Living Like Jesus: Embracing Humility in a Modern World

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Counter-Cultural Humility

In a world that often equates success with power and status, Christians are called to live counter-culturally by embracing humility and servanthood. This involves a conscious decision to prioritize God's will over societal norms. The example of Jesus, who did not seek equality with God but humbled Himself, serves as a powerful model for us. By choosing humility, we align ourselves with the upside-down kingdom of God, where true greatness is found in servanthood. This path requires courage and a steadfast commitment to live differently from the world around us. [03:43]

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 situation where you are tempted to seek recognition or status. How can you choose humility and servanthood in that situation today?

Day 2: Transforming Our Minds to Reflect Christ

Paul emphasizes the need to adopt the mind of Christ, which involves a shift in perspective and values. This transformation allows us to respond to life's challenges with wisdom and grace, reflecting Christ's character in our actions and decisions. It is not merely about outward actions but involves a deep transformation of the mind and heart to align with Christ's example. By allowing God to renew our minds, we can live lives that reflect His love and purpose, shining as lights in a world that often values the opposite of what Jesus taught. [12:08]

Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Reflection: Identify a thought pattern or belief that does not align with Christ's teachings. How can you begin to renew your mind in this area today?

Day 3: The Power of Community and Support

The relationship between Paul and the Philippian church illustrates the importance of community in the Christian journey. Mutual support and encouragement are vital for spiritual growth and perseverance in faith. In a world that often promotes individualism, the Christian community offers a space for believers to support one another, share burdens, and grow together in faith. By investing in relationships within the church, we can experience the strength and encouragement that comes from being part of a loving and supportive community. [13:51]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: Who in your church community can you reach out to for support or encouragement today? How can you also offer support to someone in need?

Day 4: Practicing Humility and Obedience

True discipleship involves laying down our own desires and ambitions to embrace God's will. This requires humility and obedience, following Jesus' example of selflessness and sacrifice. By surrendering our will to God, we open ourselves to His transformative power, allowing Him to work within us to change our desires and actions to reflect His will. This path of humility and obedience is not easy, but it leads to a deeper relationship with God and a life that truly reflects His love and purpose. [21:51]

James 4:10 (ESV): "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to surrender to God's will? What steps can you take today to practice humility and obedience in that area?

Day 5: Allowing God's Work Within Us

It is God who works in us to change our desires and align them with His will. By surrendering to His transformative power, we can live lives that reflect His love and purpose, shining as lights in a dark world. This involves a daily commitment to seek God's guidance and allow Him to shape our hearts and minds. As we open ourselves to His work within us, we become vessels of His love and grace, impacting the world around us in profound ways. [28:25]

Philippians 2:13 (ESV): "For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."

Reflection: In what ways can you invite God to work in your heart and mind today? How can you be more open to His transformative power in your life?

Sermon Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound challenge of living like Jesus in the 21st century, a world that is rapidly changing and often at odds with Christian values. We began by acknowledging the holiness present in our worship and the need to remain open to God's revelation. The central theme was the call to live a life that mirrors Jesus, despite the pressures and temptations of modern society. This involves resisting the urge to conform to the world's standards of success and instead embracing a life of humility and service.

We delved into the historical context of the Philippian church, a community deeply influenced by Roman culture and its emphasis on status and success. Paul’s letter to the Philippians serves as a reminder of the upside-down kingdom of God, where true greatness is found in servanthood and humility. The Philippians, much like us, were tempted by societal norms that valued prestige and power, yet Paul encouraged them to adopt the mindset of Christ, who exemplified humility and obedience even unto death.

The message emphasized the importance of laying down our own desires and ambitions to embrace the will of God. This is not merely about outward actions but involves a transformation of the mind and heart to align with Christ's example. We are called to shine as lights in a world that often values the opposite of what Jesus taught. The challenge is to live selflessly, allowing God to work within us to change our desires and actions to reflect His will.

Paul's relationship with the Philippian church was highlighted as a model of mutual support and encouragement, demonstrating the power of community in living out the Christian faith. The letter to the Philippians is a rich source of guidance for navigating the complexities of modern life while staying true to the teachings of Jesus.

