Embracing Unity and Humility in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we delve into Philippians 2:1-11, a passage that profoundly speaks about unity, humility, and the example set by Jesus Christ. We began by reflecting on the joy that comes from living a life in Christ. Paul encourages us to let the joy of the Lord be our strength and to live out our faith in a way that others can see the transformation in our lives. He emphasizes that our lives should reflect the comfort and love that Christ has shown us repeatedly. We should not look like we used to; our lives should be different, marked by the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
Paul's exhortation to do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit but in humility count others more significant than ourselves is a challenging yet essential aspect of Christian living. We often focus on our own needs and desires, but Paul calls us to look beyond ourselves and consider the interests of others. This selflessness is a reflection of Christ's humility, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant.
We discussed the importance of scoping out the interests of others, much like how a scope on a gun or a telescope is used to see things clearly. Paul urges us to be intentional in our interactions, to walk into a room thinking about how we can bless, love, and encourage others. This mindset leads to a joy-filled life, as we follow the example of Christ, who humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross.
A poignant illustration was shared about a professor who explained that the reason we do not see God's power as evident as in the Old and New Testaments is because we have not humbled ourselves to the extent that Jesus did. True humility and selflessness allow us to see God's work in our lives and the lives of others. When we humble ourselves, we see hope and joy, even in the midst of death and destruction, because Christ lives in us.
We also touched on the importance of unity within the church. Using the analogy of a NASCAR pit crew, we highlighted how a unified team can accomplish great things quickly and efficiently. In contrast, a disjointed and prideful church fails to reflect the love and unity that should characterize the body of Christ. Paul calls us to humble ourselves and work together, pushing the love of God rather than our own agendas.
Finally, we concluded with a reminder of the exaltation of Jesus. Because He humbled Himself, God exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name. At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This exaltation is a powerful reminder of the reward that comes from humility and obedience.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Transformative Power of Christ's Love: Our lives should reflect the comfort and love that Christ has shown us. This transformation is evident when we live out our faith, showing others the change in our lives. We should not look like we used to; our lives should be different, marked by the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. [49:50]
2. Humility and Selflessness: Paul calls us to do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit but in humility count others more significant than ourselves. This selflessness is a reflection of Christ's humility, who emptied Himself and took the form of a servant. By looking to the interests of others, we follow Christ's example and experience true joy. [52:10]
3. Intentionality in Relationships: We should be intentional in our interactions, scoping out the interests of others. This means walking into a room thinking about how we can bless, love, and encourage others. Such intentionality leads to a joy-filled life, as we follow the example of Christ. [53:13]
4. The Power of Humility: True humility and selflessness allow us to see God's work in our lives and the lives of others. When we humble ourselves, we see hope and joy, even in the midst of death and destruction, because Christ lives in us. This humility is essential for experiencing the power of God. [54:42]
5. Unity in the Church: A unified church, like a well-coordinated NASCAR pit crew, can accomplish great things. Paul calls us to humble ourselves and work together, pushing the love of God rather than our own agendas. This unity reflects the love and unity that should characterize the body of Christ. [57:55]
### Youtube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [29:21] - Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
3. [43:26] - Opening Prayer and Confession
4. [46:25] - Introduction to Philippians 2:1-11
5. [48:24] - Encouragement in Christ
6. [49:50] - Transformation Through Christ's Love
7. [52:10] - Humility and Selflessness
8. [53:13] - Intentionality in Relationships
9. [54:42] - The Power of Humility
10. [56:10] - Unity in the Church
11. [57:55] - NASCAR Pit Crew Analogy
12. [59:36] - Exaltation of Jesus
13. [01:01:27] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
14. [01:09:31] - Invitation to Respond
15. [01:12:26] - Final Blessing and Announcements
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Philippians 2:1-11
### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says to "do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves"? ([49:50])
2. How does Paul describe the mindset we should have in our relationships with others? ([53:13])
3. What example does Paul use to illustrate true humility and selflessness? ([54:42])
