Being Poured Out

Momma was perplexed by this verse and the symbolism represented there. As she laid out the passage and the question for me, I was busy developing an answer in my own mind. The answer was good, and made sense, but the question stuck with me.

When I got home, I read the verse again in several different translations, but something about this verse remained mysterious and I didn’t feel that peace you get when you know you have the message GOD had planned for you. The light just wasn’t coming on! The next morning when I awoke, this verse was the first thing on my mind. It wasn’t until this very day, that I felt the peace that comes from intensive research. The peace you get from really digging deeply until you find the message hidden there.

Now, with great excitement, I would like to share with you the revelations that GOD has shared with me. Take the lessons in this article and apply them to your life and your home. I pray that your time here will result in much honor and glory for our risen Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Let’s dig in!

“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is GOD which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of GOD, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the Word of Life; that I may rejoice in the Day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.” (KJV)

After much prayer, I opened my Bible to Philippians 2 and read the entire chapter. That still didn’t give me a sense of what Paul was writing about to the Philippians. I went back and started with chapter 1 and read through chapter 2. That gave me a better idea of the picture that Paul was portraying.

The Church at Philippi was one of Paul’s favourites. But he was very concerned that they would fall into the selfish, self-centeredness that was so prevalent during this time. This is one of Satan's favourite tools to invade and destroy the church, and the home also. Paul reminded them of their majesty in Christ. He wanted to emphasize Christ’s sacrifice for us, the way He humbled Himself to be born as a helpless infant to the virgin Mary. I can’t think of anything more humble than a helpless infant.

I would like to share with you two other versions of this same group of verses. They really help to explain what Paul was getting at in his letter to the Philippians. Here first is this passage from the Revised English Bible:

“So you too, my friends, must be obedient, as always; even more, now that I am absent, than when I was with you. You must work out your own salvation in fear and trembling; for it is GOD who works in you, inspiring both the will and the deed, for His own chosen purpose. Do everything without grumbling or argument. Show yourselves innocent and above reproach, faultless children of GOD in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine as stars in a dark world and proffer the Word of Life. Then you will be my pride on the day of Christ, proof that I did not run my race in vain or labour in vain. But if my life-blood is to be poured out to complete the sacrifice and offering up of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too must rejoice and share your joy with me.” (REB)

One thing that I would like to point out from the REB is that Paul refers to the phrase “life-blood is to be poured out.” This makes me mindful of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross that we discussed previously. I believe that this is exactly what Paul was talking about here, not that he had to do this to complete Christ’s work. Jesus said on the cross, “It is finished!” That leaves no room for improvement, addition or otherwise. None is needed, Jesus Himself was the perfect sacrifice.

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of GOD. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

This frees us up to put others before ourselves. We, as Godly parents, are daily pouring ourselves out in example of Christian faith for our children. Don’t be deceived! These children are watching everything that we do and how we handle every situation. They need to know that even though they make mistakes, GOD will love them anyway, His love is unconditional. It doesn’t rest on their actions, but the sacrifice of Jesus. They need to know that they can humble themselves before GOD and ask His forgiveness from a truly repentant heart.

Teach them that arguing never changed anyone’s mind, but only drove them further from the held opinion that they are enspousing. They need to see you serve without grumbling and complaining. Through you they are going to learn to do all things to the glory of GOD. They should not see you disgruntled because you didn’t get credit for something you have done. They are going to learn these things from your example. In this way, you can be just like Paul and live in true servanthood before your children. Not their servants, but servants of Christ.

We can’t be successful, selfless servants of our own accord. That will only lead to frustration. Jim Hatch, Dean of Students and Adjunct Professor of Practical Theology at Covenant Theological Seminary said, “It almost seems the more I try to give up my rights for others, the less successful I am.” And so it goes, anything we undertake in our own power, apart from Christ, is doomed to failure. Even if we have the best of intentions, our best is just not good enough. Only through Christ can we accomplish anything that will last for all eternity. Everything else is just stuff and therefore only of temporary value.

