And it is what he and the rest of the apostles literally gave their lives to preach to the world through their words and actions. That was Paul’s mission in life – to imitate Christ. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” ( Philippians 2:3-8, ESV).Īs Jesus’ disciples, we are called to follow Him. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. The apostle Paul encourages believers in Philippi: I think it is important to focus on the life of Christ and the finished work of the cross as our example. Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf? Why are we in danger every hour? I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die." (1 Cor. "When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all. The apostle Paul’s exhortation to the believers in Corinth gives us a glimpse of his aim in life: But as Christians, there is a higher call to put off our old nature and put on the “new man” (Ephesians 4:22-24, Colossians 3:9-11). We are born wanting all our needs met (right now!) and if we are not careful, we will continue living like self-centered, immature children. Our fallen human nature is completely and utterly selfish. “I affirm, brethren, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31, NASB).
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