Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Philippians 2:3-11.

 

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;  do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.  Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.  Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.  For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  Philippians 2:3-11.

 

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There is superficial instruction that we can glean from today’s Scripture about humility that will help “the interests of others”.  But, there is much deeper and more valuable insight provided by today’s Scripture as to the interest of God, and which must also make us conclude that it is also our own personal interest and the interest of others.  The purpose of today’s Scripture is not primarily that we honor others such as let them eat first.

 

The interest of God is clearly that Jesus Christ be exalted and that “at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

 

Psalm 2:11-12 spells out that this is also our own personal interest and the interest of others. 

^“11 Worship the LORD with reverence
And rejoice with trembling.
¹² Do homage to the Son (Jesus Christ), that He not become angry, and you perish in the way,
For His wrath may soon be kindled.
How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!”

 

Luke 10:42
“but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

 

Mark 8:36
“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?”

 

 

And, what leads to the fulfillment of the interest of God, the interest of us, and the interest of others?  Humility!

 

 

And what is more humbling then “Total Depravity”, the “T” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation?!

 

What exalts Christ more?  A god who bows to the alleged “free-will” of man?  Or, a sovereign God Who perfectly and totally accomplishes all of His good pleasure and “triumphs in Christ”?

 

Which sound doctrine best teaches this truth and best glorifies Christ?  Reformed Doctrine! 

 

Article 18.  To those who murmur at the free grace of election, and just severity of reprobation, we answer with the apostle:  “Nay, but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God?”  Romans 9:20, and quote the language of our Savior:  “Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with my own?”  Matthew 20:15.  And therefore with holy adoration of these mysteries, we exclaim in the words of the apostle:  “O the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!  For who hath known the mind of the Lord, or who hath been his counselor?  or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?  For of him, and through him, and to him are all things:  to whom be glory for ever. – Amen.”  The Canons of Dordt (quoting Romans 11:33-36 at the end of the article).

 

“To God alone, be the glory!”  Soli Deo Gloria of The Five Solas of the Reformation.