The Law of the Christian Life
A. Mackennal, D. D. Philippians 2:17-18 Yes, and if I be offered on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.… The sacrifices of the Jews were not all sombre ceremonials. A solemn oppression rested on the people on the great day of Atonement; and it was not until the High Priest returned from the Most Holy Place, and proclaimed by His presence that the ceremonial was ended, that the people were able to breathe in gladness again. But there was one special festival which was of a joyous character — the whole burnt offering, or "splendour" offering, which was an expression of gratitude to God for His goodness. This was the service in which beasts in multitude smoked upon the altar, and wine was poured out in libation. It was to this that the apostle here refers. He delighted to think of humanity as presented in offering to the most Holy One — all presenting to God their faith and sacrifice, and to have part in such service was his highest joy. Life itself might be freely poured out upon it in libation. Christian history furnishes us with the reality of these two types. When the Saviour hung on Calvary, the sin-offering, there was no room for any but solemn accessories. "There was darkness," etc.; but when He returned the whole spirit of piety was altered and enlarged. Sadness gave way to joy; death, suffering, endurance, became charged with joyous inspiration; so that the very word "sacrifice" took on a new significance. I. IN CHRISTIAN SERVICE THERE MUST BE SACRIFICE. 1. This is the law of Christian life. "If any man will come after me," etc. 2. It is the impulse of Christian affection. "Enough for the disciple to be as his Lord." 3. It is the revelation of a higher righteousness. "It is better to suffer," etc., because "Christ also suffered the just," etc. 4. It is the assurance of triumph and the way to spiritual influence. "If we suffer with Him we shall also reign with Him."(1) The spirit of sacrifice is the possession of all Christians. (2) But there are those whose suffering is more conspicuous than that of others. Men foremost in office. "The Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep." These draw most opposition. The qualities which make them worthy of confidence mark them out. Duty demands that they should be faithful in times of danger; and in times of peace they find room to offer themselves. A long life spent in Christ's cause is as truly poured out as that which is cut short by the axe. (3) There are others who, by a necessity of their being, cannot serve without sacrificing themselves. There is feeling in all their labour, and feeling wears out more than toil. II. FAITH KNOWS HOW TO VINDICATE AND APPROVE THE LAW OF SACRIFICE. 1. The cause of humanity is justly held to vindicate all the sacrifices that individual men can make to it. That story of Marcus Curtius, who threw himself into the gulf opened in the forum at Rome, is one of the noblest legends of history. Now and then we are thrilled by records of shipwreck, how that officers stand on the quarter-deck and go down with the ship. To what purpose is this waste? The cause of humanity demands it, and he would be a dastard who would count his own life dearer than that of the tiniest child. The gifted must not alone enjoy their gifts, but lay them out in the service of the undistinguished. 2. The Christian cause is the cause of man. Philanthropy has drawn its inspiration from the life of Christ. What was the sacrifice of which the apostle speaks, and which missionaries offer? To free the heathen from their licentiousness, to throw a new glory on the lot of the slave, to light the pathway of the dying, to raise woman from her degradation, etc., etc. Whatever be the talk about humanity, the opportunity for serving it must be sought in the fellowship of Christ. 3. The service of Christian faith contemplates not only humanity but also God. III. THE SACRIFICE OF FAITH IS A COMMON SACRIFICE. Paul aims to draw the Philippians into the fellowship of his own sacrificial ecstasy, and assumes that they are already in sympathy with him. He speaks of himself as the libation only, and of them us the sacrifice. He calls it the sacrifice and liturgy of their faith. 1. It is to their service that he is devoted; how, then, could they do other than join with him in the sacrificial spirit which possesses him. They cannot blame the enthusiasm which carried him into danger at Rome when they remembered the vision of the man of Macedonia. 2. It was their cause because it was the cause of Christ, and they were Christians. The same law and sacrifice was binding on them and on him; they would be as ready as he to be offered if the same call should come. Here are two thoughts which should reconcile us to sacrifice, particularly when witnessed in others. (1) We are debtors for all we have to others. The woman experiencing the pangs of motherhood and the anxiety of a family is paying her debt to humanity, for she, too, once costed beneath a mother's heart. The man toiling for his fellows is the son of a toil-worn generation. (2) It is in us to offer ourselves when called upon. There is no tale of manful endurance or womanly self-devotion that does not thrill us. Why? Because of sympathy. It is only the expression of a common passion. There are differences of gifts, but it is the same spirit. The sacrifice of the missionary warrants and inspires our sacrifice. (A. Mackennal, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. WEB: Yes, and if I am poured out on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice, and rejoice with you all.