January – 27 – Imitate Christ

 

Sunday School Lesson

January 27

Imitate Christ

 

Devotional Reading: Psalm 119:65–72

Background Scripture: Philippians 2:1–11

 

Philippians 2:1–11

1. If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

 

2. Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

 

3. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

 

4. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

 

5. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

 

6. Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

 

7. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

 

8. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

 

9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

 

10. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

 

11. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 

Key Verse

In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

—Philippians 2:3

 

Lesson Aims

After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:

 

1. Describe the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Jesus as the climax of God’s self-revelation.

 

2. Explain how Jesus’ self-sacrifice defines true human existence.

 

3. Express ways and conviction to imitate Christ in relationships.

 

HOW TO SAY IT

Caesar	See-zer.
Philippi	Fih-lip-pie or Fil-ih-pie.
Philippians	Fih-lip-ee-unz.
Zeus	Zoose.

Introduction

1. Which Way Is Up?

Experts offer a surprising conclusion about victims of drowning: they often die not because they cannot swim but because they do not know where to swim. Suddenly submerged deep underwater, victims often swim toward where they believe the surface to be, but in fact they are swimming deeper into the water.

We can compare that situation to a vital biblical idea communicated in today’s text. Sinful human beings are swimming for their lives, trying to find the surface. But as they swim toward what they think is up—toward power, prestige, wealth, comfort—they are swimming deeper into what will ultimately ruin their lives. The gospel teaches us that the true way up is the way we usually think of as down.

1. Lesson Context

Under his own humble circumstances of Roman imprisonment, Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians. This situation was addressed in the Lesson Context of last week’s lesson and need not be repeated here. Paul wrote, in part, to address the church’s problems with interpersonal conflict (Philippians 4:2, 3). But the core of Paul’s teaching is found in today’s text.

Philippians 2:6–11 of our text is poetic in form in that the lines have parallel structure and build to a climax. Many scholars suggest that this is an early Christian hymn. It is easy to imagine the first generation of Jesus’ followers singing or chanting these verses together as an expression of their new, revolutionary faith.

In addition to the poetic rhythm of the original text, the content of this passage closely resembles other texts that also seem to cite ancient hymns. Some possibilities in that regard are John 1:1–14; Colossians 1:15–20; and 1 Peter 3:18–22. These focus on the nature and work of Christ by highlighting His divinity and preexistence, role in creation, incarnation, painful death, resurrection, and exaltation (although not all these passages contain all these elements). The hymn in Philippians 2 includes most of these elements.

1. Exhortation to Selflessness

(Philippians 2:1–4)

1. Christ’s Selfless Gifts (v. 1)

1a. If there be therefore any consolation in Christ.

 

Paul begins his exhortation by reminding his readers of what they have received as a result of Christ’s selflessness. The beginning if does not cast doubt on whether the Philippians have received these gifts. Rather, this is a common way of speaking to draw attention to what speaker and listener both agree to be true. Implied at the end of each if clause is “and there is.” The resulting list is a broad catalog of the ways that God’s grace is experienced by Christ’s followers.

The list begins with consolation, translating a common term in the New Testament. It is also translated “comfort” (example: 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4), “exhortation” (example: Hebrews 13:22), etc. The idea is encouragement to do what is right.

 

1b. If any comfort of love.

 

The second expression, comfort, has a broadly similar meaning. This comfort is particularly associated with love, God’s expression of His commitment to bless His people despite their rebellion and unworthiness.

1c. If any fellowship of the Spirit.

 

Fellowship signifies not just a sense of connection between people, but active sharing of their resources (see Acts 2:42–47). The fellowship is of the Spirit, as the Holy Spirit given by Christ to His people binds them together in a way that transcends differences that exist among them (compare 2 Corinthians 13:14).

 

What Do You Think? What techniques can we use to discipline ourselves in being mindful of the benefits of being connected with Christ in fellowship?   Digging Deeper What techniques have you seen or experienced that don’t work in that regard?

1d. If any bowels and mercies.

