In Christ; Humility and Unity

Introduction

Last week Paul encouraged the Philippian church to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel. He spoke to them as a parent would speak to their adult children, encouraging them to stand firm in one spirit. To not be afraid of those who would oppose them but be encouraged by it as it revealed their salvation. Tribulations reveal the true state of our heart.

Today’s sermon is a continuation of this subject. Paul has revealed that they are lacking unity within their body of believers. As Paul continues in chapter 2, he reveals they can find that unity if they will set their eyes on Christ and His example. Look with me once again at Philippians 1:27-2:11. Our focus today will be on chapter 2:1-11 but I wish to back up some for the sake of continuity with the subject.

Philippians 1:27–2:11 NIV

27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. 1 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, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, In this moment we lay down our distractions and turn our focus on You. We ask that You will lead us in wisdom and discernment of Your word. That You would counsel each of us according to our need in applying Your word.

In Your blessed and Holy name Jesus we pray. Amen

(Insert Video)

Sermon Intro:

I have always been a fan of the old Star Trek series. One of my favorite parts came when you would find Captain Kirk delivering an impromptu speech. William Shatner always did a great job in those moments. He was very expressive and the music would build as his speech moved forward to a climax. His speech was always wise and delivered with great passion.

I feel that same kind of passion and building when Paul says...

Philippians 2:1–2 NIV

1 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, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

What a powerful moment that is within this letter. He loves these people. He want the very best for them. He is imploring them to adjust their course in order to find that unity they need.

Throughout this letter, Paul continues to point to their work being a partnership. He is continuing that theme here as he encourages them to be a...

B. Partnership of Mind and Purpose (Phil 2:1-11)

There is more than just a partnership here. They are to work and strive as a team. When you work as a team you are focused on the same goal, the same purpose, the same outcome. You work as of one mind in order to achieve that purpose.

Then Paul gives them instruction on what they must do in order to be of one mind. They will achieve this...

1. With minds set on one another (vv 1-4)

Philippians 2:1–4 NRSV

1 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, 2 make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.

Therefore is a key word here. It ties last week’s subject into what is continuing here. He is expanding on this need for unity. He has stated his joy in their faith yet there is a concern for the lack of unity that is evident. Now he is strongly urging them to make a shift in their behavior. Basically, he is exhorting them to change.

To exhort or Exhortation means...

“an address or communication emphatically urging someone to do something.”

I would say it is, “to promote to take action!” That is exactly what Paul is hoping to do. To inspire them to take the actions necessary to bring about unity within their body of believers. In the clip you watched earlier, Captain Kirk was exhorting a group of people to understand better something they had been fighting for so they could live it out appropriately. Paul is doing the same thing here.

a. 5 Qualities of unity with Christ

In verse 1 Paul lists 5 qualities they should have in common through their unity with Christ and therefore should live out among each other. Look at the list with me...

i) Mutual encouragement

“if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ”

ii) Comfort

“if any comfort from his love”

iii) Fellowship

“if any common sharing with the Spirit”

iv) Tenderness

“if any tenderness”

v) Compassion

“and compassion”

When Paul says “if” he is not making this questionable. It is more like “because”. Because you have… Each of these are assured because you are a Christian. They are all things that come to you from the Spirit of Jesus within you and therefore should be lived outward from you to others.

:-) If you didn’t hear it, the music was building as Paul lists these mutual qualities. How much more dramatic and passionate this would be if Paul were speaking it rather than writing it. For the Philippians, they had heard Paul speak enough that I am sure they heard the passion and emphasis in his own voice. If you are like me, when I read something written by someone I have heard speak, it can feel like I am hearing them even though I am reading it. For us, when we read the Bible we miss that familiarity with the author. However, when we study God’s word, we can begin to guess what it may have been like. That is the way I feel about this passage.

b. 4 Evidences of unity in the Spirit (vv 2-4)

Paul then lists 4 evidences of a unity through the Spirit. They are as follows:

i. Like mindedness (v 2)

What exactly does it mean by “like-mindedness?” When I looked it up it said, “having similar ideas, tastes, thoughts or opinions.” When you first read this it sounds impossible, probably because what stands out to us is opinions. People have lots of opinions and very seldom are they on the same page 100%. So how can we be like-minded as Christians. Well I kept digging and found that another definition equated it to having the same interests or political view and I feel that helps us see it a little better.

