Embracing Christ's Humility: A Call to Serve

Devotional

Day 1: Emulating Christ's Humility

Christ's humility is a model for us to follow, challenging us to prioritize others over ourselves.

Christ, though divine, chose to humble Himself and serve humanity. This act of humility is countercultural, as the world often teaches us to prioritize ourselves. However, Christ's example calls us to put others before ourselves, to love one another, and to work together with a unified purpose. Reflecting on whether our attitudes align with His, we must ask ourselves if we are willing to give up our privileges and endure hardships for the sake of others. This selflessness is a stark contrast to the world's emphasis on self-promotion and pride. [55:25]

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: Think of a specific situation where you can put someone else's needs before your own today. How can you show Christ-like humility in that situation?

Day 2: The Destructive Nature of Jealousy and Ambition

Jealousy and selfish ambition lead to conflicts and strife, but true greatness is found in serving others.

Jealousy and ambition often lead to conflicts and strife, as James 4:1-8 reminds us. These quarrels stem from our own selfish desires. Instead of scheming to get what we want, we should ask God with the right motives. True greatness in God's kingdom is found in serving others, not in seeking personal glory. This perspective challenges us to examine our motives and to seek ways to serve others selflessly. [01:05:36]

James 4:1-3 (ESV): "What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions."

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where jealousy or ambition has caused conflict. How can you shift your focus to serving others in that area?

Day 3: The Dangers of Pride

Pride leads to downfall, but God gives grace to the humble.

Pride is dangerous and leads to downfall. We are called to dress ourselves in humility and not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. This teaching encourages us to examine our hearts and to seek humility in our daily lives. By recognizing the destructive power of pride, we can strive to cultivate a humble spirit that honors God and serves others. [01:17:41]

1 Peter 5:5-6 (ESV): "Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent moment when pride influenced your actions. How can you practice humility in a similar situation in the future?

Day 4: What God Requires of Us

God requires us to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Him.

God's requirements for us are clear: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Him. Obedience to God's commands is more valuable than any sacrifice we could offer. Our attitude and actions should reflect Christ's humility and love. This teaching calls us to examine our lives and to align our actions with God's will, seeking to live in a way that honors Him and serves others. [01:23:25]

Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you struggle to do what is right. How can you seek God's guidance to align your actions with His will?

Day 5: Living a Life of Obedience

Obedience to God is paramount, and our lives should reflect our faith and trust in Him.

Obedience to God is paramount. We must listen to His voice and follow His commands, trusting that His ways are higher than ours. Our lives should be a testament to our faith and obedience to God. This teaching encourages us to examine our daily habits and to seek ways to live in obedience to God's will, trusting that His plans for us are good and perfect. [01:37:34]

1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"

Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you find it difficult to obey God. What steps can you take today to begin aligning that area with His will?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into Philippians 2:1-11, focusing on the profound theme of humility. The passage challenges us to adopt the same attitude as Christ, who, despite being divine, chose to humble Himself and serve humanity. This humility is countercultural, as the world often teaches us to prioritize ourselves. However, Christ's example calls us to put others before ourselves, to love one another, and to work together with a unified purpose.

We explored the importance of having a Christ-like attitude, reflecting on whether our attitudes align with His. Christ's humility was evident in His willingness to give up His divine privileges and endure suffering for our sake. This selflessness is a stark contrast to the world's emphasis on self-promotion and pride.

We also discussed the destructive nature of jealousy and ambition, which often lead to conflicts and strife. James 4:1-8 reminds us that these quarrels stem from our own selfish desires. Instead of scheming to get what we want, we should ask God with the right motives. True greatness in God's kingdom is found in serving others, not in seeking personal glory.

Furthermore, we examined the dangers of pride and the importance of humility. 1 Peter 5:5-7 and Romans 12:2-3 teach us to dress ourselves in humility and not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought. Pride leads to downfall, but God gives grace to the humble.

Finally, we looked at what God requires of us, as outlined in Micah 6:6-8: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God. Obedience to God's commands is more valuable than any sacrifice we could offer. Our attitude matters, and we are called to live lives that reflect Christ's humility and love.

