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.
Philippians 2:17,18
There have been many dynamic duos. Think about all the pairs that have performed together. Laurel and Hardy. Bing and Bob. Batman and Robin. I know that I’m dating myself, but too bad. I’m the one writing this.
If you Google “the dynamic duo” you get over two-million hits. And yes, Batman and Robin are at the top of that list. There’s also a TV show from Korea and a remodeling company. But to me, they should be on another page or something to show just how far below they are.
Paul has told the Philippians to hold on. Yes, life’s rough and it’s about to get even rougher for them. But not only for them. He knows exactly what’s in store for him. He knows that he’s not going to die of old age, but at the end of an executioner’s ax as his head falls into a basket.
But before his death, Paul’s not going on a cruise, or some extended around-the-world holiday. No. He’s going to stay at his post. On the job. Serving the one who died for us all. He’s going to keep giving and giving because that what Jesus did for him. For us.
Between now and when the ax falls, he’s going to keep going and going. Working and working. He’s going to be like the Energizer Bunny[1]: he keeps going and going and going. Or think of Paul like this, he’s going to be like a mountain spring where the water just keeps flowing and flowing. It never stops. No matter how hot it gets in the summer, this spring keeps going. And so does Paul.
Paul tells us what he’s going to be doing between now and the hour of his death. He has a powerful one-two punch that he’s committed to. It’s a really great and powerful dynamic duo.
Sacrifice. A sacrifice is something that God says we are to do. We don’t get to make this up. There’s no creativity needed on our part. It’s his decision and his instructions. He tells us the when, where, why, and how. A sacrifice also requires that we give up something. There’s no such thing as a “free” sacrifice. Our job is to say, “Yes sir” and to do it. But King David replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying the full price. I will not take for the LORD what is yours, or sacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing.” 1 Chronicles 21:24 While we don’t have sacrifices like they had back then, we still have sacrifices that we can and should give. God is looking for us to sacrifice our broken spirit and repentant heart[2] to him. We are to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice in acts of true worship[3].
Service. While a sacrifice is made to God, service is what we do that impacts people. Service is expressed through our words and actions towards other people, whoever they may be. When we serve, we may not have to give up money or possessions, but we do have to give of ourselves. In service, we tell people that they are important to God and to us. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 2 Corinthians 9:12 There are loads of opportunities to serve people. It can come through helping the poor or those in trouble. You can serve in your local church or anywhere in the community. Anytime that we serve, it leaves a significant impact on the individuals served and the community as a whole.
Sacrifice and service to God doesn’t think about if anyone’s watching. It also doesn’t look for a reward or blessing in this life. You can only live this kind of life in and through faith in Jesus. It doesn’t come any other way.
This isn’t to bash other religions or faiths. Not at all. But it does highlight how faith in Jesus is different from every other religion on the face of the planet. They require to do more good than evil. You have to work your way into God’s favor.
But in Jesus, he’s already done everything needed for us to be forgiven, made completely clean and acceptable to God the Father. It’s in response to what God’s already done that we want to live the dynamic duo of sacrifice and service. So, how’s your dynamic duo doing these days?
Noodling Questions
Which sounds better to you: sacrifice or service? Why?
If no one’s looking, will you sacrifice or serve? Why?
How can sacrifice and service be motivated by the love of God?
[2] Psalm 51:17 NLT
[3] Romans 12:1