The Mindset of Service and Humility Philippians 2:1-11 The Source of Disunity: (v. 3) Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit… The Source of Our Unity: (vv. 1-2) Philippians 2:1Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, Do we have any encouragement from being united with Christ? Ephesians 1:4–7 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace Do we have any comfort from his love? Romans 8:38-39 “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Do we have any fellowship in the Spirit? Ephesians 1:13-14 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. Do we have any tenderness and compassion? Matthew 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Philippians 2:2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. The Cure for Disunity: …Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. The Unimaginable Mindset of Humility: Philippians 2:5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: God the Son His glory and to serve. Philippians 2:6-8 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Hebrews 2:18 because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Luke 22:42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Jesus became fully human so that He could in our place. Hebrews 2:14 Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—Jesus also became flesh and blood by being born in human form. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the Devil, who had the power of death. ¬ …even death on a cross. Jesus humbled Himself and trusted the Father to Him. Philippians 2:9–11 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Application: • What is one specific action you can take this week to serve someone, motivated by the love of Christ rather than obligation or the desire to be recognized? • Is there anyone you need to forgive or be reconciled with, demonstrating the grace and mercy that Jesus gives to us? • Memorize and/or meditate on Philippians 2:1-11