Humility Founded on Love (Phil 2:1-4)

Humility Founded on Love

Philippians 2:1-4

GBCCR 4/27/24

There was a missionary in the 12th century

i. Who went to ancient Great Britain, and there the local tribal king called together his wise men to ask. “Should we hear the gospel or not?”

1. One said. He said, “Our life is like the flight of a bird through our lighted hall. In comes the bird out of the dark, flies about a little while in the light of our torches, and flies out again into the dark. So we come out of the dark, and go into the dark. If these strangers can tell us anything better, let us listen.”[i]

2. How do we know Christianity is true? Because if it isn’t, we’re nothing more than frightened little birds who come from the dark and flutter around frantically before returning to a cold and blackened void.[ii]

3. All other religious and philosophical ideas, if followed to their logical ends, lead to chaos and irrationality. Only Christianity gives meaning to life. One can be both consistent in mind and happy in spirit only with theism in general and Christianity in particular.[iii]

ii. If Christianity is true then… if we have hope, we should live with humility

1. Survival of the fittest leads to pride

2. You only live once leads to arrogance

3. I worked hard and earned this leads to self-focus

4. Only the good news of Christianity frees us from self-focus so we can love others in humility

4. Review- We just finished chapter 1, so where are we

i. Paul has shown us the example of living a life that actually is worth living

1. There is something so contagious of a joyous person whose story is not… I have everything perfect in life

2. his aim was gospel growth (people hearing about Jesus) and God’s glory (which God being sovereign always brings about) *So he knew it would be accomplished and his life would be worth something

ii. But then Paul turns the cannons on us, his readers in verse 27

Philippians 1:27- Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

1. The Christian gospel is the foundation that must be built upon because God wants us to honor Him

iii. And we are not supposed to live worthy alone, but we are served into a community called the church

iv. But there was problems, fighting in the Philippian church.

1. So Paul will take the next two chapters laying out theological and human examples for why laying needs for others is the godly and joyful path

v. We too are not perfect. Like Philppi we are a loving church, that cares for others, that knows bible, but far from perfect. So I ask myself, and I ask you.

Where is the lack of unity within your life?

So let’s see

II. 4 questions to lead you into having the same mind.

1. Are you Motivated by the benefits of Christ? (1)

i. Paul gives 4 “if” statements to lead us to live a humble life

And if requires a then, so the if’s a verse 4 result in verse 2-4

-Remember, this is written to Christians

-So Paul is not asking, he is telling them this is true

Grammar hat on just for a minute.

90% of time, English is wonderful

But here Greek is little different.

4 types of conditionals (ifs)

Class 1= If, as indeed is the case.

Class 2= assumes something not true is actually true for the sake of argument.

Ie: 1 cor 13:1- If I have all faith as to remove mountains. He can’t actually do it.

{no class 3 and 4 for tonight}

These 4 are first class conditions that are true

1. Encouragement

a. The word means to embolden, exhort, lift someone up when they are disappointed

b. Remember, Paul has just mentioned the pressure of the conflict they are going through in v30 from living in this world

c. But this is not just any encouragement….

i. Lots of things can encourage us that are self-focused -like you’re young, you’ll figure it out -or you’re doing so well in some many other ways

ii. And those could be good and helpful, yet

d. The encouragement is found in Christ

i. He is the source of encouragement just like He is the source of new life

Romans 6:11- Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

ii. In Christ we have purpose and hope

1 Thessalonians 5:9–11- For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.

But the second benefit is:

2. Consolation/ Relief

a. Very similar to encouragement as it is dealing with a hard time.

b. Means to alleviate pain like taking an advil

c. But there are some pains that wont go away easily,

i. A feeling of being alone? Hurt from a close friend? Expectation not met? A family member lost?

d. The great NT scholar DA Carson writes, “Was there any comfort in times of pain or loneliness as you have basked in the assurance that you are loved by God himself and loved by other believers.”

