How Christ Taught Us to be Humble

Sermon Manuscript: Philippians 2:1-4

Text: Phillippians 2:1-4

Introduction

Attention

Paul exhorted them to stand in unity and that humility causes us to place others needs above our own. C.S. Lewis states, "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less.

Need

In order to be effective in the community Paul reminds the church that humility and unity are critical foundational characteristics belivers must obtain.

Bridging Sentences

This letter urges all fellow believers to ardently pursue and embrace the true essence of unity and love amongst each other.

[Subject: Modifier:]

Humility Love

Textual Idea:

Jesus Christ life and actions are the standard for belivers should use to grow in humility and love.

Sermon Idea:

Have a unified and humbled mind through Christ.Be encouraged and stand strong.

Interrogative:

Paul emphasizes the importance of demonstrating compassion and love towards others by actively promoting unity with Christ among them.

Transition:

There are three characteristics that express unity in the church. Unified outlook, humility and love.

Body

Satisfaction

The humility exhibited by Christ serves as the criterion for assessing the value of others and the behaviors directed towards them.

Division 1 Statement

Living a righteous life requires unity in the spirit with Christ and one another.

Explanation

Christians must strive to live out the teachings of Jesus and to be in harmony with one another. They should also strive to serve others

Illustration

A group of individuals who are not working together and going in opposite directions and are disunity.

Argumentation

Theodore Bikel stated,” No doubt, unity is something to be desired, to be striven for, but it cannot be willed by mere declarations.  – Theodore Bikel

Application

We must understand Paul’s vision for the people of Philippi. It was their mission to advance the kingdom, and they would only be able to do so if they worked in unity and humility.

Transition (Div. 1 to Div. 2)

Believers are encouraged to lead their lives with courage and humility, striving to emulate the example set by Jesus.

Division 2 Statement

Christ's example of humility is perhaps the most profound and impactful aspect of His earthly ministry.

Explanation

C.S. Lewis wrote: "The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God." This quote encapsulates the essence of Christ's humility.

Illustration

An illustration of humility is that Jesus, the Son of God, the second person of the Holy Trinity, willingly chose to set aside His divine privileges.

Argumentation

Jesus was obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Application

Despite being in the nature of God, Jesus didn't use his divinity for his own benefit despite being equal to God.

Transition (Div. 2 to Div. 3)

Serving others in humility is not about seeing ourselves as less, but rather about putting the needs and interests of others before our own

Division 3 Statement

In the same way that Christ was humble and kind toward all people, we should not be selfish for our own gains and wants.

Explanation

This necessitates setting aside our individual desires and ambitions to cater to the needs of others.

Illustration

Jesus could have chosen to use His divine power for His own benefit, but instead He chose to serve others. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and ultimately gave His life for our sins..

Argumentation

Being humble and giving back to others can be countercultural in a world that encourages self-promotion and individualism.

Application

During this current season of giving, notwithstanding the need to serve and feed our families we should also support those that are less fortunate.

Transition (Div 3 to Div 4)

By loving one another, humility creates unity in the body of Christ

Division 4 Statement

Christ's love is at the core of the church, each believer is rooted in it, thus we each have Christ in common and His love propels us forward

Explanation

Paul understood the Christ wanted us to have the agape love.

Illustration

Like a father loves his children and would do anything to protect and would do anything for them, Christ is so much to and for us. In the movie, John Q, Denzel Washington risk his life and even would go to jail just to find a heart for his son. As we look at scripture, Christ died on the cross so that we could saved and have hope beyond the grave.

Argumentation

In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands that we love one another because He loves us.Paul also gives instruction to the husbands to loves their wives as Christ loves the church

Application

If we have this love in common - we should then love one another, end of the petty arguements and disagreements, love becomes the key to end the troubles in our church and in our lives

Transition (Div. 4 to Div. 5)

Like-mindedness is fostered by practicing humility and cultivating a genuine desire to achieve unity, which can be facilitated through peacekeeping efforts.

