Broaden Your Scope, Mind Your Cross

stephen elliott

Shine: A Beautiful Hope in a Desperate World. Unquestionably Christian • Sermon • Submitted 6 years ago

Philippians 2:5–11

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Broaden Your Scope, MInd your Cross

Intro: Surgical Illustration, Sacrifice and setting the example

Name: Dr. Evan O’Neil Kane- 1921

Like most great physicians of great experience, Dr. Evan Oneil Kane had become preoccupied with a particular facet of medicine. His strong feelings concerned the use of general anesthesia in major surgery. He believed that most major operations could and should be performed under a local anesthetic, for, in his opinion, the hazards of a general anesthesia outweighed the risks of the surgery itself.

For example, Kane cited a surgical candidate who had a history of heart trouble. In some cases a surgeon may be reticent to operate, fearing the effects of the anesthesia on the heart of the patient. And some patients with specific anesthesia allergies never awakened. Kane’s medical mission was to prove to his colleagues once for all the viability of local anesthesia. It would take a great deal of convincing.

Many patients were understandably squeamish at the thought of “being awake while it happens.” Others feared the possibility of anesthesia wearing off in the middle of surgery. To break down these psychological barriers, Kane would have to find a volunteer who was very brave, a candidate for major surgery who would be willing to accept only local anesthesia.

In his distinguished thirty-seven years in the medical field, Kane had performed nearly four thousand appendectomies. So this next appendectomy would be routine in every way except one. Dr. Kane’s patient would remain awake throughout the surgical procedure under a local anesthesia.

The operation was scheduled for a Tuesday morning. The patient was prepped, wheeled into the operating room, and the local anesthesia was administered. Kane began as he had thousands of times before, carefully dissecting superficial tissues and clamping blood vessels on his way in. Locating the appendix, the sixty-year-old surgeon deftly pulled t up, excised it, and bent the stump under. Through it all the patient experienced only minor discomfort. The operation had been a success.

The patient rested well that night. In fact, the following day his recovery was said to have progressed better than most postoperative patients. Two days later, the patient was released from the hospital to recuperate at home. Kane had proved his point. The risks of general anesthesia could be avoided in major operations. The potential of local anesthesia had been fully realized, thanks to the example of an innovative doctor and a very brave volunteer.

This took place is 1921. Dr. Kane and the patient who volunteered had a great deal in common. They were the same man. Dr. Kane, to prove the viability of local anesthesia, had operated on himself.

(This was from Paul Aurandt, More of Paul Harvey’s, the rest of the story.)

For the good of Mankind, Dr. Kane made a sacrifice and subjected himself to the risks that he was asking others to take.

In our text today, Paul explains how Jesus did the same for us.

What we learn is that Jesus does not ask us to do anything he didn’t do himself.

We don’t serve a God who sits up in Heaven barking orders at us. Do this, Do that! Serve here, serve there! Sacrifice for me!

No! We have a God who chose to become a man on earth. Jesus lived sinlessly, Served Selflessly, Died Sacrificially and Rose Triumphantly!

We don’t have a God that demands, DO!

We have a Savior that gently says, Follow!

We have a savior who gently says, “Follow.”

Luke 9:23 ESV

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Jesus is not talking about a physical cross. He is talking about the battle for the heart and the battle for the mind. Our decisions have huge consequences.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could see into the mind of Christ, to get a glimpse his attitude about His journey to the cross? Well actually, we can! The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write about it in his letter to the Philippians. This passage is believed to be a hymn of the early church.

READ

Philippians 2:5–11 ESV

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 confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:1–11 ESV

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 confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Before we get to the part of the passage about Jesus example, we need to make sure we get the context of the passage first.

So first a brief recap

In chapter one Paul gave us four ways to be attractive for the Gospel of Christ:

1. Remember who we are, we are Citizens of Heaven on Earth.

2. Remember what Jesus Christ did.

3. Have a single mind or be laser focused on spreading the Gospel of Christ.

4. Be unquestionably Christian by having convincing conduct and courageous confidence.

Now we move into chapter two. If chapter one was about having a single mind, chapter 2 is about having a submissive mind. If chapter one was about laser focused, chapter two is about being “OTHERS” focused.

Now we move into chapter two. If chapter one was about having a single mind, chapter 2 is about having a submissive mind. If chapter one was about being laser focused, chapter two is about being “OTHERS” focused. We must broaden out scope.

In chapter 2, Paul gives the Philippian church one more way they can be Unquestionably Christian so we be attractive for the Gospel of Christ: by having a submissive mind or living for others rather than for one self. Tonight we will study about unity and discuss 1-4. But this morning I want us to focus on .

Philippians 2:5–11 ESV

Four Characteristics of a Submissive mind

(Military-not weak!)

1. It thinks of others rather than self.

Philippians 2.5-7

1. Thinks of others rather than self:

Philippians 2:5 ESV

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

Philippians 2:5–6 ESV

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,

a. Grasped…

b. FORM=Outward expression of an inward quality. Jesus is God…

John 1:1 ESV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

ii.

Hebrews 1:3 ESV

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

Hebrews 1:1–3 ESV

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

Ill: Einstein. Theory of unity

iii.

Colossians 1:9 ESV

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

Colossians 1:15 ESV

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

Image of the invisible God.