 

Bowels is a literal translation of a word that is used figuratively to refer to compassion (compare 1 John 3:17). It is paired with mercies: attitudes and actions that refrain from exacting vengeance or punishment on others, giving generous blessing in place of the negative response that is deserved (compare Luke 1:78).

Christ gives His followers a transformed perspective and experience. They receive abundantly these gifts of God that they do not deserve. And receiving them together, they are drawn into a relationship with each other in which their common gifts are more important than their individual differences.

1. Our Selfless Imitation (vv. 2–4)

2a. Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded.

 

Paul now describes the right response for having received Christ’s gracious gifts. If we have been drawn together as one by our humble Lord, then living as one must be our aim.

Again Paul piles up terms for emphasis. This unity can be described as being likeminded, or thinking the same thing (also Romans 15:5; Philippians 4:2). Christian unity is expressed not as people deny their individuality but as they unite their individualities in pursuing thinking that is like Christ’s—focused on humble service.

 

2b. Having the same love.

 

This is the action part of being of the same mind. The love that the readers have received from Christ, the love that comforts and encourages them continually, must dictate their actions toward one another. As Christ has loved them, they give as they have received.

 

2c. Being of one accord.

 

This is a sharing in common of attitudes and perspectives. As the readers become more Christlike, this will come naturally.

 

2d. Of one mind.

 

It is notable that Paul begins and ends this description with expressions concerning thought. Our understanding of Christ must transform every aspect of our lives, inside and out, but it starts with thought. Paul’s aim in sharing the gospel is not just to bring people to initial faith but also to see them grow to reveal God’s intention for their lives together. Paul’s joy is seeing that connection fully realized.

 

What Do You Think? What guardrails can you put in place to ensure that your personal progress toward unity does not drift into expectations of uniformity?   Digging Deeper What Scripture passages inform your response? What passages have you seen misused?

3a. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory.

 

Paul draws a contrast with his previous description. Strife is the playing out of hostile division among people, the opposite of the Christlike, humble life. It is paired with vainglory—that is, the selfish pursuit of empty praise for oneself at the expense of others.

 

What Do You Think? How would circumstances have to change for you to leave a church that is beset with strife rather than staying to help end that strife?   Digging Deeper Secular principles of conflict resolution aside, which Scripture passages inform your conclusion?

3b. But in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

 

In contrast, the positive is described again, this time in terms of lowliness of mind. The term being translated is sometimes rendered “humility” (example: Acts 20:19). We commonly use the word humble to describe a person who is soft-spoken and modest about accomplishments. A humble person is not a braggart. Biblical humility goes beyond this characteristic to genuine lowliness. The biblically humble person does more than avoid the spotlight. Biblical humility takes the position of servant to others.

To do so is to esteem other[s] better than oneself. But our natural instinct is to take care of our own interests first. Survival dictates that we do! But the gospel turns that order of life upside down. Having received God’s promise that He will always supply what we need, and receiving the fullness of His grace through Jesus’ self-giving death, we are freed from the need to protect our own interests and empowered to pursue the good of others. This indeed is the very thing that Jesus did, and now we do it in imitation of Him and in response to His lowly service for us.

 

4. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

 

This verse restates the second half of the previous verse, but uses more challenging terms. Paul urges readers to no longer do what seems natural: pursuing and protecting their own interests. They are to abandon that in favor of pursuing the interests of others. Prioritizing others must mean abandoning self-interest, or others are not our true priority.

 

What Do You Think? In what ways can you better use your God-given privileges and blessings to serve others?   Digging Deeper What might using your assets in this way cost you and your family? How would you justify this cost?

Look Not Every … Goose?

It is a common sight in an autumn sky. Geese, flying south to escape the cold Canadian winter, travel in a familiar V-formation. While we are likely well acquainted with this phenomenon, perhaps we should take a closer look. When we do, we can see an illustration of selflessness.

