'Lord, This Isn't What I Had In Mind': Philippians 2:1-18 (Gentleness)

Read Galatians 5:22-23:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

Are you ready to make an investment in the Fruit of Gentleness?

What is God asking you to do that goes against all the hopes and dreams you had for your life? Be specific.

Read Philippians 2:1-18:

"Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me."

Select 'Successful' when you are finished.

Go to 'DOCUMENTS' and read Oswald Chambers' observations on Philippians 2:1-18.

Select 'Successful' when you are finished.

Oswald comments:

"...do you say, “I am not willing to be poured out right now, and I don’t want God to tell me how to serve Him. I want to choose the place of my own sacrifice. And I want to have certain people watching me and saying, ‘Well done.’ ”

How often do these comments apply to you?

Oswald states:

"It is one thing to follow God’s way of service if you are regarded as a hero, but quite another thing if the road marked out for you by God requires becoming a “doormat” under other people’s feet."

How much has God required you to 'becoming a “doormat” under other people’s feet'?

Oswald continues:

"God’s purpose may be to teach you to say, “I know how to be abased...” (Philippians 4:12). Are you ready to be sacrificed like that? Are you ready to be less than a mere drop in the bucket— to be so totally insignificant that no one remembers you even if they think of those you served? Are you willing to give and be poured out until you are used up and exhausted— not seeking to be ministered to, but to minister?"

How would you answer these questions?

Oswald adds:

"Some saints cannot do menial work while maintaining a saintly attitude, because they feel such service is beneath their dignity."

Is there anything you would like to repent of (express your sorrow)?

If so, you can do so privately, or in the space provided.

Oswald asks:

"Are you willing to sacrifice yourself for the work of another believer—to pour out your life sacrificially for the ministry and faith of others?"

How would you answer that question now?

Is there anything you would like to thank or praise God for?

If so, you can do so privately or in the space provided.

Pray

Ask God to show how you can, going forward, be 'as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith'.

If you wish, you can write down what you receive in the space provided.

In regard to serving others, how much has this Trail increased your current level of gentleness?