Philippians 2 DEVO: Humility, Humility, Humility…

Chapter 2:
This chapter totally ROCKS!
Four times he uses “if” in verse one, and it is better translated “since” because we do have encouragement, comfort, fellowship, tenderness & compassion IN Christ! Since this is true we should be “like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” And because being precedes doing, then we are reminded how to act – not with…
- selfish ambition = wanting what others have
- vain conceit = prideful about what we have
Instead – in HUMILITY (this is the key) – consider others better than ourselves! Not our natural attitude but a supernatural one! And are you ready for an attitude adjustment?
OUR ATTITUDE should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
- Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, = Jesus had the right to His “Godness” but did not exercise that right!
- But made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. = this is the kenosis, the emptying of Himself. Not sure what all he emptied or gave up (certainly some knowledge – Matthew 24:36) but is was a lot!
- And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross! = Humility & obedience are still great character qualities in God’s eyes!
And as a result, God exalted Jesus!
So how do we exercise humility?
- With fear, trembling, without complaining or arguing and sacrificially – even to death!
Paul then concludes by giving two living examples of humility:
Timothy – “…no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.”
Epaphroditus – “brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill….welcome him ….honor men like him”
SO WHAT?!
*PRIDE – It started in the garden and is still the root of most sin! On the pride-humility scale, where do you locate yourself? What are we willing to give up for Jesus, the One who gave up everything for ALL of us?!
*If actions speak louder than words, then attitudes speak louder still. How’s the attitude today? Do you need an AA class? (Attitude Adjustment)
*Look at what Paul wrote about Tim & Epapy – WOWSA!~! What would other write about you in a letter? What would you like them to write? What needs to change in our lives in order for these two questions to have the same answer???