Philippians 2:17 - The Path of Joy

"But rather if even I am being poured out upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am rejoicing and I am rejoicing with you all." 

-at this point paul still is hoping to be released from his imprisonment (cf phil 2.24), but as he has just touched on the concept of standing before Christ, he does in fact realize that for him the day could arrive in the very near future.  therefore he pictures his life as a sacrifice using this metaphor of being poured out as a drink offering.  both the greeks and the jews used libations in their divine worship, which was the custom of pouring out wine on top of sacrifices.  whether paul is to die in the near future or be released, it is clear that he regarded his own life as a sacrifice, one of worshipping the Lord by being spent and completely devoted to the progress of the Gospel in the lives of others.  paul’s was a life given fully to Jesus and to help others follow Him.  it was his expression of worship and devotion to the Lord, and it was for him a source of extreme joy.  and all the moreso if in living for Jesus he happened to die for Jesus.

-note the tone of yieldedness.  paul doesn’t know if and when he will die, but that’s not up to him.  God is in control.  paul’s life is in God’s hands.  Jesus is Lord and Master, and paul is the willing servant.  whether he lives or dies is of no consequence, as long as he dies doing what his Master wants.

-and yes, note as well the tone of joy.  paul experienced so much joy in living for Jesus and helping others live for Him (phil 4.1, 1th 2.19-20, 1th 3.9, 2cor 12.15) that he couldn’t contain it.  even tho he is in chains and facing possible death as he writes this letter, he has inexpressible joy (cf 2jn 4, 3jn 4, col 1.24, 1pet 1.8).  this is truly the heritage of the believer - not only is joy one of the fruits of the Spirit, but it is one of the primary identifying characteristics of God’s kingdom and people (rom 14.17, act 13.52, jn 15.11).  contagious, overflowing joy will mark out the lives of those who truly and closely follow Jesus, even and especially in the midst of afflictions and trials (2cor 8.2, 1pet 1.6, jam 1.2, mt 5.11-12, jn 16.20-22, act 5.41, rom 12.12, 2cor 6.10).  joy in trials is what proves that we have definitely trusted in Jesus (1pet 1.7).  when life throws you a curveball and is spitting up weeds, can you have joy?  can you, do you experience indescribable joy even in the midst of the brokenness?  yes, the world is broken.  people are broken.  people break down, things break down, and nothing ultimately satisfies apart from Jesus.  there is no lasting joy apart from our everlasting Lord - but in Him our joy is made complete.  find your joy in Him (ps 16.11).