As Christians, if we are seeking God’s will, we should have the same interest and political view of what is right. What we are to achieve. The Bible helps us to understand what that is. We should be working alongside each other to achieve what He desires of us. So for us to be like-minded is to have the mind of Christ.

Look at 1 Cor 2:16

1 Corinthians 2:16 NIV

16 for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

We will see further detail on this starting in verse 5 but for now, continue with me through these evidences of the Spirit.

ii. Loving one: another (v 2)

John 13:34 NIV

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

iii. Sharing a common purpose (v 2)

What is that purpose? Jesus tells us in Matthew 22:37-40.

Matthew 22:37–40 NIV

37 Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

If we have these in the right order, they will guide us in all we do and keep us united.

iv. Putting the concerns of others first (v 2)

Recently I was preaching on the Beatitudes, the first of which is Matthew 5:3. and that sermon covers this quite well.

Matthew 5:3 NIV

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

It is not that we ignore our needs or hate ourselves, it is that we put our needs and opinions in proper perspective with others. We do not think more highly of ourselves than we should. We see ourselves in a greater context as a whole than as an individual and we look for the best for the whole.

However, I do not need to continue as Paul expounds on these in verses 3 & 4.

Philippians 2:3-4.

Philippians 2:3–4 NIV

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Eugene Peterson uniquely paraphrases it this way.

Philippians 2:3–4 The Message

3 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. 4 Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.

We are in this together. We move along side-by-side to achieve the same purpose. It is not about our glory or our achievement but about the achievement of us all together on equal terms. I would also add that it is not getting our own way, but seeking what is the greater good of the team.

In the church at Philippi there were two threats to their unity. The first was false teachers trying to influence them from the outside. The second was a faction of divisive proportion from within. Euodia and Syntyche were at odds with each other for some reason. When this happens, it is usually because one or both are demanding their own way. Sometimes division within the church starts because of confusion between unity and conformity. Unity comes when we set aside our selfish ambitions and pride to seek the will of Christ. Conformity comes when we make choices based on what others say aside from the will of Christ. We conform to their way but our heart is not necessarily in it. There are a lot of “good deeds” a church can do. However, Christ will lead us based on what He desires for each church. Unity is found when we prayerfully consider all that is happening in our church and seek God’s will. However, if we fight for something we think sounds like a good thing, then it is our will that is being pushed. Often when we push “our will” it is for our glory, our convenience, our personal interest and desire.

Unity comes when all parties submit to the will of the Father which is exactly where Paul takes us next. We will find unity...

2. With minds set on the mind of Christ (vv 5-11)

Between verses 6-30, Paul shares four examples of this humble, submissive, unity; Jesus Christ, himself (Paul), Timothy and Epaphroditus. It is appropriate that he begin with Jesus. Jesus is always the first and foremost example for us in all things.

Philippians 2:5 NIV

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

What follows in the next 6 verses is a short concise declaration of Jesus life and example. Some call this a hymn and others call it a poem. It is probably the most debated of all Paul’s writings due to it’s theological revelations. However, I am not concerned with all of that. I am only concerned with the example it sets before us to follow.

Paul actually does two remarkable things in these few verses. First, he reveals his convictions of just who Jesus is. After all, if we are going to follow Jesus, we have to understand why He is the one we should follow. Paul then lays out that Jesus is God incarnate. God became man. He lived as we lived. He experienced all we experience and in some cases even more. None of us have experienced the level of persecution He did. Some have suffered great persecution and similar deaths, but none from the point of complete innocence as Jesus did. We may be innocent of charges against us, but we have still sinned at some point in our life. Jesus was accused of sin and died for it, yet in Him there was no sin.

The second thing that Paul reveals as he demonstrates who Jesus is, is the example that we are to follow. These are what I wish us to look at today. Through Jesus life we see demonstrated...

a. Four characteristics to the submissive mindset (vv 6-11)

Look with me first at verse 5 & 6.

