barry
01-10-2007, 10:48 AM
Today's text:
Philippians 2:5 - "Keep this mental attitude in YOU that was also in Christ Jesus"
According to the WT 2005/09/15 (translated from Dutch, so don't look at the errors ;) )
To walk the same way Jesus has walked, we need to follow his loyalty. The bible tells us more about Jesus' loyalty in Philippians 2:5-8 :"Keep this mental attitude in YOU that was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although he was existing in God’s form, gave no consideration to a seizure, namely, that he should be equal to God. 7No, but he emptied himself and took a slave’s form and came to be in the likeness of men. 8 More than that, when he found himself in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient as far as death, yes, death on a torture stake." Jesus was loyal to Jehovah's sovereignty by submitting himself to Gods will. He was loyal until death, death on a torture stake.
We need to keep the same "mental attitude" by loyally submitting to Gods will.
Jesus was also loyal to his faithful apostles. In spite of their weakness and imperfection he loved them to the end (John 13:1). We should not be critical towards our brothers and sisters because of their imperfections.
Of course we cannot follow exactly our perfect Example because of our imperfection. But we can try to follow his steps closely. For this it is needed to understand Jesus' way of guidance and to submit to it and keep his example.
By becoming followers of Christ, we will receive a lot of blessings. Our life will be more interesting since we are concentrated on doing Gods will instead of our own (John 5:30; 6:38). We have a good conscience. The way we walk can be an example for others. Jesus invited all who are toiled and loaded down to come to him and find refreshment for their souls (Matth 11:28-30). Following Jesus example we can also be a resfreshment for others.
Let's walk the same way as Jesus did.
much love,
Barry
Philippians 2:5 - "Keep this mental attitude in YOU that was also in Christ Jesus"
According to the WT 2005/09/15 (translated from Dutch, so don't look at the errors ;) )
To walk the same way Jesus has walked, we need to follow his loyalty. The bible tells us more about Jesus' loyalty in Philippians 2:5-8 :"Keep this mental attitude in YOU that was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although he was existing in God’s form, gave no consideration to a seizure, namely, that he should be equal to God. 7No, but he emptied himself and took a slave’s form and came to be in the likeness of men. 8 More than that, when he found himself in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient as far as death, yes, death on a torture stake." Jesus was loyal to Jehovah's sovereignty by submitting himself to Gods will. He was loyal until death, death on a torture stake.
We need to keep the same "mental attitude" by loyally submitting to Gods will.
Jesus was also loyal to his faithful apostles. In spite of their weakness and imperfection he loved them to the end (John 13:1). We should not be critical towards our brothers and sisters because of their imperfections.
Of course we cannot follow exactly our perfect Example because of our imperfection. But we can try to follow his steps closely. For this it is needed to understand Jesus' way of guidance and to submit to it and keep his example.
By becoming followers of Christ, we will receive a lot of blessings. Our life will be more interesting since we are concentrated on doing Gods will instead of our own (John 5:30; 6:38). We have a good conscience. The way we walk can be an example for others. Jesus invited all who are toiled and loaded down to come to him and find refreshment for their souls (Matth 11:28-30). Following Jesus example we can also be a resfreshment for others.
Let's walk the same way as Jesus did.
much love,
Barry