Every life is an offering, depending on what one considers worthy to give one’s life to. For Paul, from the point of his salvation, his life became an offering to God. Whereas once he was persecuting Christians, Paul’s life changed and became one that was a light in this world of darkness, even though he was persecuted as a result.

1)  The reason for his offering (Phil 2:17a)

The reason for Paul’s offering of his life was not for personal or self-gain, but was for the sake of the believers. So long as the offering of himself resulted in the salvation of sinners, and the building of faith of the believers, Paul knew that his offering was worth it. He offered himself because he saw many in spiritual need. Sinners needed to know the seriousness and gravity of their sins and they need to confess and repent. Paul could have led a more comfortable and peaceful life, free from persecution, from imprisonment, but he offered himself that sinners may hear the gospel and be saved, and for believers to mature in their faith. The world needs Christians to offer their lives to shine for Christ in order that more may come to know Christ.

2)  The heart of his offering (Phil 2:17b)

The heart is one of great joy and rejoicing. This is the greatest emotion. Even in prison waiting for his execution, Paul rejoiced knowing that sinners were being saved and Christians were growing in their faith. This was the heart he had till the end of his life. He knew his offering of his life was worth it despite the sufferings he had to endure.

Our offering of our lives to God must be unconditional. If we do not have such a heart, we will give up the moment persecutions and challenges arise. This offering is for God, not for self-gain or fame. It is done knowing that there is nothing else we can give back to God for what He has done for us.

3)  The response to the offering (Phil 2:18)

Paul desired that the people would reciprocate with the same joy that he had experienced in offering his life to God. He wanted them to also give their lives as an offering to God, so that they could grow and become mature Christians, and to be useful for God. Paul’s life of offering became an example of what a Christian’s life should be: offering and growing spiritually in Christ. When believers witness the sacrificial offering of the lives of other believers to God, they can in turn respond by offering their lives to God, and thus can experience the same joy and rejoicing.