Step 2: Paul’s Call to Humility: Philippians 2
STEP 2: We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:13
Philippians is a letter from Paul to the followers of Christ in Philippi around 49 A.D. Paul uses this as an opportunity to encourage these new believers to rejoice regardless of the circumstances and to urge them to be humble as they continued to spread the Word of Christ. Paul points to Jesus himself for an example of humility:
And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:8-11 ESV
What a testament to the Second Step—through the humility of Jesus Christ, we find a power greater than ourselves—the greatest Power of all. To accept this step and its healing promise, we must also humble ourselves.
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:1-4 ESV
When we come to believe in Christ as the Supreme Power great enough to assist us, we enter into a fellowship with other believers who have a common mind to support each other and grow in God’s spiritual grace. Through the humility of Step 2 and this Biblical comparison, God can work in us to will and act according to His purpose just as this Biblical comparison says.
Some reading this might not yet be a Christ follower and quite possibly even question the existence of a God. That is okay. God can meet you where you are as long as you stay willing, honest, and open minded. (Cited from Alcoholics Anonymous, page 568, Third Edition)
Examine your heart
- Do you find it easy or difficult to believe in God?
- What are some examples of how your faith in a power greater than yourself or Jesus Christ has begun to restore your sanity?
Prayer
Dear Lord, my addictions, compulsive behaviors and other sin has brought insanity and unmanageability to my life. I can’t fix it and I need You. Please help create, restore and replenish my faith in You. I promise Lord I will look for You and signs of Your presence in my daily life. Amen