Philippians 2:1-11 (NIV)

1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

6Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,

7but made himself nothing,

taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

8And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

and became obedient to death—

even death on a cross!

9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,

10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

I.        Introduction:

II.     Share The Attribute Of Harmony: The Body Of Christ In Unity

A.     United In The Experience of Christ

1.      Sharing Of Encouragement In Christ

2.      Sharing Of Love In Christ

3.      Sharing Of The Spirit In Christ

4.      Sharing Of Human Compassion In Christ

B.     United In The Expression Of Brotherhood

1.      Advancing Unity

a)      A Unity Of Joy

b)      A Unity Of Mind

c)      A Unity Of Heart

d)      A Unity Of Spirit

e)      A Unity Of Purpose

2.      Avoiding Division

a)      A Self-absorbed Ambition

b)      A Self-interested Focus

III.   Show The Attitude Of Humility: The Example Of Christ On Display

A.     Humility Demonstrated: His Incarnation

1.      The Glory He Set Aside: Holy

2.      The Humanity He Assumed: Flesh And Blood

3.      The Obedience He Demonstrated: Sacrifice

B.     Humility Honored: His Exaltation

1.      Elevated By God

a)      Given The Highest Place

b)      Given The Greatest Name

2.      Worshipped By Men

a)      Every Knee Shall Bow At His Name

b)      Every Tongue Shall Confess Him As Lord

IV.  Conclusion: