make a moral choice, I think you might mean that we must exercise the right to choose. We must choose Christ!
0ur power to choose is strengthened by God, not eliminated.
If we choose to serve Satan, we choose slavery,and only Christ can deliver us from that slavery.
Inge, of course there are exceptions. Even the Bible declares such. In the first place human rights in general are based on certain standards that dignify human beings and make them equal in moral value.
Some examples I found in the Bible are:
Gal,3:28 „ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for
You are all one in Jesus.
Prov.31: 8-9 „ Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.“
Lev. 19:14 „ You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your
God, I am the Lord.
COL.3:19 „ Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.“
2.Samuel 8:15 „ So David reigned over all Israel. And David administered justice and equity to all his people
We do have the right to claims those moral values, such as justice- being innocent , the right to defend yourself taking legal support. Also freedom of will, for example in a case someone is forcing you to do something against your will, you can refuse and settle with the outcome. In some cultures, there‘s what is known as forced marriages. We can claim the right to security, in case we are chased or harassed. Another point is to treat others without discrimination and feel responsible in all I do towards others because it‘s not only about us but about others. Jesus urges us to be compassionate and caring towards others as we read in the Sermon in the Mount- Math,7:10
„ All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.”
Thanks, Amina.
The texts you referenced do no appear to refer to standing up for *our own* rights. So my question remains open. (Standing up for the rights of others is a completely different matter.)
The Bible reminds us that our natural hearts are deceitful and wicked (Jer. 17:9), and that makes me think that it's very easy to deceive ourselves regarding our "rights" and even whether we are standing up for our own rights or the rights of others.
I have always thought it to be very important to know that we ought not to focus our attention more on the death of Christ than on His life. Jesus' death was the culmination of a life lived in accordance of the Spirit of Love and forgiveness. If this is the message we accept from His life and live it, we will live again, but if we forget this part of His coming to earth and only focus on His death, we miss the most important part of life – the Holy Spirit which guided Him and now us to live according the Spirit of Truth and Light to reveal to us the Fathere's Will.
Should this living turn out to become a sacrifice unto death, this then is according to the individual circumstances the living the Truth and Light has brought about. Not everyone dies physically due to circumstances which are based on ones spiritual conviction, but everyone who believes is called upon to lay down his/her life daily and experience the Spirit’s effect of dying to self – self-denial; denying our sin-nature to dominate the new nature given to us by the Father of Life through our faith.
The act of self-denial by one person sows the seed which can bring forth more fruit of the spirit in the lives of those who were touched by this selfless act. Each act of selfless kindness will bring about this effect. We might not observe it, but in God’s kingdom, no effect of His spirit is lost or wasted. Yes, freely taking this cross of self-denial upon ourselves is the crucible in which we have chosen to live our life.
It is as much living the spirit of this new life as an experience to build the new ‘self’, as it is that we are sowing these seeds of the spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, modesty - to benefit the livese of others. Gal.5:22-23.
To counterpose all the Lucifer had said about Jesus in Heaven, while Jesus was offered to sit on God's throne, Jesus Himself showed to all creatures what He was able to do to demonstrate His true (loving) character. Although He was offered the highest position in the entire Universe, Jesus became the lowest, the simplest, the most rejected person in the world, and without any guilt, died for His own (deadly by choice and with no merit at all) creatures! What an amazing God we have, and how great Jesus is! How much can I surrender to Him? Does it depend on how much I understand and internalize His example in my own life?
I find it very interesting how many rush out to claim their rights with such passion. I wish that even a small fraction would assert their responsibilities with so much vehemence.
I think that Jesus was very focused on His (self-imposed) responsibilities to all of us sinners. Concentrating on that allowed Him to make the ultimate sacrifice.
In my own life, I’m trying to look much more at what my responsibilities are towards others - am I treating them with love and respect? Am I protecting their rights? Focusing outward is much better for me than focusing inward.
