Imitating Christ: The Power of Humility and Unity
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into Philippians 2:5-11, a passage that is both practical and deeply theological. Paul calls us to unity and humility, urging us to treat others as more important than ourselves. This mindset is rooted in the example of Jesus Christ, 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 and becoming obedient to the point of death on a cross. This act of humility is unparalleled because Jesus is not just a great teacher; He is the preexistent, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent God. His humility is profound because it comes from a place of ultimate power and glory.
Paul emphasizes that Jesus is our standard and our power for new life. We are called to imitate Christ, not just in behavior but in mindset. This new life in Christ means rejecting the idols and ideologies that vie for the throne of our hearts. Instead, we are to set our minds on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. This deliberate focus on Christ shapes our identity, priorities, and actions.
The passage also highlights the cosmic significance of Jesus' humility and exaltation. At the end of the age, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This is not just a theological truth but a reality that will be acknowledged by all, either in joy or in fear. The greatness of Jesus is beyond our full comprehension, yet it is this greatness that makes His humility so powerful and transformative.
In conclusion, Jesus Christ is the only God worth following. His example of humility, His power, and His glory compel us to live lives that reflect His love and truth. As we grow in our relationship with Him, we become more like Him, embodying the unity and humility that Paul calls us to in this passage.
### Key Takeaways
1. Christ as Our Standard and Power: Jesus Christ is both our example and our source of strength. His life, death, and resurrection provide the template for how we should live and the power to do so. This means treating others as more important than ourselves, just as Christ did. [07:39]
2. The Depth of Christ's Humility: Understanding the depth of Jesus' humility requires recognizing His preexistent glory. Jesus, who created and sustains all things, chose to empty Himself and become human, even to the point of death on a cross. This act of humility is unparalleled and transformative. [06:39]
3. Rejecting Idols and Embracing Christ: Our hearts are constantly creating idols that vie for the throne of our lives. We must be deliberate in rejecting these idols and setting our minds on Christ. This involves being in the Word, in community, and attentive to the Holy Spirit. [17:47]
4. The Cosmic Significance of Jesus' Lordship: At the end of the age, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This is a reality that will be acknowledged by all, either in joy or in fear. Understanding this cosmic significance helps us grasp the importance of Jesus' humility and exaltation. [22:37]
5. Living a New Life in Christ: Becoming a Christian means more than just securing a place in heaven; it means living a new life now. This new life is characterized by imitating Christ, setting our minds on things above, and allowing His Spirit to transform us. This is the path to true freedom and fulfillment. [24:11]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:28] - Opening Prayer
[02:19] - Introduction to Philippians 2
[03:09] - Call for Unity and Humility
[05:25] - Practical to Theological Transition
[06:39] - The Humility of Christ
[07:39] - Christ as Our Standard and Power
[10:04] - New Life in Christ
[12:54] - Practical Advice for Unity
[14:33] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
[16:06] - Imitating God
[17:47] - Rejecting Idols
[19:29] - The Danger of Rejecting Christ
[22:37] - The Cosmic Significance of Jesus' Lordship
[24:11] - Living a New Life in Christ
[25:49] - The Source of Our Unity
[27:28] - The Christ Hymn
[29:17] - Understanding Jesus' Preexistence
[30:58] - Jesus is God
[32:40] - The Uniqueness of Christ's Humility
[34:21] - Jesus as Creator and Sustainer
[36:13] - The Attributes of God
[38:01] - The Holiness of God
[39:53] - The Greatness of God
[41:31] - Jesus Holds All Things Together
[43:28] - The Steadfast Love of God
[45:00] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Philippians 2:5-11
### Observation Questions
1. What specific mindset does Paul encourage believers to have in Philippians 2:5-11?
2. How does Paul describe Jesus' humility in Philippians 2:6-8?
3. What is the ultimate outcome of Jesus' humility and obedience according to Philippians 2:9-11?
4. In the sermon, what does the pastor say about the significance of Jesus' preexistent glory? [06:39]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to understand Jesus' preexistent glory to fully grasp the depth of His humility? [06:39]
2. How does the concept of Jesus as both our standard and power for new life challenge our daily living? [07:39]
3. What does it mean to "empty oneself" as Jesus did, and how can this be applied in our relationships with others?
4. How does the cosmic significance of Jesus' lordship impact our understanding of His humility and exaltation? [22:37]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to treat others as more important than yourself. How can Jesus' example of humility help you in similar situations? [03:09]
2. What are some practical steps you can take to reject idols and set your mind on Christ daily? [17:47]
3. How can you cultivate a mindset that sees others as more important than yourself in your workplace or community? [11:59]
4. In what ways can you deliberately focus on Christ to shape your identity, priorities, and actions? [24:11]
5. How does understanding the cosmic significance of Jesus' lordship influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? [22:37]
6. Identify one area in your life where you need to imitate Christ's humility. What specific actions can you take this week to embody this humility?
