Living Humility: Joy and Faithfulness in Adversity
Summary
In our journey through Philippians, we find Paul writing from a place of adversity, imprisoned and under attack. His letter to the Philippians, a church facing its own persecution, offers profound insights into how we, as followers of Jesus, are called to live when we feel under fire. The central theme is humility, a concept that Paul illustrates through the life and actions of Jesus Christ. Humility, as defined in our recent conference, is a way of life rooted in submission to God and demonstrated through actions that foster mutuality rather than competition.
Paul challenges us to consider our responses when we feel out of control or when it seems like we are losing. Often, our instinct is to do whatever it takes to win, but Paul calls us to the opposite: to respond with humility. This humility is not passive or lifeless but is active and filled with joy. It is a humility that mirrors Jesus, who, though in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage. Instead, Jesus took the form of a servant, humbling himself to the point of death on a cross, not for his exaltation, but for our salvation.
This humility is also about obedience and faithfulness. Paul urges us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, recognizing that it is God who works in us to fulfill his purposes. This obedience is not about fear of God but a fear of sin, understanding that we are still in the process of being saved and must participate actively in God's work in our lives.
Moreover, humility leads to faithfulness. We are called to hold firmly to the word of life, not just in belief but in how we live, shining like stars in a crooked and twisted generation. This faithfulness is not about jumping on the bandwagon of God's work for personal gain but about a deep, enduring commitment to God's purposes.
Finally, humility is intertwined with joy. True joy is the result of trust in God, even amidst suffering. It is a joy that comes from knowing that our circumstances do not define us, but our relationship with God does. This joy is exemplified by the apostles who rejoiced in their suffering for Christ, showing us that humility and joy can coexist powerfully.
Key Takeaways:
- Humility in Adversity: When facing adversity, we are called to respond with humility, mirroring Jesus' example. This humility is not about passivity but about actively choosing to serve others and trust in God's control, even when we feel out of control. [54:26]
- Obedience as Faith: True faith in God requires obedience. It is not enough to acknowledge God's salvation; we must also live in accordance with His will, recognizing that our salvation is a continuous process that requires our active participation. [01:01:23]
- Faithfulness Beyond Belief: Holding firmly to the word of life means living out our faith in tangible ways. It is about being faithful to God's call, not just when it is convenient or beneficial, but consistently, even when it is challenging. [01:10:43]
- Joy in Humility: Humility does not mean a lack of joy. Instead, true humility leads to a deep, abiding joy that is rooted in trust in God, regardless of our circumstances. This joy is a powerful testimony to the world of the transformative power of the gospel. [01:12:25]
- Participating in God's Work: We are invited to join in the work of salvation, using our resources for the good of others, just as Jesus did. This participation requires humility, obedience, faithfulness, and joy, reflecting the heart of Christ in our lives. [01:16:14]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:02:00] - Introduction to Philippians
- [00:05:00] - Responding to Adversity
- [00:10:00] - The Nature of Humility
- [00:15:00] - Jesus' Example of Humility
- [00:20:00] - Humility and Obedience
- [00:25:00] - Faithfulness in Action
- [00:30:00] - Joy in Humility
- [00:35:00] - Participating in God's Work
- [00:40:00] - The Call to Obedience
- [00:45:00] - Faithfulness Beyond Belief
- [00:50:00] - Joy as a Result of Trust
- [00:55:00] - Conclusion and Commissioning
- [01:00:00] - Final Blessing and Sending
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Philippians 2:5-11
- Philippians 2:12-13
- Deuteronomy 32:5
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Observation Questions:
1. How does Paul describe Jesus' attitude and actions in Philippians 2:5-11, and what does this reveal about humility? [56:12]
2. In Philippians 2:12-13, what does Paul mean by "work out your salvation with fear and trembling"? How does this relate to God's role in our salvation? [01:00:24]
3. What is the significance of the phrase "twisted and crooked generation" in Philippians 2:15, and how does it connect to Deuteronomy 32:5? [01:08:26]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of humility through the example of Jesus, and what are the key characteristics of this humility? [01:15:21]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean for Jesus to take the "losing position" in the battle between good and evil, and how does this redefine victory in the context of the sermon? [56:12]
