Unity and Humility: Living Worthy of the Gospel

Devotional

Day 1: Unity in Christ: Standing Firm with One Mind

True unity in the church is not just a matter of agreement, but a deep spiritual bond rooted in the encouragement, love, and fellowship found in Christ. This unity requires believers to put aside personal differences and fears, standing together with one purpose—to live lives worthy of the gospel. When the church is united in spirit and intent, it becomes a powerful witness to the world, showing the strength and hope that comes from Christ, even in the face of opposition. Such unity is both a sign of salvation for believers and a testimony to those who do not yet know Christ. [38:05]

Philippians 1:27-28 (NASB)
"Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God."

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to build unity with someone in your church whom you don’t know well or have struggled to connect with?

Day 2: Jesus: The Only Way, the Truth, and the Life

There is only one way to God, and that is through Jesus Christ. The world offers many alternatives, but the gospel is clear: salvation is found in Christ alone. This exclusive claim is not meant to be divisive, but to point to the truth that God is not the author of confusion. Believers are called to hold fast to this truth, even when it brings opposition or misunderstanding from the world. Enduring in faith, despite resistance, is a mark of true discipleship and a sign of the salvation that Christ offers. [40:01]

John 14:6 (NASB)
"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.'"

Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel pressure to compromise the exclusive truth of Jesus, and how can you lovingly stand firm in that truth today?

Day 3: Love and Selflessness: The Mark of True Disciples

The love that believers have for one another is the defining mark of discipleship. This love is not just a feeling, but is demonstrated through selfless actions, humility, and genuine regard for others above oneself. When the church lives out this kind of love, it becomes a visible testimony to the world of Christ’s presence and power. Selfishness and empty conceit destroy unity, but selflessness—like that shown by the Good Samaritan—plants seeds for the kingdom of God and reflects the heart of Jesus. [43:42]

John 13:35 (NASB)
"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

Reflection: Who is one person you can serve selflessly this week, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone or being inconvenienced?

Day 4: Humility of Mind: Having the Attitude of Christ

Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. True humility comes from having the mind of Christ, who, though He was God, emptied Himself and became a servant for the sake of others. This humility enables believers to push aside selfish ambition and the desire for recognition, focusing instead on the needs and interests of others. When the church embraces humility, it reflects the wisdom and discernment that comes from the Spirit, fostering unity and glorifying God. [53:29]

Philippians 2:3-8 (NASB)
"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

Reflection: What is one area where you are tempted to seek recognition or praise, and how can you practice humility by serving quietly for God’s glory instead?

Day 5: Christ’s Example: Sacrificial Obedience and Exaltation

Jesus is the ultimate example of sacrificial obedience and humility. Though He had every right to glory, He chose to lay it all down, taking the form of a servant and becoming obedient to death on a cross. His self-emptying love is the model for how believers are to live—regarding others above themselves, even when it costs something. The reward for such obedience may not be seen in this life, but God promises eternal inheritance and exaltation for those who follow Christ’s example. [59:43]

Philippians 2:9-11 (NASB)
"For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Reflection: What is one thing you are holding onto that keeps you from fully following Christ’s example of sacrificial obedience, and what step can you take to surrender it to Him today?

Sermon Summary

Paul’s words to the Philippians call us to a life marked by unity, humility, and selfless love, all rooted in the example of Christ. The encouragement, comfort, and fellowship we have in Christ are not just personal blessings—they are the foundation for how we relate to one another. We are urged to be of the same mind, united in love and purpose, setting aside selfish ambition and empty conceit. This unity is not just for our own benefit, but is a powerful witness to the world of the reality of the gospel.

True unity requires us to put aside our differences and personal agendas, letting the love of Christ bind us together. This means actively participating in the life of the church, stepping out of our comfort zones, and truly getting to know and serve one another. Our unity and love for each other are not just internal matters—they are visible signs to the world that we belong to Jesus.

Yet, there are dangers that threaten this unity from within: selfishness and empty conceit. Selfishness keeps us focused on our own gain, robbing us of genuine concern for others and sowing disorder. Empty conceit seeks recognition and praise from people rather than from God, leading to fruitless efforts and spiritual stagnation. The antidote to these unity killers is humility of mind—regarding others as more important than ourselves, serving without the need for recognition, and seeking only to please God.