Bigger birds, like geese and pelicans, create a significant updraft by flapping their wings. Therefore, a bird flying behind and slightly below another receives some additional lift from the bird in front. Birds in a V-formation literally lift one another up as they fly, bearing one another’s burdens on their long trip.

Another benefit of this flight pattern is increased visibility. Members of the flock can see one another, making sure that all are present. This keeps lines of communication open and ensures that all remain heading in the right direction.

Finally, birds flying in this pattern share the work and the benefits of traveling together. The bird in front is meeting the most wind resistance, while the birds farthest from the front have the easiest flight. If you watch the flock for any length of time, you will witness a graceful acrobatic maneuver. After a while the leader will drop back from the most stressful position and retire to the end of the line, while another takes the lead.

As Paul instructed the church that “nothing be done through strife or vainglory,” the geese provide a clear illustration of just that. “Look not every [goose] on his own things, but every [goose] also on the things of others!”

—J. E.

1. Revelation of Selflessness

(Philippians 2:5–11)

1. The Divine Christ (vv. 5, 6)
2. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.

 

Now Paul makes explicit the basis for this radically humble life to which Christians are called. Again he stresses mind, for the humble life is first a way of thinking about ourselves and others. Then he states directly that our mind must be like Christ’s mind.

This mind must govern our lives together, just as it did the life of Jesus, our king. The mind of Christ must be adopted consciously and pursued vigorously.

 

6. Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.

This verse begins one of the most profound and memorable biblical descriptions of Christ’s actions. It needs careful attention for accurate understanding.

John 1:1 helps us understand what it means for Christ to exist in the form of God. We might conclude that a form was merely an appearance and not a reality, that Christ appeared to be God but was not truly God. This is not how this word is used, however. The form of an individual in this sense is the real status by which the being relates to other beings. To be in the form of God is to exist as God and be rightly regarded as God by other beings. From eternity, the preexistent Christ was fully divine, the one true Creator God.

As God, Christ possessed equality with God. That is, sharing the divine nature with God the Father, Christ experienced the fullness of divine existence. In that status He was not subject to the difficulties of a temporal creature’s life. Existing eternally, Christ possessed all power. Thus He did not consider that equality robbery.

1. The Lowly Christ (vv. 7, 8)
2. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.

 

Never using His divine prerogatives for His own advantage, Christ made himself of no reputation, or more literally translated, “emptied himself.” The gospel story shows us that this self-emptying was not the loss of His divine nature or power. During His ministry, Jesus consistently said and did things that only God could truly say and do (Matthew 7:24–29; 9:1–8; 12:1–8). Rather it was the prerogatives—immunity from death, His glorious status, etc.—that He willingly surrendered.

As a result, His form, the status by which He related to other beings, became that of a servant. Paul’s word literally means a “bondslave,” someone who serves by compulsion. Though Christ took this role willingly, Paul uses the term to express His utter lowliness—focused on serving others. Paul’s words echo the terms that the prophet Isaiah used to describe the coming servant of the Lord who would willingly give His life for others (Isaiah 53:3, 11).

The servant Christ was a fully human Christ. His humanity was that of all other humans. He experienced everything, including temptation and suffering, that humans experience. But unlike other humans who seek their own interests, He led a life completely characterized by humble service for others.

 

8. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Christ’s first self-lowering was in becoming human, what Christians call His incarnation. But the climax of His humbling was in accepting death on the cross for the sake of others.

Certainly all humans experience dread as they contemplate death, fearing both the pain that accompanies it and the terrible thought of leaving behind a familiar life. But Paul emphasizes that Christ’s death was death by crucifixion. This act of extreme torture was especially painful and shameful. But we should also remember that it was a demonstration of power used for one’s own advantage by the Roman Empire. Having all power but refusing to use it for His advantage, Christ agreed to suffer this torturous death at the hands of an evil empire that used such atrocities to express its own power for its own advantage.

The first humans, Adam and Eve, owed God their submission but rebelliously sought equality with God for their own advantage, receiving a sentence of death as the consequence (Genesis 3:2–5). Christ was equal with God the Father but willingly humbled himself and submitted to death, never using His equality with God for His own advantage. As Paul describes Christ, we see that in Christ God has brought human existence to something it had never before attained.