Colossians 1:3 ESV

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,

Colossians 1:1 ESV

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

v. “The outward expression of the inward nature of God.”

vi. he was willing to let it go for the sake of others.

c. : emptied himself

Philippians 2:7 ESV

but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

i. Emptied himself=Voluntarily laid aside His privileges.

ii. When he left heaven he laid these aside, he did not cease to be God or less than God but laid them aside.

iii. Jesus was willing to accept the loss of privileges for others.

iv. Albert Einstein: Great deal of insight into life, wise person, not a believer, he saw the real issues of very clearly.

v. Happiness: “Well-being and happiness never appear to me as an absolute aim. I am inclined to consider such aims as that of a pig.” “Only a life lived for others is worth living.”

2. It Serves .

became a bondservant.

Philippians 2:7 ESV

but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.

Matthew 20:28 ESV

even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

b. Picture him walking those dusty streets and rocky hillsides, to spread His word. To heal the sick. To feed the hungry.

c. Picture Jesus wearing servants towel, cleaning the grimy feat of his friends AND the one who would betray him.

3. It Sacrifices.

Philippians 2:8 ESV

And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

a. Laid down his life as a misunderstood person and a criminal.

b. The Bible tells us that Christ came at just the right appointed time. He chose the cross as his form of execution. Why? Worst way in human history. Why? So each one of us can look at our circumstances and realize no matter how bad they are and no matter how hurt we are, nothing can compare to what our savior did for us. Somehow that gives strength.

4. It glorifies God.

Its ultimate aim and purpose.

Vs. 9-11.

Philippians 2:9–11 ESV

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 confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

a. If a person is interested in the Glory of God more than anything else, he will have a submissive mind.

b. It’s a mark of a submissive mind.

Application:

I was challenged to look at my priorities. You know what they said. If you want to know your priorities, just look at your bank statement and your calendar. What do you spend your time and your money on? What do you pray for?

When I looked at my prayer, my bank statement and my calendar I saw exactly what my priority was…Me, myself and I.

Most of us are bent on getting God’s blessings NOW that we are not prepared to make personal sacrifices now that will result in that.

c. Joseph

d. David

e. Jesus

1 Peter 5:6 ESV

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

Payday is later! Illustration: Missionaries

Old Rugged Cross Lyrics

On a hill far away, stood an old rugged Cross

The emblem of suff’ring and shame

And I love that old Cross where the dearest and best

For a world of lost sinners was slain.

And I’ll cherish the old rugged Cross

Until my trophies at last I lay down

I will cling to the old rugged Cross

And exchange it some day for a crown.

To the old rugged Cross, I will ever be true

Its shame and reproach gladly bear.

And they’ll call me some day to my home far away

Where His glory forever I’ll share.

And I’ll cherish the old rugged Cross

Until my trophies at last I lay down

I will cling to the old rugged Cross

And exchange it some day for a crown.

I will cling to the old rugged Cross

And exchange it some day for a crown.

But that future payday should give us great joy today. Philippians says a lot about having joy right now. The word is used 16 times in that short book. You know even though Jesus was so maligned and suffered so much, he as the most Joyful person who ever lived.

We can have that same Joy as we put on the Mind of Christ.

How? Christ’s mind or attitude is already present inside us.

When we put our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior he comes to dwell within us.

Philippians 2:13 ESV

for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV

Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?

Jesus says, “You in me and I in you!”

John 14:20 ESV

In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.

Jesus Christ gave his life for you (salvation)

So he could give his life to you (Sanctification)

So He could live his life through you (Service)

The mind of Christ is already in every Christian. The problem is that it is suffocating under our big smothering self-centered mind. Our selfish mind, our conceited mind, our mind that wants to grab grab grab. Our mind that is so focused on me, myself, and I . The mind that is looking out for number one is smothering the mind of Christ. Under all that self, is a cross-shaped mind, full of love, service, and resurrection power just waiting to shine out of our lives!

This little light of mine? How do we let this light shine? We must be crucified with Christ!

Galatians 2:20 ESV

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Jesus said them, If anyone wished to come after me, he must deny himself and pick up his cross daily and follow me.

Luke 9:23 ESV

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Where was he going? To Calvary’s Hill. To Golgotha. We too must die to self.

If we are going to allow the mind of Christ to reign in our life; if we are going to live a life that puts others first and serves others in humility; folks, we cannot sneak past Golgotha! We must die to self, every day!

But Jesus didn’t stay in the grave. He rose from the dead three days later with resurrection power. We don’t just follow him to the cross, we don’t just follow him to the tomb, we are also resurrected to new life in Christ!

Only when we die to self, will we experience his resurrection power and shine as lights in a dark world. Only then will we be attractive for the Gospel of Christ and offer a Beautiful Hope in a Desperate World.

We don’t have a God that demands, DO!

We have a Savior that gently says, Follow!

Invitation:

Will you follow him today? If you are not a Christian, you have never put your faith in Jesus Christ, see him standing there asking you to come to him. He said, Come to me all you are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” Will you come to him today.

The rest of us this morning have a challenge before us. Is there some “self” in you that still must die? Some selfish attitude that is keeping you from being all that God wants from you? Ask him to do it, tell him you want to be completely crucified with Him. He will answer. Its funny, if you are like me, when I face these kinds of convictions I know the Holy Spirit is revealing an area of life that I need to give over to him, but I just don’t want to. I just refuse, the thougth of it makes me sick inside. That is proof of the truth of the passages we are studying. The best we can do in those moments, if we just can’t bring ourselves to let go and let God, is just ask him to give you the want to. And eventually He will. He wants to be on the throne of your heart, will you humble yourself before him and surrender your all today.