4. How does Paul describe the unity that should characterize the church? ([57:55])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of humility and selflessness in Christian living? How does this reflect the character of Christ? ([49:50])
2. What does it mean to "scope out the interests of others," and how can this be practically applied in our daily interactions? ([53:13])
3. How does true humility allow us to see God's work in our lives and the lives of others? ([54:42])
4. In what ways can a unified church, like a well-coordinated NASCAR pit crew, accomplish great things? What are the consequences of a disjointed and prideful church? ([57:55])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you acted out of selfish ambition or conceit. How can you approach similar situations with humility and selflessness in the future? ([49:50])
2. Think about your daily interactions. How can you be more intentional in blessing, loving, and encouraging others? What specific actions can you take this week to "scope out the interests of others"? ([53:13])
3. How can you cultivate true humility in your life? What steps can you take to make yourself "nothing" so that Christ can be everything in you? ([54:42])
4. Consider the unity within your church or small group. Are there areas where pride or personal agendas are causing division? How can you contribute to fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation? ([57:55])
5. Reflect on the example of Christ's humility and obedience to the point of death on a cross. How can this example inspire you to live a life of humility and selflessness? ([54:42])
6. How can you ensure that your life reflects the transformative power of Christ's love? What changes do you need to make to show others the comfort and love that Christ has shown you? ([49:50])
7. Think about a specific relationship or situation where you struggle with humility. What practical steps can you take to count others more significant than yourself in that context? ([49:50])
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of Christ's Love
Our lives should reflect the comfort and love that Christ has shown us. This transformation is evident when we live out our faith, showing others the change in our lives. We should not look like we used to; our lives should be different, marked by the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. The joy that comes from living a life in Christ is a testament to the transformation He brings. Paul encourages us to let the joy of the Lord be our strength and to live out our faith in a way that others can see the transformation in our lives. This transformation is not just about personal change but about reflecting the comfort and love that Christ has shown us repeatedly. Our lives should be different, marked by the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. [49:50]
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: How can you show the transformative power of Christ's love in your daily interactions today? Think of one specific way you can demonstrate this change to someone in your life.
Day 2: Humility and Selflessness
Paul calls us to do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit but in humility count others more significant than ourselves. This selflessness is a reflection of Christ's humility, who emptied Himself and took the form of a servant. By looking to the interests of others, we follow Christ's example and experience true joy. We often focus on our own needs and desires, but Paul calls us to look beyond ourselves and consider the interests of others. This selflessness is a reflection of Christ's humility, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant. [52:10]
Romans 12:10 (ESV): "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."
Reflection: Think of a specific person in your life whose needs you can prioritize today. How can you show them that you value their interests above your own?
Day 3: Intentionality in Relationships
We should be intentional in our interactions, scoping out the interests of others. This means walking into a room thinking about how we can bless, love, and encourage others. Such intentionality leads to a joy-filled life, as we follow the example of Christ. Paul urges us to be intentional in our interactions, to walk into a room thinking about how we can bless, love, and encourage others. This mindset leads to a joy-filled life, as we follow the example of Christ, who humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross. [53:13]
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV): "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
Reflection: As you go about your day, think of one person you can intentionally encourage. What specific words or actions can you use to build them up?
Day 4: The Power of Humility
True humility and selflessness allow us to see God's work in our lives and the lives of others. When we humble ourselves, we see hope and joy, even in the midst of death and destruction, because Christ lives in us. This humility is essential for experiencing the power of God. A poignant illustration was shared about a professor who explained that the reason we do not see God's power as evident as in the Old and New Testaments is because we have not humbled ourselves to the extent that Jesus did. True humility and selflessness allow us to see God's work in our lives and the lives of others. [54:42]
James 4:10 (ESV): "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle with pride. How can you practice humility in this area today to allow God's power to work through you?
