Embracing Humility and Obedience in Faith
Summary
Celebrating the sacrament of infant baptism is a profound reminder of God's eternal presence and love in our lives. It signifies that God knew us even before we were born and that we are all His children. This sacred act is not just a commitment by the parents but a collective responsibility of the church community to nurture these children in faith. As a church, we strive to provide the best environment for our children to learn about Jesus, so they can one day claim Him as their personal Lord and Savior. Today, we welcomed the Roebuck and Burke families as they presented their children for baptism, affirming their faith and commitment to raise them in the church.
In our ongoing sermon series, "Journey to the Cross," we reflect on the symbol of the cross and its profound meaning. Philippians 2:1-11 calls us to adopt the mindset of Christ, characterized by humility and obedience. Jesus, though divine, humbled Himself by taking on human form and obeyed God's plan of salvation, even unto death on the cross. This humility and obedience are exemplified in the story of Booker T. Washington, who, despite his status, humbly served others, leading to unexpected blessings.
As we journey through life, we are called to emulate Christ's humility and obedience. Humility involves putting others first, valuing relationships over personal ambition, and living selflessly. Obedience means adhering to God's commandments and living in a way that honors Him. When we see the crown of thorns, it should remind us of Jesus' sacrifice and our call to live with His mindset. This Lenten season, let us strive to embody these virtues, expanding God's kingdom through our actions and relationships.
Key Takeaways:
1. Infant Baptism as a Community Commitment: Infant baptism is a reminder that God is at work in our lives from the very beginning. It is a communal responsibility to nurture these children in faith, ensuring they grow up knowing Jesus and His love. This sacrament is a call for the church to support families in raising their children in the faith. [00:00]
2. The Mindset of Christ: Philippians 2:1-11 challenges us to adopt the mindset of Christ, characterized by humility and obedience. Jesus, though divine, humbled Himself by becoming human and obeyed God's plan of salvation. This mindset calls us to live selflessly, valuing others above ourselves. [37:07]
3. Humility in Action: Humility involves putting others first and living selflessly. It means valuing relationships over personal ambition and serving others, as exemplified by Booker T. Washington's story. Humility is a key aspect of living a Christ-like life. [44:05]
4. Obedience to God's Call: Obedience is about adhering to God's commandments and living in a way that honors Him. It involves following God's plan for our lives, even when it requires sacrifice. Obedience leads to blessings for ourselves and our communities. [52:51]
5. Living with the Mindset of Christ: The crown of thorns is a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and our call to live with His mindset. This involves embodying humility and obedience in our daily lives, expanding God's kingdom through our actions and relationships. [58:12]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Infant Baptism Introduction
- [02:15] - The Roebuck and Burke Families
- [04:00] - Baptism Ceremony
- [06:45] - Prayer for the Families
- [08:30] - Welcoming New Members
- [12:00] - Journey to the Cross Series
- [14:30] - Symbol of the Cross
- [16:45] - Philippians 2:1-11 Reading
- [19:00] - The Mindset of Christ
- [21:30] - Humility and Obedience
- [24:00] - Story of Booker T. Washington
- [27:00] - Living with Humility
- [30:00] - Call to Obedience
- [33:00] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Philippians 2:1-11
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Observation Questions:
1. What does the sacrament of infant baptism signify about God's relationship with us from the beginning of our lives? [00:00]
2. How does Philippians 2:1-11 describe the mindset of Christ, and what are the key characteristics mentioned? [37:07]
3. In the sermon, how is Booker T. Washington's story used to illustrate humility and obedience? [58:12]
4. What role does the church community play in the spiritual upbringing of children, according to the sermon? [00:00]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of humility in Philippians 2:1-11 challenge common societal values of ambition and self-promotion? [44:05]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that obedience to God's call can lead to blessings for individuals and communities? [52:51]
3. How does the story of Booker T. Washington exemplify the sermon’s message about humility leading to unexpected blessings? [58:12]
4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of community support in nurturing faith, especially in the context of infant baptism? [00:00]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you had to choose between personal ambition and valuing a relationship. How did you handle it, and what would you do differently now in light of Christ's humility? [44:05]
2. Consider the role of obedience in your life. Is there a specific area where you feel God is calling you to be more obedient? How can you take a step towards that this week? [52:51]
3. Think about a situation where you can practice humility this week. What specific action can you take to put others first in that situation? [44:05]
4. How can you actively participate in the church community to support the spiritual growth of children and new members? What is one practical step you can take this month? [00:00]
5. The sermon mentions the crown of thorns as a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice. How can you use this symbol to inspire humility and obedience in your daily life? [47:33]
6. Identify a person in your life who might benefit from your support or mentorship. How can you reach out to them this week to offer guidance or encouragement? [00:00]
7. Reflect on the story of Booker T. Washington. Is there a task or service you might consider beneath you that you could approach with humility this week? What might be the potential blessings of doing so? [58:12]
Devotional
Day 1: Community as a Nurturing Ground for Faith
Infant baptism is a profound reminder of God's eternal presence and love in our lives. It signifies that God knew us even before we were born and that we are all His children. This sacred act is not just a commitment by the parents but a collective responsibility of the church community to nurture these children in faith. As a church, we strive to provide the best environment for our children to learn about Jesus, so they can one day claim Him as their personal Lord and Savior. Today, we welcomed the Roebuck and Burke families as they presented their children for baptism, affirming their faith and commitment to raise them in the church. [00:00]
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." (Psalm 139:13-14, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively participate in nurturing the faith of the children in your church community this week?