i. When people try to offer you that love, take it… that is Christ showing his love to you through them…

ii. & remember Christ’s love for you believers

Trans: that love from others comes from the 3rd benefit

3. Fellowship

a. Means a sharing or willing contribution. An attitude of goodwill or generosity towards others.

b. But note the fellowship or sharing is what? Not just soup at a potluck It’s the spirit.

c. It is a fellowship created by the Holy Spirit

i. Not with the spriit, but using other scriptures we know this is fellowship that spirit gives to all

ii. If the holy Spirit lives in each and every Christian, then we have the ultimate connection, the ultimate interest in common.

Ephesians 4:3–4- being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling;

Romans 15:30- Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me

d. Have you ever had another Christian share something with you that let you know you belonged?

Rod Mccleary- an elder in the church I grew up in. Grabbed me by the shoulder and just said he loved me. Saw me as a friend

e. For someone whose identity is in Christ, that connection with others in Christ brings great joy

And that connections brings 4th,

4. Affection and compassion

a. Affections is interesting word…

i. Means your internal organs, like your spleen.

ii. Today, We say the heart is source of your feelings, they thought your emotions came from somewhere deeper inside you

iii. It means the source of love, sympathy, and mercy

b. It is tied with another word meaning mercy which is shown to those who are suffering

i. Have you ever experienced that deep love from someone? That ache of care for somone?

ii. That is one of the great benefits of the Church of Jesus Christ, you have loving people who really care for each other.

c. It does not appear Paul is saying anything new here, but instead is a passionate appeal to list another blessing you may have received.

d. If you are a Christian, and have had the gospel affect you, and live among a people who live worthy of the gospel you will see this

i. Realize how blessed you are to be at this church, to be with these people. Note how people have been a blessing from God.

ii. We are to motivated by the benefits Christ gives us.

1. Paul’s using a little guilt here to move them forward

a. But it’s not a selfish kind

b. Like saying don’t leave the door open, it will waste money and cause everyone to catch cold

2. when there are disagreements, there is invariably a door opened for Satan to disseminate impious doctrines

3. So, Christ’s work should motivate us toward unity

iii. Application

1. Might I suggest that Paul is giving every generation of Christians a challenge here?

a. Has God been good to you, Church?

b. Has he provided your encouragement, love, fellowship, affection and compassion?

c. Has he saved you with his life?

d. So then will you live for him?

e. Are you focused on the goal of living worthy of the gospel?

2. To any unbeliever:

a. You may feel slightly out of place

b. -you have conjure up what other people seem to do naturally

c. Yes, that makes sense, there is a bound among believers that exists and it might feel like you’re visiting a close family on thanksgiving and you don’t always understand the jokes or history.

d. But that’s ok, because in this family we want you to be a part

e. The key is that its something that has been done

Trans: If these various realities of life in Christ and the Spirit mean anything to you at all — indeed, if we share these together in Christ (Fee)…then. 2ndly.

2. Are you laying aside I? (2)

i. Him or her instead of me

1. This the first command Paul makes.

2. To complete his joy… = to fill up his cup. Overflowing with happiness…

a. We know that trials can be considered joy according to James 1

b. But Paul tells us also that joy comes from being united with people in their good

Romans 12:15- Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

c. But, Seeing someone else’s responsiveness nourishes our joy. This fascinating form of encouragement is a privilege you get when you involve yourself in ministry. [iv]

3. You must remember that Paul was their spiritual father

a. He brought them the gospel

b. Started the church there

c. Continues to pray for them.

d. So they love him enough to seek to support him financially in the midst of their poverty

4. Paul is very tactfully encouraging them to remember their love for him and apply that to the difficulties with each other

a. He is saying "if God's compassion and mercy have produced those same qualities in you toward me, as you know I have toward you, then complete my joy by having a single mindset among yourselves[v]

b. The perfect gift to Paul, and any spiritual leader for that matter is a willingness to lay aside me for the sake of others

c. This was in no way this is a selfish thing for him, but a delight to see his spiritual children thrive

5. So, instead of focusing on my way, do I care for the ones gave me so much… the ones who poured into and loved me?

Trans: And how do we show that we love them?

ii. 2ndgoal: We instead of I

1. Paul makes the connection of all the “ifs” from before to what they should do

a. Same love like the consolation of love

b. Same spirit like the fellowship of the spirit

2. *Notice that all the ifs had some connection with the body of Christ. They can be the means god uses. *If you have been blessed by them… bless others!