Quite a Difference!

The Greco-Roman world within which Paul ministered was familiar with Zeus, also known as Jupiter, as chief of the gods (compare Acts 14:12). All other deities served Zeus, who assigned the roles they played in his service.

Myths tell us that Zeus would leave his throne on occasion for a visit to earth. But the purpose of his trips was often to take from rather than give to humankind. Zeus would find attractive mortal women and then take a variety of forms to seduce and impregnate them. The beautiful Helen of Troy, it is told, was born of Leda after Zeus seduced her by taking the form of a beautiful swan. The stories go on and on.

The Bible records the reactions of those who believed in such deities when Paul spoke of Jesus (example: Acts 17:16–34). Unlike the fictitious Zeus, Jesus did not flaunt His authority. He came to earth not to take but to give—a giving that included His own life. Which model will we emulate, the one that uses power to take or the one that surrenders power to give?

—J. E.

What Do You Think? As a Christian matures in selfless humility, what will distinguish his or her ministry service from the selfless service of those who serve in secular settings? Why?   Digging Deeper Which Scripture passages support your conclusions? Why?

1. The Exalted Christ (vv. 9–11)
2. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.

 

In response to Christ’s self-emptying and selfless death, God raised Him from the dead—not just alive but victoriously alive. God then seated Christ at His own right hand, the position of supreme power (Ephesians 1:20–23).

Thus does the story of Christ demonstrate the real path of human life that bears the image of God. Exaltation comes not by pursuing one’s own interests but by lowering oneself to serve others, surrendering one’s own interests in submission to God. This is not just Christ’s restoration to His exalted position. It is the elevation of the humble, incarnate, human Christ to share in God’s rule.

 

10. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.

 

Again, Paul’s words echo those of the prophet Isaiah, this time in a description of God’s exaltation (Isaiah 45:23). Christ’s glory is the glory that belongs to God alone, the glory of the universe’s supreme king. As Paul refers to heaven … earth … under the earth, he names every place imaginable and so every being imaginable (compare Ephesians 1:10; Colossians 1:18–20).

Notably, it is here in the hymn-poem, which extends from Philippians 2:6 to verse 11 (see the Lesson Context), that Paul first refers to the name of Jesus. That human name suggests the entire story of authoritative deeds and words, humble service, willing self-sacrifice, and resurrection from the dead. The Jesus with that history is the Jesus to whom every creature should one day bow (compare Psalm 95:6; Romans 14:11). He is the true king, the one who used His authority not for His own advantage but for others.

 

11. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 

Again Paul refers to Jesus as the one to be confessed by all creatures (again, see Romans 14:11). But Paul elaborates on the content of the confession: this crucified and risen Jesus is Christ—that is, God’s anointed one, God’s true king. He is Lord, the one who rules over all.

In Paul’s time Roman subjects and citizens, including the Roman citizens of Philippi, identify themselves as loyal subjects of the empire by saying “Caesar is Lord.” But “Jesus Christ is Lord” is the greater and truer confession. Real lordship belongs not to the emperor who asserts power for his own advantage, but to the incarnate Son of God who gives himself for the unworthy. Soldiers of the Roman Empire die in battle on behalf of the emperor; by contrast, the Lord Jesus, king of the universe, died on behalf of humanity. He is recognized as such by some now; He will be recognized as such by all eventually.

By this the glory of God the Father is realized. God achieves His purpose and expresses His true nature not by destroying rebellious humanity but by sending His beloved, divine Son to become a human, experience the pangs of death for others’ sake, and receive His life again by God’s gift. In that story, we find the real meaning and truest direction for our lives.

Conclusion

1. The Christian Mind-set

Think of events in Jesus’ life. He was tempted to turn stones to bread to satisfy His own hunger (Matthew 4:3). He refused. On other occasions, Jesus faced the opportunity to alleviate the hunger of others. He did so (Matthew 14:13–21; 15:32–38). He refused to use His divine authority for himself. He did not consider equality with God something to use for His own advantage. That mind of Christ has been present from all eternity.

