Embracing Humility and Unity in Christ
Summary
The sermon begins with the pastor emphasizing the importance of humility and valuing others above oneself, using the example of Jesus Christ who humbled himself and became obedient to death on the cross. The pastor acknowledges his own mistake of using his position to his advantage and expresses gratitude for those who corrected him. He then introduces the concept of imitation, referencing 1 Corinthians 11:1, where Paul encourages believers to imitate him as he imitates Christ. The pastor emphasizes the importance of looking to someone who serves as a good example and imitating their faith.
The pastor then discusses the importance of unity among believers, stating that unity is a powerful testimony to the world that we are sent by Jesus and that God is with us. He acknowledges that unity has often been lacking throughout church history due to a lack of effort on the part of believers. He reiterates four points: our decision to follow Jesus is individual, but we journey with others; the journey is difficult and messy; our attitude should be one of surrendering our will to God; and easy belief in Jesus does not align with true discipleship. He introduces five key words that contribute to unity: love, service, humility, forgiveness, and transparency.
The pastor then discusses the concept of reflecting Jesus to the world, emphasizing that when people look at believers, they should see Jesus in them, not just their own selves. He poses a question about whether individuals are willing to do the hard work to be the answer to Jesus' prayer. He encourages the congregation to be genuine imitations of Jesus and highlights the importance of unity in walking in this reflection of Jesus to the world.
The pastor then discusses the importance of having an attitude of gratitude and fully surrendering our will to God. He acknowledges that following Jesus is not always easy and that it requires more than just singing worship songs and attending church. He emphasizes that when going through difficult times, we are not alone, but rather sharing the yoke with Jesus who carries it with us. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of transparency, repentance, and forgiveness in fostering unity within the church.
Key Takeaways:
- Humility and valuing others above oneself is crucial in the Christian journey. Jesus Christ is the perfect example of this, as he humbled himself and became obedient to death on the cross. This humility is a key aspect of genuine discipleship. [12:45]
- Unity among believers is a powerful testimony to the world that we are sent by Jesus and that God is with us. However, achieving this unity requires effort and work on the part of believers. The pastor introduces five key words that contribute to unity: love, service, humility, forgiveness, and transparency. [24:30]
- When people look at believers, they should see Jesus in them, not just their own selves. This reflection of Jesus should be clear and not cloudy, which can be achieved through walking in forgiveness, repentance, and transparency. [36:15]
- Following Jesus is not always easy and requires more than just singing worship songs and attending church. It involves having an attitude of gratitude and fully surrendering our will to God. When going through difficult times, we are not alone, but rather sharing the yoke with Jesus who carries it with us. [48:20]
- Transparency, repentance, and forgiveness are key in fostering unity within the church. Being open and honest with one another allows for misunderstandings to be cleared up and stronger relationships to be built. This surrender is necessary for the church to experience the full power and potential of God's kingdom. [59:10]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 11:1 - "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ."
2. Philippians 2:1-11 - "So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 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. 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. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
3. John 17:13-23 - "But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me."
Observation Questions:
1. What does 1 Corinthians 11:1 tell us about the role of imitation in the Christian faith?
2. In Philippians 2:1-11, what characteristics of Jesus are highlighted and how does it relate to humility and unity?
3. What does John 17:13-23 reveal about Jesus' prayer for his followers and their unity?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of imitation in 1 Corinthians 11:1 apply to our daily lives as believers?
2. How can we apply the humility and unity demonstrated by Jesus in Philippians 2:1-11 in our relationships with others?
3. What does Jesus' prayer in John 17:13-23 imply about the importance of unity among believers and its impact on the world?
Application Questions:
1. Can you identify a person in your life who exemplifies Christ-like humility and unity? How can you imitate their faith this week?
2. Reflect on a recent situation where you could have demonstrated more humility. What is one specific action you can take to show humility in a similar situation in the future?
3. Think of a relationship in your life that lacks unity. What is one step you can take this week to foster unity in that relationship, following the example of Jesus in Philippians 2:1-11?
4. Reflecting on Jesus' prayer in John 17:13-23, how can you contribute to the unity of believers in your local church or community this week?