Day 2: Embracing the Mindset of Christ
Philippians 2:1-11 calls us to adopt the mindset of Christ, characterized by humility and obedience. Jesus, though divine, humbled Himself by taking on human form and obeyed God's plan of salvation, even unto death on the cross. This humility and obedience are exemplified in the story of Booker T. Washington, who, despite his status, humbly served others, leading to unexpected blessings. As we journey through life, we are called to emulate Christ's humility and obedience. Humility involves putting others first, valuing relationships over personal ambition, and living selflessly. [37:07]
"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." (Philippians 2:5-7, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you practice humility in your interactions with others today, putting their needs before your own?
Day 3: Humility as a Path to Blessings
Humility involves putting others first and living selflessly. It means valuing relationships over personal ambition and serving others, as exemplified by Booker T. Washington's story. Humility is a key aspect of living a Christ-like life. When we see the crown of thorns, it should remind us of Jesus' sacrifice and our call to live with His mindset. This Lenten season, let us strive to embody these virtues, expanding God's kingdom through our actions and relationships. [44:05]
"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." (Philippians 2:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one person you can serve selflessly this week. How can you prioritize their needs above your own?
Day 4: Obedience as a Path to Divine Blessings
Obedience is about adhering to God's commandments and living in a way that honors Him. It involves following God's plan for our lives, even when it requires sacrifice. Obedience leads to blessings for ourselves and our communities. As we journey through life, we are called to emulate Christ's humility and obedience. Humility involves putting others first, valuing relationships over personal ambition, and living selflessly. [52:51]
"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.'" (1 Samuel 15:22, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle with obedience to God? What steps can you take to align your actions with His will?
Day 5: Living with the Mindset of Christ
The crown of thorns is a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and our call to live with His mindset. This involves embodying humility and obedience in our daily lives, expanding God's kingdom through our actions and relationships. As we journey through life, we are called to emulate Christ's humility and obedience. Humility involves putting others first, valuing relationships over personal ambition, and living selflessly. [58:12]
"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally cultivate a mindset of humility and obedience in your daily routine, reflecting Christ's love to those around you?