Key Takeaways

1. Culturally:** In a world that values success and status, Christians are called to live counter-culturally by embracing humility and servanthood, following the example of Jesus who did not seek equality with God but humbled Himself. This requires a conscious decision to prioritize God's will over societal norms. [03:43]
2. Transformation of the Mind: Paul emphasizes the need to adopt the mind of Christ, which involves a shift in perspective and values. This transformation allows us to respond to life's challenges with wisdom and grace, reflecting Christ's character in our actions and decisions.

3. Community and Support: The relationship between Paul and the Philippian church illustrates the importance of community in the Christian journey. Mutual support and encouragement are vital for spiritual growth and perseverance in faith.

4. Humility and Obedience: True discipleship involves laying down our own desires and ambitions to embrace God's will. This requires humility and obedience, following Jesus' example of selflessness and sacrifice.

5. God's Work Within Us: It is God who works in us to change our desires and align them with His will. By surrendering to His transformative power, we can live lives that reflect His love and purpose, shining as lights in a dark world.

** [03:43]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:57] - The Challenge of Living Like Jesus
[03:43] - Counter-Cultural Living
[05:47] - The World of the Philippians
[06:50] - Historical Context of Philippi
[07:47] - Roman Influence and Elitism
[09:30] - Paul's Arrival and Impact
[12:08] - Transformation Through Christ
[13:51] - Community and Support
[15:48] - The Philippian Letter
[17:59] - Paul's Encouragement and Gratitude
[21:51] - Humility and Obedience
[23:38] - Examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus
[25:25] - Laying Down Our Will
[27:42] - The Mind of Christ
[28:25] - God's Work Within Us

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Philippians 2:1-13 — - Isaiah 45:23

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Observation Questions

What cultural pressures did the Philippian church face that are similar to those we encounter today? [09:30]
How does Paul describe the mindset of Christ in Philippians 2, and what actions did Jesus take that exemplify this mindset? [17:59]
What role did community and mutual support play in Paul's relationship with the Philippian church? [13:51]
How does Paul use Timothy and Epaphroditus as examples of living out the gospel? [23:38]

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean to live counter-culturally as a Christian in today's world, according to the sermon? [03:43]
How does the transformation of the mind, as described by Paul, help believers respond to life's challenges? [12:08]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that humility and obedience are central to true discipleship? [21:51]
How does the concept of God working within us to change our desires align with the teachings in Philippians 2? [28:25]

Application Questions

Reflect on a situation where you felt pressured to conform to societal norms. How can you apply the principle of living counter-culturally in that context? [03:43]
Identify an area in your life where you struggle to adopt the mind of Christ. What practical steps can you take to align your thoughts and actions with His example? [12:08]
Consider your current community or support network. How can you contribute to mutual encouragement and spiritual growth within this group? [13:51]
Think of a personal ambition or desire that may not align with God's will. How can you practice humility and obedience to surrender this to God? [21:51]
Reflect on a recent decision or action. How did it reflect (or not reflect) God's work within you? What changes can you make to better align with His will? [28:25]
How can you actively support someone in your community who is striving to live out their faith in a challenging environment? [13:51]
What specific actions can you take this week to shine as a light in your community, reflecting the love and purpose of Christ? [21:51]

Sermon Clips

"Because the gospel is still moving forward. People who were outside of the church, high up in the echelons of things were gaining more confidence to talk about this Jesus guy because of what Paul was doing. And people in the prisons themselves were gaining a revelation of Christ too." [00:17:27] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"For it is God who works in you both to will and to work his good pleasure. God works in us the desire to want to work under his will for his good pleasure." [00:21:51] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Do all things without crumbling. Crumbling or grumbling. Crumbling or grumbling or disputing. And just seeing if you're awake. Are you awake? Are you awake? Yes. That you may be blameless and innocent, children of God, without blemish, in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation." [00:22:42] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Amongst whom you shine as lights in the world, which is what was taken out of context. We want to shine. We were created to shine, but not for selfish ambition." [00:22:48] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"About the idea that we in this day can actually live a life and go, I have no idea how to change my wills and my desires. But the word of God says it's Christ who does it in me he can literally switch my will around to look like his if I'm willing to humble myself and allow him to do so." [00:29:37] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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