Imitating Christ’s Humility

Opening

Good morning!

Our theme today is on humility

Raise your hand if you think you are the most humble person in the room

Okay, maybe you’re too humble to do that.

How about in the 80th percentile - top 20%? Are you more humble than the person next to you?

I would imagine most of us do not want to be arrogant. We realize pride is an unattractive trait.

And we know the Bible says to be humble.

But something a lot of Christians get wrong is we can have false humility. Have you ever heard of humble pride?

Chuck Lawless is a Vice President at Southeastern Seminary. He wrote an article about determining if your humility is actually false humility.

Here’s some of the questions he asked and I encourage you to reflect on them with me. You don’t need to raise your hand, but if you want to participate you can give me a light groan if any of them leave you feeling convicted.

Do you ever talk about your humility? If you do, you might not be humble.

Do you “lovingly” point out the ego of others? Lawless says, “Folks who constantly see arrogance in others are often themselves quite arrogant.”

Do you often preface sentences with “I hope this doesn’t seem arrogant, but . . .”?

Do you draw attention to yourself by your expressions of humility? That is appearing to be humble

Do you ever bow your head “humbly” when introduced, but secretly love hearing your accolades described?

Do you publicly and “humbly” grieve your sin, but choose to cling to it anyway? Lawless says, “clinging to sin is idolatry, and idolatry is not humble.”

When you share your testimony and talk about God’s grace in your life, are you more often the center of the story?

8. Did you totally dismiss the above questions? If so, you’re definitely not humble

If you answered yes to any of the questions, I’m sorry, but you failed the test. I’ll be honest . . . I said yes to some them. I’m not humble enough to admit which ones.

I have a feeling most of you are in the same boat as me.

Y’all need to read your Bibles! And so do I.

Bible

Speaking of Bibles, if you need a Bible please raise your hand.

We will be in the book of Philippians, chapter 2.

This is in the New Testament toward the back of your Bible.

If you are using one of our copies, it is page 1012.

The last couple of weeks Pastor Josue focused on the theme of Joy in Suffering.

Paul was writing from prison. He was wrongfully put there for his bold faith, but he was joyful knowing that his suffering was resulting in the advancement of the gospel. People were hearing about the good news of Jesus and that was a win for the church!

As we now look at chapter 2 of his letter to the church in Philippi, we’ll see him encourage them (and us) to imitate Christ’s humility.

Why? Why is that important? So that the gospel will continue to advance. Paul knows that the world is watching us.

If they’re wondering who is Jesus Christ? Their first thought is probably to look at Christians - which in the Greek literally means “little Christs.”

If you are taking notes . . .

We are called to imitate Christ’s humility in our . . .

1. Mindset

Follow along with me starting in verse 1. Note right up front some of the “If” statements

Philippians 2:1–11 “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

This is a bold undertaking to imitate Christ’s humility in our Mindset because Paul just reminded us of who Jesus is and how far he went to humble himself.

Here’s the deal, if we are going to attempt to have the mindset of Christ, we have to first connect with Him.

Paul began this section by introducing 4 statements with the conditional word “if” because he’s making an argument - “If these things are true . . . then this should be our response.

Consider the gravity of these statements:

“IF you have any encouragement from being united with Christ.” We get to be in unity with Christ! That is to be invited onto God’s team. One with Him. Is that encouraging to you? If so say “amen”

“IF any comfort from his love.” Does God love you? You better believe He does! So much so that God the Father sent His son Jesus to die for your sins and mine, so that you can have everlasting life (John 3:16).

John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus willingly laid down His life for you.

And Jesus is with you to the very end of the ages (Matthew 28:20). Does that bring you comfort? If so, say “amen”

IF any common sharing in the Spirit. Notice Spirit is capitalized. We are united with God through the power of the Holy Spirit, which dwells in the Church, that is God in every believer. Our sharing in the Spirit is why we get to participate in communion together. I think of Ephesians 4:4-6 when Paul says there is “one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all.”

If you acknowledge that you are joined in brotherhood with every believer by sharing in the Spirit, say “amen.”

And IF you have ANY tenderness and compassion. If Christ is working in you, I know you do.

THEN . . . what should result? A like-minded perspective. More specifically, the same mindset as Christ Jesus.

If Jesus put others ahead of himself, then so should we.

