Joy and Unity Through Humility in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the theme of joy and unity in the Christian life, drawing from Philippians 1:27 to 2:11. We began by reflecting on the importance of gratitude and the dangers of a complaining spirit, illustrated through the story of the Grumbles family. This set the stage for understanding the joy that comes from living a life centered on Christ rather than on selfish pride. C.S. Lewis aptly described pride as a "spiritual cancer," which eats away at our ability to love and find contentment.
Paul's letter to the Philippians calls us to adopt the mind of Christ, emphasizing three key actions for true citizens of heaven: striving together to advance the gospel, serving each other to display the gospel, and worshiping the Christ of the gospel. Striving together involves standing firm in unity, even in the face of persecution and suffering. Paul, writing from a Roman prison, encourages the church to lock arms and stand firm against external pressures, much like a military phalanx.
Serving each other is another crucial aspect. Paul highlights the importance of humility and counting others more significant than ourselves. This humility is not about thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less, as C.S. Lewis puts it. True unity in the church comes from this kind of selfless service, which displays the gospel to the world.
Finally, we looked at the worship of Christ, focusing on an ancient hymn that celebrates His eternal past, His infinite condescension, and His eternal future. Jesus, though fully God, humbled Himself to become human and obedient to the point of death on a cross. This ultimate act of humility and sacrifice is the model for our lives. As we worship Christ, we are reminded of our eternal future with Him, which gives us hope and joy even in the midst of suffering.
### Key Takeaways
1. Gratitude vs. Complaining: The story of the Grumbles family serves as a cautionary tale against a complaining spirit. Gratitude transforms our perspective, allowing us to see God's blessings even in difficult circumstances. A heart filled with gratitude is less likely to be consumed by selfish pride and more open to experiencing true joy. [35:30]
2. The Danger of Pride: C.S. Lewis describes pride as a "spiritual cancer" that destroys our ability to love and find contentment. Pride leads to misery and disunity, both in our personal lives and within the church. Adopting the mind of Christ means rejecting pride and embracing humility, which leads to lasting joy and unity. [37:40]
3. Striving Together in Unity: Paul calls the church to stand firm in one spirit and strive together to advance the gospel. This unity is crucial, especially in the face of external pressures and persecution. By locking arms and standing firm, the church can effectively advance the gospel and withstand opposition. [42:24]
4. Serving Each Other: True unity in the church comes from serving each other with humility. This involves counting others more significant than ourselves and looking to their interests. Such selfless service displays the gospel to the world and fosters a spirit of unity within the church. [50:26]
5. Worshiping Christ: The ancient hymn in Philippians 2:6-11 celebrates Christ's eternal past, His infinite condescension, and His eternal future. Jesus' ultimate act of humility and sacrifice is the model for our lives. As we worship Christ, we are reminded of our eternal future with Him, which gives us hope and joy even in the midst of suffering. [59:05]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[34:16] - Introduction and Gratitude
[35:30] - The Grumbles Family Story
[37:40] - The Danger of Pride
[38:45] - Real Progress in Faith
[39:30] - True Citizens of Heaven
[40:10] - The Gospel's Centrality
[40:59] - Citizenship in God's Kingdom
[42:24] - Striving Together in Unity
[44:05] - Expecting Suffering
[45:34] - God's Work in Difficulty
[47:03] - Jesus' Words on Suffering
[48:51] - Kingdom Privileges
[50:26] - Serving Each Other
[51:46] - The Joy of Unity
[53:10] - The Deceptiveness of Sin
[54:43] - The Humble Brag
[56:20] - Humility in Action
[58:08] - Worshiping the Christ of the Gospel
[59:05] - The Ancient Hymn
[01:00:30] - The Glory of Jesus
[01:01:18] - Jesus' Sufficiency
[01:01:45] - Jesus' Humility
[01:02:21] - The Veiling of Jesus' Power
[01:03:07] - Jesus' Infinite Condescension
[01:04:33] - The Depth of Jesus' Humility
[01:05:24] - The Exaltation of Christ
[01:06:45] - Our Eternal Future with Christ
[01:07:40] - Meditate on the Mind of Christ
[01:08:30] - Striving and Serving in the Church
[01:09:12] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 1:27-2:11 - This passage is the core text for the sermon, focusing on living a life worthy of the gospel, unity, humility, and the example of Christ.
2. John 15:18-20 - Jesus speaks about the world's hatred and persecution of His followers, which aligns with Paul's message about standing firm in the face of opposition.
3. Luke 21:12-13 - Jesus' words on persecution and the opportunity it provides to bear witness, which supports the sermon’s theme of suffering for the gospel.
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the three key actions Paul emphasizes for true citizens of heaven in Philippians 1:27-2:11?
2. How does the story of the Grumbles family illustrate the dangers of a complaining spirit? [35:30]
3. What does C.S. Lewis describe as a "spiritual cancer," and why is it so dangerous? [37:40]
4. How does Paul use military language to describe the unity and firmness the church should have? [42:24]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul stress the importance of standing firm in one spirit and striving together to advance the gospel? How does this relate to the external pressures faced by the church? [42:24]
2. How does serving each other with humility display the gospel to the world, according to Paul? [50:26]
3. What is the significance of the ancient hymn in Philippians 2:6-11, and how does it serve as a model for our lives? [59:05]
4. How does the concept of "citizenship in God's kingdom" influence the way believers should live and interact with each other? [40:59]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you found yourself complaining. How could you have approached it with a heart of gratitude instead? [35:30]
2. In what ways can pride manifest in your life, and how can you actively work to embrace humility instead? [37:40]
3. How can you strive together with your church community to advance the gospel, especially in the face of opposition or persecution? [42:24]
4. Think of a specific person in your church or community. How can you serve them selflessly this week, considering their needs above your own? [50:26]
5. How does worshiping Christ and reflecting on His humility and sacrifice give you hope and joy in your current circumstances? [59:05]
6. Identify a broken relationship in your life. What steps can you take to count the other person more significant than yourself and work towards reconciliation? [51:46]
7. How can you incorporate the mind of Christ into your daily life, especially in moments of suffering or difficulty? [47:03]
This guide aims to foster deep reflection and practical application of the sermon’s key themes of joy, unity, humility, and worship in the Christian life.