Day 5: Unity in the Church
A unified church, like a well-coordinated NASCAR pit crew, can accomplish great things. Paul calls us to humble ourselves and work together, pushing the love of God rather than our own agendas. This unity reflects the love and unity that should characterize the body of Christ. Using the analogy of a NASCAR pit crew, we highlighted how a unified team can accomplish great things quickly and efficiently. In contrast, a disjointed and prideful church fails to reflect the love and unity that should characterize the body of Christ. Paul calls us to humble ourselves and work together, pushing the love of God rather than our own agendas. [57:55]
1 Corinthians 1:10 (ESV): "I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment."
Reflection: Consider your role in your church community. How can you contribute to the unity and collective mission of your church this week? What specific actions can you take to promote harmony and cooperation?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I just want to remind you this morning, there is nothing greater and there is nothing sweeter than to lean on than our Savior, Jesus Christ. And so as we sing this morning, would you just have that picture that you can lean into the Lord Jesus in every situation, in every season. And He is more than strong enough to hold you that very moment." [29:21]
2. "Paul is saying if you want to have a joy-filled life, if you want to have this life everlasting evident today, it's okay to take care of yourself. He's not saying neglect your body, no, he's saying don't just look at what's going on in your life but more importantly scope out, look to the interests of others." [53:13]
3. "Paul says joy and have this heart often and if you really want to have true joy this week today think of the word joy and break it out so that you won't forget the J stands for Jesus. You put Jesus first in your priority list there is nothing better than Christ. So if you're constantly thinking about Jesus Jesus Jesus you're beginning well and then the next word for O is others. When you're looking at Jesus when you're looking at the Lord you start to see others not because of beneficial to you to benefit yourself but you look at others in a light that Jesus loves them and they may or may not know the Lord and you may be the gospel that comes up to them that speaks truth into their life so Jesus others and Y is yourself and here's the truth when you get to yourself you're going to recognize it wasn't you that did anything anyways and you're going to go right back up to Jesus." [01:04:39]
4. "We have the chance and the choice to lean into things that have no eternal value. We have been given things by the enemy that we can focus our attention on. And so I just want to remind you this morning, there is nothing greater and there is nothing sweeter than to lean on than our Savior, Jesus Christ." [29:21]
5. "If you want to have joy for the rest of your life, if you want to give a good word to the seniors we're going to be writing in Bibles this week, just write Philippians chapter 2 1-11. Just read it every day, it's the best word you could read." [01:04:39]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul is saying let there be encouragement in Christ, let the people see the comfort and the love that has been displayed over and over and over again. We should not look like we used to; it should be different, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind." [49:50]
2. "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. I think this is probably the hardest thing for many of us today. We do not look for the others quickly; we are selfish in the way that we're saying we've got to take care of this, I've got to do this, I've got to do that." [52:10]
3. "Paul is saying you need to have this idea that you're scoping people out when you walk into a room. You're not thinking, 'Look at me, I've arrived, everybody smile, everybody laugh, everybody get excited because I'm here.' You have to intentionally be on the lookout when you walk into a place: How can I bless you? How can I love you? How can I encourage you? How can I pour myself out for you?" [53:13]
4. "The reason we do not see God move the way that we used to is because we have not humbled ourselves to the point that Jesus in fact did. And he's saying if you can get to the point that you humble yourself, that you make yourself nothing... you can see God moving. Why? Because you've humbled yourself and when you look up you don't see destruction, you see hope, you see the joy of salvation around you." [54:42]
5. "The church oftentimes looks nothing like a unified pit crew. We look nothing like it. In fact, we come into church and we're bickering about this and we're frustrated with this and there's division on this. And the reason all of that takes place is because of pride. We're the opposite of this humility. And Paul is saying for the love of God, literally, would you humble yourself so when the people look into this place they don't see a pit crew that looks messed up and discombobulated, they see a pit crew that's saying, 'That's a team, that's a unified body of believers.'" [57:55]
6. "Therefore God has 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." [59:36]
7. "If there's 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." [01:06:45]
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