Crawford Bible Commentary Daily Devotional

Discover daily Bible devotionals from Crawford Bible Commentary featuring NLT verses, Greek & Hebrew word studies, cross-references, summaries, key lessons, and life applications. Start your day rooted in the Word!

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Based on trusted New Living Translation (NLT). Perfect for morning quiet time, group studies, or personal growth. Covers themes like grace, salvation, spiritual warfare, hope, prophecy, and daily obedience. A trusted resource for pastors, teachers, and Bible students.

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Crawford Bible Commentary – Daily Devotional
📖 Day 49: “Lord, Empty Me”
Philippians 2:7
“Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form,”

💬 Explanation:
The Christian life isn’t about being full of ourselves—it’s about being emptied so God can fill us. Jesus, the Son of God, willingly “emptied Himself” when He left heaven’s throne to take on human flesh. He surrendered His rights, humbled Himself, and became obedient to death on a cross.

For us, “emptying” means letting go of pride, selfishness, and anything that keeps us from surrendering fully to God. It’s asking the Lord to remove what is ours—our plans, our bitterness, our control—so that His Spirit can flow freely through us. When we’re full of ourselves, there’s no room for Him. But when we’re emptied, we become vessels of His power, love, and grace.

The greatest freedom comes not from holding tightly, but from surrendering fully.

🔍 Greek and Hebrew Word Study:

Greek: “Kenóō” (κενόω) – To empty; to divest, pour out, make void, relinquish.
Greek: “Tapeinosis” (ταπείνωσις) – Humiliation, humility; lowering oneself willingly.
Greek: “Doulos” (δοῦλος) – Servant, slave; one wholly surrendered to the will of another.
Hebrew: “Shaphal” (שָׁפַל) – To be humbled; brought low, emptied of pride.

🔁 Cross References:

Galatians 2:20 – “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.”
Luke 9:23 – “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.”
John 3:30 – “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.”
2 Corinthians 4:7 – “We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure.”

❓ Questions and Answers:
Q: Why must we be “emptied”?
A: Because self-focus blocks God’s Spirit from working freely in us.

Q: How did Jesus demonstrate emptiness?
A: By leaving heaven, taking the form of a servant, and humbling Himself even unto death.

Q: What happens when we let go of our pride and control?
A: God fills us with His Spirit, empowers us to serve, and uses us as vessels of His glory.

Q: What is the danger of staying “full of self”?
A: We risk pride, disobedience, and living in our own strength rather than God’s.

📘 Summary:
To be filled with Christ, we must be emptied of self. Jesus modeled humility and surrender, showing us that true greatness begins with letting go.

🔑 Key Lesson:
The less of me, the more of Christ. Emptying is not loss—it’s gain, because God fills what we surrender.

🧭 Application:
Pray daily: “Lord, empty me of myself, and fill me with You.” Take inventory of your heart—what pride, habits, or desires are standing in the way of full surrender? Release them to God and trust Him to replace them with His Spirit.

🙏 Prayer:
Lord Jesus, empty me of pride, fear, selfishness, and anything that blocks Your presence in my life. Fill me with Your Spirit, Your love, and Your power. Teach me to follow Your example of humility and surrender so that I may live fully for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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