Christ himself is our ultimate example. Though he was God, he did not cling to his rights or status, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant and humbling himself to the point of death on a cross. He showed us what true selflessness and obedience look like—not just by commanding it, but by living it out in the most costly way possible. If Christ could give up everything for us, we are called to lay down our own interests for the sake of others and the unity of the church.

Our reward may not be immediate or visible, but God sees and honors those who walk in the humility and unity of Christ. Let us strive to have the same attitude as Jesus, building up the body, glorifying God, and bearing witness to the world through our love and unity.

Key Takeaways

1. Unity Requires Selfless Participation True unity in the body of Christ is not passive; it demands that we step out of our comfort zones, engage with others, and actively participate in the life and mission of the church. This means making intentional efforts to know, serve, and love those God has placed around us, even when it is inconvenient or uncomfortable. Our unity is both a gift and a responsibility, and it is through our selfless participation that the world sees the reality of Christ among us. [43:09]
2. Selfishness and Conceit Destroy Community Selfish ambition and the desire for recognition are subtle but deadly threats to the unity of the church. When we focus on our own interests or seek to be noticed, we sow seeds of disorder and disunity, robbing ourselves and others of the blessings of genuine fellowship. The call is to examine our motives, reject the need for personal glory, and instead pursue the good of others above ourselves, trusting that God alone is our rewarder. [44:17]
3. Christ’s Humility is Our Model Jesus, though fully God, chose to lay aside his rights and privileges, taking on the form of a servant and humbling himself to the point of death. His self-emptying love is not just an example to admire, but a pattern to follow. We are called to embrace this same humility, letting go of anything we cling to for status or security, and serving others sacrificially, knowing that true greatness is found in obedience and self-giving love. [57:03]
4. Serve Without Expectation of Earthly Reward Serving others as Christ did often means there is no immediate recognition, praise, or return on investment. Sometimes, our acts of love and sacrifice are met with indifference or even opposition. Yet, we are called to serve anyway, trusting that God sees and values every act done in his name. Our reward is not in the applause of people, but in the pleasure of God and the hope of eternal inheritance. [59:12]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[36:49] - The Meaning of “Therefore”
[38:05] - Walking Worthy of the Gospel
[38:46] - Unity and Opposition
[39:37] - The Only Way to God
[41:25] - Encouragement and Love in Christ
[41:55] - Fellowship and Unity in Practice
[43:09] - Participating in Church Life
[44:17] - Unity Killers: Selfishness and Conceit
[45:37] - The Power of Selflessness
[47:13] - Wisdom in Serving Others
[48:39] - Using God-Given Abilities
[50:13] - The Danger of Empty Conceit
[52:53] - Humility of Mind and the Mind of Christ
[56:18] - Christ’s Example of Humility
[59:12] - Serving Without Earthly Reward
[60:57] - Living Worthy of the Gospel
[61:46] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Philippians 2:1-11 (NASB) — Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Observation Questions

According to Paul in Philippians 2:1-2, what are the qualities or experiences that should lead believers to unity?
What two attitudes does Paul specifically warn against in verse 3, and what does he say should replace them?
In the sermon, what practical examples were given for stepping out of your comfort zone to participate in church life? ([42:42])
How does Paul describe the humility of Christ in verses 5-8?

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul connect encouragement, comfort, and fellowship in Christ to the way we treat each other in the church?
The sermon mentions that selfishness and empty conceit are “unity killers.” In what ways can these attitudes show up in a church community, even if people don’t realize it? ([44:17])
What does it mean to “regard one another as more important than yourselves” in real, everyday situations? ([53:29])
How does Christ’s example of humility challenge the way we think about our own rights, status, or recognition? ([57:03])

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us to step out of our comfort zones and get to know others in the church. What is one specific way you could do this in the next month? (For example, sitting somewhere new, joining a ministry, or introducing yourself to someone you don’t know.) ([42:42])
Think about a time when you acted out of selfish ambition or a desire to be noticed. How did it affect your relationships or the unity of your group? What could you have done differently? ([44:17])
Are there any gifts, skills, or resources God has given you that you are holding back from using to serve others in the church? What is one step you could take to use them for the good of the body? ([49:37])
The sermon gave the example of the Good Samaritan, who inconvenienced himself to help someone in need. Is there someone in your life right now who needs help, even if it’s inconvenient for you? What would it look like to serve them selflessly this week? ([46:36])
Sometimes serving others means there is no recognition or reward. How do you respond when your acts of service go unnoticed? What helps you keep going when you don’t see immediate results? ([59:12])
The sermon asked, “What do you have that you are holding on to so tightly that even comes close to what Christ gave up?” Is there something (status, comfort, time, money, etc.) you are reluctant to let go of for the sake of others? What would it look like to surrender it? ([57:03])
Our unity and love are a witness to the world. What is one way your group or church could show this kind of unity and love to people outside the church this month? ([43:42])

