Honor thru Humility

Big Idea:

For those in biblical koinonia (Christians), honor requires humility.

Intro:

Good morning. Welcome to Church Online.

We are continuing thru the book of Philippians in our series titled, “Put some HONOR on my name.” And we’re studying the theme of honor (which Philippians has a lot to say about) because we believe it’s something our world needs more of today. And I also believe that it’s an area where the church should lead the way. Christians should be leaders in the realm of HONOR. And today, we’re going to learn more on how to do that...

A reminder for us, the apostle Paul (who wrote this letter) is writing to his friends in Philippi - a church he started years before. They had sent him a gift of support because he was currently in jail for preaching the gospel. But when Paul received the gift, he also received news that his friends were in trouble. Not only were they suffering for their faith, they also had internal conflict. To put it one way: Christians weren’t HONORING one another; and in doing so, they weren’t honoring Jesus (their Lord) or their gospel mission (the life they were called to live as citizen of heaven). And so Paul writes to them instructing and encouraging them to live with HONOR.

Btw, we’re defining HONOR as...

Having a good name or reputation worthy of respect.

It also means to give, regard, or treat another person with respect or special recognition.

Finally, it refers to our living up to, or fulfilling, terms or responsibilities we agreed to.

And last week, we ended by highlighting Paul’s challenging them to HONOR Jesus in all circumstances. He said...

Philippians 1:27 ESV

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,

And now, he’s going to teach them how to do that… Chapter 2, verse 1...

Philippians 2:1–2 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.

If you’ve been with us for this series, this will sound familiar… but this passage is all about “koinonia” or biblical partnership/fellowship/friendship. It speaks to a deep relationship where both parties are intimately invested in one another. And if I were to summarize these verses, I’d put it this way...

Honor your partnerships (vv. 1-2).

Paul had an expectation for those in relationship with Jesus based on “koinonia.” He believed our partnership with the Lord Jesus Christ demanded that we HONOR Him with our whole life (I mentioned that last week). And he builds upon that here...

The phrasing in verse 1...

… if there is any encouragement

… if there is any comfort

… if there is any participation (btw, “participation” here is actually the Greek word, koinonia; so Paul is saying, “if there is any partnership.”)

All of these “ifs” are what we call first-class conditional statements. What that means is they are facts, not hypotheticals. So, it’d be more accurate to translate them...

since there is encouragement in Christ.

since there is comfort from love.

since there is a Holy Spirit partnership.

Additionally, check this out...

it says, “encouragement in Christ.”

The next phrase says, “comfort from love.” That word for love is “agape” or “God’s love.”

And then, Holy Spirit partnership.

Christ, God, and Holy Spirit. The Trinity. The holy, perfect, and eternal partnership... who WE are in partnership with, since we put our faith in Jesus as Lord and became citizens of heaven and adopted children of God.

Furthermore, the final phrase says, “any affection and sympathy.” These are deep, intimate terms of compassion. And in this context, Paul’s using them to refer to their partnership with him, and their partnership with one another as a local church - “since all of us are in close loving partnership with one another...”

All of this paints this EMPHATIC picture of partnership. Paul’s saying, “Since you are in the greatest, most meaningful, partnership...” verse 2...

Philippians 2:2 ESV

complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

The sense is, “Because of this partnership we have (with God and one another), make MY LIFE overflow with joy by being united together in PARTNERSHIP.

Paul not only had an expectation of how Christians should HONOR Christ, but also how they should HONOR one another, based on this partnership. Therefore, Paul wasn’t afraid to “check” them. He could boldly tell them to take serious their partnerships. He could say, “Because of what Jesus has done for us. Because of what I have done for you, this is what you can do for me!” And the Philippians would’ve responded, “You’re right Paul. We owe Christ. We owe you. And we need to do our part and fulfill your request!” Not necessarily out of obligation or debt, but because they genuinely understood what it meant to HONOR THEIR PARTNERSHIPS.

Let’s be honest… we’ve lost this quality in our culture, even in the church. People willing to HONOR their relationships (their partnerships) is a rare quality. It’s rare to see people who will:

Live sacrificially to HONOR Christ.

Commit to serving at a local church to HONOR their community.

Be in relationships with people who think differently because they HONOR their friendship.

Instead, what’s normal is:

Acknowledging Christ when it’s convenient - when we got time or when it doesn’t intrude on our lives.

Changing churches until we find someplace that gives us every thing “we” are looking for… btw, I’ve said it before, that’s not Christian community, that’s consumerism. There’s no koinonia in that!