###

Key Takeaways

1. exaltation. This challenges us to evaluate whether our attitudes reflect Christ's selflessness and love for others. [55:25]
2. The Destructive Nature of Jealousy and Ambition: Jealousy and selfish ambition lead to conflicts and strife. Instead of scheming to get what we want, we should ask God with pure motives. True greatness in God's kingdom is found in serving others, not in seeking personal glory.

3. The Dangers of Pride: Pride is dangerous and leads to downfall. We are called to dress ourselves in humility and not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

4. What God Requires of Us: God requires us to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Him. Obedience to God's commands is more valuable than any sacrifice we could offer. Our attitude and actions should reflect Christ's humility and love.

5. Living a Life of Obedience: Obedience to God is paramount. We must listen to His voice and follow His commands, trusting that His ways are higher than ours. Our lives should be a testament to our faith and obedience to God.

### [55:25]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[47:44] - Reading of Philippians 2:1-11
[48:28] - Christ's Humility
[49:18] - The Call to Humility
[50:09] - Esteeming Others
[51:12] - Christ's Obedience
[52:18] - Loving One Another
[53:22] - The Challenge of Humility
[54:28] - Reflecting Christ's Attitude
[55:25] - Does My Attitude Reflect Christ?
[56:25] - Christ's Sacrifice
[57:12] - My Attitude Matters
[57:52] - The World's Perspective vs. Christ's Perspective
[58:48] - Justifying Our Actions
[59:45] - Christ's Love and Sacrifice
[60:40] - Knowing Us Deeply
[61:34] - The War Within
[62:24] - Serving One Another
[63:32] - The Call to Serve
[64:36] - The War of Jealousy and Ambition
[65:36] - James 4:1-8
[67:31] - The Spirit of Jealousy
[69:37] - Asking God with Right Motives
[71:21] - The Disciples' Quarrel
[72:34] - True Greatness in Serving
[73:55] - The Cost of Fame
[74:58] - Jealousy and Selfish Ambition
[75:58] - Luke 22:24-27
[76:43] - The Importance of Serving
[77:41] - The Dangers of Pride
[78:18] - Respecting Authority
[79:00] - The Wisdom of Experience
[80:29] - The Destructive Power of Pride
[82:22] - Transforming Our Minds
[83:25] - What God Requires
[84:19] - Doing What is Right
[86:35] - Knowing Right from Wrong
[88:40] - God's Love and Sacrifice
[90:15] - Loving Mercy
[92:15] - Forgiving Others
[94:07] - Walking Humbly
[95:31] - Bearing Each Other's Faults
[96:40] - Obedience Over Sacrifice
[97:34] - The Importance of Obedience
[98:12] - Trusting and Obeying God
[99:09] - Invitation to the Altar

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What specific attitude does Philippians 2:5 say we should have? ([48:28])
According to James 4:1-8, what are the sources of quarrels and conflicts among people? ([01:05:36])
What does Micah 6:8 say God requires of us? ([01:23:25])
How did Jesus demonstrate humility according to Philippians 2:6-8? ([48:28])

Interpretation Questions

Why is it significant that Jesus, though divine, chose to humble Himself and serve humanity? ([48:28])
How do jealousy and selfish ambition lead to conflicts, as described in James 4:1-8? ([01:05:36])
What does it mean to "walk humbly with your God" as stated in Micah 6:8, and how does this relate to the overall theme of humility in the sermon? ([01:23:25])
How does the world's perspective on self-promotion and pride differ from the attitude Christ exemplified? ([57:52])

Application Questions

Reflect on your own attitude. Does it align with the humility and selflessness of Christ? If not, what specific changes can you make to better reflect Christ's attitude? ([55:25])
Think of a recent conflict you were involved in. Was jealousy or selfish ambition a factor? How could you have approached the situation differently with a Christ-like attitude? ([01:05:36])
Identify an area in your life where pride might be leading you astray. What steps can you take to cultivate humility in that area? ([01:17:41])
Micah 6:8 calls us to do what is right, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Choose one of these three commands and describe a practical way you can live it out this week. ([01:23:25])
How can you serve others in your community or church in a way that reflects Christ's humility and love? Think of a specific action you can take this week. ([01:03:32])
Consider a time when you felt the need to justify your actions or attitudes. How can you shift your perspective to align more closely with Christ's example of humility and service? ([58:48])
What are some practical ways you can resist the destructive nature of pride and embrace the grace that comes with humility? ([01:17:41])