When you teach your children about servanthood; teach them from this example in Philippians 2. Teach them that you are willing to be poured out, just like Jesus and Paul in the service of your family and others, so that you can teach them the sacrifice of faith. Teach them that their faith will lead them to sacrifice their wants and needs for the benefit of others to the glory of GOD our Father. Teach them how even Jesus thought nothing of His equality with GOD and He came to earth to save us from our sin. If Jesus was fully GOD, yet willing to do this, how much more should we, as Godly parents, value this season in our lives and pour ourselves out in service to our families and all those in need that GOD has placed in our lives.

In order for Paul to offer himself in this fashion, and the saints to offer their faith up to GOD in such a way, there had to be a dying to self. Jesus, Himself, instructed us to die to ourselves daily and take up our cross and follow Him.

“Then said Jesus unto His disciples, ‘If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it.’”

They were in effect offering their whole life. During this time period the Romans were persecuting the church because they would only serve one GOD. This was just not tolerable to them. In choosing to serve GOD, they were choosing unthinkable persecution.

“So, my dear friends, you have always been obedient; your obedience must not be limited to times when I am present. Now that I am absent it must be more in evidence, so work out your salvation in fear and trembling. It is GOD who, for His own generous purpose, gives you the intention and the power to act. Let your behaviour be free of murmuring and complaining so that you remain faultless and pure, unspoilt children of GOD surrounded by a deceitful and underhanded brood, shining out among them like bright stars in the world, proffering to it the Word of Life. Then I shall have reason to be proud on the Day of Christ, for it will not be for nothing that I have run the race and toiled so hard. Indeed, even if my blood has to be poured as a libation over your sacrifice and the offering of your faith, then I shall be glad and join in your rejoicing.”

So what does it mean that Paul would feel as if his blood must be “poured as a libation over your sacrifice and the offering of your faith?” Let’s get into some definitions and see what some of these words mean. I always go to the Webster’s 1828 Dictionary for my definitions. The world in 1828 was still functioning under a Christian Worldview, and so the definitions are appropriate for our study.

This definition really explains Paul's heart and intentions. He was willing, just as Jesus Christ was, to “BESTOW OR SEND FORTH IN COPIOUS ABUNDANCE” his own life blood, if necessary, to forward the cause of Jesus, and to make the “sacrifice of their faith” acceptable and pleasing in the sight of GOD. Paul was tell them that he was in this for the long haul. Just because he was not present with them in the flesh, he was even much more present with them in the spirit. Jesus gave us the same assurance.

“And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”

Paul poured himself out in some of the most beautiful and eloquent prayers ever written. These prayers were on behalf of the churches that he had planted. He traveled extensively and planted the seeds of the Gospel in the Gentile world. After GOD moved him on to another area, Paul faithfully watered these seeds through letters and prayers. This was one of Paul’s sacrifices of faith. He sacrificed his time and physical comfort to daily get on his face before GOD and implore His intercession on behalf of these saints.

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit Itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of GOD.”

So even when Paul could not find the words to express his innermost heart’s desire and longings for these new Christians, the Spirit knew and prayed, interceding accordingly. Ah! What sweet assurance we can receive from these passages.

As I mentioned above, Paul handled these churches with much prayer. The idea of a libation gives a holy sense to Paul’s pouring out of his life’s blood over the sacrifices of these saints. A libation was a solemn act, not something that was done quickly or vainly. So much so was Paul’s act on behalf of these saints. Their sacrifices of faith became holy and sacred through his prayer. When was the last time you poured out your prayers for your family as a libation?

Make your prayers “a solemn act” over the sacrifices of your children as they strive daily to follow your example and follow Christ. It is not easy for them to do the right thing and stand up for Christ when they are facing peer pressure and temptation. They need your libations over their sacrifices of faith! Will you take the time daily to cover these dear little ones in prayer?

The people of Philippi were giving when they had nothing to give, giving of their time, talents and resources. Even so, there were those among them who would bicker, mutter and complain. Paul was acutely disappointed to hear of such things about this church. Just like children, they were very good when Paul was with them, but when he was away their behaviour was not becoming to Christ.

That is why he wrote this letter, he wanted to make sure that they understood what was happening. Satan is so sneaky that he can work this behaviour into your life and you not even be aware of when it really began. I’m sure we all have experienced this kind of bitter disappointment when we thought we were involved with something of GOD.

