The empty cup life
Drink Offering Service
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But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice together with all of you.
Philippians 2:17 (NET)
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This is kind of a strange visual.
Because we live in the New Covenant and haven’t spent time in the Old Covenant sacrificial system, we don’t immediately see the power of what Paul is saying.
But if you re-read Numbers 15, you’ll see some rules for the drink offering.
A drink offering was made alongside a grain offering and the sacrificial burnt offering (a lamb).
The main offering is the animal, sacrificed in place of the person’s sins.
Obviously, the picture of Jesus and His work on the cross is the easy connection to make in light of the New Covenant.
But the drink offering and the grain offering were made alongside that sacrificial offering as a pleasing aroma to the Lord.
Paul is obviously making the connection between his own ministry work (in service of the Kingdom of God) and the work God does for us.
More than that, he’s happy to offer all of himself.
The drink offering was poured out completely from the cup. Nothing was to be left over.
Paul is probably making the connection that he didn’t hold anything back when serving the Philippians.
Likewise, we shouldn’t hold anything back in serving our own New Covenant family.
(Of course that’s not an absolute statement. Use discretion, don’t run yourself to a literal death.)
The amazing part here is Paul is glad and rejoices in this service. It’s not a burden to him. He wants to share his life with the Church, because he has so much love for God and His people.
Quite the inspiration.
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2026 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
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