Introduction:
1. The greatest example we have is Jesus.
2. Context tells us that the church must be united. Paul began Philippians 2 and told us that such is possible if we are unselfish. How can we be unselfish people? Paul gives us the answer as found in the example of Christ is Philippians 2:5-11.
I. Selfless mind.
A. Point. We have many “I” specialist in the church (Isa. 56:11; 2 Tim. 3:2).
B. Pattern: Christ. He labored under the principle (Mt. 20:28). Whether …1) at his temptation (Mt. 4:-11>1 Pet. 2:22). 2) in his ministry (Mt. 8:20). 3) in his motive of life (Jn. 6:38). 4) in his death (Heb. 2:9).
C. Personal challenge: 1) We are to put others first (Lk. 18:14; Rom. 12:10; 1 Pet. 2:17). 2) We are to have the selfless mind (Jn. 13:1-20).
II. Serving mind.
A. Point: you get away from yourself when you serve others.
B. Pattern: Christ served. He was not born a slave but he made himself one. 1) To God (Jn. 4:34). 2) To others (Jn. 6:35; Acts 10:35).
C. Personal challenge: Others are to be served (1 Pet. 5:5, 6; Gal. 6:10). 2. Help others (Lk. 10:30-37).
III. Sacrificial mind.
A. Point: Giving of our selves is a great gift.
B. Pattern: Jesus sacrificed: 1) His seat with God (Jn 17:2-4), 2) Treasures of heaven (2 Cor. 8:9), 3) Fame (Jn. 6:60), 4) Life.
C. Personal Challenge: 1) We must sacrifice (Rom. 12:2), 2) Give up (Lk. 14:26, 33), 3) Give (Phil. 2:17).
IV. Submissive mind.
A. Point: Christ humbled himself even in obedience to God (Heb. 5:8, 9).
B. Pattern: Jesus was submissive in 1) Redemption (1 Jn. 4:9, 10; 2 Cor. 9:15). 2) Work (Jn. 5:36).
C. Personal challenge: 1) We are to be subject (Ja. 4:7) to God (1 Sam. 15:22). 2) We are subject to Christ ( Eph. 1:22).
Conclusion:
The reason we are to have the mind of Christ is found in verses 9:11.
Because of His Grace
Entered on 5/30/2010
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