Today’s Devotion is based on Joy in the Journey – Week 5 – Hard Work (WATCH HERE)
Philippians 2:17–18 (NIV) “But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.”
Paul’s words here are deeply personal and deeply sacrificial. He writes from prison, uncertain of whether he will live or die, and he compares his life to a drink offering, a final act of worship poured out before God. In ancient Jewish and Roman traditions, a drink offering (usually wine) would be poured out on an altar alongside another sacrifice, symbolizing total surrender to a deity. It was a meaningful yet costly act Once poured out, it could not be taken back.
Paul sees his own suffering and potential death as a joyful act of worship when it’s connected to the Philippians’ “sacrifice and service coming from [their] faith.” In other words, if his suffering helps strengthen their faith, it’s worth it.
This passage turns our ideas of success and joy on their head. In a world that tells us to hold onto comfort, Paul is rejoicing in the act of pouring himself out, giving everything for the sake of others and the glory of God. And he invites the Philippians to do the same: “So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.”
Here’s the heart of it: A poured-out life is not a wasted life—it’s a life well spent.
Paul is not bitter about being used up; he is joyful. Why? Because he has eternal purpose. He knows that whatever suffering or cost he endures now is not meaningless. His life has been an offering on the altar of Gospel ministry, and that gives it deep value.
Imagine a candle burning on a table in a dark room. It slowly melts, giving light to everyone around it. Its wax is spent but the room is filled with warmth and brightness. The candle has fulfilled its purpose not by preserving itself, but by being consumed.
That is what Paul is rejoicing in. His life is the candle, his ministry the flame, and his joy is found in being “used up” for the sake of others and for the glory of Christ. In a culture obsessed with self-preservation and self-fulfillment, Paul offers a radical picture of joyful sacrifice.
For us, the idea of being “poured out” may sound intimidating or extreme. But this is the normal Christian life. Romans 12:1 echoes this idea: “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
In sports, the phrase coaches like to use is, “Leave it all on the field.” Expend all your energy in pursuit of the goal, winning the game.
In a life that follows Christ, you may not be called to literal martyrdom like Paul, but every believer is called to leave it all on the field of life. Whether it’s giving your time to someone in need, offering your skills to serve the church, or choosing forgiveness over revenge, these are daily drink offerings, little acts of surrender that God sees and honors.
The reward of this sacrifice is seeing God use you to be a blessing to another person and their life of faith. When you see a soul connected to Christ, or a soul strengthened in Christ…it’s reason to rejoice!
Apply: Paul says he rejoices, even as he sacrifices. Joy and service go together when your focus is on Christ. Ask God to help you serve in ways that bring life to others and joy to your soul.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You poured out Your life for me. Teach me to live with open hands and a willing heart, ready to be poured out in service to others and in obedience to You. Give me joy in the giving, strength in the serving, and peace in the sacrifice. Use my life for something eternal. Amen.