7. How can you ensure that Jesus remains the standard and power in your life, especially when faced with competing ideologies and distractions? [17:47]
Devotional
Day 1: Christ as Our Standard and Power
Jesus Christ is both our example and our source of strength. His life, death, and resurrection provide the template for how we should live and the power to do so. This means treating others as more important than ourselves, just as Christ did. Jesus' humility and selflessness are not just ideals to admire but standards to emulate. By focusing on His example, we find the strength to live out these values in our daily lives. This is not about mere behavior modification but a transformation of our mindset to align with Christ's.
When we look at Jesus, we see the ultimate example of humility and service. He, who was in the form of God, chose to become a servant and obeyed to the point of death on a cross. This act of humility is unparalleled and serves as our model. As we strive to treat others as more important than ourselves, we rely on the power of Christ within us to make this possible. This is a call to a radical reorientation of our lives, where Christ's example becomes our guiding principle. [07:39]
Colossians 3:12-13 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Reflection: Think of a specific person in your life whom you can treat as more important than yourself today. How can you show them Christ-like humility and love?
Day 2: The Depth of Christ's Humility
Understanding the depth of Jesus' humility requires recognizing His preexistent glory. Jesus, who created and sustains all things, chose to empty Himself and become human, even to the point of death on a cross. This act of humility is unparalleled and transformative. Jesus' humility is not just about His actions but about His very nature. He, who had every right to cling to His divine status, chose instead to become a servant.
This profound humility is what makes Jesus' sacrifice so powerful. It is not just that He died for us, but that He, the preexistent, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent God, chose to humble Himself in such a way. This should deeply impact how we view our own lives and our call to humility. We are called to follow His example, not just in our actions but in our mindset, recognizing that true greatness is found in humility. [06:39]
John 13:14-15 (ESV): "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle with pride. How can you follow Jesus' example of humility in this area today?
Day 3: Rejecting Idols and Embracing Christ
Our hearts are constantly creating idols that vie for the throne of our lives. We must be deliberate in rejecting these idols and setting our minds on Christ. This involves being in the Word, in community, and attentive to the Holy Spirit. Idols can take many forms, from material possessions to personal ambitions, and they can subtly take the place of Christ in our hearts.
To combat this, we need to be intentional about where we focus our attention and affections. Setting our minds on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God, helps us to keep our priorities in check. This means immersing ourselves in Scripture, engaging in meaningful community with other believers, and being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. By doing so, we can ensure that Christ remains the center of our lives. [17:47]
1 John 5:21 (ESV): "Little children, keep yourselves from idols."
Reflection: Identify one idol in your life that competes for your attention and devotion. What steps can you take today to remove this idol and refocus on Christ?
Day 4: The Cosmic Significance of Jesus' Lordship
At the end of the age, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This is a reality that will be acknowledged by all, either in joy or in fear. Understanding this cosmic significance helps us grasp the importance of Jesus' humility and exaltation. Jesus' lordship is not just a theological concept but a reality that will be universally recognized.
This truth should shape how we live our lives now. Knowing that Jesus is Lord of all should compel us to live in a way that honors Him. It should also give us a sense of urgency in sharing the gospel with others, knowing that one day everyone will acknowledge His lordship. This cosmic perspective helps us to see the bigger picture and to live with an eternal mindset. [22:37]
Revelation 5:13 (ESV): "And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!'"
Reflection: How does the reality of Jesus' future universal lordship impact the way you live today? What changes can you make to align your life more closely with this truth?
Day 5: Living a New Life in Christ
Becoming a Christian means more than just securing a place in heaven; it means living a new life now. This new life is characterized by imitating Christ, setting our minds on things above, and allowing His Spirit to transform us. This is the path to true freedom and fulfillment. Living a new life in Christ involves a daily commitment to follow His example and to be transformed by His Spirit.
