Philippians 2:17-18 - Homilies By V. Hutton

The law of sacrifice.

St. Paul takes his metaphor from the methods of sacrificial worship in common use among heathen nations. He sees "the soul of good in things evil," and even in the notions of corrupt human imaginations a distorted reflection of truth. He compares the faith and devotion of the Philippian Christians to a sacrifice presented on the altar, and he is ready to pour out his own life's blood as the libation which shall complete this offering and render it acceptable.

I. THE TRUE CHRISTIAN SACRIFICE . The offering of ourselves, our powers, and possessions. How can these be offered? Only through our Lord Jesus Christ, who offered himself for us, because we had nothing worthy of God's acceptance. His sacrifice becomes ours, inasmuch as we are in him. By his being in us he now enables us to offer ourselves.

II. THE TRUE CHRISTIAN PRIESTHOOD . To offer ourselves for one another is the true privilege of priesthood. Christ is the one Priest, for he alone is worthy to offer anything acceptable to God. In as far as we are partakers of his spirit we share in his priesthood and are permitted to offer ourselves for each other.—V.W.H.