Philippians 2:5–6 NIV

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

The first characteristic Jesus demonstrates is...

i. Unselfish concern for others (v 6)

Have you ever thought about how “selfishness” is at the heart of sin? What promoted sin in Satan? A desire to promote himself. He was not satisfied with being who God had created him to be as beautiful as that was. He wanted to be God! He wanted to be numero uno and be worshipped by all beings.

So how did he promote sin in man? He tempted them with the same selfish desire. There was no “others” in their thoughts or concerns. Only themselves in that moment. Satan planted the seed of “self-focus.”

Then here comes Jesus. He is God! He has all the rights and privileges of God. Yet for the sake of humankind, He was willing to lay all of that aside.

For a moment, let us put ourselves in the shoes of God and Jesus with our selfish mindset. Here is how I play it out in my mind. (Actually, the Greek myths demonstrate it well, but I will give my own illustration here).

The Father - “Wow, people have sure made a mess of things down there. If we don’t do something they will all be lost to us forever. Son, go down there and demonstrate for them how to do it the right way. After you have been able to teach them enough, lay down your life for them so they can be saved back to us.”

The Son - “Well why do I have to do it. You always get the cushy jobs! Why don’t You go down and do it?”

The Father - “Because I am the Father and the hard work is what Son’s are for. It will not take too long. You will be back here in no time!”

The Son - “I am sorry, but I am not doing that. It will be frustrating and take hard work, not to mention the pain. Uh-uh, I am not doing it! My life is glorious and I am not giving it up even for a few short years.”

If God and Jesus responded as we do, we would be lost forever. There would be no salvation. Our only glory would be those few bright spots of time we experience in our life here on earth and then we would be cast into hell forevermore.

I am thankful that Jesus was willing to divest Himself of His glory for the sake of my life. Is it so much to ask that I do the same for others?

However, it did not end with His willingness to do so. It goes further than that. Look at verse 7.

Philippians 2:7 NIV

7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Not only did He have “unselfish concern for others” but He was also...

ii. Willing to serve (v 7)

Have you ever thought about the fact that Jesus was not only serving God when He was here but He continually served those around Him. The disciples were always scrapping with each other of who was greater, while in their midst, Almighty God is feeding them, washing their feet, administering to their needs and the needs of others.

At the Last Supper He could have said, “Someone wash my feet and the others. I am not doing it. After all, I AM God!”

No that is not what He did. In fact, He said nothing in regards to the fact that no one had taken responsibility for that task. Instead, He silently got up. Removed His jacket, wrapped a towel around His waist and began to do so. I suspect it got real quiet in that room as people watched to see what He was doing. Then all of a sudden it would strike them just exactly what He was doing! He shouldn’t be the one doing that! But He was.

During the American Civil War, General George B. McClellan was put in charge of the great army of the Potomac, mainly because public opinion was on his side. He fancied himself to be a great military leader and enjoyed hearing the people call him “a young Napoleon.” However, his performance was less than sensational. President Lincoln commissioned him General-in-Chief, hoping this would get some action, but still he procrastinated. One evening, Lincoln and two of his staff members went to visit McClellan, only to learn that he was at a wedding. The three men sat down to wait, and an hour later the general arrived home. Without paying any attention to the president, McClellan went upstairs and did not return. Half an hour later, Lincoln sent the servant to tell McClellan that the men were waiting. The servant came back to report McClellan had gone to bed! His associates angry, Lincoln merely got up and led the way home. “This is no time to be making points of etiquette and personal dignity,” the president explained. “I would hold McClellan’s horse if he will only bring us success.” This attitude of humility was what helped to make Lincoln a great man and a great president. He was not thinking of himself; he was thinking of serving others. Service is the second mark of the submissive mind.

But there is yet a third characteristic He demonstrates for us.

iii. The willingness to sacrifice (v 8)

Philippians 2:8 NIV

8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!

Aside from the obvious, let us step back again to verse 7.

Philippians 2:7 NASB95

7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.

Look at the first part of this verse, He “emptied Himself.” This does not mean that all the God abilities left Him. We know that isn’t the case since He performed many miracles that demonstrated that wasn’t the case. Here we see in Jesus incredible restraint. Being God, He could have at any moment changed His mind and struck out against all humankind. As He suffered from the beatings, endured that crown of thorns being pushed into His head, as well as the nails piercing his hands and feet, He could have ended it all at any time........But He didn’t. He endured every painful moment of it. He endured the sacrifice because He was others focused. Because He loved us and knew we had no chance if He didn’t.