This transformation is not something we can achieve on our own; it requires the power of the Holy Spirit working within us. As we set our minds on things above and seek to imitate Christ, we will find that our priorities, actions, and attitudes begin to change. This new life is marked by a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from living in alignment with God's will. [24:11]
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: What is one specific area of your life where you need to put off the old self and put on the new self in Christ? How can you take a practical step towards this transformation today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Christ is our standard and he is our power for new life. And then we need to make sure that we pay attention to the fact that Jesus Christ is our great God. He is. He is our great God. In order to understand, to truly make sense of at least as much as we can, the humility of Christ in coming into the flesh, dying on the cross, we need to at least try to grasp the surpassing glory and greatness of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ." [07:39] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus Christ willingly chose to empty himself. That's the language that Paul uses to empty himself and come to us in. In human flesh. And then God, the son of God in flesh, stooped even further and obeyed God, the father to the point of the torturous and shameful death of the cross. But then God raised him from the dead, exalted Jesus Christ above all else. And friends at the end of the age, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." [06:39] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Becoming a Christian, putting your trust in Jesus Christ is not just making sure you go to heaven when you die. We are now on a path that is headed toward Jesus Christ with our eyes up to him, paying attention to his glory, his truth, his word, his life, his death, his resurrection, his promises. This is the life that we live now instead of the life that the world would have us to lead or instead of the life that our flesh would have us lead or the life that we led before we found Jesus Christ." [16:06] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If Jesus, actually, is not God, and if he was just one of the great teachers amongst us, you know, then we can put him in the category of anybody else that you think was intelligent or wise or influential. Jesus is just one of those great teachers. Then Christ's example of humility is only one amongst many, and quite frankly, is not all that impressive. It's not all that impressive. If Jesus was just a great teacher, he would have been a great teacher. He would have been a poor Jewish carpenter, born to a couple of nobodies in the back hill country of Judea, and he lived under the oppressive thumb of the Romans and the bloodthirsty Herodians. His humility is a matter of course. He literally has no other choice but to live a humble, servile life." [32:40] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus Christ is the only God worth following. He is the only God worth your life." [43:28] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul begins what we just read here by saying, I want you to have this mind among yourselves that you have now in Christ Jesus. It's an interesting phrase. It's an important phrase. It's a transitional phrase from those first few verses about unity and about humility. He says, I want you thinking this way. I want you to have this in different translations. We'll take that phrase and say, I want you to have this attitude. I want you to have this frame of mind amongst yourselves that now you have. In Christ Jesus. This is a mindset that the follower of Christ has now because we belong to him and we belong to a new way of life." [10:04] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So as followers of Christ, friends, if Jesus is now our standard for the way that we live life, the way we, handle our emotions, our priorities, our finest, everything about us. If Jesus is now our standard, we need to be careful not to allow other standards in his place. We need to be deliberate about this. We need to be thoughtful and prayerful about this. Friends, our lives, our world is absolutely filled with contenders to the throne of your hearts. Everywhere we go, everything we watch, everything we listen to, everything we read, there is something behind that that is contending for the control of Phil's heart to sit on that throne instead of Jesus Christ to guide and shape my priorities, the way I think about things, the way I handle controversial issues, the way I handle my life." [17:47] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We may say Jesus is Lord of my life. We may say Christ truly is King of my life and of all things. We may say that, but how do I actually know who is Lord of my life? Now, this is a detail we're going to get to a little bit later on when we actually get to the end of verses 6 through 11. Every tongue will confess on heaven, on earth, and under the earth will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Now, this is significant for the New Testament church, because every time a Roman emperor or a Roman governor would put pressure on the church, they got sick to death, and they wanted to make sure that Christians were a controllable, conformable group of people. They would begin to bring their bishops and their leaders into court, and they would take the soldiers to the front doors of the churches. And oftentimes, what they would do is they would give Christians an option. If you just, at this point, say, Caesar is Lord, I don't care what else you do, you are free to go. That's how the Roman Empire handled things. Just say, Caesar is Lord. Pledge your ultimate fealty. To us, to Caesar, and then do whatever you want to do. So, in the New Testament church, when Paul and others claim Jesus is Lord, it's not just an abstract theological truth." [22:37] (83 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus Christ is not a great teacher. He is God in flesh. The preexistent God, the one who rose from the dead, ascended into heaven and is seated on the right hand of the throne of God the Father Almighty. We confess this every single week when we repeat that creed. Listen to the apostle John begin his gospel, his life of Jesus Christ. John chapter 1, the first three verses. John chapter 1, the first three verses. Speaking of Jesus, he says this, In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. Can it get any clearer than that? This is who Jesus was and is, and he created all things, and he sustains all things. Jesus in the gospels clearly taught that he was God. The disciples of the early church clearly taught that Jesus Christ was God in flesh. Jesus shared in and shares in the great power and glory of God the Father Almighty." [34:21] (76 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus Christ stepped into humanity, became one of us, so that we could become his children and become more like him. Jesus stooped so he could be exalted and bring perfect and eternal justice and mercy." [43:28] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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