Embracing Humility: The Incarnation and True Greatness

Devotional

Day 1: The Mystery of the Incarnation

The incarnation of Christ is a profound mystery that invites us to consider the implications of God becoming human. Jesus, though divine, chose to live as a human, experiencing the full range of human emotions and struggles. This act of humility challenges us to reflect on our own lives and how we can embody the same spirit of servanthood and love. The incarnation means that God understands our struggles and walks with us in our journey. As we reflect on this, we are reminded of the humility and love that Christ exemplified, urging us to live in a way that reflects these qualities. [48:10]

"For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross." (Colossians 1:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: How can you embody the humility and servanthood of Christ in your daily interactions with others today?

Day 2: Redefining Greatness

True greatness is not found in power or status but in humility and self-sacrifice. Jesus' life exemplifies this truth, as he chose to serve others rather than assert his divine rights. This message is particularly relevant in a world that often equates success with dominance and social prestige. By following Christ's example, we are called to redefine what it means to be great, focusing on serving others and living a life of humility. This redefinition challenges us to reject societal norms and embrace a life that mirrors the values of Christ. [58:15]

"But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all." (Mark 10:43-44, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you serve others today, prioritizing their needs over your own desires for recognition or status?

Day 3: The Perils of Power

Power, when misused, can lead to corruption and exploitation. Historical and modern examples illustrate the destructive potential of unchecked power. In contrast, Jesus' life demonstrates a different kind of authority—one rooted in love and servanthood. By examining the life of Christ, we see a model of leadership that prioritizes the well-being of others over personal gain. This perspective challenges us to consider how we use the power and influence we have in our own lives, ensuring that it aligns with the values of love and service. [01:06:25]

"Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish." (Psalm 146:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a position of influence you hold. How can you use this influence to serve others and promote justice and love?

Day 4: Embracing Humility

Paul urges us to adopt the mindset of Christ, focusing on unity, humility, and mutuality. This call to humility challenges us to reject the pursuit of status and embrace a life of service and love. It is a revolutionary message that stands in stark contrast to the values of the world. By embracing humility, we open ourselves to deeper relationships and a more meaningful life, grounded in the teachings of Christ. This mindset encourages us to prioritize the needs of others and foster a community built on mutual respect and love. [01:09:32]

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where pride has taken root. How can you practice humility in this area today?

Day 5: Cultivating Gratitude

In this season of Thanksgiving, we are encouraged to cultivate gratitude, recognizing the many blessings in our lives. By focusing on gratitude, we can align our lives more closely with the example of Christ, who lived a life of humility and love. Gratitude shifts our perspective, allowing us to see the abundance in our lives and fostering a spirit of thankfulness. This practice not only enriches our own lives but also impacts those around us, as we become more aware of the ways we can bless others. [01:20:13]

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV)

Reflection: What are three specific things you are grateful for today, and how can you express this gratitude to God and others?

Sermon Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound question: "What if God was one of us?" This inquiry, inspired by Joan Osborne's song, invites us to reflect on the incarnation of Christ and its implications for our lives. The lyrics of the song paint a vivid picture of God experiencing the human condition, which aligns closely with the message found in Philippians 2:5-8. This passage, often referred to as the Christ Hymn, emphasizes the humility and servanthood of Jesus, who, despite being divine, chose to live as a human and experience the full spectrum of human life, including suffering and death.

The sermon challenges us to consider the nature of power and authority. In a world that often equates greatness with dominance and status, the example of Christ teaches us that true greatness lies in humility and self-sacrifice. This message was particularly relevant to the Philippians, who lived in a society that valued Roman citizenship and social hierarchy. Paul urged them to adopt the mindset of Christ, focusing on unity, humility, and mutuality rather than social prestige.

We also examined the dangers of power and how it can corrupt when misused. Historical examples, such as the Roman Empire, the Atlantic slave trade, and modern issues like human trafficking, illustrate the destructive potential of unchecked power. In contrast, Jesus' life exemplifies a different kind of authority—one rooted in servanthood and love.

As we reflect on these themes, we are reminded that God, through Jesus, became one of us. This incarnation means that God understands our struggles and walks with us in our journey. In this season of Thanksgiving, we are encouraged to cultivate gratitude, recognizing the many blessings in our lives and striving to live in a way that reflects the humility and love of Christ.

Key Takeaways

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2. The Nature of True Greatness: True greatness is not found in power or status but in humility and self-sacrifice. Jesus' life exemplifies this truth, as he chose to serve others rather than assert his divine rights. This message is particularly relevant in a world that often equates success with dominance and social prestige.

3. The Dangers of Power: Power, when misused, can lead to corruption and exploitation. Historical and modern examples illustrate the destructive potential of unchecked power. In contrast, Jesus' life demonstrates a different kind of authority—one rooted in love and servanthood.

4. The Call to Humility: Paul urges us to adopt the mindset of Christ, focusing on unity, humility, and mutuality. This call to humility challenges us to reject the pursuit of status and embrace a life of service and love. It is a revolutionary message that stands in stark contrast to the values of the world.

5. Gratitude and Thanksgiving: In this season of Thanksgiving, we are encouraged to cultivate gratitude, recognizing the many blessings in our lives. By focusing on gratitude, we can align our lives more closely with the example of Christ, who lived a life of humility and love.