How would you describe the direction of your life so far? In your career, family interactions, friendships—is your life about your own advantage or is it about others’ needs? Do you follow the common path of modest selfishness that seems so culturally right, or the Christlike way of lowly, self-giving pursuit of others’ advantage?

We are not the first or the worst to think that serving ourselves seems the right way to live. We can point in any direction and see lives governed by that common mind-set. But every part of the gospel story tells us the opposite. To experience life as God designed it, we need to put into action the mind of Christ.

1. Prayer

Heavenly Father, the scope of Your Son’s self-sacrificial gift to us is beyond our comprehension! It challenges every part of our minds and hearts. May we offer ourselves daily to be used in the service of Your Son. As we do, may we serve one another in love, even at the cost of our very lives. We pray in the name of the Son, who did just that. Amen.

1. Thought to Remember

The way up is down.

 

 

KID’S CORNER

Living with the King of kings Today

January 27, 2019

Philippians 2:1-11

 

Philippians 2:1-11

(Philippians 2:1) Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,

Paul described what we should find in every healthy church. Some in the church may not demonstrate these traits, so we need to be careful and not judge a church defective because some members do not manifest a Christ-like spirit or attitude. Paul wrote a lot of letters to churches to help them achieve what he describes in this verse; for example, we can think of his corrective letters to the Galatians and to the Corinthians. In addition, whether inside or outside the church, all followers of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior will find encouragement in Christ, comfort from the love of Christ, and participation in the Spirit of Christ that will give them affection and sympathy in fellowship with Christ.

(Philippians 2:2) make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.

When everyone in a church centers their mind and heart on the Jesus Christ of the Bible, and not on the Christ of their imagination or popular culture, Christian unity becomes possible—and not because it is forced upon a church by the leadership. Love for God, the Scriptures, and one another are the motivators that inspire people to agree on the essential truths of the Scripture and work together to achieve the goals God has set for all Christians as we find them in the Bible.

(Philippians 2:3) Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;

Whereas some preached the gospel to hurt Paul, because they thought they were better than he was, or because they thought he was wrong and they were right, Paul stressed humility toward others. Some may have better skills than others in certain areas, or even know more than others on certain topics, but Paul wrote of a “servant attitude” that every follower of Christ should practice towards others—using their special skills and knowledge to promote the well-being of others and not for selfish reasons.

(Philippians 2:4) do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

Selfish ambition or conceit can lead to sinning against others by taking unfair advantage of them or cheating them. And believers need to remember that there are people (even in a church) who will not look out for their interests, but try to cheat them; therefore, Jesus said, “be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). In business and in the church and in all of life, we need to consider the concerns and interests of others. Jesus taught the Golden Rule: “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets;” therefore, the Golden Rule should prevent someone from selfishly using someone else, because they themselves would not want to be selfishly used by others (Matthew 7:12). Notice, the Golden Rule of Jesus is positive: Whatever good thing you would like for someone else to do for you in a situation, you do for others in a similar situation.

(Philippians 2:5) Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,

The same mind, the same attitude, the same overall purpose that Christ had, we should have. As His Father sent Him into the world, so Christ has sent us into the world. Christ set His mind on doing His Father’s will no matter what the personal cost to Him—even humbling Himself by coming into the world and dying on a cross rather than staying in and enjoying the comforts of heaven. In His heart, mind and actions, Christ gave of His time, talent, and treasure sacrificially to do His Father’s will and save others.

(Philippians 2:6) who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,

I prefer and appreciate the translation “exploited,” to “grasped.” I think “exploited” better conveys intention. Jesus did not exploit or take undue advantage of His equality with God, as the divine Son of God, for self-centered purposes. He did not use His power to help Himself selfishly or unfairly or to the disadvantage of His Father or others. He did not try to could control others to make them do what He wanted to serve Him.

