Emulating Christ's Humility and Exaltation in Life
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the introduction of the book of Philippians, focusing on the central theme found in Philippians 2:5-11, which emphasizes the humility and exaltation of Jesus Christ. We began by reflecting on the life of William Tyndale, who, like the Apostle Paul, was singularly focused on spreading the gospel and living a life worthy of Jesus Christ. Tyndale's commitment to translating the Bible into the common language, despite the severe consequences, mirrors Paul's dedication to exemplifying and exalting Christ.
In Philippians 2, Paul outlines the humility of Christ, who, despite being in the form of God, took on the form of a servant and became obedient to death on a cross. This passage serves as the cornerstone of the book, guiding us on how to live in light of Christ's humility and exaltation. We then turned to Acts 16, where Paul’s actions in Philippi provide a practical example of living out this central theme. Paul, guided by the Holy Spirit, redirected his missionary journey to Macedonia, demonstrating his sensitivity to God's leading and his commitment to God's timing.
In Philippi, Paul encountered Lydia, a worshiper of God, whose heart the Lord opened to receive the gospel. This conversion highlights that it is God who accomplishes the work of salvation. Paul’s subsequent encounter with a demon-possessed slave girl further demonstrated Christ's authority over demonic forces. Despite the resulting persecution and imprisonment, Paul and Silas continued to exalt Christ, praying and singing hymns even in their suffering. Their unwavering faith led to the miraculous conversion of the Philippian jailer and his household.
Paul’s life exemplifies the call to exalt and emulate Christ in every circumstance, whether in suffering or in joy. His actions in Acts 16 serve as a template for us to follow, showing that true joy comes from pursuing Christ and making much of Him, regardless of our circumstances. As we go about our week, let us consider how we can exalt and emulate Jesus in both our planned and unplanned moments, keeping our eyes fixed on Him and living in a manner worthy of the gospel.
### Key Takeaways
1. Christ's Humility and Exaltation: Philippians 2:5-11 teaches us about Christ's humility, who, despite being in the form of God, took on the form of a servant and became obedient to death on a cross. This passage is central to understanding how we should live, emulating Christ's humility and recognizing His exaltation by God. [35:45]
2. God's Leading in Our Plans: Paul's journey in Acts 16 shows us the importance of being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading. While Paul had plans to preach in Asia, he was redirected by the Spirit to Macedonia. This teaches us to make plans that honor God but remain open to His direction, trusting that His timing and purposes are perfect. [39:09]
3. Salvation is God's Work: The conversion of Lydia in Acts 16 highlights that it is God who opens hearts to receive the gospel. Paul’s role was to faithfully proclaim the message, but it was the Lord who accomplished the work of salvation. This reminds us that our efforts in sharing the gospel are important, but ultimately, it is God who brings people to faith. [45:49]
4. Exalting Christ in Suffering: Paul and Silas's response to imprisonment—praying and singing hymns—demonstrates how to exalt Christ even in suffering. Their faith and joy in Christ served as a powerful testimony to the other prisoners and led to the conversion of the jailer. This teaches us to keep our eyes on Jesus and find our comfort in Him, regardless of our circumstances. [57:06]
5. Living a Life Worthy of the Gospel: Paul's life exemplifies the call to live in a manner worthy of the gospel. His willingness to suffer for Christ, his sensitivity to the Spirit's leading, and his unwavering commitment to proclaiming the gospel serve as a model for us. We are encouraged to pursue Christ, make much of Him, and live like Him in every aspect of our lives. [01:00:55]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[33:13] - Introduction to Philippians
[34:22] - William Tyndale's Example
[35:45] - Central Theme: Philippians 2:5-11
[37:09] - Paul's Missionary Journey in Acts 16
[38:02] - Companions on the Journey
[39:09] - Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit
[41:03] - The Vision of Macedonia
[42:27] - Conversion of Lydia
[44:49] - Background of Philippi
[46:49] - Encounter with the Slave Girl
[49:23] - Authority of Jesus Christ
[50:20] - Imprisonment and Beating
[55:43] - Praying and Singing in Prison
[57:06] - Conversion of the Jailer
[01:00:55] - Exalting Christ in Every Opportunity
[01:02:31] - Philippians 2:5-11 Revisited
[01:07:10] - Pursuing Christ for True Joy
[01:09:53] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 2:5-11: "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."
2. Acts 16:6-10: "And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, 'Come over to Macedonia and help us.' And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them."
3. Acts 16:25-34: "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, 'Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.' And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' And they said, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.' And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Philippians 2:5-11 teach us about the nature and actions of Jesus Christ?