We get involved with something at church or some good work and then someone says something or does something that disappoints us or hurts our feelings. But let me assure you, it probably was of GOD. It is just so easy to fall into this sin. One person starts to grumble, gripe and complain and it just spreads. This kind of behaviour is as contagious as a yawn. All you have to do is look at someone doing it and Satan begins to place thoughts in your mind that will naturally lead to that behaviour. It takes a conscious act of will to avoid this behaviour.

These disappointments come when we forget that there are people involved, not superhuman saints. People with all of their differences and personalities and failings. I think this was the point Paul was trying to make to these people. Stop your gripping and get back to work, but never forget you are working for GOD, not the people (or children) around you. Even if it gets personal ignore it! Let GOD take care of it. Keep working for HIM and Him only. He should be our focus, not our circumstances. Everytime you take your eyes off of GOD and look on your circumstances you are doomed to disappointment, depression and failure.

THAT WHICH IS PRESENTED IN DIVINE SERVICE; AN ANIMAL OR A PORTION OF BREAD OR CORN, OR OF GOLD AND SILVER, OR OTHER VALUABLE ARTICLES, PRESENTED TO GOD AS AN ATONEMENT FOR SIN, OR AS A RETURN OF THANKS FOR HIS FAVORS, OR FOR OTHER RELIGIOUS PURPOSE; A SACRIFICE; AN OBLATION.

In the making of this statement, “Indeed, even if my blood has to be poured as a libation over your sacrifice and the offering of your faith, then I shall be glad and join in your rejoicing.” (Phil. 2:17) Paul was devoting himself to this church. He promised to give them everything that he had, right down to his very life if necessary, to ensure their success in making their lives a shining example for Christ. He described the world at that time as “a crooked and wicked generation [spiritually perverted and perverse], among whom you are seen as bright lights (stars or beacons shining out clearly) in the [dark] world.” (Amplified Version)

Wouldn’t you love to be described as a “bright light in this dark world?” I sure would! When we have finally grasped the power of the security of our place in GOD’s love, we can allow Christ to live through us and so humility and service comes naturally. This kind of shining light only comes when we have accepted the security of our position in the Father’s love. Then it becomes natural to serve in all humility. That is how our light shines, by our every action bring honor and glory to our GOD. No more do the thoughts of “Me-ism” trouble us. The commercial jingle “You deserve a break today ...” has no meaning to us and simply saddens our hearts.

Yes, we live in a “Me-ism” society. But there is nothing new under the sun, and I think this label would be representative of Paul’s day also. All around us we hear “I deserve this and you deserve that.” Well, as we all know, when we judge our lives and our Christian walk by the standard that Jesus set before us, we all come up short. We all deserve hell. We deserve hell on earth and hell for all eternity. But thanks be to GOD that He loved us so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to live on this earth for 33 years and pour His life out in service to us. Such unconditional, sacrificial love is just beyond understanding.

The next question that came to Momma and I as we were pondering these verses was, “What was a drink offering and what was its purpose?” This also bears searching out in order to fulfill the purpose of this study.

It has been said of the drink offering that it was used to sweeten the aroma or odour of the offering as it ascended to the Lord. You can imagine how the offering must have smelled as it started to char and burn down. The oil would have been used to continue the burning and cause the entire offering to burn down to ashes. The drink offering or wine would have been used to cover the offensive odour of the burnt flesh. This was not the offering that was to be used to feed the Priests. This was the offering that was to burn continually before the Lord to make atonement and to purify the Tent of Meeting.

So how does this all apply to us as homeschool parents. Well, we can put ourselves in the place of Paul. Each day as we make our prayers to GOD our Father, we can consecrate our day, giving all of it over to His control. As mothers, GOD placed a love in our hearts for each one of our children. He gave us a desire to have and to do the very best for our children. This includes that mother’s heart that would lay down its very life for her children.

Yes, we will get angry and frustrated. This is usually caused by trying to do more than we are able. Pouring ourselves out for our children does not mean doing more than we are physically capable of doing. That is not being a good steward of the gifts GOD has given us. We need to rest when appropriate and needful, eat that which is good for our bodies and refresh our souls daily in GOD’s Holy Word. Only in that way can you pour yourself wholly into the lives of your children and receive the reward of

That will be sweet music to this mama’s ears. GOD loved us so much that He trusted us with these lives. Only by taking care of ourselves; mind, body, and spirit, can we have anything to pour out in service to Him. Each day, as we approach the task of teaching our children, let’s approach it as a precious gift from GOD. If we were not ordained to teach our children we would not be able to do this thing called homeschooling. It is a sacred trust from GOD and we have the unique privilege of being involved in the education and caretaking of their minds, bodies, and spirits. It has been given to us the task of training them in the habits that will shape their entire lives.

