The Savior’s Example
Philippians 2:5—11
INTRODUCTION
"Why did my Savior come to earth, and to the humble go? Why did he choose a lowly birth? Because he loved me so! Why did He drink the bitter cup of sorrow, pain and woe? Why on the cross be lifted up? Because he loved me so! He loved me so, He loved me so; He gave his precious life for me, for me, because he loved me so."
“Why Did My Savior Come to Earth?” by J.G. Dailey
Jesus’ primary mission on this earth was to bring salvation to the lost. Jesus came to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29). In order for Jesus to accomplish this goal, he had to live a perfect life. In providing salvation, Jesus left us with a flawless example by which we pattern our lives. Paul speaks of the example of Christ in Philippians 2 and admonishes the Christians at Philippi to have the same attitude as Christ.
Why did my Savior come to earth? Jesus came to earth to show us the way home. He shows us how to live on this earth, in accordance to the Father’s will, by following His attitude toward Service, Humility and Obedience.
MAIN BODY
I. Jesus’ Attitude of Service. (Philippians 2:5—8)
A. Jesus Christ, Lord of Heaven and Earth, chose to be a servant. (Matt. 20:25—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)
II. Jesus’ Attitude of Humility. (Philippians 2:8a)
A. Christ’s example of humility showed us his love and revealed hidden blessings. (John 13:1—17)
B. Humility is Rewarded!
1. Psalm 149:4 "For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation."
2. Proverbs 3:34 "He 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. Jesus’ Attitude of Obedience. (Philippians 2:8b)
A. Jesus always conformed his life to God’s will. (John 6:37—38)
B. Obedience comes from faith.
1. Romans 1:5
2. Romans 10:17
C. Living in obedience to God’s will leads to righteousness.
1. Romans 6:16
2. 1 John 2:3—6
CONCLUSION
Why did my Savior come to earth? Jesus came to be an example of righteousness. When we follow the Attitude of Christ in Service, in Humility and in Obedience then Christ leads us to righteousness.
Mitchell Skelton, Minister-Midway church of Christ
http://www.TheLordsWay.com/Midway