2. How did Paul and his companions respond to the Holy Spirit's leading in Acts 16:6-10? ([37:09])
3. What was the reaction of Paul and Silas to their imprisonment in Acts 16:25-34, and what was the outcome of their actions? ([55:43])
4. Who was Lydia, and how did her conversion come about according to Acts 16:14-15? ([42:27])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the humility of Christ in Philippians 2:5-11 serve as a model for Christian behavior? ([35:45])
2. What can we learn from Paul's sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading in Acts 16:6-10 about making plans and being open to God's direction? ([39:09])
3. In what ways did Paul and Silas's response to suffering in Acts 16:25-34 demonstrate their faith and commitment to exalting Christ? ([57:06])
4. How does the conversion of Lydia in Acts 16:14-15 illustrate the role of God in the work of salvation? ([45:49])
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Philippians 2:5-11, how can you practice humility in your daily life, especially in your interactions with others? ([35:45])
2. Have you ever experienced a time when your plans were redirected by God? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? ([39:09])
3. When faced with suffering or difficult circumstances, how can you keep your focus on exalting Christ, as Paul and Silas did in prison? ([57:06])
4. Think of a time when you shared the gospel with someone. How did you rely on God to open their heart, similar to Lydia's conversion? ([45:49])
5. How can you be more sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading in your daily decisions and plans? ([39:09])
6. In what ways can you emulate Paul's example of unwavering faith and commitment to Christ in your own life? ([01:00:55])
7. Identify a specific area in your life where you can make a conscious effort to exalt and emulate Jesus this week. What steps will you take to do this? ([01:07:43])
Devotional
Day 1: Emulating Christ's Humility
Christ's humility is exemplified in Philippians 2:5-11, where He, despite being in the form of God, took on the form of a servant and became obedient to death on a cross. This passage is central to understanding how we should live, emulating Christ's humility and recognizing His exaltation by God. Jesus' willingness to humble Himself and serve others, even to the point of death, sets a profound example for us to follow. We are called to adopt the same mindset, putting others before ourselves and living in a way that honors God.
Philippians 2:5-11 teaches us that true greatness in the kingdom of God is found in humility and service. As we reflect on Christ's humility, we are reminded that our value and worth are not found in our status or achievements but in our identity as children of God. By following Christ's example, we can live lives that reflect His love and grace to those around us. [35:45]
Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Think of a specific situation where you can choose to serve someone else this week. How can you emulate Christ's humility in that situation?
Day 2: Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's Leading
Paul's journey in Acts 16 shows us the importance of being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading. While Paul had plans to preach in Asia, he was redirected by the Spirit to Macedonia. This teaches us to make plans that honor God but remain open to His direction, trusting that His timing and purposes are perfect. Being sensitive to the Holy Spirit means being willing to change our plans and follow God's guidance, even when it leads us in unexpected directions.
In Acts 16, Paul’s willingness to follow the Holy Spirit's leading resulted in significant ministry opportunities, including the conversion of Lydia and the Philippian jailer. This reminds us that God's plans are always better than our own, and when we trust Him, He can use us in powerful ways. As we go about our daily lives, we should seek to be attuned to the Holy Spirit's guidance, ready to respond to His leading with obedience and faith. [39:09]
Acts 16:6-7 (ESV): "And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision you made. How can you be more open to the Holy Spirit's leading in your future decisions?
Day 3: Recognizing God's Role in Salvation
The conversion of Lydia in Acts 16 highlights that it is God who opens hearts to receive the gospel. Paul’s role was to faithfully proclaim the message, but it was the Lord who accomplished the work of salvation. This reminds us that our efforts in sharing the gospel are important, but ultimately, it is God who brings people to faith. We are called to be faithful witnesses, trusting that God will work in the hearts of those we share with.
Lydia's conversion is a powerful example of how God prepares and opens hearts to receive His message. As we share the gospel with others, we should pray for God to work in their hearts and trust that He will bring about the results. Our responsibility is to be faithful in sharing the message, knowing that it is God who does the transforming work. [45:49]
Acts 16:14 (ESV): "One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul."
Reflection: Think of someone you know who does not yet know Christ. How can you pray for God to open their heart to the gospel this week?
Day 4: Exalting Christ in Suffering
Paul and Silas's response to imprisonment—praying and singing hymns—demonstrates how to exalt Christ even in suffering. Their faith and joy in Christ served as a powerful testimony to the other prisoners and led to the conversion of the jailer. This teaches us to keep our eyes on Jesus and find our comfort in Him, regardless of our circumstances. When we face trials, we can choose to respond with faith and worship, trusting that God is with us and will use our suffering for His glory.
The story of Paul and Silas in prison shows that our response to suffering can have a profound impact on those around us. By choosing to praise God in the midst of their trials, Paul and Silas demonstrated the power of faith and the presence of God in their lives. Their example encourages us to trust God in our own difficulties and to use our suffering as an opportunity to witness to others. [57:06]
Acts 16:25-26 (ESV): "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge or trial you are facing. How can you choose to exalt Christ and find joy in Him despite your circumstances?
