Wedding Sermon: Jeff and Megan

Introduction

This passage I am about to read is one that Jeff and Megan specifically chose to have preached on their wedding day. When they told me about their choice, I thought it was such a beautiful exhortation to begin their married life by.

The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 2:1-11

Philippians 2:1–11 ESV

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. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Exposition

Though Paul intended this instruction to be primarily about relationships within the church, it applies just as much within the covenant union of marriage and the household formed by it.

Paul’s Instruction vv. 1-4

Paul instructs the church in Philippi, starting in verses 1-2.

Philippians 2:1–2 ESV

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.

Those who belong to Christ, who have all experienced the same salvation that God gives us through faith Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection, ought to be of one mind, having the same love, living with the same virtue.

This is a way of living that is clearly taught and demonstrated to us in the scriptures.

And this part coming up is the common attitude that we ought to have, this is the exhortation. Paul writes in vv. 3-4:

Philippians 2:3–4 ESV

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

(read it again)

This clear instruction from the word of God is in sharp contrast to how so many people live their lives; selfishly expecting those around them to serve them, meet their needs, make them happy.

Selfishness is the cause of so much strife in our society, within the church, and within marriages and households.

When we see others as merely a means to our happyness; when we expect others to fulfill our desires, not only will we be disappointed every time others fail to meet our demands, but even when our desires are met, we will be left empty.

Even though a person means to bring themselves happiness through selfishness, it never delivers. Selfish people are without a doubt some of the most unfulfilled you could ever meet.

Selfishness breeds misery. Because selfishness is not the way God has intended us to live. And it is the opposite of what Jesus demonstrated for us.

We are told here, “do nothing from selfish ambition or conciet.”

“But in humility...

in humility...

count others more significant than yourselves.”

Someone once said that, “humility is not thinking less of yourself, but is thinking of yourself less.” I love that, it’s so true.

Humility is not about feeling down on yourself, or thinking I’m worthless, I’m nothing. Feeling down on yourself is still thinking about yourself.

Humility is not looking down on others, or looking down on yourself. Rather, humility is lifting your eyes so you can see others, see their needs, and meet them.

As v. 4 says,

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Humility is attuning our focus to the people around us and seeking to serve them.

Humility and service go together. Humilty is the attitude one requires to truly serve others with their actions. Humilty is the heart, service is the hands.

Christ’s Humility vv. 5-11

When we truly prioritize the needs and interests of others ahead of ourselves, we participate in the same love that the Son of God, Jesus Christ demonstrated for us.

We are told in verses 5-8,

Philippians 2:5–8 ESV

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

The eternal Son of God, left the glory of heaven to take on human flesh as the man Jesus of Nazareth. This was an incredible act of humilty, but he didnt stop there. He walked humbly in obedience to God and in service of others. His earthly life culminated in the greatest demonstration of humilty and the ultimate act of service; Jesus died on a Roman cross to take on himself the just punishment that we all deserve for our sins.

He died in our place, for our sins. So that if we come to him in repentance and faith we can recieve forgiveness for all of our sins.

Because of Christ’s death on the cross, all of the evil that you and I did, do, or will do, is paid for. Because he humbly served us by dying in our place, we are declared innocent. And more than that, we are given eternal life with God, if we simply repent of our sin and believe this good news.

It was because of Jesus’ humility in going to the cross for the sins of the world, that after Jesus was raised from the dead, verses 9-11 tell us that:

Philippians 2:9–11 (ESV)

God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

This is the gospel, the good news that we are given to recieve, and share. And we have this good news because of the humility of Christ.

If we have such a service done for us, and such a humilty demonstrated for us. Why wouldn’t we have this same humility towards others?

Application

When we have this humilty in our dealings with those in our community, we are able to serve others, demonstrating the love of God to a world that desparately needs to recieve it.

When we have this humility in our relationships within the church. We can truly meet the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ, building the kind of true community everyone wishes they had.

When we have this humility within a marriage, it helps to foster a relationship that is truly beautiful.

When a husband seeks the good, meets the needs, and cares for the happiness of his wife. His heart is attuned to serve her. This is humility. And it is beautiful.

When a wife seeks the good, meets the needs, and cares for the happiness of her husband. Her heart is attuned to serve him. This is humility. And it is indeed beautiful.

Exhortation and Conclusion

Jeff and Megan. You have both recieved salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. You know of the humilty of Christ, and have experienced his great service to you in his death for your sins.

Jeff, as a man who has recieved this great gift of salvation, who knows the example Christ has given of his humility and service. Demonstrate this same humilty to your bride Megan. Humbly serve her, meet her needs, care for her well being. Make this your priority in your marriage. And, by God’s grace, you will have the joy of seeing her flourish in your care.

Megan, as a woman who also has recieved this great gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, who understands his example of humility and service. Demonstrate the same humility to your husband Jeff. Humbly serve him, meet his needs, care for his well being. Make this a priority in your marriage. And, by God’s grace you will have the joy of seeing him flourish in your care.

God has brought you, Jeff and Megan, together to love, serve, and honour one another. Delight in humility, glory in service, and by his grace God will bless your household as you build it together.