Yes, and if I am being poured out
as a drink offering
on the sacrifice and service
of your faith, I am glad
and rejoice with you all.
For the same reason you also
be glad and rejoice with me.
Philippians 2:17-18
First, allow me to address why "as a drink offering" is in italics. The Greek word: σπένδομαι: is first person singular present indicative passive, that is, this word speaks to the one speaking the word as doing, and is a primary verb to pour out as a libation, or in the figurative sense to devote one's life, as a sacrifice (2Timothy 4:6) and the writers of the Bible used a figurative sense of this word by adding "as a drink," also the word for "poured" is added to this verb indicating as to what was happening to Paul. Paul would make mention of this happening to him due to the fact that he was in prison in Rome and would be sacrificed for his preaching of the Gospel. Therefore his life was being poured out, and this pouring out was upon those to whom he taught. Paul sacrificed in his service to the Gospel and towards those he brought the Gospel to and rejoiced that he could do such a thing as this is what God has commanded, not just for him, but for all Authentic Christians. We then, with Paul, rejoice, rejoice to be a servant of Jesus Christ, to be poured out as a drink offering for Him, our Savior Who poured Himself out on the cross to pay for sin, this debt owed to Him, which He did paying His own debt and applying that propitiation to those God has given to Him as His bride. (Read John 17).
Who have you intentionally spoken to about the Gospel? What are you doing to be a servant of God according to His command (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19-20)? Are you as Paul and rejoice with Him: (For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me: Philippians 2:18)? You are not alone in this service and God has provided those who are like minded with Paul, to be of service to you as Authentic Christians and this Paul did by sending Timothy to them: (But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for you state" Philippians 2:19-20). God in His economy and dispensation, that is His arrangement for His children has provided men who are proved by their faith, their Authentic Christian Faith to lead His children, those who are holding fast to the faith once delivered.
A problem exists in the Church for many have added much that is unChristian and unBiblical, teaching a theology that is not the Faith, the Gospel, but their own ideology that has lead to a false theology. It happened in Paul's day and is happening today: (For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus" Philippians 2:21). Are you holding fast to the faith once delivered, or are you following a theology that seems to have some Scriptural warrant? Have you taken time to examine what is being taught (1Thessalonians 5:21). Does your Church look more like the world that it does as a body of Christians who respect and worship God in all they say and do, their services that promote true worship to God? Or, do the members of your Church show disrespect, in dress, in actions, or inaction, and rely on working or doing, as in some, albeit good, programs, and yet live more as the world when not in Church?
The time has come to stand firm for Authentic Christian Faith! Christianity is under attack in many affronts and is in need for Christians to stand up, take a stand for the truth, to be "poured out as a drink offering" in service and in sacrifice. As a Bob Marley song: "Redemption," in one of his stanzas states: How long shall they kill our prophets while we stand by and look?" How long before you take action for the Gospel? We are pilgrims here on earth, and we have a home in heaven waiting for us when we get there, man cannot harm us, man cannot take away from us that which Jesus has done assuring us that we will never lose our salvation, and we will live eternally. What is there to be afraid of? NOTHING!!
Blessed by the LORD God of Israel
From everlasting to everlasting!
Get busy for the Lord: He is your Savior
Richard L. Crumb
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