Day 5: Living a Life Worthy of the Gospel
Paul's life exemplifies the call to live in a manner worthy of the gospel. His willingness to suffer for Christ, his sensitivity to the Spirit's leading, and his unwavering commitment to proclaiming the gospel serve as a model for us. We are encouraged to pursue Christ, make much of Him, and live like Him in every aspect of our lives. Living a life worthy of the gospel means prioritizing our relationship with Christ and allowing His love and truth to shape our actions and decisions.
Paul's example challenges us to examine our own lives and consider how we can better reflect the gospel in our daily actions. Whether in our relationships, work, or personal pursuits, we are called to live in a way that honors Christ and points others to Him. By keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and seeking to emulate His character, we can live lives that bring glory to God and impact those around us. [01:00:55]
Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV): "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Reflection: Reflect on your daily habits and routines. What is one specific change you can make to live more intentionally for Christ this week?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We have a directive to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Around the world. Starting in a place where you live. So you already have this directive. You already have this commission. That you are to spread the news of Jesus Christ. His death, burial, and resurrection. And declare that Jesus Christ is Lord. And that we need to repent." [41:03] (24 seconds)
2. "What must I do to be saved? And they said. Believe in the Lord Jesus. And you will be saved. You and your household. And they spoke the word of the Lord to him. And to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night. And washed their wounds. And he was baptized at once. He and all his family." [56:12] (17 seconds)
3. "If you are pursuing Christ. And if you are making much of him. And if you are striving to be like him. Then you have everything that you need. To live a life of joy. So. Consider. This week. How can I exalt and emulate my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? How can I make a big deal about Jesus. And live like him this week?" [01:07:43] (29 seconds)
4. "Paul's thought could have been for his own safety. But rather his first thought. Was for the soul of the jailer. Who had been charged with guarding him. And Silas. And as a result. Of Paul's exaltation of Christ. His commitment to obedience to Christ. His desire to be like Christ. And his unwavering proclamation. Of the gospel. This jailer and his family. Come to faith in Christ." [01:00:24] (28 seconds)
5. "Paul's encouragement to exalt. And emulate Jesus Christ. We see him do so in Acts 16. He provides for us a template. What it means to live. In light of this central theme. Of the book. Of Philippians. These are verses for us. To memorize. These are verses for us. To meditate upon. These are verses that God ought to bring to our mind. When we are tempted to despair. Or when we are tempted to boast." [01:03:36] (36 seconds)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul is encouraging believers. To be like Jesus. In their suffering. He says that it has been granted. To you. That it is for your good. That it produces greater Christ likeness. In you. And we so very often do everything in our power. To avoid suffering. Even for the sake. Of the gospel of Jesus Christ. And Paul. Who had the perfect reason. The perfect excuse. To avoid this beating. And imprisonment. He did nothing to avoid it. He took it." [53:51] (39 seconds)
2. "Paul's preaching to conversion rate. Was not a hundred percent successful. But his obedience to Christ. Was one hundred percent successful. As he followed God. And as he followed Christ. And as he sought to exalt Christ. That is the measure of Paul's success. Not whether or not someone accepted the gospel. So. As we see in Acts 16. Paul exalts Jesus Christ with every opportunity. Through the proclamation of the gospel. The recognition of Christ's authority. And his absolute commitment to living like Jesus." [01:01:50] (40 seconds)
3. "Paul. Everything that he did. Was for. The sake of Jesus Christ. For the sake of setting an example. For those around him. Suffering for the sake of Jesus Christ. Can come in many forms. It can come. Like Paul and Silas. In the pain of suffering physically. Under persecution. It can come. For some of us. As coping with illness. Especially incurable. And chronic diseases. For many of us. It can be. The mental agony. Of those who suffer silently. In environments. Which are hostile to the teaching of Jesus Christ. And hostile to the message of. The gospel." [54:23] (51 seconds)
4. "God in his goodness. Has given us people in our lives. Who like Paul. Seek to exalt Jesus Christ. And to emulate him. With their lives. And we should follow their example. And if you don't have somebody. In your life like that. Try to identify somebody. That you can. Follow after. Whose example you can follow. Someone who lives in a way. That honors Jesus Christ. And then consider as well. That are we. Godly examples for others to follow. Are we people that someone can point to. And say. Be like that person. They are consumed. With Jesus Christ." [01:06:12] (44 seconds)
5. "Paul was sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. And we see that he was at first forbidden by the Holy Spirit to go into Asia and then to Bithynia. But the spirit of Jesus did not allow him. So two brief points to make here. First is Paul is modeling for us a... Paul is modeling for us godly decision. So Paul makes plans that honor God. Paul plans to go to Ephesus or to Asia. He plans to go there and he plans to preach the gospel. These are plans that honor God. But he is also willing to follow God when he directs." [39:09] (43 seconds)
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