2. How does the concept of obedience as an expression of faith challenge common cultural perceptions of independence and self-reliance? [01:01:23]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that humility and joy are interconnected, and how does this contrast with cultural views of happiness? [01:12:25]
4. How does the sermon use the political language of the Roman Empire to contrast the kingdom of God with earthly kingdoms? [58:44]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt out of control. How did you respond, and how might you apply the principle of humility in a similar future situation? [54:26]
2. Consider your current spiritual practices. How can you actively participate in "working out your salvation" in a way that aligns with God's purposes? [01:00:24]
3. Identify an area in your life where you might be tempted to "jump on the bandwagon" of faith without true commitment. How can you cultivate genuine faithfulness in this area? [01:10:43]
4. Think of a time when you experienced joy despite difficult circumstances. How can you foster this kind of joy in your daily life, rooted in trust in God? [01:12:25]
5. How can you use your resources, time, and skills to participate in God's work of salvation in your community, following Jesus' example of humility? [01:16:14]
6. Reflect on a relationship where you struggle with competitiveness or control. What steps can you take to foster mutuality and humility in that relationship? [56:12]
7. How can you support and encourage others in your small group or church community to live out the principles of humility, obedience, faithfulness, and joy? [01:25:15]
Devotional
Day 1: Humility in the Face of Adversity
In times of adversity, we are often tempted to assert control and strive for victory at any cost. However, the call to humility invites us to respond differently. Humility, as exemplified by Jesus, is not about passivity but about actively choosing to serve others and trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. Jesus, though divine, chose the path of a servant, demonstrating that true strength lies in submission and service. This humility is a conscious choice to prioritize God's will and the well-being of others over personal gain or recognition. [54:26]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you choose to respond with humility, prioritizing service and trust in God over control and personal gain?
Day 2: Obedience as an Expression of Faith
True faith in God is not merely an acknowledgment of His existence or His salvation but is demonstrated through obedience to His will. This obedience is an active participation in the ongoing process of salvation, where we work out our faith with reverence and awareness of our dependence on God. It is not about fearing God but fearing the consequences of sin and recognizing our need for His guidance. This obedience is a daily commitment to align our actions with God's purposes, trusting that He is at work within us to fulfill His good plans. [01:01:23]
James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like."
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you struggle to obey God's will. What practical steps can you take today to align your actions with His purposes?
Day 3: Faithfulness Beyond Mere Belief
Holding firmly to the word of life means living out our faith in tangible ways, not just when it is convenient or beneficial, but consistently, even when it is challenging. This faithfulness is about a deep, enduring commitment to God's call, reflecting His light in a world that often opposes His values. It requires us to be steadfast in our beliefs and actions, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel through our lives. Faithfulness is not about seeking personal gain but about a genuine dedication to God's purposes, regardless of the cost. [01:10:43]
Hebrews 10:23-24 (ESV): "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you found it difficult to remain faithful to God's call. How can you encourage yourself and others to hold fast to your faith in similar situations?
Day 4: Joy Rooted in Humility
Humility and joy are not mutually exclusive; in fact, true humility leads to a deep, abiding joy that is rooted in trust in God, regardless of our circumstances. This joy is not dependent on external situations but is a result of a secure relationship with God. It is a powerful testimony to the world of the transformative power of the gospel, as it demonstrates that our identity and worth are found in Christ, not in our achievements or circumstances. The apostles exemplified this joy, rejoicing in their suffering for Christ, showing that humility and joy can coexist powerfully. [01:12:25]
1 Peter 1:8-9 (ESV): "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
Reflection: Consider a situation where you feel your joy is lacking. How can embracing humility and trust in God help you find joy in this situation?
