IT’S NOT ABOUT ME

IT’S NOT ABOUT ME - Philippians 2:1–11

I Will Not Let My Membership Be About My Preferences and Desires.

When our living revolves around us and only us, we will find ourself like the dead sea, always taking but never releasing. And when things come that can’t be released, then death sets in. We can loose our joy if you don’t live properly.

The great Example is Jesus. Jesus Christ illustrates the characteristics of the person who does not think of His preferences and desires but of others. I believe if Jesus were here right now, he would say IT’S NOT ABOUT ME!

1. In His servanthood He proved it wasn’t about Him (Phil. 2:7).

2. In His human state He proved it wasn’t about Him (Phil. 2:7).

3. In His poor state He proved it wasn’t about Him (2 Cor. 8:9).

4. In His birth He proved it wasn’t about Him (Luke 2:7).

5. In His family He proved it wasn’t about Him (Luke 2:22-24).

6. In His town He proved it wasn’t about Him (John 1:46).

7. In His homelessness He proved it wasn’t about Him (Luke 9:58).

8. In His fellowship He proved it wasn’t about Him (Matthew 11:19).

9. In His anointing He proved it wasn’t about Him (Luke 7:36-39, 44-48).

10. In His death He proved it wasn’t about Him (Phil. 2:8).

11. In His burial He proved it wasn’t about Him (Matthew 27:57-60).

12. In His resurrection He proved it wasn’t about Him (Matthew 28:6).

He Thinks of Others, Not Himself (Phil. 2:5–6)

The “mind” of Christ means the “attitude” Christ exhibited. Oftentimes outlook determines outcome. If the outlook is selfish, the actions will be divisive and destructive. What is the mind of Christ?

His mind was—

1. A lowly (Matt. 11:291. A lowly (Matt. 11:29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

‌2. A pure (1 Peter 2:222. A pure (1 Peter 2:22 “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth.”

‌3. A strong (Heb. 12:3 “For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.”

‌4. A fruitful (1 Peter 2:23 “who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;”

‌5. An unselfish (Rom. 15:8 “Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers,”

‌6. A prayerful (Luke 6:12 “Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.”

‌7. A loving (Luke 23:34 “Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.”

Let this mind be in you.

He Serves (Phil. 2:7)

Jesus thought of others and became a servant! Look at the stages of Jesus’ servanthood: (1) He emptied Himself; (2) He became a bondservant; (3) He became a sinless human being; (4) He was obedient (5) He willingly went to the cross and died.

He Sacrifices (Phil. 2:8)

There are those willing to serve others as long as it doesn’t cost them anything. But Jesus “became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Phil. 2:8). His was not the death of a martyr but the death of a Savior. He willingly laid down His life for the sins of the world.

He Glorifies God (Phil. 2:9–11)

Do not let your membership in the church be about what you want, your preferences and desires.

IT'S NOT ABOUT US, BUT IT'S ABOUT JESUS.