Pastor Nate Brosher
Sep 25, 2024
Philippians 2:1-2 NLT - 1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
1. Are we encouraged?
Philippians 2:3-5 NLT - 3 Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Selfish – Eritheia – Strife, contention, a desire to put oneself forward, a partisan and factious spirit which does not disdain low arts.
Empty Conceit - Kenodoxia - vain glory, groundless, self-esteem, empty pride.
Tapeinophrosynē – a humble opinion, deep sense of one’s littleness, modesty, humility, lowliness of mind.
2. Why isn’t our attitude matching His?
Philippians 2:6-8 NLT - 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross.
Matthew 26:53-54 NLT - 53 Don't you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? 54 But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?"
“Selfishness must give way to selflessness”
Philippians 2:9-11 NLT - 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Elevated - Hyperypsoō - to exalt to the highest rank and power, raise to supreme majesty, to be lifted upwith pride, exalted beyond measure.
Ephesians 2:4-7 NLT - 4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
Our unity in Christ will keep our attitudes in check.