Sermon Clips

1. "This morning, we're gonna be talking about, you humility. Somebody say humility. Humility. Putting others before me. How many know that's different than the world teaches? Because the world says it's all about me. Everybody point at yourself and say it's about me. We feel good when we say that. And Christ said get rid of that. That's not how I want you to serve. It's not about you, but it's about loving God. It's about putting others and putting others before yourself." [49:18] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We talked about we can't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you, but instead pay them back with a blessing. And the scripture messes us up, because it says this is what God has called you to do. Now how many know that's not what we want to do? Come on now. Come on now. I want to talk about me, I want to talk about you. You put me down, I want to put you down." [53:22] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The Bible tells us to think on the things of others. More than ourselves. So this morning as we go to point one this morning, I want to talk about the attitude of Christ. Somebody say that with me. The attitude of Christ. We can stop right there in Philippians chapter 2 verse 5 when it says you must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. You must have the same attitude. You must have the same attitude. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had." [54:28] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "My attitude matters. See attitudes is our mindset. It's the way we think or feel about someone or something. It's our viewpoint. It's our perspective. And I want to tell you today this world thinks that you know as long as I'm happy I don't care about you being happy. I can hurt your feeling as long as it don't convict me I'm good. I can talk about you and say all manner of things against you. But as long as I can go to bed and sleep tonight I'm all right. Come on now. And I ain't talking about the world I'm talking about Christians." [57:12] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "I want you to understand that Christ left his home in glory. He left a throne to come to serve us and to pick up a towel and to wash the disciples' feet. I don't want to smell your stinky feet. Come on now. But he got up from the table, the scripture said, wrapped a towel around himself and began to wash the disciples' feet, and he said, you don't know what I'm doing to you. He wanted them to know if I'm willing to leave my throne in glory and come serve one another, what you should do is the same thing that I'm doing to you. Do it to others." [01:02:24] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "I want you to know if you want to be great if you want to be a big person learn how to serve because I came to serve it's totally different than what the world teaches us we should be listen I come to tell you everything the world been teaching you throw it out and start following Christ's way and he left his home and glory to come down here and down the cross and wash people feet listen I'm telling you he is the son of God he was there from the beginning he is the apple and the Omega and he still did not count himself itself the Bible say he made himself of no reputation but we won't do to get a big reputation make our name big go Famous." [01:12:34] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and evil of every kind. I come to tell you this morning, the scriptures say that jealousy is as cruel as the grave. He said, listen, I want you to understand, if you're jealous and have selfish ambition, don't cover it up, but confess it. Get rid of it and come before the mighty hands of God and say, forgive me, Father, creating me a clean heart, renewing me a right spirit." [01:14:58] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "I have to put the needs of others before myself. But the only way I can deal with it, I got to deal with the destructive power of pride. Somebody say pride. How many of y'all know pride is dangerous? Pride is dangerous. First Peter 5, 5 through 7 say, in the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elder. And all of you dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another. For God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." [01:16:43] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Romans 12, two to three says this. Don't copy the behaviors of this world, but let God transform you into a new person. By changing your mind. By changing the way you think. Whoo, said my thinking messed up. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. He says, don't think you're better than you really are. Think of yourself soberly. Somebody say, I need to kill pride." [01:22:22] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "He tells us this morning God has told you what he wants from you. He don't want a sacrifice. He wants obedience. Somebody say obey. We used to sing that old song, trust and obey. But there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. now tell the truth you don't like to obey three things he said the lord requires of you we can stop at number one to do what is right somebody say to do what is right well pastor how do I know what's right come on now to do what's right oh how many you know we know what's right nobody has to tell us what's right and most of the time to think the thing that you were thinking about doing don't do it because it's nine times out of ten it ain't right." [01:24:19] (82 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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