Devotional
Day 1: Gratitude Transforms Perspective
Gratitude is a powerful antidote to a complaining spirit. The story of the Grumbles family serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating how a heart filled with complaints can lead to a life devoid of joy. In contrast, gratitude allows us to see God's blessings even in difficult circumstances. When we focus on what we have rather than what we lack, our perspective shifts, and we become more open to experiencing true joy. A heart filled with gratitude is less likely to be consumed by selfish pride and more inclined to recognize the goodness of God in every situation. [35:30]
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV)
Reflection: Think of three things you are grateful for today, even if they are small. How can you express your gratitude to God and others?
Day 2: Rejecting Pride, Embracing Humility
Pride is described by C.S. Lewis as a "spiritual cancer" that destroys our ability to love and find contentment. It leads to misery and disunity, both in our personal lives and within the church. Adopting the mind of Christ means rejecting pride and embracing humility. Humility is not about thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less. This shift in focus allows us to experience lasting joy and unity. By embracing humility, we open ourselves to deeper relationships and a more profound sense of community. [37:40]
"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 3: Standing Firm in Unity
Paul calls the church to stand firm in one spirit and strive together to advance the gospel. This unity is crucial, especially in the face of external pressures and persecution. By locking arms and standing firm, the church can effectively advance the gospel and withstand opposition. Unity in the church is not just about agreement but about a shared commitment to the mission of Christ. When we strive together, we demonstrate the power of the gospel to a watching world. [42:24]
"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel." (Philippians 1:27, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity of your church community this week? What specific actions can you take to support and encourage others?
Day 4: Serving with Humility
True unity in the church comes from serving each other with humility. This involves counting others more significant than ourselves and looking to their interests. Such selfless service displays the gospel to the world and fosters a spirit of unity within the church. When we serve others, we reflect the character of Christ and create an environment where everyone feels valued and loved. This kind of service requires intentionality and a willingness to put others' needs before our own. [50:26]
"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4, ESV)
Reflection: Think of one person in your church or community who could use your help or encouragement. How can you serve them in a meaningful way this week?
Day 5: Worshiping Christ in Humility
The ancient hymn in Philippians 2:6-11 celebrates Christ's eternal past, His infinite condescension, and His eternal future. Jesus' ultimate act of humility and sacrifice is the model for our lives. As we worship Christ, we are reminded of our eternal future with Him, which gives us hope and joy even in the midst of suffering. Worshiping Christ involves recognizing His lordship and following His example of humility and service. This worship is not just about singing songs but about living a life that honors Him in every aspect. [59:05]
"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." (Philippians 2:5-7, ESV)
Reflection: How can you model Christ's humility in your daily life? What specific steps can you take to worship Him through your actions and attitudes?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Look, if you've ever been selfish, Philippians is for you. Because it's about joy. Selfish pride, you know, it feels good for a moment. It feels right. But it doesn't lead to everlasting joy. Our sin and the world are constantly working to prove to us that selfishness is right." [36:46] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Following Christ may result in gain in one season and loss in another. Christians don't decide which way is right based on the prophet, but based on its Christ likeness. The Christian suffering is not wasted because Christ, our savior has overcome the world." [47:03] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So we strive together to advance the gospel. And now he's saying, serve each other to display the gospel. So likely there was some disunity in the Philippian church. You know, the Philippians is a letter about joy, but it is, he points out some disunity later in the letter between two ladies that I'm not going to try to mention their name." [50:26] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus, the son of God, took to himself human nature with its limitations to save humans, which is what it means when it says he emptied himself by taking on the form of a son, a servant being born in the likeness of men. This is his infinite condescension. This is a massive descent, a massive humbling." [01:03:07] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Our inheritance, our progress, and joy, is Christ, our Savior, exalted. I'm going to close. This week, I want you to do two things. Meditate on the mind of Christ, the path of Christ, that would lead him to wash sinners' feet, to endure suffering for our joy, to be then highly exalted. Consider this path of Christ." [01:07:40] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "True citizens of heaven, they citizen when they strive together to advance the gospel. When they strive together to advance the gospel. So while the kingdom of heaven is advancing, we believe that, the world is not throwing a welcome party. When you became a Christian, you were welcomed by God. He welcomed you, but the world does not celebrate you." [40:59] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Paul is saying, humility may cost you your life, but humility does not end in the grave. And he finishes here with this exaltation, the eternal glorious future of Christ. Therefore God has highly exalted him, and bestowed on him the name that is above every name. Where Christ is exalted, Christian, we are exalted in him." [01:05:24] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So how can we get the same mind and the same love that he talks about here in scripture? He says, by humility, verse three, do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility, count others more significant than yourselves. Paul, right here is calling out the cause of disunity. To be of one mind, we must stop setting our minds on our own ambitions and our own glory." [51:46] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus knew that this was the Father's will, and it pleased him to do the Father's will. And we, Paul is saying, are to consider the mind of Christ. Hebrews says, for the joy set before him, he endured the cross. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." [01:05:24] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So this list, these are yours. And just look at all that we have. Look at all that we've been given by God, all that we enjoy. What is it? That you're fighting about again? What was that argument about? That's where Paul's going. That's what he's saying where he's going in the next verses. Since this is true, he says, serve each other to display the gospel." [50:26] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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