Pastor Bill West
October 17, 2021

If 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, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross
Philippians 2:1-8

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

1. Jesus is God
   Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
   Philippians 2:6
   
   “We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.”
   John 10:33
   
   
2. Jesus Became Human
   but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
   Philippians 2:7
   
   
3. Jesus Chose Humility
   And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross!
   Philippians 2:8
   
   Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 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.
   Philippians 2:1–11

The Attitude We Need
Deal with Your Pride:

• No Power Grabs
  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
  Mark 10:45
• No Vain Conceit
  After they arrived at Capernaum and settled in a house, Jesus asked his disciples, “What were you discussing out on the road?” But they didn’t answer because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest.  
  Mark 9:33–34 

Choose Humility:

• Consider others better
• Choose their Interests not just yours

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
1 Peter 5:5

For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Matthew 23:12

Choose Humility Because Jesus Did.

1. What words come to mind when you think of humility?  How do you define humility? Describe someone you know who demonstrates humility.

2. Read Phil. 2:3-4. What are some ways you see competition or power grabs in our world?  How does vain show up in our relationships?
 
3. What are some specific things you can do this week to "value others above yourself?" Specifically, how can you apply this idea to someone you love?

4. What are some interests of your spouse or kids have but that you don't? How do you deal with them?  

5. Read Phil. 2:5-7. How did Jesus use His power for others? Describe a time when you saw someone with position or power choose to serve others rather than to leverage their position or status for their own benefit? Are you ever tempted to pull the power card in your relationships?

6. Read Phil 2:6-11 What does it mean that Jesus: “being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped…”

7. What did Jesus “empty himself of” when he became a man and a servant? When you think of "giving up your rights" or "emptying yourself" what images come to mind? What emotions do you have?

8. How did Jesus demonstrate Humility?  What do you think humility looks like for you? What is your biggest challenge with humility?
Where do you need to choose humility this week?

9. Pray for each other.



Bottom Line: Choose Humility Because Jesus Did.