Philippians 2: 6-11

"Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had." Phil.2:5

This last week the focus was on our attitude and actions toward one another. Paul wrote in 2:2 " Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose." He then goes on to say what things we need to focus on and what are the attitudes and actions we need not to have.

To day, let us look at what our attitude is modeled after: Phil. 2:5

"Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had."

This is where we start.

Paul brings up 3 things that he must have seen as a living example of Christ :
1. "Though He was God, He did not demand and cling to his rights as God."
~ "he made himself nothing and he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form." Phil. 2:6-7

How then can we follow this example? Christ was wronged all the time. He knew that people were purposefully trying to find fault with his teachings. He also knew that people were working hard to discredit the healings and to say that they were not of God but of the Devil. He knew all this and yet, when he did stand up against them and he didn't use the power that was rightly his as the Son of God. Not even when he was being tempted by Satan. Instead he stood on what he knew was the truth and found confidence in knowing his heavenly Father was at work in and through him to fulfill a purpose.

This really spoke to me because I think Jesus really lived by example. He was content with his circumstances and he lived as though he was sure that what His Father in Heaven had portioned him was sufficient. He led by example : dependence on God and being wholly at peace with where God chose to use him.

2. We know this because in verses 7-8 it says “ he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal’s death on a cross.”

This is so convicting~ Who am I to tell God that this isn’t good enough for me. I mean, Paul wrote “ I’ve learned to be content in every situation and in my circumstances.” I think he learned this by the examples of Christ.

How much more then should I also learn this principle.

Where are you today? Are you happy and content in your circumstance? What is making you discontent? Is it the feeling of I should have more? Or I need something more? I deserve more?

I know for me personally I can honestly say this has been a real issue for me. This is something the Lord has really been teaching me – to be content in where He has me. Humble and in the position of a slave……….

Verse 8 really lays out the key element of Christ’s example. It wasn’t just that he was humble and accepted the position God had for him. But it was this;
“ And being found in the appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death , even death on the cross.”

Ladies, Obedience depends on humility and being willing to die to self! When there is no humility it is difficult to obey. I have really been thinking about the act of obedience and there really is a false obedience. When it looks like you are obeying but there is something that just doesn’t seem right? It is the element of Humility that is missing. It is what obedience produces when humility is present. In verses 9-11 it is clear that Christ did set the example. In humility and obedience to God the final fruit was that God would be Glorified.

In this text there is a reason why Paul is using Christ as the example.

3. Verse 9-11 says:
“ Because of this, God raised him up to the heights of heaven and gave him the name that is above every other name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

The final word is this: God desires our humility and contentment in all circumstances which will then bring about obedience so that in every situation He may be GLORIFIED.

Now that CHANGES everything……..

Lord, I just come before you and confess that I struggle with contentment in my circumstances. I struggle with humbling myself and taking the form of a slave. I want more, I desire more…. Help me to see the lie and to desire only what You want for me. I pray for Your humility, for your contentment and I confess my selfish desire for more than I have, I pray Lord you would help me to be real in every situation and to humble myself enough to be willing to be the slave so that I may walk in obedience to what you have for me. Because Lord, I do desire that You receive the Glory.
Lord today, help me to walk according to what you have for me and help me to mindful of my attitude so that it won’t rob You of what is YOURS!

May You be Glorified in me today!
It is in Your Name I pray,
The Name of Jesus
Amen……………