People “ghosting” people because they don’t have the same political party, same views on COVID, or same views on whether women can be pastors.

Btw, this sermon is not on that subject, but I will say that if you can cancel partnerships in Christ because of differing secondary views… there’s a problem with your partnership with Christ, not with the other pe/church.

To be sure, there are certain non-negotiables in our faith that require healthy, biblical separation. In my mind, that is NOT one of them. Like Paul said in chapter 1, “If the biblical gospel is being preached (man or woman), I rejoice!”

Anyways, because THIS is what’s normal now, there’s no HONOR. And Paul’s saying, “That’s not right. You need to HONOR your partnerships.”

So, let me ask a tough question. Write this down and think about it this week: Do you consider your partnership with God and your local church as fact or hypothesis?

Is this partnership real and meaningful? Is it worth committing to? Or is it fake?

Because the answer to that will impact our HONOR.

Verse 3...

Philippians 2:3–4 ESV

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.

One of the reasons we’ve lost the ability to honor is because we’re not humble. And...

Honor requires humility (vv. 3-4).

It’s interesting. In the church, sometimes we look critically at our current culture and somehow think it was easier to be a Christian back in the day. But the Roman culture shares a lot of similarities to our current culture, one thing being their view on humility.

The concept of “positive humility” was foreign to the Romans. I mean, why would anyone purposefully humble themselves? Like our own culture, they would think, “Do whatever it takes to be on top! People need to respect who I am and my views! And don’t back down until people see that you;’re right!”

...It was only in the church that humility took on a new form. Like, only Christians ever thought, “Do NOTHING from selfish ambition or conceit...”

The phrase “selfish ambition” means to live in a manner that makes you stand out in a way that only benefits you personally.

“Conceit” means for people to “see your glory” (even if that glory is empty or fake).

Put together, Paul’s saying, “Church… don’t live in a way that makes you stand out because you want people to think you’re so much better than everyone else.”

That was a problem back then. And in many ways, it’s still a problem today. Isn’t that a primary objective of Instagram and TikTok? “Let me produce content, so I can show you how great I am! I want to be an influencer. I want people to look at me, separate me from all the other voices in their lives, and think - I’m the best!”

And Paul’s like, “NEVER live like that.” Instead, do the opposite! Make others stand out. And not in a fake way either...

Philippians 2:4 ESV

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

The phrasing used indicates giving someone the attention of your heart. To genuinely care for them. In humility, you look out for their interests, because you’re HONORING your partnership.

And humility is a required expectation in Christian partnership - in biblical koinonia. Why? Look at what comes next...

Philippians 2:5–8 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.

Why is humility required for HONORABLE Christians? Because...

Jesus is humble (vv. 5-8).

Many theologians regard what we just read as one of the greatest passages in Scripture. Some refer to it as the “Kenosis” passage, which refers to the word “empty” in verse 7. It beautifully describes the humility of Christ - when the 2nd Person of the Trinity emptied Himself to save us from our sins.

I want us to take a moment to meditate on this passage because it can help us in both humility and HONOR:

Verse 6 says, “though Jesus is God, He did not feel the need to hold onto that reputation, even though it was rightfully His.”

Verse 7, “Instead, He emptied Himself.” Of what? Did He empty Himself of being God. Of course not! Impossible! In humility, He emptied Himself of fully expressing Himself as God, by taking on the limitations of His full and very real humanity.

Think of His birth… the fullness of God the Son, contained in the limitations of a human baby. Even more...

Honestly, I cannot fully grasp this, but I recognize it as truth nonetheless...

Verse 8, “The Son of God humbled himself by dying! Even more, death on a cross.” We must remember that back then, no one wore a cross as jewelry. They didn’t get it tattooed on their arm or leg. The cross was a sign of horrible, shameful death. Only scum got the cross. Yet, the glory of the eternal Son of God was emptied, so He could die the most shameful, wrongful death, all so He could save a people He loved, but didn’t love Him back.

Consider the “distance” traveled in humility. Jesus, being fully God, sat on the highest throne with the most glory and honor. But He emptied Himself and died the most shameful death, so that He could save the most unworthy of people (us). That’s true humility. That’s truly “considering others as more significant than yourself.” And that’s who Jesus is. Jesus is humble.

Therefore, since we’re followers of Jesus, verse 5 says this is the expectation. It’s our mind, because it was Jesus’s!

Are we doing this church? Does humility define how we live? Do we see others as more significant than ourselves? Caring about their needs because we love them, even if it costs us? Or, are we defined by selfish ambition or conceit?