I think there probably is a time to fight for our rights, but it is tricky. It's probably best to fight for the rights of others rather than our own. Fighting for our own rights can be selfish and it's hard to really know when we are self-focused. However, what about people who have gone to court to have their right to not work on Sabbath? I think we would support that, though the fight likely benefits others besides themselves. Keep in mind too, that Paul did assert his rights as a Roman Citizen several times (though perhaps he did this for the benefit of other Christians and the spread of the gospel).
To me, what helps me make the difference is thinking in terms of salvation of others (which is what Jesus was all about). I feel we should almost always or maybe always give up our rights if it will lead to the salvation of others. If the giving up of right has no bearing on the salvation of others, then it might not have much benefit.
Thanks, Christina, for your insights. I find your last paragraph particularly helpful:
Is there a difference between fighting for your rights and standing up for your rights? CHRIST allowed Himself to be abused and degraded for our salvation. l once heard someone extol the virtues of a Christian wife staying with her non Christian husband who was physically and mentally abusing her horribly. It appeared that the people - by their silence - were in agreement with this. Somehow that did not sit right with me. For a Christian woman to stay with a non Christian spouse who is physically wounding her and who threatened to kill her in the ‘hope’ that one day he will convert?
I hear you, Marcia. A friend was counseled that it was her duty to stay with an abusive husband by her pastor. (In one instance, her husband talked to his girl friend on the phone while he had a choke hold on his wife!!) I believe the pastor was dead wrong and misrepresenting Christ. This kind of situation calls for standing up for the dignity of a child of God - like the wife in an abusive relationship.
I believe that it is wrong to allow anyone to abuse a child of God - even if that child is ourselves. However, most women in such abusive relationships need support and an advocate to get out of such a situation. We each owe our first allegiance to Christ, and if anyone attempts to forcefully come between us and Christ, we have the duty (not just right) to get out of the situation.
Paul counseled wives to stay with their unbelieving husbands if the husband "is pleased to dwell with her." (1 Cor 7:13, 14) Paul's phrasing indicates respect, not abuse. I believe it does not apply to an abusive relationship. (That said, I have also known women to claim abuse because they could not dominate their husbands. It's a reminder that our hearts are deceitful.)
Sunday - Giving up our rights.
It's like I was saying to my Sabbath School last week while teaching, about expectations; what we are expecting to get from God as a reward, per say, for becoming a Christian. Saying to ourselves, "If I become a Christian, then God will take care of me. He'll give me a good job or a better job, a good husband or fix the one I already have, and He will even make these bad children act right, and He will definitely heal me of this illness or disease".
So many people join the church, but when their expectations are not meet, God didn't do what they expected Him to do, then they choose to leave the church; that's the revolving door scheme. What they failed to realize was that when you join the church, you were supposed to have done so because you want to "serve God, to live a life of service to Him", and not to just reap the rewards that God could give them.
When you choose to "Live a life of service", you are not thinking, what am I going to do in order to get a reward for my service. Instead, your whole thinking and attitude is "what I can do to help my Master or my God". That's why Peter told the servants, or slaves, in 2 Peter 2:28, "servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear [respect], not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh." So, whether you work for a good manager (boss) or a bad one, you are to serve them in the same manner, submitting yourself to them. Instead of thinking about yourself, and what I can do to get a raise or promotion; you should be thinking about what I can do to make the business better.
When we truly submitted, or surrender our service, to God, we don't have to worry about our reward.
Isiah 58:13 says, "if you turn they foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable...14, then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord, and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father, for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it."
And here in our text for Sunday, Philipians 2:9, "therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name", because He was "obedient to the point of death". It would have been a totally different ending, if Jesus had become (like many of us) proud, egotistic, and self-serving, all of which is the opposite of humble, obedient, and willing to give up His rights of being King of kings. He did all of that to Save Us. WOW!!
We need to stop expecting rewards from God, as if He is our personal Genie; and commit (submit) ourselves to a Life of serving Him. If we do this, then we will not have to worry our receiving our reward; He will reward us above and beyond our highest expectations.
God bless you all!