One of the biggest mistakes we make in the church is being reluctant to invite people to make sacrifices. Jesus never hesitated to do so.

Matthew 19:16 NIV

16 Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”

Matthew 19:21 NIV

21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Matthew 16:24 NIV

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

There are many less noble causes that people are willing to sacrifice for so why do we hesitate to ask them to sacrifice for the gospel?

In his book Dedication and Leadership, Douglas Hyde explained how the Communists succeeded in their program. A member of the Communist Party himself for twenty years, Hyde understands their philosophy. He pointed out that the Communists never ask a man to do a “mean, little job.” They always ask him boldly to undertake something that will cost him.

They make big demands, and they get a ready response. Mr. Hyde called “the willingness to sacrifice” one of the most important factors in the success of the Communist program. Even the youths in the movement are expected to study, serve, give, and obey, and this is what attracts and holds them.

As believers of Jesus Christ, we are to boldly follow His example, even in the way of sacrifice.

In our culture today, this is deemed extreme, but the truth is, if our vision is set on the true prize, the lasting prize it is not too much to ask and it will be rewarded.

Next, Jesus is our example of the fourth characteristic which is that...

iv. He brings glory to God and God rewards Him (vv 9-11)

Philippians 2:9–11 NIV

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Jesus had a purpose and He knew that one day He would be exonerated. Even more than that, He would receive the highest of all prizes. The approval and reward of His Father.

A few verses more, Paul does the same.

Philippians 3:13–14 NIV

13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

When we press on with sights set on the example of Jesus and following the will of the Father, there will be unity among us and in the end we too will be rewarded, both with God’s favor and His blessings.

James 1:12 NIV

12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Conclusion:

What are your eyes set upon? Are you seeking what will glorify you or what will benefit the Church (that being the people of God?) Are you willing to serve and sacrifice for the cause? What was the last thing you sacrificed for God? How long has it been since you did so?

To many are unwilling to sacrifice or perhaps have not been asked to sacrifice for the call. Too many have turned away from God’s call to serve as a pastor or missionary because they had other ideas of what they wanted to do with their life. Too many have married unbelievers because they were unwilling to risk not marrying at all. Too many have taken jobs that provide higher income over jobs that would serve others and the gospel better.

This sermon is not completed if you have not asked yourself “Where would God have me serve?” or “What sacrifice is God calling me to make?” “Are my eyes on my needs or the needs of the Church and community?” Only when you have answered these questions honestly and acted upon them is this sermon complete.

COMMUNION

As we think about sacrifice it is appropriate to remember the greatest sacrifice of all. Jesus was sacrificed on the cross. That was both God the Father and Jesus, the Son’s sacrifice. As we remember, it is appropriate to partake in communion. Doing so online is not ideal as it does not offer the time to quietly examine our lives as we should before partaking. So I would encourage you to pause this video. Take a moment to reflect on this sermon and the questions I have just asked. Then remember the sacrifice of the Father and Son on your behalf. When you are ready, you can turn the video back on and proceed with the communion.

Father,

How many times have we sat in church satisfied with ourselves while all the while You are trying to get our attention and show us that we are not fulfilling the call. We perhaps feel we are in unity with our church because we approve of what they are doing, but the truth is if we are no more than observers, then we are not in true unity with our church.

We declare You are Lord, yet we still follow our own path and desires. We are self-focused not others-focused, not God-focused as we should be. It is as Hudson Taylor so wisely stated, “Christ is either Lord of all, or is not Lord at all” and that applied to each of our lives. You are either Lord of all my life, leading me and directing me as I follow, or you are not Lord of my life at all. As Jesus said, "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." However, if we do not obey it is because we do not truly love You and in such cases You do not make Your home in our lives. I fear for the many who live in this place and feel satisfied for one day they will awaken to find the truth and it will be too late. Oh help us Lord!

In a few short weeks we will be returning to church. Father, direct and guide us as we do. Give us the unity we need. Give is the direction we need. Even more, give us the hands and bodies to move outside the walls of our church to evangelize the lost in our community! May be be ready, willing and able.

In Jesus name we pray! Amen.