Before anyone else, I’m speaking to myself FIRST. This is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. Why? Because I’m so great at it? Not at all. In fact, I think pride (the opposite of humility) is one of my biggest problems.

And this passage “checks” me. It puts a finger in my chest and asks me, “What the heck are you doing, George? Does this prideful attitude HONOR God? Is your life consistent with Jesus?” Because if I want to live with HONOR, I need this passage over and over and over again to slap me in the face!

Here’s 2 questions for us to process. Again, write these down and ask them to yourself this week:

Who do you model your life after? Who’s your biggest influencer and is your life reflective of that? Hopefully it’s Jesus.

Are you willing to be humble, even if it hurts? Are you willing to be seen like the Master, Jesus, who gave up his reputation and was seen as nothing, in order to bring life to those He loved?

Let’s finish up today’s passage...

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.

The Kingdom of God is an upside-down Kingdom. God does things DIFFERENT.

If you to be blessed, you must be generous.

If you want to find your life, you must lose it.

And when it comes to honor, Jesus show us you must...

Give out honor to get honor (vv. 9-11).

… meaning, by humbling yourself and giving HONOR to others, you receive true HONOR in return. That’s what happened to Jesus!

Again, there’s a principle here I can’t fully grasp. Before the Incarnation (or Jesus coming to earth), He was fully God. Perfect and glorious in every way. But after the cross and resurrection, Jesus was exalted and given MORE HONOR than He had before? How is that possible? I’m not fully sure, but it happened.

And one day, because of His humility, everyone will give HONOR to Jesus. They will bow their knee and confess that Jesus is Lord. And the context seems to imply that even those who would not receive Him as Lord and Savior will HONOR Him too.

But here’s our lesson: Honor always flows outward. Meaning, true HONOR is received, not demanded. That’s opposite of our culture...

We say, “I deserve HONOR! Give it to me!”

We say, “You must HONOR my perspective as truth!”

The problem today is, “Everyone wants HONOR but nobody wants to give HONOR.” And that’s not how God’s Kingdom (which will be the only one that stands forever) works. And Paul teaches the Philippians, through the perfect example of Jesus, that giving HONOR to others, in humility, produces HONOR in our own lives.

Do you want to put HONOR on God’s name?

Do you want to out HONOR on other’s names?

Do you want to put HONOR on your own name?

Then, start by...

Honoring your partnerships/relationships.

Living in HUMILITY like Jesus.

When you do, God will put HONOR on your name! And that’s the only HONOR that truly matters.

Response:

As we close, I want to recognize that HONOR thru HUMILITY is TOUGH. it’s not natural or normal to us. It was tough for the Philippians, and it’s tough for us today. But that’s how citizens of heaven live!

So, let me suggest four ways we can HONORABLY respond to God’s word today:

Here’s a personal motto I preach to myself: I don’t need to be RIGHT, I need God’s grace. Pride tells me I need to be right, but God’s word tells me humility brings grace. And I NEED God’s grace to live! What do you need? To be right or God’s grace?

Think of a way you can put this scripture into action, “Love one another with brotherly affection. [And here it is…] Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Rom 12:10). What’s one way you can HONOR someone this week?

Maybe send someone a gift card because you’re blessed by their friendship.

Maybe you can signup to serve at church and be the most FIRE greeter. Like you’re going to make everyone feel like the most HONORED guest on Sunday.

Many Bible teachers believe this passage could’ve been an early church song. And Paul’s saying, “Remember what we sing about Jesus. Let that impact how you live!” So, this week listen to a worship song and just meditate on it. Listen to what it says about Jesus and start living that way too.

Finally, I mentioned that one day EVERYONE will HONOR Jesus as Lord and Savior, even those who did not put their faith in Him. That doesn’t mean everyone is getting into heaven. It means one day everyone will see Jesus is the King worthy of HONOR, whether they like it or not. Don’t be in the group that HONORS Jesus after the fact. Humble yourself. Turn from your sins. And put your faith in the God who loves you so much, that He humbled Himself, so that you could be saved from your sin. Put your trust in what Jesus did on the Cross today.

Let’s pray...

Father, we want to live with HONOR. We want to put HONOR on Your name. We want to put HONOR on our church family. We want to HONOR every relationship in our lives. And we know that Your word tells us the way to HONOR is thru HUMILITY. Jesus, You showed us that. So, please help us by the power of Your Holy Spirit to be humble, so that we can live with HONOR. Let’s us see others and more significant than ourselves. Let us care for others from our heart, even when it costs us. And we know this will cause us to receive You grace, which we so desperately need for true LIFE. In Jesus name, Amen.

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