Humility
Have you ever wondered what role you have as a Christian?
This morning we are going to look at one aspect of that role, it is a role each of us has, and its vital for seeing people get to heaven.
Intro: In the summer of 1986, two ships collided in the Black Sea off the coast of Russia. Hundreds of passengers died as they were hurled into the icy waters below. News of the disaster was further darkened when an investigation revealed the cause of the accident. It wasn’t a technology problem like radar malfunction--or even thick fog. The cause was human selfishness. Each captain was aware of the other ship’s presence nearby. Both could have steered clear, but according to news reports, neither captain wanted to give way to the other. Each was too proud to yield first. By the time they came to their senses, it was too late.
Apply: if there is selfishness and pride in our lives this can be damaging to people.
Today we will be talking about humility.
Today we will continue from Philippians chapter 2.
We have learnt in the last 2 weeks about
1)seeing things from Gods perspective
2) living and suffering as Christians
Today’s message follows on.
When we are going through the struggles of life we need a place of refuge – the church where there is love and acceptance.
Church unity does 2 things:
1)encourages Christians to continue walking with God
2) brings unity which encourages non-Christians to take up their walk with God
Read 2:1-2
Question: have you ever received any benefits from being a Christian?
Explain: Paul here is asking if the Philippian church had ever experienced encouragement, love, fellowship or compassion since becoming believers.
- he was expecting them to say yes.
Illustrate: despite all their struggles and suffering God is alongside them.
Eg. Running race.
Apply: that’s the same for us.
God is with us wanting to help us.
State: Despite our struggles God is with us.
What is our response?
Read: 2:2
State: as believers we must be in unity
Question: Why is unity so important?
It provides encouragement for both Christian and non-christian
Explain: three areas of unity:
1) like minded – united in our thinking. The Greek for Kanon (as in Bible Kanon) means a rod or carpentry tool to keep straight, a standard
2) Same love – united in heart.
3) Same Spirit and purpose – united in action.
Question: How can people from all different backgrounds, and ages be in unity?
Illustrate: I was at our school assembly on Friday and the school band played.
The music sounded fantastic.
Why?
They all had the same score (music)
They followed the conductor
They were all playing their instruments to the best of their ability.
Sounded great to people listening
Apply: If we liken that band to church life and living in unity as Christians.
As Christians the score we all follow is the Bible.
The Conductor who leads and guides us is the Holy Spirit.
The instruments we play are the gifts that God has given each of us
When this happens beautiful music is created that is enjoyed by the band and those listening.
Read 2:3
State: The nemesis of unity is pride
Explain:
We are to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.
Back in 1:17 Paul talks about those Christians who act out of selfish ambition. The result was division in the church.
The direct opposite of being united in mind, heart and purpose is to be selfish.
To go back to the illustration of the band.
United they played good music but what if some were selfish and thought of themselves better than others?
We could get people playing their own song and not following the score
People following themselves and not the conductor
We could have people who choose not to play their instruments and just listen and watch everyone else play without them.
Do you see the application to us?
Apply:
Living a selfish life as a Christian is to do what we want to do and not the Bible
Its to disregard the leading and direction of the holy Spirit and base our choices on what we want to do
And its to chose not to use the gifts that God has given us
The result is that the music created is not beautiful to the band or those listening
Read: 2:4
Explain: each of you
Look around the room at others
The people you are looking at are the others that Paul is talking about here.
We are to look out for them as well
This is the total opposite of what the world tells us.
They say you are number one, you need to look out for yourself because no one else will.
As Christians we no longer think this way because why?
Jesus didn’t think this way!!!
Read: 2:5
State: In order to have unity among believers we need to have Christ’s attitude.
Explain: We need to have Christ’s outlook on life
We need to emulate how Christ viewed himself and how he viewed others.
Read:2:6-11
Question: if you could come to earth and be born into any family what would it be?
Jesus had this choice.
Shows his humility.
Explain: These 7 verses show us the ultimate act of humility.
This verse is often used theologically to learn about Jesus.
The main point of this being here is to illustrate what Paul has been saying – when you are humble God can use you to fulfill his plans.
When Jesus was humble God was glorified.
This is why paul told this illustration. So that we can have the attitude of humility in order that others might be saved.
Humility brings unity which brings salvation.
When there is unity, there is encouragement.
When the world sees this, they will know God and he will be glorified.
Read: John 17:23
“May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me”
What is going to stop us when humble ourselves for the sake of unity? Absolutely Nothing.
