Studies in Philippians(15) Poured Out as a Drink Offering Philippians 2:17-18

Previously Paul is challenging these brethren to shine as lights in the midst of this crooked and perverse generation His hope in this is they stand fast so that in the day of Christ (judgment), he will rejoice, knowing he has not labored in vain Today, Paul’s joyful willingness to suffer for this cause

Poured Out (17) The drink offering Part of the LOM – offered with most sacrifices at feasts, daily offerings, and even on special occasions Exodus 29:39-41, Numbers 15:5, etc. A portion of wine was to be poured out at the base of the altar of sacrifice Genesis 35:10, 14 Jacob, returning to Bethel 1 Chronicles 11:17-19, David, when engaging the Philistines

Poured Out (17) The drink offering Paul here has reference to his death. His willingness to die (Philippians 1:19-24) When Paul is facing coming death, he speaks of this again, 2 Timothy 4:6 Tradition holds that Paul was beheaded (which would have resulted in blood being “poured out”)

Reflections (17-18) Paul was willing to sacrifice himself Exactly how Paul dies is inconsequential. WHY is the important observation. He is willing to die – Acts 20:22-24, 21:13-14 as Paul heads toward Jerusalem to be arrested 2 Corinthians 12:15, I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls…

Reflections (17-18) Paul was willing to sacrifice himself Exactly when Paul will die is uncertain (at least as he penned Philippians). It is believed Paul was released for a short while. 2 Timothy 4:6, NOW Paul knows “the time of my departure is at hand”

Reflections (17-18) How far will we go with sacrifice? Romans 12:1, we are to present our bodies a living sacrifice Hebrews 13:15-16, 1 Peter 2:5, we are a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices What will we give up? Luke 9:23-24, 14:26-27 (cf. Luke 18:22, 28-30, etc.)

Reflections (17-18) How far will we go with sacrifice? Following the example of Jesus, we ought to be willing to sacrifice John 10:11, 15:13, 1 John 3:16 Galatians 2:20

Reflections (17-18) The sacrifice and service of your faith Paul was willing to die for THEM. Just as Christ was willing to die for us, Romans 5:6-8 For Paul, what he did was never just about him. He always had his brethren in mind. 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

Reflections (17-18) For “your faith” Their (our) trust in God Like Paul, these brethren were sacrificing for the Lord 1 Peter 1:6-7, the testing of faith can make us stronger James 1:2-4

Reflections (17-18) For “your faith” Their faithfulness to God, even in trials, gave Paul motive to suffer He knew many were paying a price because of what he taught them. He did not want that to be in vain The genuine faith of others ought to be motivation, and a cause of joy, to us

Reflections (17-18) For “your faith” Do we see the gravity of helping those we have led to Christ to stay faithful? Teaching one the truth may result in their great sacrifices. DON’T let them go when they are struggling. DON’T let them down, by quitting on Christ or them Cf. Matthew 23:13-15, Mark 9:42, Romans 14:13, etc. Don’t abandon your spiritual children

Reflections (17-18) He will continue with them with gladness and rejoicing Again, Paul GLADLY endures what he does, if it strengthens others (cf. Hebrews 12:2) Will we joyfully suffer and face persecutions? Matthew 5:10-12, Acts 5:41 Hebrews 10:34-35 – don’t quit!

Reflections (17-18) Final thought In this text, we see the disposition we need as we approach life. Regardless of circumstances, will we react with a proper attitude and make the best of it? What is our perspective in facing life? Philippians 4:11-13

For whom am I willing to be “poured out”? Poured Out Phil. 2:17-18