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I. THE SACRIFICE. The Jewish sacrifices were propitiatory and eucharistic. Our Lord by the offering of Himself once for all has fulfilled the former, but Christians are "to offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually," "to present their bodies living sacrifices," and "with such God is well pleased."

1. All sacrifices involve something given up. Thus we say a man "sacrificed half his fortune;" a father "sacrificed his time for his son."

2. Faith is here represented as a sacrifice, because out of it all other sacrifices spring — love, zeal, liberality. Is our faith such? Do we in it surrender anything really valued? Does it cost us a struggle? If not, may we not suspect that it is a mere assent to doctrine.

3. Real faith is sacrifice, inasmuch as it is a renunciation of pride.

(1) The pride of reason. Reason loves to elaborate for itself, but the gospel claims to be believed. Its absolute authority, its simplicity, its mysteries, are all hateful to intellectual arrogance.

(2) The pride of self-righteousness. There is a great proneness to dream that eternal life may be earned. With this the spirit of the gospel will not suit; for the reality and universality of sinfulness, and our utter inability to satisfy the claims of the Divine law, and the absolute gratuitousness of salvation are its very essence.

(3) The pride of self-will (ver. 5, etc.).

II. THE PRIESTLY SERVICE CONNECTED WITH THE SACRIFICE.

1. The New Testament recognizes but one priest in the strict sense of the word, but by a figurative application of the name, Christians are priests as by "the unction of the Holy One." Set apart from the world for the service of God, "a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices." Such a spiritual sacrifice was the Philippians' faith.

2. In speaking of this faith St. Paul introduces a variation of the ordinary figure, to bring out the relation between him and them. His labours had been blessed to their conversion and advancement, and thus had been a kind of priestly service. Through the spiritual energy given them from heaven, they brought faith and love as a free-will offering to God; and the apostle's part in the work, his teachings, and prayers, corresponded with the priestly act of laying the offering on the altar (Romans 15:15-16).

3. See, then, the comprehensive work of the Christian priest. He is called on to present his whole life by personal holiness, and also to bring other men to God and help them onward. This work belongs to all Christians.

4. The apostle thought it not unlikely that he should close his relations with his converts by a violent death. This would be his "being offered" (lit., poured forth) the libation or drink offering by which his priestly service connected with their sacrifice of faith should be completed. The apostle's joy in this prospect is very sublime, and is a magnificent proof of the sustaining power of the Christian faith. The sources of Christian joy in prospect of martyrdom are two-fold.

(1)  The confident hope of glory.

(2)  The knowledge that glory will accrue to God.

5. In this the joy was mutual.

(R. Johnstone, LL. B.)

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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.