How Low Can You Go?

[Scripture] If you have any encouragement

In Christ the pursuit of lowliness is of the highest calling.

vain-glory: preference and promotion of self

promotion of self

Intro: Why be humble? (SLIDE)

unity in heart, mind, and soul

An example of being low

Unity and humility go hand in hand (2:1-3)

They work together. When we have one, we will have the other. You will have unity with others when you are humble. When we are humble we will be unified. You might be if unity and humility go hand in hand, what is this if business then? Doesn’t Paul write if... If there is ecouragement in Christ; if there is fellowship with the Spirit; if there is any tenderness…He does, but he doesn’t mean it. Lets walk through what’s going on. Paul is wanting them to be humble in thought. And here is why.

In chapter one Paul lays out his desire, his prayer for the saints, elders and deacons of Philippi. He wrote I thank my God every time I remember you in all my prayers for all of you I always pray with joy because of your partnership in gospel from the first day until now. And I am confident in this that he who began a good work in you will carry it onto completion. It is right for me to feel this way about you since I hold you in my heart, for whether in chains or defending and confirming the gospel all of you share in God’s grace with me. And God can testify how I long for all of you with he affection of Christ Jesus. This is my prayer that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you will be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with he fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God. And later Paul get’s to one of contributing factors of his emotional state towards these believers when he thanks them for their gifts that they have sent to him for the supply of his ministry. He called their gift a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. (SLIDE)Their gift came by way of hand delivery through a man named Epaphroditus. Some suspect this could have even been their own pastor. But even if it wasn’t he clearly was someone dedicated to the gospel for he almost died in serving Christ on this trip. Clearly this church has a lot right. But this letter is as Pastor Tony would say, a pat on the back and a kick in the pants. For we can also see in chapter four that Paul wrote, “I entreat Euodia and Syntyche to agree in the Lord.” And we can also see in our passage of study today an imperative to do nothing from selfish ambition. This church was ready, willing and did give support to Paul and his ministry, even to possibly send their own pastor, yet their relationships with each other were strained. Why?(SLIDE) No unity, no humility. Paul wanted to get their mind right. His if statements are more sarcastic in nature. They are not an if then phrase but more since you have encouragement in Christ, comfort from love, fellowship with the Spirit, affection and sympathy, because you already have shown all of this to me, have this among yourselves through humility of thought.

The lifting of the lowly

Whenever my kids were young, they would make words or use phrases in ways that were not really “normal.” They were young it’s cute, we’d let slide for a bit you know, but then there would be a time to correct for educational purposes. I admit at times get a little particular with words. In fact very recently I had passionate debate on the meaning of “here” while playing a card game. So, with that said, let me ask you; what is the opposite of up-side down? Agreed, but to the mind of a child it is up side up. I decided to never correct that one. Because it is correct. The “up side” is referencing a spacial reality, where as the “right side” is a presupposition as to which side is correct in the vertical orientation. Therefore it is not an opposite, it is something else; the opposite would be up side up. There is something about the way children see things. A genuine acceptance of things at face value. In fact Jesus said that if we don’t become like children we don’t have a part with him. Humility is needed. We need an up side up kind of faith. And an up side up approach to relationships.

We need to seek humility in how we treat one another and how we interact with one another. Not only did Paul say to be of the same mind but to have one mind in full unity with each other. To do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, instead to count others as more significant.

It seems this church in Pilippi had a lot of Fix it Felixes. Anytime there was an issue or a problem, “I know how to fix that.” No other church is supporting Paul in his ministry, lets be sure we do. There’s a lot of irreverent handling of our festivals and ceremonies, lets tidy that up a bit. These are people who felt the had the corner market on ministry. I know what we ought to be doing. Our tithes and offerings should be supporting this ministry…Our church should be doing this more…How come whenever I come here I don’t see anyone doing . That’s wrong. This is broke. That won’t work. On and on. Paul called this selfish ambition and conceit. Other translations have vain glory. An empty pursuit of self promotion. In no way should that be a part of our walk. The Spirit has brought even further conviction on me with Paul’s statement here in this passage about how I approach my work. Am I in empty pursuit of self promotion or am I looking to exemplify the gospel through humility? To let things go, if someone tries to characterize me as uncaring. To make others look better than myself. It’s a challenge in the work place especially when dealing with those who are free from righteousness as explained in . But here in the body of Christ, where we have fellowship with the Spirit. We should not give in to the tug on our identity crisis. Butting heads because what someone else is passionate about isn’t “our” thing.