(Philippians 2:7) but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.

To leave His heavenly throne and come into our world in human flesh and weakness, to serve us, to suffer and die for us as a common criminal on a cross, was certainly taking the form of a slave, a slave for us and the whole human race. But Jesus did this willingly, lovingly, and from the depth of His heart for us—to set us free from slavery to sin and the fear of death.

(Philippians 2:8) Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Jesus humbled Himself and Jesus serves as an example to us in humility. No matter how much we may humble ourselves in any situation, we can never humble ourselves as much as Jesus humbled Himself for us. Humility and obedience work together. One must be humble toward another to obey them, or especially to serve them when you know they do not deserve your service. None of us deserve the service of Jesus. Humility was the character trait Jesus demonstrated when He obeyed His Father and when He served us, for He knew (and we know) that we did not and do not deserve His sacrifice or service.

(Philippians 2:9) For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,

Jesus humbly obeyed His heavenly Father in everything. No matter how humiliating His obedience would be, Jesus knew and agreed that His heavenly Father knew what was best for the world and for Himself as the Lord and Savior of the world. Jesus obeyed His Father for our benefit, as well as for His—for the glory set before Him. God the Father rewarded the Son for His obedience, and there is no higher name in heaven than “Jesus.” Think of all the names of all the famous people and false gods throughout human history, there is no higher name than “Jesus.”

(Philippians 2:10) so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

Jesus humbled himself, and part of His reward is all people will bow down before Him and acknowledge Who Jesus is, the Son of God. True believers will not only honor His Name, but they will also try to live as He lived and taught on the Earth. True believers will actually bow before Him as their King and do as He taught as His humble servants. True believers will bow gladly before Jesus with loving, humble hearts; whereas, those who have hated God (those “under the earth,” including demons) will bow before Jesus Christ under compulsion with fear and trembling.

(Philippians 2:11) and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Some with loving hearts of praise will confess Jesus Christ is Lord—this will especially glorify the Father and the Son. Others may grudgingly admit that Jesus is Lord, but even that admission will bring glory to God. Christians glorify God when they confess Jesus is Lord by their words and obedience.

 

Living with the King of kings Today

January 27, 2019

Philippians 2:1-11

 

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (Philippians 2:1,2).

Jesus testified before Pilate that His kingdom was not from this world, that He had come into the world to testify to the truth, and everyone who belonged to the truth listened to his voice (John 18:36-37). Living in Jesus’ kingdom is far different from life in this world’s kingdoms and nations. First, Jesus’ followers live in a close and personal relationship with the King of the universe, the One the Bible calls “the King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 17:14). By comparison, only a few receive personal help from their political leaders. Second, Jesus personally encourages His followers when they struggle day-by-day in a kingdom or nation that Satan claims to control (see his temptation of Jesus in Matthew 4:8-11). Third, Jesus Christ loves each of His subjects and lives so close to and with each one that they know He loves them; therefore, they receive the exact comfort they need when they talk to Jesus in prayer. Fourth, Jesus’ subjects can enjoy fellowship and participation with Christ moment-by-moment night and day through the Spirit that He sent to indwell them. His subjects know that no matter what their trials or temptations they can turn to their great King and personally receive His affection, sympathy and help wherever they are in this world. Jesus’ followers develop like minds through Bible study and working together in obedience to Christ. As believers draw closer to Christ, they draw closer to each other in love for one another.

 

Thinking Further

Living with the King of kings Today

January 27, 2019

Philippians 2:1-11

Name __________________________

1. Which of these needs seem most important to you: “encouragement in Christ, consolation from love, sharing in the Spirit, compassion and sympathy”? Why”

 

 

2. How might a leader mislead people using these words: “be of the same mind and have the same love and be in full accord”?

