IMPACT: The Attitude of Christ

IMPACT: Woodland DNOW

Session Three: The Attitude of Christ

ETS: Paul exhorted the Philippians to have the same attitude as Christ.

ESS: We should seek to make IMPACT by having the same attitude as Christ.

OSS: [Consecrative; ethical] I want the hearers to respond by making a commitment to live as Christ lived.

PQ: What characteristics define the attitude of Christ?

UW: Characteristics

TS: To make impact, there are certain characteristics that define Christ’s attitude that also ought to define our attitude. Let’s examine those characteristics together:

Selflessness (vv. 3-7)

Paul’s instructions were: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit” followed by “Look out for others” which was followed by “Adopt the same attitude as Christ”

His attitude is described in vv. 6-7: Though He had it all, He did not take advantage of that; rather, He emptied Himself of all benefit for our sake.

***Application: To adopt the same mindset of Christ, we must take on an attitude and lifestyle of selflessness- not doing only what benefits us, but doing what benefits others through service. Jesus stated that anyone who desired to follow after Him must deny Himself (Luke 9:23).

Sacrificial humility (v 8)

Jesus emptied Himself, giving up His glory in order to take on our sin. He humbled Himself, though having all, He humbled Himself to nothing.

***Application: To adopt the same mindset of Christ, we must be willing to humble ourselves to sacrificial service.

Welcoming (vv. 9-11).

Romans 6:10 stated that Jesus died for all sin. Not the sins of some, a select group, select ethnicity, etc. for ALL sin. 2 Pt. 3:9 states that God desires all to come to repentance. In Christ, the way has been made and is welcoming to ALL.

***Application: To adopt the mindset of Christ is to be welcoming to all. Ultimately, not all are going to believe (universalism), but that does not mean that we are exclusive because of that. Christ died for all that anyone who might believe might have eternal life. The mindset of Christ is compelled by love, and thus, it is welcoming.

Conclusion: To make impact, we must adopt the mindset of Christ- that selfless, humbly sacrificial, and welcoming attitude which seeks to serve others, lay down one’s life for others, and welcome others. Are you willing to let Him make this kind of impact through you? It’s your life- MAKE IT MATTER.

Francesca Battistelli, “It’s your life, what you gonna do? The world is watching you. Everyday the choices you make, Say what you are and who your heart beats for, it’s an open door… it’s your life”