Week 2 Day 2

“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

Philippians 2:8

As you learned yesterday, humility is not just a virtue; it’s a key to understanding God’s will. However, a second aspect has been revealed that will help you understand how you can be the man Christ demonstrated for you. This aspect is obedience, a quality that allows us to see beyond our own desires and align ourselves with God’s plan.

The second aspect that will lead us to becoming a man like Christ is obedience.

The verse reveals the importance of obedience. As mentioned in the previous day’s study, Christ was surrendered to the will of the Father. Obedience is taking the knowledge of God and meshing that with our desire to conform to that image. As we become obedient to Him, we will do what He says rather than what we want. Obedience equates to humbleness.

Obedience is revealed in God’s Word as being better than sacrifice. No one man will ever rise above his level of obedience, whether this obedience is to God or your God-ordained leaders. No matter where you believe you have arrived, you must always be obedient. Christ, the very Word of God, the only Son of God, obeyed authority. He, as the Author and Finisher, is our model of obedience. Likewise, we should be a model of obedience to others.

Your development of a man like Christ will be defined as you surrender to the fact that no matter what, He is God. You, although incredibly blessed and highly favored, are nothing without Him. However, with Him, you are everything. Be as Christ, humble yourself to the will of God, and obediently follow Him.

Prayer—

Lord, You have demonstrated great obedience and self-sacrifice, and I praise Your name for that this day. I pray that you strengthen me to obey You and those You have placed over my life. I understand that this strength comes from You and seek it through prayer. Be glorified through my obedience, in Jesus’ name, Amen.