 

 

3. What happens when selfish ambition is expressed in the church, especially among leaders?

 

 

 

4. What do believers need to do to have the mind that was in Christ Jesus?

 

 

5. How can you apply what Paul wrote to the Philippians to the situation of obedience today as you see it?

 

 

Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further

 

1. Which of these seem most important to you: “encouragement in Christ, consolation from love, sharing in the Spirit, compassion and sympathy”? Why” If we know Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we will find encouragement in Christ and share in the Spirit who will indwell us; then, we will receive consolation from love, compassion, and sympathy from Christ and can share Christ’s consolation from love, compassion, and sympathy with others. Consolation from love, compassion, and sympathy flow from our relationship with Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.
2. How might a leader mislead people using these words: “be of the same mind and have the same love and be in full accord”? A leader might try to compel or manipulate others into being of the same mind as his desires and thoughts, and tell them to always agree with him, rather than trying to encourage everyone to be of the same mind as (and with) Jesus Christ as their Lord and the Scriptures as the Holy Spirit enlightens true Christians.
3. What happens when selfish ambition is expressed in the church, especially among leaders? Selfish ambition will divide people from one another, and people will try to use God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and one another to try to achieve their personal goals instead of God’s goals. Selfish leaders may try to divide the church into fighting groups and split the church to have their own church or control the church.
4. What do believers need to do to have the mind that was in Christ Jesus? They need to pray, read the Bible, study, and think to try to understand the mind of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the truths from the Bible they need for understanding as they study the Bible. They need to humble themselves before the Lord and develop a teachable spirit by obeying God with greater commitment, repenting of their sins as they are revealed to them, and resolving to be better servants of Jesus Christ as their understanding increases.
5. How can you apply what Paul wrote to the Philippians to the situation of obedience today as you see it? Emphasize that Jesus Christ is King of the universe and of every person whether they acknowledge Christ’s Lordship or not. Everyone needs to learn the will of Christ from a prayerful study of the Bible in order to obey the Lord Jesus Christ and avoid the just consequences of disobedience to God.

 

Word Search

Living with the King of kings Today

January 27, 2019

Philippians 2:1-11

Name __________________________

 

B I C F A H T R A G C O P N Z

U Y G I B M S I C I N E G Y T

K A T Q C L B I R A V S M N P

C H R I S T O I F I D J E S T

V Q E P L X N S T L P M C J Y

N G B U R I Z R J I E S W I L

Z Y H T A P M Y S G O S P A T

S L Q Y Q M E U A I U N F C N

U O T P J T I R H C A F O U O

S L A D H D U N Q J E M L N K

E X O W X O Z I D C F P E X Z

J H I V C A T Y T O R L C J D

N L R N E U J I R W J W F S T

W O E U Q C O T I E C N O C Z

H F S W K N Y J Q H K B Y U Q

 

Encouragement

Christ

Comfort

Love

Participation

Spirit

Affection

Sympathy

Joy

One

Mind

Selfish

Ambition

Conceit

Humility

 

True and False Test

Living with the King of kings Today

January 27, 2019

Philippians 2:1-11

Name __________________________

 

1. Those who trust in Christ can find encouragement, comfort, love, affection, sympathy, and participation in the Spirit. True or False
2. Paul said that especially on Sunday people should never do anything from selfish ambition. True or False
3. Humble people often count others as better or more significant than themselves. True or False
4. People should be concerned about the interests of others as well as themselves. True or False
5. Believers can never have a mind among themselves that is similar to the way Christ Jesus thinks. True or False
6. Because Jesus was in the form of God, He eagerly grasped at and exploited His equality with God. True or False
7. Jesus was born in the likeness of men and took the form of a servant. True or False
8. Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. True or False
9. Jesus name is above almost every other name in the world. True or False
10. At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. True or False

 

Philippians 2:1-11

True and False Test Answers

 

1. True
2. False
3. True
4. True
5. False
6. False
7. True
8. True
9. False

      10.True

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, the scope of Your Son’s self-sacrificial gift to us is beyond our comprehension! It challenges every part of our minds and hearts. May we offer ourselves daily to be used in the service of Your Son. As we do, may we serve one another in love, even at the cost of our very lives. We pray in the name of the Son, who did just that. Amen.