What you have been gifted and called to do isn’t necessarily what I have been gifted and called to do, nor are those markers for what those in the back row have been gifted and called to do. Especially those who are on the side columns…is that right…I dunno. My brothers and sisters, listen to Paul’s words. have the same mind, the same one mind, don’t be consumed in thinking that your gifts are what the church needs or your ministry idea is the best but, or be consumed with making sure others know what you’ve done or how serious and commited you are. No consider others as more significant, more important than yourself. Yes work out your passions, use how God has gifted you to build up the body of Christ, but not only that; look for how others are gifted and help them, look for ways to support them in their passions and how they desire to work for Christ. Look for ways to encourage each other and build each other up in love. And yes, similarly to what Tony preached on with prophecy, test things out. Someone decides, you know what I believe God is wanting me to start a lawn grazing ministry right here with a pack of alpacas...probably not...Is God being glorified? is it edifying the body? Is it going to mature disciples by investing in their walking, working, and worshiping of Christ? Yes, then lets do it; all in; sink or swimg. I do want to say I’ve been encouraged by you all. I am glad to be a part of this body. I’ve seen many instances of this church humbly loving one another. Most recently with a group of ladies who have been setting with the Twiats in their distress. That was a fragrant offering pleasing to God. Also, there are some people who are passionate about loving our neighbors as a church. I am encouraged about that as well. I am also encouraged because George our Elder Chair is leading us as elders in considering how to equip the saints in support these passions and gifts. As Elders we are working through how best to do that right now. All that comes by way of humility, considering others more than ourselves.

But even humility, does not come by way of our own efforts. I can’t come to something and say I’m gonna humble the snot out of this. No we need to be humble in spirit.

For those in Christ we we are told in that we have the mind of Christ; Living and breathing as you can see here (SLIDE)on the screen “O LORD, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. Paul’s final imperative to be humble for the sake of unity is to have this mind, this one same mind that is yours because and through Jesus.

In we are told that we have the mind of Christ; And as you can see here on the screen in “O LORD, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.

O LORD, my heart is not lifted up;

my eyes are not raised too high;

I do not occupy myself with things

too great and too marvelous for me.

2  But I have calmed and quieted my soul,

like a weaned child with its mother;

like a weaned child is my soul within me.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Transition (Why be Humble 1. Unity and humility go hand in hand) (SLIDE)

Humility is the cause for obedience (2:4-8)

Being humble will result in being obedient. At least it worked that way for Jesus. I like to joke around about being the most humblest person you have ever met. (shoulder shrug) It’s funny, for me at least. If you can’t laugh at yourself who can you laugh at right? Well I guess technically you could still laugh at everyone else, but that’s a different story all together. I am quickly derailing here, where we at? Ahh (point finger) Humility. Jesus in fact is the most humblest one of all. And when we compare that statement to who Jesus is, it is absolutely mind boggling. Look at what is said about him in verses 4-8. Jesus, who being in the very form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be grasped but made himself nothing. Taking on the form of a servant being made in the likeness of men. And having been found in the appearance of man he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Jesus was in the form of God. We don’t even have a frame of reference to understand what that means. But we are very familiar with post Christmas Jesus, this pre-Christmas Jesus however, that’s a whole nother ball game, and as many other metaphors as we can throw at it. The eternal Word that was there in the beginning, the Lord Hosts, the 4th man in the furnace who looked like a god, became a child gnawing on his finger because his gums hurt. The origin of life itself looked forward to dinner time because he was hungry. The sustainer of all things became one that needed sustenance. I don’t know how, but I believe he did. And he did it for obedience. For the sake of obedience; the giver of life, became as one that received life in order to lay down his own life, even as if he was one who was disobedient. Thank you Jesus. It’s clear, for this part, that obedience necessitates humility. It is extremely challenging to be obedient and lack humility. It is easier to “lead” or at least think we are leading when humility is thin. But if God values humility so much that he personified it in Jesus Christ, how much more should we foster humility by becoming obedient? (SLIDE) Peter put it this way “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” (SLIDE) Let us be Obedient to those in authority. Obedient to the word of God. Obedient to the call of unity. And let us pursue obedience in loving one another, forgiving one another, serving one another, submitting to one another, encouraging one another, and being devoted to one another.

