Part
2 of a series “Pressing on with Christ” from the Book of Philippians
Phil.1:21 For to me, to live is
Christ, and to die is gain.
Let
us live in Christ, live with Christ and live for Christ. Let Christ be a
present reality and the center of our lives.
Our
Christian experience is not something that goes around us but in us. So what
can we learn about “Becoming like Christ” in Philippians chapter 2?
1)
Serve like Christ (2:1-4)
Everything in our
life flows out of our relationship in Christ - encouragement, comfort,
fellowship, affection, service and mercy (2:1) These are the results and
present realities of our union with Christ. Paul then appeals to them to make
him joyful by being like-minded, loving, of one accord and mind, no selfish action,
humble and serving others by looking at their interest more than ours (2:2-5)
We need to consider others and serve people.
2)
Have the mind of Christ (2:5)
To become like Christ
and serve people, we need to have the mind of Christ. We need to have His
attitude of sacrificial humility and love for others
3)
Follow the example of Christ (2:6-11)
Christ is God but took the form of a human being to save and serve people.
The Lord of all became a servant to all. He demonstrated great humility by
being obedient to the death of the cross (2:6-8) God then exalted Christ where
everything and person has to submit to Him and confess Him as Lord (2:9-11)
Jesus Christ is our greatest example of love, servanthood and humility.
4)
Work out the plan of Christ (2:12-16)
Salvation is a gift received but it is also an ongoing process of perseverance
and spiritual growth, We have to work out our salvation. (2:12) Realize that it
is God who works in you (2:13) Let us not complain and murmur, be blameless, be
a testimony for Christ and hold fast the Word of God (2:14-16)
5)
Learn from ministers of Christ (2:17-30)
We need to learn from
the humility and servanthood of
·
Paul - he was willing to pour his life as a
sacrifice in service (2:17,18)
·
Timothy – he sincerely cared and serve people
(2:19-24)
·
Epaphroditus – he was willing to serve even
to the point of being close to death (2:15-30)
Let
us become like Christ and serve people. Christ is our example. There is no
crown without a cross
Serving
is a command to be obeyed. Serving is a result of our relationship in Christ.
Serving is a sacrifice. Remember that which cost nothing amounts to nothing.
.
Phi.2:4 Let each of you look out not
only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others
Make this your life
goal to serve people. We choose to serve.
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