Devotional
1) Themes and Descriptions:
- Theme 1: "Embracing Humility in Discipleship"
Description: Humility is a cornerstone of the Christian journey, exemplified by Jesus Christ who humbled himself to the point of death on the cross. This humility is not a sign of weakness, but a testament to the strength of genuine discipleship. [12:45]
- Theme 2: "Unity: The Testament of Believers"
Description: Unity among believers is a powerful testament to the world that we are sent by Jesus and that God is with us. Achieving this unity requires effort and commitment, and is fostered by love, service, humility, forgiveness, and transparency. [24:30]
- Theme 3: "Reflecting Jesus in Our Lives"
Description: As believers, we are called to reflect Jesus in our lives. This reflection should be clear and not cloudy, achieved through walking in forgiveness, repentance, and transparency. [36:15]
- Theme 4: "Surrendering to God in Difficult Times"
Description: Following Jesus is not always easy and requires more than just singing worship songs and attending church. It involves having an attitude of gratitude and fully surrendering our will to God, especially during difficult times. [48:20]
- Theme 5: "Fostering Unity through Transparency and Forgiveness"
Description: Transparency, repentance, and forgiveness are key in fostering unity within the church. Being open and honest with one another allows for misunderstandings to be cleared up and stronger relationships to be built. [59:10]
2) Bible Passages:
- Passage 1: Philippians 2:5-8
- Passage 2: Ephesians 4:2-3
- Passage 3: 2 Corinthians 3:18
- Passage 4: Matthew 11:28-30
- Passage 5: James 5:16
3) Reflection Questions:
- Reflection 1: How can you practice humility in your daily life as a disciple of Christ?
- Reflection 2: What steps can you take to foster unity within your community of believers?
- Reflection 3: How can you better reflect Jesus in your life?
- Reflection 4: How can you surrender your will to God during difficult times?
- Reflection 5: How can you promote transparency and forgiveness within your church community?
4) 5-Day Devotional:
Day 1: Embracing Humility in Discipleship
Humility is a cornerstone of the Christian journey, exemplified by Jesus Christ who humbled himself to the point of death on the cross. This humility is not a sign of weakness, but a testament to the strength of genuine discipleship. [12:45]
Philippians 2:5-8 - "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature 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!"
Reflection: How can you practice humility in your daily life as a disciple of Christ?
Day 2: Unity: The Testament of Believers
Unity among believers is a powerful testament to the world that we are sent by Jesus and that God is with us. Achieving this unity requires effort and commitment, and is fostered by love, service, humility, forgiveness, and transparency. [24:30]
Ephesians 4:2-3 - "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
Reflection: What steps can you take to foster unity within your community of believers?
Day 3: Reflecting Jesus in Our Lives
As believers, we are called to reflect Jesus in our lives. This reflection should be clear and not cloudy, achieved through walking in forgiveness, repentance, and transparency. [36:15]
2 Corinthians 3:18 - "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
Reflection: How can you better reflect Jesus in your life?
Day 4: Surrendering to God in Difficult Times
Following Jesus is not always easy and requires more than just singing worship songs and attending church. It involves having an attitude of gratitude and fully surrendering our will to God, especially during difficult times. [48:20]
Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Reflection: How can you surrender your will to God during difficult times?
Day 5: Fostering Unity through Transparency and Forgiveness
Transparency, repentance, and forgiveness are key in fostering unity within the church. Being open and honest with one another allows for misunderstandings to be cleared up and stronger relationships to be built. [59:10]
James 5:16 - "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
Reflection: How can you promote transparency and forgiveness within your church community?
Quotes
"Our decision to follow Jesus is individual, but we travel on our journey with others. And here's the harder part, the journey is difficult and messy. We mess up big time." [10:27]
"Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, do not look to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others." #!!12:39!!#
"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." #!!14:03!!#
"Our attitude is not just one of gratitude, it is fully surrendering our will to God." #!!15:43!!#
"When I am going through hard times, when the road is difficult, I know that I'm sharing the Yoke with him and I know that he's carrying it with me. I know that I'm not carrying it alone, but that doesn't mean that it's easy." #!!17:15!!#
"Unity will let the world know that we are sent by Jesus and they will respond to the message either with yes or no either with love or hate but they will know because of our Unity that we are from God and God is with us." #!!22:24!!#
"The reflection that comes off of us is not supposed to be us fully, it's supposed to also be Jesus in us. If we will walk in forgiveness, if we will walk in repentance, if we will walk transparently, our reflection that we give back to the world of who Jesus is will not be cloudy, it will be clear." #!!32:41!!#
"I believe that transparency, repentance, and forgiveness are the three key ingredients to Unity, and by walking in unity, we truly become those who accurately reflect him to each other and to the world." #!!30:33!!#
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