3. Bless them by being of the same soul and mind

a. What God has done for us brings our eyes to him and the leads us to love one another

4. We find out connection and hope in Christ Jesus.

Pastor Milton Vincent in the gospel primer- I realize that the greatest gift I can give to my fellow-Christians is the gospel itself. Indeed, I love my fellow-Christians not simply because of the gospel, but I love them best when I am loving them with the gospel!

iii. Are you willing to lay aside yourself?

1. It is quite possible to do all sorts of morally virtuous things when our hearts are filled with pride or a desire for power

a. Churches have been started and grown

b. World-changing books have been written

c. People have been saved through evanglists

d. But it comes crashing down built on pride as the churches shut down and the man leaves is disgrace

e. I’m not sure if the media just makes these stories more well known, but it seems like a time when those with huge followings are crashing everywhere in the chrsitian world

2. Instead,

3. Are we wiling to lay aside myself

iv. Application

1. What should be your purpose, what drives you?

a. If like some, you see the golden years of your life as the time when you finally get to do what you want, to say what you want and leave all the drama to younger you are missing what God has best

b. If instead, we hear the wisdom from the daily scripture reading earlier this week

Psalm 92:14–15- They will still yield fruit in old age; They shall be full of sap and very green, To declare that the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

c. The fruit of old age is holiness and declaration of God

i. Not ease because sometimes your family will make it hard for you

ii. But will you declare Him out of love for them, even if they do not like it

We've seen the M and the I, but similarly

3. Are you Noticing others? (3)

i. Explanation

1. He gives the contrary saying stay away from selfishness or conceit

2. Selfishness is the same word he used of his accusers in 1:17

a. It means to work for hire, a mercenary

b. It is the same attitude of those who were preaching to hurt Paul

3. Vanity is a desire for praise

1. “Paul knew that Christian are hard to get along with. Be he also knew that Christian have a duty to see more than another’ Christian’s faults.” (Boice) = seeing what they need, over you

IT will not bring you happiness or satisfaction.

The world may tell you to look out for #1, but Solomon tells us that is Vanity.

Why? Everyone dies in the end, everyone faces God

What will you tell God you did with your life?

Trans: The one who understands doesn’t live for something that will not last,

4. The message commentary (aka The message bible) says this: Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand (The message)

5. So, Live with humility of mind

a. Humility means to be lowly minded, to see others as higher and a more of a priority than you

b. Not false humility

i. Oh, I’m such a bad singer, player, student…whatever….{hand motion} Oh, now you’re not Oh, yeah I am {hand motion} No really.

ii. It is not put yourself down so others will bring you up

c. Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less often, looking to others

d. And this was shocking in Paul’s day

e. TO be humble was to be seen as a slave… a weakness

i. But look at v8-9.

ii. Jesus exaltation and power will be bowed down to because he humbled himself.

f. Humility is not just the right thing to do, it is the only way you will truly succeed and receive everlasting approval.

ii. Illus- We are to notice others

1. In his book, Point of the Lance, Sargent Shriver said the secret and strength of the Peace Corps lies in the concept and contagion of volunteers. There is something chivalrous about answering the call to serve.[vi]

2. Imagine what it would be like to be part of a church in which every member thinks of himself or herself as one of God's own "peace corps." Each member would face conflict by thinking and acting as a peacemaker.

a. peacemaking is hard, sacrificial work that must be guided by the truths of scripture[vii]

3. You are too supposed to be noticing others

iii. Application

1. All of sin is grounded in pride:

a. every bad thing you do flows from an arrogant heart that is selfishly ambitious. If looking at pornography is an evil practice (and it is!), then it must flow from a heart that is full of envy, selfish ambition, and arrogance. The choice is simple and clear: you can look at porn, or you can be humble. But you cannot do both!

