Everyday Joy - MAKE MY JOY COMPLETE - Chuck Owens

Amen. Good morning, church family. Uh Amen. Good morning, church family. Uh hope you had a happy fourth and that hope you had a happy fourth and that hope you had a happy fourth and that everybody has all 10 fingers still. Uh I everybody has all 10 fingers still. Uh I everybody has all 10 fingers still. Uh I did hear I won't say his name, but I did hear I won't say his name, but I did hear I won't say his name, but I will say he is uh up on stage. Uh that will say he is uh up on stage. Uh that will say he is uh up on stage. Uh that he uh he said he shot a fire firework he uh he said he shot a fire firework he uh he said he shot a fire firework into his garage and said almost blew my into his garage and said almost blew my into his garage and said almost blew my house last night. But uh praise God he's house last night. But uh praise God he's house last night. But uh praise God he's here. Uh but if you are a guest, thank here. Uh but if you are a guest, thank here. Uh but if you are a guest, thank you for being here. I'm Chuck. I'm one you for being here. I'm Chuck. I'm one you for being here. I'm Chuck. I'm one of the pastors. We're glad you're here of the pastors. We're glad you're here of the pastors. We're glad you're here today. Uh there is a card in front of today. Uh there is a card in front of today. Uh there is a card in front of you. Unless you're on the front row, you. Unless you're on the front row, you. Unless you're on the front row, then I guess you're going to have to then I guess you're going to have to then I guess you're going to have to reach behind you. Uh that says connect reach behind you. Uh that says connect reach behind you. Uh that says connect with us that we would love to connect with us that we would love to connect with us that we would love to connect with you. We would love to know who you with you. We would love to know who you with you. We would love to know who you are. We'd love to serve you, answer any are. We'd love to serve you, answer any are. We'd love to serve you, answer any questions that you may have. So if questions that you may have. So if questions that you may have. So if you're guest, if you could fill that out you're guest, if you could fill that out you're guest, if you could fill that out for us, that would be a gift to us so for us, that would be a gift to us so for us, that would be a gift to us so that we can be praying for you. But if that we can be praying for you. But if that we can be praying for you. But if you uh have any prayer request uh you uh have any prayer request uh you uh have any prayer request uh member, whoever, please write it on that member, whoever, please write it on that member, whoever, please write it on that card as well because we like to pray for card as well because we like to pray for card as well because we like to pray for those every Tuesday whenever we gather those every Tuesday whenever we gather those every Tuesday whenever we gather together as a staff. And so we want to together as a staff. And so we want to together as a staff. And so we want to be sure that we are lifting our people be sure that we are lifting our people be sure that we are lifting our people up in prayer that we are bringing you up in prayer that we are bringing you up in prayer that we are bringing you before the Lord. Uh because he's he is before the Lord. Uh because he's he is before the Lord. Uh because he's he is worthy and he's the one that can do worthy and he's the one that can do worthy and he's the one that can do anything with anything that we're going anything with anything that we're going anything with anything that we're going through. Uh but before we get started, I through. Uh but before we get started, I through. Uh but before we get started, I want to remind you want to tell you of want to remind you want to tell you of want to remind you want to tell you of an opportunity that we have coming up.

an opportunity that we have coming up. an opportunity that we have coming up. And when I say coming up, I mean like And when I say coming up, I mean like And when I say coming up, I mean like two weeks that on July 18th through two weeks that on July 18th through two weeks that on July 18th through 24th, there's going to be a team that 24th, there's going to be a team that 24th, there's going to be a team that goes to Colombia, Missouri, to our KOMO goes to Colombia, Missouri, to our KOMO goes to Colombia, Missouri, to our KOMO campus up there and help our brothers campus up there and help our brothers campus up there and help our brothers and sisters up there, help our fellow and sisters up there, help our fellow and sisters up there, help our fellow church members up there to put on a free church members up there to put on a free church members up there to put on a free soccer camp uh so they can get to know soccer camp uh so they can get to know soccer camp uh so they can get to know the community, so they can serve their the community, so they can serve their the community, so they can serve their community, so they can continue to or so community, so they can continue to or so community, so they can continue to or so they can uh share the gospel with them they can uh share the gospel with them they can uh share the gospel with them in Colombia. So, if you want to be a in Colombia. So, if you want to be a in Colombia. So, if you want to be a part of that, uh, you can come find me, part of that, uh, you can come find me, part of that, uh, you can come find me, you can email me, you can do whatever. you can email me, you can do whatever. you can email me, you can do whatever. Uh, but please get signed up to do that. Uh, but please get signed up to do that. Uh, but please get signed up to do that. And if you're going to go get signed up And if you're going to go get signed up And if you're going to go get signed up to do so ASAP because again, July 18th to do so ASAP because again, July 18th to do so ASAP because again, July 18th and today's the 5th. So, uh, but we want and today's the 5th. So, uh, but we want and today's the 5th. So, uh, but we want to make sure that we give you tell you to make sure that we give you tell you to make sure that we give you tell you about that opportunity as we have so about that opportunity as we have so about that opportunity as we have so that we can serve and that we can, um, that we can serve and that we can, um, that we can serve and that we can, um, so that we can join Jesus in the mission so that we can join Jesus in the mission so that we can join Jesus in the mission that he's given us to go and make that he's given us to go and make that he's given us to go and make disciples of all nations. And that's one disciples of all nations. And that's one disciples of all nations. And that's one of the way we can. So, uh, if you have of the way we can. So, uh, if you have of the way we can. So, uh, if you have your Bible, let's get into the word. Go your Bible, let's get into the word. Go your Bible, let's get into the word. Go to Philippians chapter 2. If you have to Philippians chapter 2. If you have to Philippians chapter 2. If you have your Bible, go to Philippians chapter 2.