Jesus wasn’t just humble in spirit and deed, he started with being humble in mind. Look back at verse 6. Jesus, who was God, did not consider being God as something to achieve. Jesus did not "see equality with God" as one of his objectives, this was not a goal of his or something to accomplish. He didn’t think he needed to set out to prove himself worthy of his station. In stead he humbled himself. Jesus and Adam are often compared. The first Adam and the last Adam, they are called, and they are similar in sharing this distinction from us. The rest of us have all been products of the matrix, but Adam and Jesus were placed placed here by God. Where they differ is the first Adam sought equality with God, grasped at it with his own hands to take it for himself. Of course we now seen how that has turned out. The last Adam, however, set aside equality with God to show the better way. When our attentions and focus are zeroed in on accomplishing our goals we loose sight of the way of Christ. Instead of being in the pursuit of happiness; instead of chasing after our own dreams, we need to pursue and chase after the abandonment of cause. Instead replacing it with humble obedience. This doesn’t mean we don’t work, or strive. We do, we press forward toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus. But this is in the pursuit of honoring Christ; in abiding in Christ. This is exactly why our mission statement here at Harvest Decatur starts with “To glorify God...” anything else is a man made program designed purely for self promotion. And I get it our culture if full of “causes” groups and banners and labels, ribbons and wrist bands, and you name it, there is a group looking to promote it. I’m also not saying that in and of itself is wrong, in fact it could be argued that my employment is a cause promoting independence and self worth in adults and children with disabilities. It isn’t the efforts put into it that are problematic, it is the reason why we might do something. Are you looking to glorify God by loving people? Two thumbs up. But let us all be diligent in checking our motives. To be certain we are not aligned with Paul’s enemies recorded in verse 1:17 who proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition. Self promoting, identity boosting, vain glory whatever you want to call it, it is an enemy of the cross of Christ. Instead let us live in humble obedience.

Transition (Why be Humble 1. Unity and humility go hand in hand 2. Humility is the cause for obedience) (SLIDE)

Greatness and the glory of God are for the humble (2:9-11)

Jesus said for this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. And it was for that exact reason why he was exalted. Because of his humility. Peter understood this when and wrote (SLIDE) “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you. (SLIDE) Jesus was the forerunner of the humble to high program. Having gone the lowest he has also ascended the highest. In fact he has been given The Name.

OK so I want to confess something. I dislike name tags, very much. Partly because I don’t like conforming, and that’s on me I get that. But especially when conforming to giving you my name provides you with a false sense of knowing me. Wearing a name tag gives you power over me, because I did not choose to disclose my name to you. I did not choose to let you know who I am. I’m well aware this is an area I need to grow in. That’s understood. I do find it curious though, that Jesus, having been given the name tag that reads The Above Name “I AM”, Even though his name is clearly visible, God still has the power to disclose the identity of Jesus to those whom he chooses. Even as Jesus is wearing the name tag and anyone can read it, those who do not know him will only find confusion because upon reading The Name “I AM” they are left with a image of themselves that does not live up to claim. And too often people don’t like what they see, which is why in these moments we as humans try to then compare ourselves to others and promote our own goodness to trick our conscience into accepting the lie that “we’re OK. But we are not OK, and being humble enough to admit that is the first step towards greatness. Not the exact greatness that Jesus has, but a greatness that is beyond what we can express. A greatness that is being enjoyed by those who are absent in the body and present with the Lord. A greatness that will culminate in the transformation of these humble bodies to be like his glorious body.

So, we see Jesus being exalted, but even as that is happening it isn’t in a way

Another intriguing factor I find in this section is that when Jesus was exalted and every being in every reality, whether spiritual or physical is now under his rule, and he was given The Name, but his name wasn’t changed. Every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is LORD. LORD is the NT equivalent to the OT Yahweh. We are not now calling Jesus Yahweh, but are now calling Yahweh - Jesus. What is even more amazing is that this does not diminish the glory of the Father but in fact adds to it. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to he glory of God the Father. Again all of this because Jesus humbled himself. The path to greatness and the glory of God came by way of humility. But, as Pator Tony would say Jesus is coming back and this time he will not be looking to be humble again. In fact this Egyptian image (SLIDE) on the screen can help serve as a contrast for us. It was believed and I am sure still believed by many that to have peace there needs to be subjugation of enemies that could only happen by force. Jesus showed by his humility and exultation a better way. His path of humility as to die for his enemies (us). Now many of us, and more to come, are willingly bend our knee in worship. Yet there will be a time when God’s true enemies will be forced into subjection as his footstool. But those who bend a knee in humility will be exalted with Christ at the proper time.

submission vs subjecation

Are you ready?Have you bent your knee? Do you believe with your convictions and will that God raised Jesus from the dead? Have you confessed that Jesus is Lord? (SLIDE) states that those who do believe and confess that Jesus is Lord will be saved. We will be saved from destruction. We will be saved from death. We will be saved from the return of the King to set right the wrongs. This is the confession, not that Jesus is boss, or that he needs to have authority in your life, though clearly he does, but that Jesus is GOD. Believe that God raised him from the dead and that he is God. This is the faith we have in the God of the gospel. The God of the good news. That he did for us what we could not do for ourselves. Do you believe that? Yes I believe. Do you believe that? Yes, I believe. Do you believe that? (SLIDE)

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Conclusion: Then with hopeful anticipation of greatness and the glory of God, in humble obedience live in unity with one another. For in Christ the pursuit of lowliness is of the highest calling. (SLIDE) How Low Can You Go

Struggle with the difference between WWJD and living in unity with him by the Sprit in relation to humility