The Ultimate Example
Philippians 2:5–8
THESIS: To show how following Christ’s attitude of Service, Humility and Obedience leads one to righteousness.
INTRODUCTION
There was a movie out recently called Shallow Hal. In that move, Hal was given the gift of seeing a woman not as she looked physically but as their heart would appear. There were some who were over weight or not so physically attractive but Hal saw past that and they all looked beautiful to him. No one else was able to see what he saw and everyone though he was crazy. What he could see was the true inner beauty and not the outward appearance. Of course a few of those who actually had outward beauty appeared ugly to Hal because their heart was so wicked and self–centered.
In the same way, God looks upon the heart of man, not on the outward appearance. I wonder what we look like to God? Are we beautiful and appealing to look upon or do we appear as ugly, disgusting, skin and bones?
If God would open the eyes of those around us to allow them to see us as we really are, how many of us would want to leave home? That is why Paul admonished the Philippians to have an attitude that was the same as that of Christ.
Illustration adapted from James May at sermoncentral.com
Christ is our ultimate example in living the Christian life. He shows us the way to live in following His attitude toward Service, Humility and Obedience.
MAIN BODY
I. An Attitude of Service
A. Jesus Christ, Lord of Heaven and Earth, chose to be a servant. Matt. 20:24b–28
B. Christ’s church is built through selfless service. Eph. 4:11–16
C. Service accompanied by faith leads to righteousness. James 2:14–26
1. Illustration: Albert Schweitzer once said, “I don’t know what your destiny will be but one thing I know; the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.
2. Illustration: Mary Kay Ash stated, “God does not ask of your ability or inability. He asks only your availability.
II. An Attitude of Humility
A. Christ’s example of humility showed His love and revealed hidden blessings. John 13:1–17
B. Humility is Rewarded!
1. Psalm 149:4 “4For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.”
2. Proverbs 3:34 “34He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.”
C. Illustration: F. B. Meyer once said, “I used to think that God’s gifts were on shelves one above the other; and that the taller we grew in Christian character, the easier we could reach them. I now find that God’s gifts are on shelves one beneath the other. It is not a question of growing taller but of stooping lower; that we have to go down, always down, to get His best gifts.”
D. Humility leads to righteousness. James 4:6–10 “III. An Attitude of Obedience
A. Christ always conformed His life to God’s will.
1. Luke 22:42
2. John 6:37-38
B. Obedience comes from Faith. Romans 1:5 “5Through him and for his name’s sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.”
C. Living in Obedience to God’s will leads to righteousness.
1. Romans 6:16
2. 1 John 2:3–6
CONCLUSION
Jesus is our Ultimate Example. When we follow the Attitude of Christ In Service, In Humility and In Obedience then Christ leads us to righteousness.
