July 19, 2015 | Pat Schultz
Passage: Philippians 2:1-11
Selflessness in a Super-Selfie-World
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. - Philippians 2:1-2
- Joy and unity are the natural overflow of life in Christ.
Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, - Philippians 2:3-5
- Selflessness is the mindset required to continue in joy and unity.
- V.3 Humility = “Humility of mind” or “Lowliness of mind.” (Or quite literally = “Not rising far from the ground”… of mind)
- 1 Cor. 2:16 – “We have the mind of Christ”
5 Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped…11…to the glory of God the Father.
- Philippians 2:5-11
- Marinating in the humble example of Jesus causes the selfless flavor of Christ to penetrate into the center of our souls.
- Phil. 2: 12-13 – 12Work hard…13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
- V.10-11 – A Return to the Natural Order of the Universe.
We will find more joy in Christ as we “marinate” in the selflessness of Christ.