Sermon Clips

Now, as we read about the external opposition in chapter one, here are four verses that Paul lists. He has a short list of unity killers. And unfortunately, they come from inside the church. They come from inside of us. They are selfishness and empty conceit. Selfishness keeps you from regarding one another above yourself because you are focused on lifting yourself up. You are focused on seeing what you can gain. You may care about others, but regard for yourself will always come first. Selfishness kills unity. [00:43:55] (49 seconds) #SelfishnessKillsUnity

If you are not using your God-given abilities and talents to build your church, you are being selfish. James 3, 14 through 16. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, this is not the wisdom that comes down from above. But it's earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there is disorder in every evil practice. If you are selfish, you are selfish, you will become the cause of disorder, disunity, and possibly sin. Selfishness robs you of the ability to be genuinely concerned about your fellow man. [00:44:45] (53 seconds) #JealousyBreedsDisorder

These men are not selfish. They use those abilities with selflessness and obedience to build a place where God can be worshiped and glorified. It is now your turn. You are the builder now. You have a spirit inside of you that equips you for the work of service. Will you be selfish and use those abilities? Or will you use those abilities for your own purposes? Will you choose to waste them by not using them at all? Or will you put them to the use that God has intended for them to bring him glory, to bring unity to this body of believers? [00:49:12] (48 seconds) #MindOfChrist

Regarding one another as more important than yourself can only be done with a Spirit-given humility of mind. Regarding others as more important allows you to serve without needing to be compensated, noticed, or rewarded, but simply to please God. Rewarding, regarding one another as more important than yourself is an essential component to the proper function of the church. [00:53:40] (30 seconds) #SacrificeWithoutReward

He had every single claim to all of them. These attributes and titles were his by default because of who he is. These things alone make him worthy of worship. But there is more. He willfully chose to give them all up. He wasn't forced. He wasn't coerced. He willfully chose to give it all up. And I would ask you, what do you have that you are holding on to so tightly that even comes close to that which Christ gave up? What is hindering you? And once you figure out what it is, give it up. [00:56:42] (45 seconds) #ExaltedNameOfJesus

He took the form of a servant to show what regarding one another more than yourself really looks like. He took the form of a mere man to show what looking out for the interests of others really looks like and what it may ultimately cost. He wanted to show us. He wanted to show us by putting his life on the line in the realest way possible. He sacrificed his life and there was no earthly reward, only mockery and betrayal. [00:58:16] (37 seconds)

Sometimes regarding one another above yourself and looking out for the interests of others doesn't produce the credit, the praise, or the return of investment that should rightfully follow. But we are commanded to do this anyway. Jesus didn't want to just command us to do it from heaven. He wanted to show us. It's easy to tell someone what to do if you don't have to be an example for them. You can just give instructions how you want it done, how it should be done. But Jesus said, no, I have a better way. [00:58:54] (42 seconds)

I'm going to come down and take the form of a mere servant and show you. And I'm going to show you in the way that was the most painful way possible for me. So you can't say anything about any suffering you may encounter because it doesn't come close to mind. Jesus can be humble and obedient unto death and sacrifice his life. Surely we can be obedient enough to sacrifice a little time, maybe some sleep, or even some money. [00:59:35] (42 seconds)

As a result of Christ's humility and obedience, he was glorified. The Father highly exalted him. The name of Jesus is now a name with power. The name of Jesus is now a name that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess to, willingly or unwillingly. He will judge the living and the dead. Every tongue will confess that he is Lord. If you confess he is Lord, then live as he lived. [01:00:17] (36 seconds)

Conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel. Have the attitude in yourself which was also in Christ. Strive for unity of mind regarding one another above yourself while looking out for the interests of others. Your reward is not promised to come in this lifetime. You may never see the fruit of your labor, but you just may hear. Come, you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you before the foundation of the world. [01:00:53] (38 seconds)

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What does humility of mind look like in practice?

How does selflessness reflect Christ's example of service?

Why is unity essential for effective gospel witness?