Philippians 2:17-18 KJV – “Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.”
Paul didn’t know what the outcome would be in Rome as he awaited his trial. But if he were to die as a martyr he simply saw it as a joyful sacrifice for God.
The metaphor of the drink offering is an interesting one. Paul goes on to use it again a few years later at his final trial.
2 Timothy 4:6 KJV – “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.”
When we understand this metaphor we can get a valuable insight into the mindset of Paul.
The concept of the drink offering is seen in Numbers 15:1-10. It was poured upon the main offering or burnt sacrifice. When poured on, it simply disappeared into steam. But, noticeably it is described as a pleasing aroma to the Lord.
In a sense Jesus is a picture that main sin offering to the Lord on behalf of us. We can’t add to that sacrifice.
Hebrews 10:14 KJV – “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.”
But there is also a sense that the service of our lives can be seen like the drink offering poured upon it. It is simply a sweet smelling aroma to God.
Philippians 2:17 KJV – “Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.”
That word ‘service’ here is a specific word to describe the priestly ministry, of which each individual Christian is part of. (1 Peter 2:5). Our lives of faithful service are like offerings to God. Noticeably, this doesn’t just mean in death, but also in life. And that is exactly how Paul describes it in the letter to the Romans.
Romans 12:1 KJV – “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
Notice the language used is very similar. Ultimately we are all called to present our lives for service. This isn’t just in a Sunday context but in all areas of our lives. If you want some detail of what that life might look like then read Romans 12:9-21.
As we looked at the list of examples for us in Philippians chapter 2, we noticed that this idea of offerings and sacrifice, stands out in the example of Epaphroditus (The faithful messenger sent by the Philippian church to aid Paul). Look what Paul says in closing his letter:
Philippians 4:18 KJV – “But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.”
Notice the consistency of the ‘drink offering’ metaphor. We can conclude from this that every area of our lives can be used as an offering for God. My prayer is that our lives would be joyful offerings to our great God, ready to be used in His service.