Quotes
"What a blessing it is to be here today To celebrate what God has done What God is doing And to look with great anticipation For what God will do I want to invite the Roebuck family And also the Burke family To come join me up here on stage It is such a blessing in the life of our church When we can celebrate the sacrament of infant baptism Infant baptism reminds us of several things One, that God, what the scripture says Is God knew you before you were in your mother's womb And so God is already at work in our lives From the very time that we are in existence Or we are a fault in God's mind It also reminds us that we're all children of God And so as we kind of What we're doing for these children Is claiming them as the children of God that they are We also are reminded that we bear a responsibility Along with the parents With the Burks and with the Roebucks To raise these children in the faith Because that is an important responsibility It's not just theirs It's ours So we want to have the best kids ministry we can have The best student ministry that we can have So that as they grow up They can learn all about Jesus That he came to die for them And so that they can claim him When they feel the time is right As their personal Lord and Savior" [00:13:23] (103 seconds)
"Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like -minded, having the same love, being one in Spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of the others." [00:38:03] (38 seconds)
"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Jesus Christ, who being in the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage. Rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth. And every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." [00:38:40] (56 seconds)
"To have the mindset like Jesus Christ. So what mindset did our Lord and Savior have when he was here on this earth? What mindset did Jesus display from the beginning of his ministry, in the middle of his ministry, as he allowed the soldiers to place that crown of thorn on his head? What mindset did he have? Paul gives us a great word in this scripture lesson today. The first thing that it's... says is humility and obedience is the mindset of Jesus. He was humble in that he came down from his heavenly throne to dwell amongst us in the flesh. He gave up all the riches of heaven for a moment to come down so that he could save his creation, so he could save his people." [00:43:32] (62 seconds)
"Obedience is the second thing that Paul talks about. And I want to lift up a verse from Hebrews chapter 10 verse 10. And by that will we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all. Jesus was obedient to the plan of salvation for all of the world. For those who had gone before who were faithful and walked with God in a covenant relationship. For all those who were there who would come to believe that he was the Messiah. And for all of us who would come after who claimed Jesus as Lord and Savior. He was obedient to the plan of salvation which led him to give his life for you and me and the world." [00:45:13] (59 seconds)
"For God so loved the world, so loved you, so loved me, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. Jesus was humble. He humbled himself. He gave up the throne of heaven. He let them mock him as a king that had no power on earth in their eyes. He let them mock him. He let them beat him. We're going to talk about that in another week. And he went to the cross in obedience to die for us. We know what happened. We're going to celebrate it in a few weeks. We call it Easter. When three days later after they laid his body in the tomb he was raised from the dead and he was exalted on high." [00:46:12] (65 seconds)
"But we should also remember that we are called to have the mindset of Jesus, to live it out day in and day out. And that means when we see this crown of thorns every year at Lent, it should be a special reminder that we are called to live lives of humility and lives of obedience. So let's talk about that for a moment. First, humility. What does humility mean? It means putting others first. It means not having a selfish ambition, vain conceit as it's written in the scripture, but to make sure that we are living our lives for other people. Everything on heaven and earth, everything on earth will pass away. The scriptures tell us that just as the grass withers, the grass withers, so we will all wither one day and we will die, right?" [00:47:56] (59 seconds)
"And so our responsibility while we're here is to learn to be in a relationship with God, which we're celebrating today through baptism, through new members joining, through a family that's going to join by profession of faith. And so we celebrate that, right? And it means that once we believe, we're called to have the mindset of Jesus, to live with that type of humility, to have that humility with our spouse, to put our spouse first, to not live our lives with selfish ambition for someone else to do all the chores for someone else to pick up and maintain all of the household, right? Because we're a partnership." [00:48:55] (51 seconds)
"To have that type of humility when it comes to friendship relationships and our familial relationships with a child and a parent, that we make sure that we're putting them first, we're taking care of them, we're teaching them as the parents said today, to raise our children in the faith. When it comes to friendships, to be able to put others first, to not just think about ourselves and our schedules and what is important, but to be able to pour into others, to share the love of Jesus Christ at work with the folks we like and the folks we don't like. Maybe I should have said that for families, but but we need to make sure that we're living lives of humility." [00:49:55] (50 seconds)
"Even though we may be working for the next promotion, and that's a great secondary ambition, to work hard and to do our best and to get all that we can work hard to receive. But our first ambition should be to build up relationships, should be to share the love of Jesus Christ, to shine the light of his kingdom everywhere we go. And the same is true for school. The same is true if we're in the grocery store, in Walmart. A couple people told me today they're going to the ball game. When you go to that type of gospel feast, you need to steal, right? Shine the light of Christ, right? Be Christ's representatives in the world. And so here's the gospel. And so here's the gospel." [00:50:36] (52 seconds)
"The second thing is we're called to live a life of obedience. I've shared with you all in this calendar year, I'm going through the Bible again, and in the Old Testament and the New Testament, it's so rich with passages that talk about obedience. Be obedient to follow the Lord your God, to serve only Him, to not go to the left or right of His Word, but to follow His commandments and see if your land is not blessed, see if your family's not blessed, see if your relatives are not blessed for the next couple generations." [00:51:36] (43 seconds)
"So God is calling us in this season to remember when we see the crown, to remember Jesus' humility and obedience, and that we are called to follow Him, to have the mindset of Jesus Christ, and to make sure that we're living lives of humility and obedience. What a blessing. Booker T. Washington was born a slave wife, and he became a freedman during the Civil War at age 11. He was in Virginia, and he went to work for a very rich family, and he said he learned so much from that family." [00:53:52] (49 seconds)
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