Christ Centered Humility, Brings Unity.

Philippians 2:1-11

Announcements

Fall Retreat

High School Small Groups on Friday. It is not too late!

Introduction

Illustration: The Teacup and the Teapot

Imagine a beautifully ornate teapot, crafted with care and precision, sitting proudly on a table. Next to it is a simple, plain teacup. One day, the teacup says to the teapot, "Why do you always pour your tea into me? I want to be full and admired like you. I don’t want to be emptied every time someone takes a sip!"

The teapot replies, "My dear friend, I’m filled so that I can pour into you, and you are emptied so you can serve others. This is our purpose."

The teacup reflects for a moment and then realizes that without the teapot pouring into it, it would never be able to fulfill its role. And without being emptied, it could never serve the very people it was made for.

In Philippians 2:1-11, we see the ultimate example of humility and selflessness in Christ. Though He was in the form of God, He didn’t cling to His position or privilege. Instead, He poured Himself out, taking on the nature of a servant and even becoming obedient to death on a cross. Just like the teapot and teacup, we are called to live in humility, not holding onto our own status or desires but pouring out our lives in service to one another, just as Christ did for us.

Philippians 2:1–11 “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 co…”

Pray

Context

Who- Paul

What

When

Where

Why

The Call to Unity and Humility V.1-4

Exposition

Define humility

Biblical humility is the recognition of one’s own limitations, weaknesses, and need for God, while placing others' needs and interests above one's own. It involves acknowledging that all we have—our abilities, achievements, and status—are ultimately gifts from God and not reasons for self-exaltation.

Humility, in a biblical sense, isn't about self-deprecation but about having an accurate view of oneself in light of God's greatness. It calls us to:

Dependence on God: Recognizing that apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5).

Valuing others above ourselves: As Paul writes in Philippians 2:3, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves."

Serving others selflessly: Following Christ’s example, who humbled Himself by taking on the form of a servant and obeying God, even to the point of death (Philippians 2:5-8).

Biblical humility, therefore, is not just thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less, seeking to honor God and serve others. It is deeply connected to unity in the body of Christ because it removes pride and self-centeredness, the barriers that often divide us.

V.1

V.2

V.3

V.4

Illustration:The Geese in Flight

Have you ever watched a flock of geese flying in their famous V-formation? It’s a beautiful sight, but what’s even more impressive is the reason behind it. Scientists have found that as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in this formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% more flying range than if each bird flew alone. When one goose gets tired, it rotates to the back of the formation, and another steps forward to lead. If a goose becomes sick or injured, two others will drop out of the formation and stay with it until it recovers or passes on.

This is a beautiful picture of unity. Each bird is helping the others; they fly further together than they ever could alone. This is how the body of Christ is called to function—working together, supporting one another, and achieving more than any of us could on our own. As Paul says in Philippians 2:1-2, we are to be "like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind." Unity is not just about working together, it’s about caring for one another along the way.

Application

Begin to look in your life and see how you are being selfish.

In the home

WIth your friends

With the church

With the lost

The Example of Christ’s Humility. V. 5-11

Exposition

Illustration

Application

Conclusion

How can I obtain this Christ centered humility? The gospel

Share it

How will you respond? Take the first step of faith for the unbeliever

Or for the follower of Jesus,

Small Group Questions

What are some ways you need to seek unity? (In home, at church, with friends)

What does it mean to be humble?

Can we truly be humble?

Why is it important to follow Jesus’ example of humility?