Division 5 Statement

We maintain unity in the body of Christ through acts of humility and peace

Explanation

Paul here in verse 3 is encouraging the church not to involve themselves in pride or an inflated ego but through peace. Strife can enter and corrupt the peace and harmony among the belivers

Illustration

Recently I was having a team meeting and one of the team members began to over-talk one of the peers on some ideas they were presenting. I decided to address this during one of the other meetings and let them know that we owed each a certain level of respect and we needed treat each other how we wanted to be treated.

Argumentation

In the book of Matthew, Jesus gives the Sermon on the Mount and gives us a list of character traits to have. Blessed are the peacemakers,for they shall be called the children of God.

Application

Simple steps such as becoming silent during an argument can start the peacemaking process and should in many cases cause both parties to reflect on one’s actions.

Transition (Div. 5 to Concl.)

The only way we are going to win the world and our community is through walking together as one and showing love to the World.

Conclusion

Visualization

Imagine the effect of Christians walking together in unity. We could turn this world upside down.

Reiteration

Supporting one another as followers of Christ enables us to cultivate love among ourselves.

Action

Be ye steadfast and unmovable always abounding in the work of the Lord.

Introduction

Attention

Interest

Analogy

Personal

Need Element

Historical

Context

Textual Idea

Sermon Idea

Interrogative

Transition

Main divisions

Stated here

Paul exhorted them to stand in unity and that humility causes us to place others' needs above our own. C.S. Lewis states, "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less."

Consider a symphony orchestra. Each musician, skilled in their craft, plays a different instrument. Yet, it is their unified harmony, under the conductor's guidance, that creates a beautiful melody. This is the essence of unity and humility in the body of Christ.

(Read text here)

In our current times, where individualism often overshadows collective well-being, Paul's message is not just relevant but essential. As believers, we are called to a higher standard – to live in unity and humility.

Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians while he was in prison. Despite his circumstances, his focus was on encouraging unity and humility among the believers. This context magnifies the power and sincerity of his message

Jesus Christ's life and actions are the standard believers should use to grow in humility and love. Thus, Paul, in these verses, presents a model for Christian living that is counter-cultural. He urges us to look to Jesus Christ as our standard for humility and love

Our central theme today is 'Embracing Unity and Humility through Christ.' This is not just a call to action but a call to transformation.

How can we, as modern-day believers, embody the unity and humility that Paul speaks of? How can we make these virtues a tangible reality in our lives and communities?

Paul emphasizes the importance of demonstrating compassion and love towards others by actively promoting unity with Christ among them. As we explore this scripture, we will uncover three key characteristics that define unity in the church: a unified outlook, humility, and love. These are not just abstract concepts but practical, actionable virtues that we can cultivate in our daily lives

Today's sermon will unfold in three main divisions: First, understanding and embracing a unified outlook; second, the practice of humility in our daily lives; and third, expressing love as a manifestation of our unity and humility

God’s Constant Help for His Children - PSALM 121

Body Division # 1

Explanation

Historical

Cultural

Principle

Illustration

Analogy - Athletics

Argumentation

Cross-reference

Reason

Application

Descriptive

Restatement

Transition

The humility exhibited by Christ serves as the criterion for assessing the value of others and the behaviors directed towards them. Living a righteous life requires unity in the spirit with Christ and one another.

In Philippians 2:1-4, Paul calls for a life of unity and humility among believers. He urges us to be 'like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.' This passage is a powerful exhortation for Christians to embody the teachings of Jesus, emphasizing harmony and service to others.

Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians while in prison. Despite his circumstances, he focused on encouraging the church to live in unity. This historical backdrop highlights the importance Paul placed on unity and humility, even in the face of personal trials. In the cultural context of the early church, unity was crucial for survival and growth. The believers, coming from diverse backgrounds, were called to transcend their differences and unite under the banner of Christ's love and humility. The principle here is clear: Unity and humility are not just noble ideals but essential attributes for Christian living. They are the bedrock upon which a righteous life is built, in accordance with Christ's teachings.

A group of individuals who are not working together and going in opposite directions and are disunity. As evidenced by the lifestyle choices individuals may make, these consequences are severe and evident. It is like a team of athletes all pulling in different directions. They will never win unless they strive together as one.

