Please notice the order in which the Apostle Paul catalogues this statement.  It is abasement first, and then, abundance.  In the same way that we have to become servants before we can be lifted up, we have to be abased before we can abound.  Jesus said in Matthew 20:27, “Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.”  This same sentiment is expressed in 1 Peter 5:6, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.”

Even Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient unto death.  (Philippians 2:8)  As we submit, and humble ourselves to God, it places us in our rightful position, that of being a servant.  It is only when we humble ourselves under Gods hand, can He use us in the manner which He desires.

When Paul is talking about abasement, he is predominately speaking materially; however, the underlying thought is very much within the spiritual realm.  The Apostle knew how to be lacking in material things, such as, a nice house, financial stability and such like.  But he also knew how to abound, because God supplied his every need through various means.  We are not informed a great deal about his material supply in general, however, we read that the church at Philippi had yet again made a supply to Paul of which he was thankful, but we know only to well that he got his spiritual supply directly from the Father Himself.  Praise His wonderful Name.

The position of submission and abasement places us in the almost enviable situation, of not being lifted up and put on a pedestal.  If we are lifted up ‘beyond’ our calling, it will be that we have lifted our selves up, and, not lifted up by God, and not only will we stumble, but, we will cause others to stumble also.  When God lifts us up, He places us in our rightful position, with the knowledge and experience required to fulfil that role.  However, when we lift ourselves up it is with pride and arrogance, and, it stands to reason that we will not have the relevant knowledge, experience and attitude needed to fulfil the correct requirements.

 God forbid that we should put a stumbling block in front of a brother or a sister.

We are the body of Christ and members in particular, (1 Corinthians 12:27) and as such, should make ourselves available to be used of God, and ‘by love serve one another’ to the glory of God, by assisting and being there for one another in what ever way we can.

Let us put into practice that old definition of J.O.Y.  Jesus first.  Yourself last.  And Others in between. 

May we adhere to what the Apostle says in Philippians Chapter 2 verses 3 & 4, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.  Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”  And as God gave woman to man, to be a help meet, so must each and every one of us, be a help to each other.

“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”  (Galatians 5:13)

Every blessing in the precious name of Jesus.

Bill Hilton