2. How do we do this?

a. We put the good of others ahead of ourselves

b. We deal with difficult people with a gentle voice and hand.

c. We do not expect other people to grow faster than we have

d. Pride means we use people, humility is bless

4. Are you Drawing your attention to others? (4)

i. Explanation

1. We have to clarify something whose interest we’re focused on here

a. The NASB says not merely look out for your interest, as if you’re still supposed to, but also look out for others

b. However, merely is in italics, meaning they’re adding that word to make the English flow better

c. THe CSB translates this Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.[viii]

2. People great the great commandment wrong

a. Jesus said there are two comamndments

Matthew 22:37–40- And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

b. People want to add a third and say love yourself

c. But Jesus is not commanding that, he is saying you love not that too much already!

d. Again Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less often

3. We must see others needs like we already do our own

a. Interests means knowing them, what they’re needs are]

b. Look comes from the word meaning to mark, goal, or spy out

i. It means do not just come across their interest, but to search them out

ii. Your attention must be drawn to others

Its not easy: one poet wrote

It takes more work to be humble:

It takes more grace than I can tell

To play the second fiddle well.

4. A second chair has to watch closely how to first chair leads, supporting hi

5. God calls you to draw your attention to the needs of others

iii. Application

1. How do you be humble?

a. Admit that in yourself you do not care for others. CS lewis- “the first step is to realize that one is proud.”

b. Humble yourself before God. See 1 peter 5:5-6 You will say like Peter I am a sinful man, go away from me. (Luke 5:8)

c. Daily fellowship with Christ… our source of life. See yourself as the pedestal, as the lowly one before God.

2. Paul gives this example well.

“For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.” (1 Corinthians 9:19, ESV)

a. Are you a servant to the people here?

b. But anyone can love those who love them, right?

i. But while we were still sinners, Christ died for the ungodly

III. Therefore

1. Since we have seen (Cohesion)- Humility of the same MIND

i. Motivated by the blessings of Christ

ii. I is laid aside

iii. Noticing others leads to greater joy

iv. Drawing our attention to others will reveal our pride and change

2. We know we must (Resolution)-

i. I have permission to share about how one of my children commented yesterday. Why do they keep counting tables we’ve already eaten?

ii. Isn’t that how we often think… why anyone else?

The gospel primer:

The more I experience the gospel, the more there develops within me a yearning affection for my fellow-Christians who are also participating in the glories of the gospel.

The church should never be thought of a social club for perfect people.

We are a military hospital, patching people up and sending them back into battle.

iii. What makes a great apologetic for the gospel is people willing to care about others in humility

IV. Closing prayer

1.

[i]Morgan, Robert J. 2000. Nelson’s Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations, and Quotes. Electronic ed. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers. [ii]Morgan, Robert J. 2000. Nelson’s Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations, and Quotes. Electronic ed. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers. [iii]Morgan, Robert J. 2000. Nelson’s Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations, and Quotes. Electronic ed. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers. [iv]Powlison, David. 2017. “The God of All Comfort.” The Journal of Biblical Counseling 31, no. 3: 11–12. [v] ." Fee, Gordon D. (1995-07-14). Paul's Letter to the Philippians (New International Commentary on the New Testament) (Kindle Locations 5464-5465). Eerdmans Publishing Co - A. Kindle Edition [vi]Jones, G. Curtis. 1986. 1000 Illustrations for Preaching and Teaching. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers. [vii] If You Bite & Devour One Another (Alexander Strauch). [viii] Christian Standard Bible. 2020. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.