Day 5: Participating in God's Work
We are invited to join in the work of salvation, using our resources for the good of others, just as Jesus did. This participation requires humility, obedience, faithfulness, and joy, reflecting the heart of Christ in our lives. It is about recognizing that we are part of a larger story, where our actions contribute to God's redemptive work in the world. By aligning our lives with His purposes, we become active participants in His mission, using our unique gifts and opportunities to serve others and advance His kingdom. [01:16:14]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: Identify one way you can use your resources or talents to participate in God's work today. How can you intentionally align your actions with His redemptive purposes?
Quotes
1. "Humility is a way of life rooted in submission to God and is demonstrated in actions that foster mutuality rather than competition. And so what does this actually look like here in Philippians? Paul has just been talking previously about the way that the Philippians are to think in their mind. Pastor Tracy talked last week about the things that were to lay down in order to lift Jesus up, laying down our fear, laying down these different our concerns and these things that hold us back from living for Jesus." ([00:51:38] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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2. "The incredible thing that we find here in Philippians is that Paul says in the middle of that, Jesus, who is the second person of the Trinity, God himself, Jesus, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped or stolen, or the idea is to grab a hold of something, to take it and make it your own and use it for yourself. Jesus did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage. Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant and being made inhuman, likeness." ([00:55:17] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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3. "God did not humble himself so that he could be exalted. He humbled himself so that you could be saved. God used all of God's resources to work for your salvation. Consider how different that is from the way we see it. From the kingdoms of this world. The structure of these verses are actually similar to speeches that would have been given in the first century in the Roman Empire in order to exalt or lift up a political figure." ([00:57:30] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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4. "And so now we all are invited with him to use our resources for the salvation of the world. We actually are invited into the work and humility of Jesus. And so what does this humility look like? Paul's going to pattern what he now calls the church to, calls us to, in line with this story of what he's just said about who Jesus is and how Jesus acts, humility looks like obedience." ([00:59:52] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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5. "The power of sin is at work in our soul and binds us in a way that we cannot free ourselves from. We're trapped in the bondage of sin. We've broken our relationships with God, with creation, with others, and everything flows from that. But in his love, God has set aside the glory of heaven to come to earth in order to redeem, free, and deliver us. And all we need for that is faith. This is just the basic gospel message, right? All we need is to believe and trust in what God has done in order to enter into this saving work that God is doing, freeing us from sin, uniting us with him, leading us into the kingdom of heaven that's coming on earth as it is in heaven." ([01:01:23] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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6. "There's always been people who kind of jump on the bandwagon of what God is doing when God's doing amazing things, when salvation is happening, when there's good happening, and there's people who want to jump onto that. But in reality, if you check their life, they're not even really a fan. They just want the good stuff that's coming from the salvation that God's bringing in the world." ([01:08:00] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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7. "Humility looks like faithfulness. We're to be faithful in the gospel. And this isn't just about what we believe. It's not just about the things that we say. Holding firmly to the word of life, meaning I keep reciting over and over in my mind what's true. It's actually about how we live. One commentator says this, the phrase holding firmly to the word of life implies the weapons that are in their hands as they face a hostile nation." ([01:10:30] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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8. "Jesus shows us the path to victory. And so when we are under fire, we must respond with humility. Humility looks like Jesus. It looks like obedience. It looks like faithfulness. And finally, the last one that's maybe a little bit surprising to some of you. Humility looks like joy." ([01:11:09] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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9. "But instead, what we are called to is even in the midst of suffering, we're to fix our eyes on Jesus, who in the face of the cross, the ultimate picture of suffering, Jesus enters that with joy. Joy is the result of trust. Even when a situation is not good, isn't perfect, even when it isn't what we want." ([01:13:52] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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10. "When we are under fire, when you're under fire in your life, when you're in the losing position, we must respond with humility. Humility looks like Jesus. It looks like obedience, faithfulness, and joy." ([01:16:20] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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