Philippians 2:5-11a: 5-Day Devotional

Day 1: Christ as Our Standard and Power
Jesus Christ is both our example and our source of strength. His life, death, and resurrection provide the template for how we should live and the power to do so. This means treating others as more important than ourselves, just as Christ did. Jesus' humility and selflessness are not just ideals to admire but standards to emulate. By focusing on His example, we find the strength to live out these values in our daily lives. This is not about mere behavior modification but a transformation of our mindset to align with Christ's.

When we look at Jesus, we see the ultimate example of humility and service. He, who was in the form of God, chose to become a servant and obeyed to the point of death on a cross. This act of humility is unparalleled and serves as our model. As we strive to treat others as more important than ourselves, we rely on the power of Christ within us to make this possible. This is a call to a radical reorientation of our lives, where Christ's example becomes our guiding principle.

Colossians 3:12-13 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."

Reflection: Think of a specific person in your life whom you can treat as more important than yourself today. How can you show them Christ-like humility and love?


Day 2: The Depth of Christ's Humility
Understanding the depth of Jesus' humility requires recognizing His preexistent glory. Jesus, who created and sustains all things, chose to empty Himself and become human, even to the point of death on a cross. This act of humility is unparalleled and transformative. Jesus' humility is not just about His actions but about His very nature. He, who had every right to cling to His divine status, chose instead to become a servant.

This profound humility is what makes Jesus' sacrifice so powerful. It is not just that He died for us, but that He, the preexistent, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent God, chose to humble Himself in such a way. This should deeply impact how we view our own lives and our call to humility. We are called to follow His example, not just in our actions but in our mindset, recognizing that true greatness is found in humility.

John 13:14-15 (ESV): "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you."

Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle with pride. How can you follow Jesus' example of humility in this area today?


Day 3: Rejecting Idols and Embracing Christ
Our hearts are constantly creating idols that vie for the throne of our lives. We must be deliberate in rejecting these idols and setting our minds on Christ. This involves being in the Word, in community, and attentive to the Holy Spirit. Idols can take many forms, from material possessions to personal ambitions, and they can subtly take the place of Christ in our hearts.

To combat this, we need to be intentional about where we focus our attention and affections. Setting our minds on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God, helps us to keep our priorities in check. This means immersing ourselves in Scripture, engaging in meaningful community with other believers, and being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. By doing so, we can ensure that Christ remains the center of our lives.

1 John 5:21 (ESV): "Little children, keep yourselves from idols."

Reflection: Identify one idol in your life that competes for your attention and devotion. What steps can you take today to remove this idol and refocus on Christ?


Day 4: The Cosmic Significance of Jesus' Lordship
At the end of the age, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This is a reality that will be acknowledged by all, either in joy or in fear. Understanding this cosmic significance helps us grasp the importance of Jesus' humility and exaltation. Jesus' lordship is not just a theological concept but a reality that will be universally recognized.

This truth should shape how we live our lives now. Knowing that Jesus is Lord of all should compel us to live in a way that honors Him. It should also give us a sense of urgency in sharing the gospel with others, knowing that one day everyone will acknowledge His lordship. This cosmic perspective helps us to see the bigger picture and to live with an eternal mindset.

Revelation 5:13 (ESV): "And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!'"

Reflection: How does the reality of Jesus' future universal lordship impact the way you live today? What changes can you make to align your life more closely with this truth?


Day 5: Living a New Life in Christ
Becoming a Christian means more than just securing a place in heaven; it means living a new life now. This new life is characterized by imitating Christ, setting our minds on things above, and allowing His Spirit to transform us. This is the path to true freedom and fulfillment. Living a new life in Christ involves a daily commitment to follow His example and to be transformed by His Spirit.

This transformation is not something we can achieve on our own; it requires the power of the Holy Spirit working within us. As we set our minds on things above and seek to imitate Christ, we will find that our priorities, actions, and attitudes begin to change. This new life is marked by a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from living in alignment with God's will.

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you need to put off the old self and put on the new self in Christ? How can you take a practical step towards this transformation today?