Are You Being Poured Out?

In Philippians 2:17, Paul rejoices because he’s being “poured out like a drink offering” on the sacrifice and service of the Philippians’ faith.(1)  

What does this mean?

A drink offering was part of the Old Testament sacrificial system, a system that foreshadowed the sacrifice of Christ (e.g. Numbers 28). The wine poured over offerings in Old Testament times symbolized Christ’s blood.

Christ later spoke these words: "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:20).

In Philippians, Paul was explaining that, like his Savior, his life was being poured out for the faith of others. In fact, it's believed that Paul was beheaded for his faith.

It’s not likely that we’ll be martyred, but all Christians are called to pour out our lives to the Lord:

1. As living sacrifices, we renew our minds with God’s Word (Romans 12:1-2). 

2. We strain to overcome our sin nature (Philippians 2:12-13; Ephesians 4:22-24).  

3. We fulfill God’s plans for our lives (Ephesians 2:10).

If you aren’t doing these things, dear Christians, start now!

Notes:
(1) Paul also talks of being poured out as a drink offering, shortly before his death in 2 Timothy 4:6.

For more on this subject: What is a Drink Offering and How Did Paul Die?   

Bible Love Notes