The Messiah Followed

THE CHALLENGE 1-4

True humility is necessary for unity

v1 lists four conditions that should characterize the Followers relationship with God in Christ.

v2 fulfill=corporately=means they are doing some of this but Followers of Christ are to STRIVE for more Christlikeness

3-4-individual action that is a result of the earlier conditions

THE MESSIAH-CHRIST 5-11

Here we have Christs own example of selfless sacrifice

THE CHOICE 12-13

A true disciple will someday exhibit the courage of Jesus, the compassion of Jesus, practice what Jesus practiced, and, over the long haul be transformed more and more into the likeness of Jesus,

conclusion of the example set before us in Jesus-v12 is a command

choice=we hate to be commanded to do anything- we praise our autonomy-but as a Christ follower we follow Him. die to ourselves enabled by God

300 Illustrations for Preachers Most Americans Think They Are above Average

A May 2014 poll conducted by YouGov found that only 4 percent of Americans think they are less intelligent than the average person. Most (55 percent) think that they are smarter than average. The poll also found that wealthier respondents were more likely to think that Americans in general are unintelligent.

Since 49 percent of Americans are actually less intelligent than the average, this would indicate that many people are guilty of ignoring Paul’s admonition to not think more highly of ourselves than we really are. These results seem to show that humility may be a missing ingredient in modern American life.

—Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

v-13 justification for the command

THE CONTROL 14-16

with Christ as our example we are not only able but also motivated to continue working out our salvation and hold fast to the Word of life, we have the choice presented earlier and now the control. this part is in your control

150 Expository Sermon Outlines 14. Dedication (Philippians 2:1–16)

General William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, was asked why he did such a great work for God. He replied, “God had every ounce of me.” Many want God’s blessings, but do not want to be “tied down” to God’s work.