** [48:10]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:00] - Opening Remarks and Announcements
[10:00] - Remembering Sister Angela Brown
[15:00] - Upcoming Events and Jersey Sunday
[20:00] - Gratitude for Outreach Efforts
[25:00] - Introduction to the Sermon
[30:00] - Exploring the Incarnation
[35:00] - The Humility of Christ
[40:00] - The Dangers of Power
[45:00] - The Call to Humility
[50:00] - Gratitude and Thanksgiving
[55:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing of Gratitude Jars
[60:00] - Invitation to Join the Church Family
[65:00] - Offering and Distribution of Gratitude Jars
[70:00] - Final Blessing and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Philippians 2:5-8

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Observation Questions:

What does Philippians 2:5-8 reveal about the nature of Jesus' incarnation and his choice to live as a human? How does this passage describe his humility and servanthood? [01:06:25]
In the sermon, how does the pastor describe the societal values of the Philippians, and how does Paul challenge these values with the example of Christ? [58:15]
What historical examples were given in the sermon to illustrate the dangers of power when it is misused? [01:06:25]
How does the pastor use the analogy of Superman to explain the concept of humility and restraint in the life of Jesus? [01:09:32]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the concept of Jesus' incarnation challenge our understanding of power and authority in today's world? What does it mean for Jesus to have chosen humility over divine rights? [01:06:25]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that the values of humility and servanthood are countercultural to the societal norms of both the Philippians' time and our own? [58:15]
How does the pastor's discussion of historical and modern examples of power abuse help us understand the importance of Jesus' model of servanthood and love? [01:06:25]
What does the pastor mean when he says that God is not "some of us" or "most of us," but "one of us"? How does this statement impact our view of God's relationship with humanity? [01:15:27]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on a time when you prioritized status or power over humility and service. How can the example of Jesus' incarnation inspire you to make different choices in similar situations? [01:06:25]
The sermon highlights the dangers of power when misused. Are there areas in your life where you might be holding onto power or control too tightly? How can you practice letting go and embracing humility? [01:06:25]
Consider the societal values that prioritize success and prestige. How can you actively choose to live out the values of humility and servanthood in your daily interactions? [58:15]
The pastor uses the analogy of Superman to illustrate restraint. In what areas of your life do you need to exercise more restraint and humility? How can you start doing this today? [01:09:32]
In this season of Thanksgiving, how can you cultivate a spirit of gratitude in your life? What specific actions can you take to recognize and appreciate the blessings you have? [01:20:13]
The sermon encourages us to adopt the mindset of Christ. What practical steps can you take to align your thoughts and actions with the humility and love exemplified by Jesus? [01:09:32]
How can you use the concept of a "gratitude jar" to remind yourself of the blessings in your life and to foster a heart of thankfulness? What are some specific things you can start being grateful for today? [01:22:27]

Sermon Clips

"The scholars believe that this passage may have been a hymn or a poem that early Christians used in worship before Paul incorporated it into his letter. because the structure and the language of the passage differ from Paul's usual writing style. And that suggests to us that it may have been pre-existing material, almost if Paul ripped a page out of a hymnal and said, sing this." [00:50:44] (23 seconds) Edit Clip

"Paul's reminding them that their ultimate citizenship is in heaven, and they should live in a way that reflects the values of God's kingdom, not just the values of the world around them. And so as we chop it up in chapter two of Paul's charter, it compelled me to contemplate not only the wonder of God becoming one of us, but it also made me think, Sister Alita, about the worst-case scenario of a Savior who could have been some of us, or even worse, who behaved like most of us." [00:54:49] (31 seconds) Edit Clip

"Could it be that that was Paul's plan to the Philippians? He was saying it's time to tear some of this Roman stuff down. It ain't about being self-serving. It's about sacrifice. Maybe he was telling them to replace Rome's image of success with God's image of service. Can I suggest that that's what God is telling us right now?" [01:04:52] (20 seconds) Edit Clip

"Jesus' refusal to cling to his divine status is in contrast to the worldly leaders who exploit their power for personal gain rather than serving those they lead. I promise you, one day I'm going to get up here and I'm not going to be sister soldier, but that day ain't today. Don't believe me, just watch." [01:06:09] (19 seconds) Edit Clip

"God's love is limited. God's grace is boundless. And God's ways are infinitely higher than ours. Church, I'm so glad today that God is not some of us. Some of us. For the Philippians, Paul's call to humility was especially pertinent to society marked by honor-seeking and social hierarchy. By urging them to adopt the mind of Christ, Paul was telling them the value is found in unity, humility, and mutuality. Not in social prestige." [01:17:03] (37 seconds) Edit Clip

"Jesus didn't just appear human. He became fully human, experiencing the joys and sorrows, the temptations and triumphs that are part of our shared existence. This verse verifies that Jesus merely didn't just look the part. He was the part. He became fully human, experiencing the entirety of human life, including its trials and victories, its joy and sorrows." [01:18:33] (27 seconds) Edit Clip

"Let this mind be in you. He didn't say, let his power be in you. Let his miracles be in you. No, let his mind be in you. Be transformed by the renewing of your what? Your mind. This phrase here, he made himself nothing. Jesus, the Savior of the world, made himself nothing, or he emptied himself." [01:21:05] (26 seconds) Edit Clip

"Instead of choosing humility, most people seek self-promotion, power, or validation driven by personal ambition or recognition. We live in a world where our worth is determined by how many people will follow us. Ain't that something? We do crazy things just to get people's attention. Do crazy stunts. Light ourselves on fire." [01:24:04] (23 seconds) Edit Clip