Scholars believe that verses 6-11 is actually a hymn (or worship song) that predates Paul’s letter. The early church may have been singing these words about Jesus’ nature, His sacrifice, and his glory before Paul sent this letter.

Paul uses it here to make a point about how far Jesus went out of His way to demonstrate humility.

Apply:

One way or another we will be humbled. Most of us have had experiences where we were humiliated and it put us in our place. We said something or got caught in an embarrassing situation and got called out. That’ll humble you!

We can choose to live in pride and wait for those moments when we either stumble into it- or- God Himself brings us to it

OR we can proactively humble ourselves by taking the mindset of Christ

I recommend the latter.

Can I take you through an exercise that has helped me to think humbly?

Think of a person who you might struggle to serve. Maybe someone who drives you bananas - or if you’re honest with yourself - someone you think is below you, not worth your time.

I want you to think about yourself and that person in terms of worthiness to be served.

Imagine one of you is going to get the opportunity to have someone come and serve you.

You and that difficult person are both eligible.

On a scale from 1-10. 1 being not deserving at all, 10 being most deserving . . . where would you place yourself and where would you place that other person? Try to be honest.

I have a measuring tape with me. Here is what 1-10 looks like on here. We might put the difficult person at say a 1 or 2. And ourselves, well 10 is a little too generous, let’s give a humble 8, 8 1/2.

Okay, now we need to add one more person to that scale. Where would Jesus go?

Can I get you to hold one end of this?

On a scale from 1 to 10, he is off the charts. He’s way over here. {stretching tape outside the side door}

I’m still going! He is superior. Perfect in every way.

Consider the gap from you to the difficult person. You may need to humble yourself a bit to serve them.

But, consider the gap from Christ to you. If the God of the Universe humbled himself, not using His nature to His own advantage, and becoming obedient even to death . . . How much more should we humbly consider others?

It begins with our mindset and then flows into what comes out of us

We are called to imitate Christ’s humility in our . . .

2. Work

Now look down at verse 12

Philippians 2:12–13 NIV

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling” - does that phrase make you uncomfortable?

Are we not saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ? How are we to work it out and why must we be afraid?

It is not about earning salvation. Jesus took care of that and we are saved by faith in Him. Working out salvation is about living out of it.

One commentator says this about the verse:

Philippians, Colossians, Philemon The Command to Work out Their Salvation (2:12)

The responsibility was to live in accord with their salvation, letting the implications of their relationship with Christ transform their social relationships. Paul really meant, in the first place, that they were to act like Christians.

And though my point is that we are called to imitate Christ’s humility in our work, we must first remember that it is all first because of Christ’s work.

Paul says that He is at work in us to will and act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

There is a fun play on words in this passage. We “work out” because God “works in”

Now here is the humbling part of any work that we produce . . . it’s not about you and me, rather it’s about His purpose. And the end goal is that God is glorified in all of it.

John Piper, a pastor and author, asked; “What is God looking for in the world? Assistants? No. The gospel is not a help-wanted ad. It is a help-available ad. . . . God is not looking for people to work for Him but people who let Him work mightily in and through them.” {Brothers, We Are Not Professionals: A Plea to Pastors for Radical Ministry by John Piper]

Apply:

If we think that we are hot shots and work out of our own strengths, we add no value to the Kingdom of God.

And it’s not that our work is always inherently evil, the problem is that it’s human, it’s limited. Our work produces only temporary results.

But, if we imitate Christ’s humility in our work, God will take that and use us and we can accomplish things on a supernatural scale

How do we open ourselves up to being used by Him? Start by asking Him to reveal His will. “God, what do you want me to do today?” “Where can I be a light for you?” “Jesus, please give me wisdom and direct my steps. I want to work for you.”

Most often, He’ll use us where he already has us, at least for today. We all have roles and responsibilities.

The last several weeks, Pastor Josue has been sharing sports analogies. And he’s certainly taken on some humility in doing that. Some of us have teased him for it.

This one is for Josue.

There is a sport called hockey. It’s the one where 200 pound athletes skate around the ice on blades that are around 1/8 inch thick, and they use sticks to get a small puck (flat round disk) into the net, while their opponents slam them into the sidewalls and glass, and occasionally there is a good fist fight.

It’s my favorite sport. Go Ducks!