“The fact seems to be that children are like ourselves, not because they are born so; that is, with tendencies, dispositions, towards good and towards evil, and also with a curious intuitive knowledge as to which is good and which is evil. Here we have the work of education indicated. There are good and evil tendencies in body and mind, heart and soul; and the hope set before us is that we can foster the good so as to attenuate the evil; that is, on condition that we put Education in her true place as the handmaid of Religion.”

Did you get that last part? “...on condition that we put Education in her true place as the handmaid of Religion.” That doesn’t sound to me like we should let academics take up our entire day. We are all familiar with the passage in Deuteronomy 6 that instructs us how to teach our children, but have you ever read it for the focus of what you are supposed to teach. Teach them of the Lord, let it ever be before their eyes, all over your home!

With this in mind and remembering every minute that they are children, we must pour ourselves out on the labour of their sacrifices and efforts to insure their success. We cannot shirk our responsibilities everytime it gets frustrating or difficult. This is the point where we should pray to GOD to give us the strength, wisdom and discernment to carry on in His will through His perfect strength and not our own. GOD’s most valued and treasured work is done when we come to the end of ourselves and continue only through His strength. Anything worth doing is worth doing well and so in His power and in His will should be the place that we seek to function.

“As we step up to the call this fall, please remember that in order to teach our children we must be taught ourselves. We can’t begin to hope to feed our children physically, emotionally, or spiritually if we are running on leftovers ourselves. The food that we gather from Scripture can be compared to the manna that GOD provided for the children of Israel in Exodus 16. No matter if we are able to gather much or little, sufficient unto the day will be our provision.”

I have found through my research that no one is more qualified to teach your children than you are. Our children must be taught three sorts of knowledge: the knowledge of GOD, man and of the GOD-created world around them. Of these three forms of knowledge the knowledge of GOD must be preeminent. Mothers are the best suited to teach this knowledge. They know their child better than anyone and are the very ones who will pour themselves out for their little ones. Parents don’t talk down to their children and they seek to always present them with resources that won’t belittle them. Resources that fully value and challenge their minds. Resources that will be uplifting, and valuable to their development. We know our children and their capabilities better than anyone else. We know what excites their imaginations and inspires their souls. We know the joy that comes from serving with all our hearts with no thoughts to ourselves. We know the joy of giving secretly with our only reward coming from GOD.

As you teach your children of GOD, speak lovingly of Him as you would an absent Father. Show them through your life all the little evidences of His presence, daily reminding them of His love for them and how much He cares about what they are doing. When you are outside teach them as

“...‘my Father made them all,’ while his eye delights in the flowery meadow, great tree, flowing river. His are the mountains and the valleys His and the resplendent rivers, whose eyes they fill with tears of holy joy, and this is not beyond children.”

Remember these things and you will understand your place in GOD’s Kingdom. You are a child of The King. The GOD of the Universe adopted you, that means out of the billions of people in this world, you were chosen. GOD believed in you and trusted you so much that He made you a parent. There is something so special about you that He wanted you to teach it to your child. No one else in this entire world can teach that something to your child as well as you can. GOD is delighted with you because He sees you through the blood of Jesus.

So when your days seem endless and your night are filled with tears over the trials and your responses of the day now past, remember that Paul and even the Prophets of old “made their beds swim” with their tears as they lamented their own sins and the sins of their people. Don’t let satan defeat you with guilt. Renew your dedication this day to your children and their education. It is so important that you redeem your time during these formative years and lead them daily to the Father who loves them best of all.

As you are serving this month, don’t let satan draw you into selfishness and “Me-ism” again. Go back and reread the first two chapters of Philippians and remember the majesty that draws you above such thoughts. Let me leave you with this final encouraging thought from Jim Hatch.

This article is copyrighted by Mary E. Woodis. If you would like to print this article in whole or part in your publication please contact Jessie and Mary Woodis at jessiew@hiwaay.net for permission and more details.