Theodore Bikel, an actor and musician, aptly stated, “No doubt, unity is something to be desired, to be striven for, but it cannot be willed by mere declarations.” This aligns with Paul's message that unity and humility must be actively pursued and practiced, not just spoken about.

In applying this to our lives, we must embrace Paul's vision for the Philippians and for us. We must understand Paul’s vision for the people of Philippi. It was their mission to advance the kingdom, and they would only be able to do so if they worked in unity and humility. Our mission to advance God's kingdom can only be fulfilled through unity and humility. This means setting aside personal agendas, working together in harmony, and serving others selflessly, just as Christ taught us.

As we reflect on the importance of living in unity with Christ and each other, let us now turn to consider the profound example of humility set by Christ Himsel, our model for us to follow.

Division # 2

Explanation

Philippians 2:1-4

Historical Cultural

Principle

Illustration

Analogy – object

Argumentation

Reason

Application

Descriptive

Restatement

Transition

Christ's example of humility is perhaps the most profound and impactful aspect of His earthly ministry.

C.S. Lewis once wrote, 'The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.' This profound statement captures the essence of Christ's humility. In Philippians 2, Paul describes how Jesus, though in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped. Instead, He humbled Himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men

Jesus' time on earth was marked by a cultural and religious landscape that prized honor and status. In this context, His choice to embrace humility was countercultural. His birth in a manger, His interaction with the marginalized, His washing of the disciples' feet were all profound demonstrations of humility in a world that has always valued power and prestige. Yet, Jesus' life stood in stark contrast. He interacted with people from all strata of society, rich and poor alike. His teachings and actions redefined greatness as an expression of service and humility. The principle of Christ's humility is a call to live differently, a call to value others above ourselves, to serve rather than be served. This principle challenges our modern culture, which often glorifies self-promotion. Christ's humility invites us to a life where service and sacrifice are marks of true greatness.

Consider the magnitude of this humility: Jesus, the Son of God, the second person of the Holy Trinity, willingly set aside His divine privileges. He did not cling to His rights as God but emptied Himself, becoming fully human. He experienced all the trials, temptations, and tribulations of human life. This act is the ultimate illustration of humility – God Himself choosing to live as one of us.

Jesus' humility reached its pinnacle in His obedience to the point of death, even death on a cross. Crucifixion, a most humiliating and painful form of execution, reserved for the worst criminals, was the path He chose out of His great love for us. This act of humility and obedience is unparalleled and speaks volumes about the nature of true humility.

In reflecting on Jesus' humility, we must understand that He did not use His divinity for His own benefit, despite being equal to God. He lived as a servant, making Himself nothing, becoming obedient to death on a cross. This is the epitome of humility that we are called to emulate.

Serving others in humility is not about seeing ourselves as less, but rather about putting the needs and interests of others before our own.

Division # 3

Explanation

Philippians 2:1-4

Word Study

Historical Cultural

Principle

Illustration

Analogy – History

Argument

Reason

Application

Descriptive

Prescriptive

Transition

In the same way that Christ was humble and kind toward all people, we should not be selfish for our own gains and wants.

In Philippians 2:1-4, Paul urges us to adopt the same mindset as Christ Jesus. This mindset is one of selflessness and love, which necessitates setting aside our individual desires and ambitions to cater to the needs of others. It entails placing a higher emphasis on others rather than ourselves, not due to a feeling of duty, but fueled by genuine love and compassion. The Greek word used for 'humility' in this passage is 'tapeinophrosyne,' which implies rightly understanding our place in relation to God. When we see ourselves in relation to God, we have humility. This helps us to withdraw from judging others, because we know how full of faults we ourselves can be.

In the Greco-Roman culture, rulers wanted power: look at Herod, who slaughtered the Holy Innocents because he felt threatened by news that a King had been born among them. What did he lack? Humility. True humility involves a shift from self-centeredness to other-centeredness. Through humility, we embody the character of Christ, who did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped. Instead, He emptied Himself out for us, taking the form of a servant.

Jesus could have chosen to use His divine power for His own benefit, but instead He chose to serve others. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and ultimately gave His life for our sins. In our history, we have the example of Abaham Lincoln, who held the highest office but stayed grounded and connected to the ordinary people.