BECOMING LIKE CHRIST

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.

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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.