Developing Our Attitude To Imitate Christ - Philippians, Part 4 Series

“Developing our Attitude to Imitate Christ” - Philippians, Part 4

Philippians Sermon Series, Part 4

Philippians 2:5-11

Introduction

- Reminder about our level-set from series opener:

1. Christians must reflect the joy of Christ in everything we do

2. This means you and I are to make the Gospel personal, because it is!

3. Not telling shows them that we have nothing different/special to offer others

- This is a great book of discipleship; prayerfully help us draw closer to Christ

-- Living worthy of the Gospel means that we are to be found doing the work

-- RE: As Christians, we are in this together – but not for our ego, desires, or needs

- Quick summary of last week:

- IMP: The encouragement is primarily with serving the community, but …

- APP: Obedience begins with the individual before the community can be served

- Paul was more than likely reminding some who had forgotten this

-- Truth: We must community minded; the greater good is for all to know Christ

-- Once we realize and grasp this, we can then press on to the next section

- I want to say up front - this is tough stuff

-- When you begin to examine the application of what Paul says, it’s gritty stuff

- Read (NLT Version) Philippians 2:5-11 / Pray

- TR: Paul’s opening salvo is really where are lives need to adjust …

Point 1 – Recognize today that our spiritual attitude, matters.

- Paul answers us VERY clearly on what’s next … no ambiguity

-- What Paul reminds us of is more important than anything we attempt (v5)

- Most of us want to live life with our own mindset, especially as we get older

-- The older we get, the more hardened we get in our ways …

- Obvious examples of how our attitude can affect our approach:

• (kids) I don’t want to try that because I won’t like it

• (adults) I think that music is too loud, and it needs to be turned down

• I don’t want to go to church because I can just watch online

- Harder examples to face:

-- “I don’t want to serve God because frankly, I’ve done enough already”

-- Did you know, there is no such thing as the Christian retirement home?

- Paul encourages the church (quite matter of fact) on how/why we should live

-- We should live to treat one another with Christ’s frame of mind

-- And in that treatment, we are doing the things He did so others can see

- (deeper) When Jesus sent us to make disciples, it wasn’t just for salvation!

-- FREE: Matthew 28:18-20, “Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

- Could unpack this forever … but see the application in light of today’s word

- For us, v5 is pretty clear: Jesus’ example (mind, attitude, etc.) is what we need

-- GR: phroneite; to have understanding; to think; (implied) attitude/mindset

-- How we think things are to go is not what matters … LIFE is about Him!

- Paul amplifies this truth for us today: Romans 12:2, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

-- APP: We must choose to surrender ourselves to His example, and execute

- TR: If we are to commit to developing His mindset or attitude …

-- … we have to start by understanding the motivation of Jesus’ activities

-- Then, we will be able to choose to …

Point 2 – Resolve that your attitude will match your actions

- Re-read verses 6-8 – three things to see here

1) Jesus did think He could ever be equal with God (v6)

-- He is fully man, fully God, and yet – He is not God … only God is God

-- Paul drives this out so that we would grasp the criticality here … humbleness

-- GR: not; not, no

-- GR: isa; equal or equivalent (implied: to be the same as)

- Now, remember, this is the same cause that got Satan thrown out of Heaven

-- Satan was a beautiful angel, part of God’s servants in Heaven, until …

- Isaiah 14:12-15, “How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.’”