Now the athletes get the glory and even the coaches to some degree when their teams are doing well, but there is a humble person that most people don’t know that is making sure the players are cared for and equipped to do their job. They are called the equipment manager.

Because in hockey it is very common that the gloves come off, the helmets too, and the sticks are known to split in half. And this unsung hero is there to make sure that they’re stocked with replacement tools to keep them safe and effective.

We may or may not be in positions where we are recognized this side of heaven, but either way, work humbly as if you are an equipment manager.

Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,”

Sure you don’t get all the attention, but continue to work with integrity. God sees you and you are a vital part on this team’s success as you allow him to work in and through you.

We are called to imitate Christ’s humility in our . . .

3. Words

Philippians 2:14–18 NIV

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

The way someone talks is a good indicator of their level of humility.

Now the biggest give away is someone who boasts and talks constantly about themselves. I hope you don’t do that.

But there are some subtle things we might be guilty of at times that reveal a lack of humility.

Paul gives us two things not to do: grumble and argue.

If you spend a lot of time complaining, you’re probably not humble. You may have been thinking that everything around you is a problem, when the reality is maybe it’s your attitude that is the problem.

I’ll admit that’s been me at times. When I’m overly tired and stressed, I have a way of finding things to be annoying that are really not a big deal. And I’ll usually let my wife hear my unnecessary opinions and commentary.

Grumbling is a joy-killer. Paul says, don’t grumble. Instead he says: Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

I know some people who I’m pretty sure don’t have it too bad, but who complain every time they get a chance. And then I know others who have suffered greatly, who have a lot of physical pain and discomfort, and yet never complain.

The latter are so nice to be around!

I’m not saying you need to keep concerns to yourself. No, let’s pray for one another and encourage each other. But we shouldn’t be known as grumblers.

Some of you know Wanda Lam, who is a medical missionary in Malawi, Africa. In her latest newsletter she included this picture of a Baptist Church in a small village. [Baptist Church in Malawian Village]

A fellow missionary friend of hers said that she’d show this picture the next time someone complains about the AC not being strong enough or more renovation is needed in her home church.

Apply

If you are a grumbler . . . get some perspective.

Paul also tells us not to be arguers. If you always have to win, which has been a struggle for me, you probably aren’t excelling in the humility department.

I’ve heard it said, “When we fight to win the argument, we lose the relationship.” What is more important?

Paul encourages us to replace arrogant speech (grumbling & arguing) with words that build others up. He could’ve complained and argued, but he says “I rejoice with all of you.”

He is happy to celebrate their wins, even though he is personally struggling.

His words elevated others and ours should do the same.

Let’s imitate Christ’s humility in our words.

Finally, we are called to imitate Christ’s humility in our . . .

4. Legacy

Play the long game. As you think about a humble mindset, work, and words - let’s end well.

If Christ returns today, may we be found faithful. If we are to go on for many more years, may we be found faithful.

Paul mentions a couple brothers in Christ who were creating a legacy in their humility.

Philippians 2:19–30 “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.”

Timothy and Epaphroditus, what wonderful guys. Paul identifies that they were not like most people, who look out for their own interest. They were steadfast, that is faithful, in putting the needs of the church ahead of their own.

They were at God’s disposal to help Paul, help the Philippians, and anyone who needed them.

Paul also shows humility in recognizing that he needs others and that he struggles with sorrow and anxiety.

These men were creating a legacy. How did they get to this point? By doing what Paul is now instructing to the Philippians (and us).

They imitated Christs humility in their Mindset, in their works, in their words, and over time that became their legacy.

And now almost 2000 years later we are celebrating their humility.

It can be done, but it will take our intentionality and we must stay fixed on Jesus.

Conclusion

In a moment we’ll pray and I’d like to invite our prayer partners forward.

I want to give you an opportunity to take a humble step in your faith

Maybe it is to pray for your situation, which you can humbly confess is out of your control

Maybe it is to humbly admit a sin in your life that you are ready to leave behind

Maybe you are ready to humble yourself and acknowledge for the first time that you cannot live any longer without a savior and that you need Jesus to forgive you, to save you, and to lead you.

Maybe you want to pray that you’ll have the steadfastness to end with a legacy of Christ-like humility

If we can help you take a step in your faith today, please come forward as I close us in prayer. Then I or one of our prayer partners would love to pray with you personally.