Philippians 1:1-2

Paul (a/k/a Saul) had a particular fondness for the Church at Philippi, a fatherly care so to speak, and so begins his letter with a tender tone which remained evident throughout its entirety. He had been instrumental in planting this church and indeed looked upon them as his spiritual children by way of the Gospel. He was motivated by love for them to nurture and build them up in the faith through this same Gospel just as a father would do for his own children. His faith was the well-spring of his work. Paul writes of spiritual children in 1 Corinthians:

15 Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. 1 Cor 4:15 (NIV)

Paul begins his letter by stating his highest honor was being a servant of Christ Jesus. He was not in to being the big dog, the master, the high and mighty one that perhaps in the past his position as a Pharisee might have drawn him to. No, this man had been humbled by true Humilty. He had had an encounter with the Savior and he was forever changed. Encounters with true humility tend to do that. When we are not all about lifting ourselves up in the eyes of others – all of our actions pointing to self-aggrandizement – but lovingly and humbly seeking the best for those in our spheres we are most like the Savior. Goodness is beneficial to others. Jesus’ Words come to mind:

25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave-- 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matt 20:25-28 (NIV)

After our Lord stoops to wash His disciples’ feet He gives His guys the true meaning of the lesson:

12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” John 13:12-17 (NIV)

“Nothing sets a person so much out of the devil’s reach as humility.” Jonathan Edwards

Humility is profoundly Christian. It is a virtue not a weakness. To be sure, it is restrained power. True humility is beautiful, inspiring and wooing. It has nothing to prove. While pride masks and makes us artificial and unapproachable, humility makes us genuine, real and welcoming. It is a quality which does not repel rather invites and attracts. Just like our Lord Jesus. True humility is a mirror that reflects Christ’s glory.

“For those who would learn God’s ways, humility is the first thing, humility is the second thing, humility is the third.” Augustine

“Because Jesus Christ came into the world clothed in humility, He will always be found among those who are clothed with humility.” A.W. Tozer

Next Paul address all his recipients as “saints” – those set apart for God, separated from ordinary or common usage, holy, devoted to God, designated by God as having a sacred purpose or special significance to Him. Christ shows no favoritism among saints – the rich and the poor, the young and the old, the lowest in society as well as the highest, the extraordinarily gifted and the not so gifted - all are gathered together and are equal at the foot of the cross – Paul calls them saints. Each person has a God ordained purpose in this world for their lives and is loved by God who desires none to perish but all to come to repentance.

“God's mercy is vast and beyond our comprehension. He will never reject anyone who turns to Him for mercy. Nor will He force Himself on anyone who chooses to live without Him.” Michael Youssef

Lastly, we read Paul’s apostolic benediction of grace and peace. The order is important as there is no peace without grace. Grace, the free favor and goodwill of God, must precede peace, which is the blessed fruit and effect of that grace. Inward peace comes from the sense of divine favor. God is the fountain of all blessings and it only comes to us through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.