your Bible, go to Philippians chapter 2. your Bible, go to Philippians chapter 2. If you're new with us, what we've been If you're new with us, what we've been If you're new with us, what we've been doing is we have been working our way doing is we have been working our way doing is we have been working our way through the book uh to Paul's letter to through the book uh to Paul's letter to through the book uh to Paul's letter to the church of Philippi. That what we are the church of Philippi. That what we are the church of Philippi. That what we are going to see today as we continue in going to see today as we continue in going to see today as we continue in this letter to Philippi, as we go to this letter to Philippi, as we go to this letter to Philippi, as we go to chapter 2, we're going to see one of the chapter 2, we're going to see one of the chapter 2, we're going to see one of the richest text about the nature of who richest text about the nature of who richest text about the nature of who Christ is. Christ is. Christ is. But at the same time, we're going to see But at the same time, we're going to see But at the same time, we're going to see Paul's heartbeat, one of his main Paul's heartbeat, one of his main Paul's heartbeat, one of his main concerns for the church, and that's concerns for the church, and that's concerns for the church, and that's unity. And if you know anything about a unity. And if you know anything about a unity. And if you know anything about a team, that a disunified team is a team team, that a disunified team is a team team, that a disunified team is a team set for disaster. That Jesus said set for disaster. That Jesus said set for disaster. That Jesus said himself in Matthew that a house divided himself in Matthew that a house divided himself in Matthew that a house divided against itself will not stand. I against itself will not stand. I against itself will not stand. I remember one time my teammate in India remember one time my teammate in India remember one time my teammate in India uh he was from Alabama and he loved uh he was from Alabama and he loved uh he was from Alabama and he loved Alabama football. He even loved Alabama. Alabama football. He even loved Alabama. Alabama football. He even loved Alabama. I think every playlist maybe even his I think every playlist maybe even his I think every playlist maybe even his worship playlist uh even had the song worship playlist uh even had the song worship playlist uh even had the song Sweet Home Alabama on it. Uh but one Sweet Home Alabama on it. Uh but one Sweet Home Alabama on it. Uh but one summer we had a friend uh a guy from his summer we had a friend uh a guy from his summer we had a friend uh a guy from his hometown come and stay with us uh who hometown come and stay with us uh who hometown come and stay with us uh who went to Auburn. And one of my great joys went to Auburn. And one of my great joys went to Auburn. And one of my great joys that summer was to get them riled up and that summer was to get them riled up and that summer was to get them riled up and bring up Alabama versus Auburn. Uh bring up Alabama versus Auburn. Uh bring up Alabama versus Auburn. Uh because it would be a fun time for me.

because it would be a fun time for me. because it would be a fun time for me. That it's a fun time whenever we see That it's a fun time whenever we see That it's a fun time whenever we see when our enemies see us disunified. And when our enemies see us disunified. And when our enemies see us disunified. And so uh but when it comes to unity, I will so uh but when it comes to unity, I will so uh but when it comes to unity, I will say even though I'm making a joke, it's say even though I'm making a joke, it's say even though I'm making a joke, it's no laughing matter. A few years ago, a no laughing matter. A few years ago, a no laughing matter. A few years ago, a guy named Jim Belchure, yes that's his guy named Jim Belchure, yes that's his guy named Jim Belchure, yes that's his last name, a great last name, he wrote last name, a great last name, he wrote last name, a great last name, he wrote an article on the issue of unity in an article on the issue of unity in an article on the issue of unity in churches and he said this. He says, "Why churches and he said this. He says, "Why churches and he said this. He says, "Why do churches why do churches have such a do churches why do churches have such a do churches why do churches have such a hard time forgiving one another instead hard time forgiving one another instead hard time forgiving one another instead of bearing with one another love? Why do of bearing with one another love? Why do of bearing with one another love? Why do we let resentments build into a flood of we let resentments build into a flood of we let resentments build into a flood of bitterness that defiles everyone?" bitterness that defiles everyone?" bitterness that defiles everyone?" And he goes on to say that one of that And he goes on to say that one of that And he goes on to say that one of that in his experience and what he sees that in his experience and what he sees that in his experience and what he sees that disunityity and church splits rarely disunityity and church splits rarely disunityity and church splits rarely happen over theology. happen over theology. happen over theology. Instead of it's over petty bitterness. Instead of it's over petty bitterness. Instead of it's over petty bitterness. And then he tells a story about a church And then he tells a story about a church And then he tells a story about a church in Dallas. And he says, 'I' reminded of in Dallas. And he says, 'I' reminded of in Dallas. And he says, 'I' reminded of a certain Dallas church that decided to a certain Dallas church that decided to a certain Dallas church that decided to split and then fight over the property split and then fight over the property split and then fight over the property that they filed lawsuits against one that they filed lawsuits against one that they filed lawsuits against one another, ignoring the command of another, ignoring the command of another, ignoring the command of scripture against suing their brothers scripture against suing their brothers scripture against suing their brothers and sisters in Christ. He said, "Thank and sisters in Christ. He said, "Thank and sisters in Christ. He said, "Thank the judge referred the case back to the the judge referred the case back to the the judge referred the case back to the denomination to handle. And when the denomination to handle. And when the denomination to handle. And when the denomination began to look into the denomination began to look into the denomination began to look into the matter, matter, matter, what they discovered is that the what they discovered is that the what they discovered is that the conflict that led to their split conflict that led to their split conflict that led to their split happened years ago at a church dinner happened years ago at a church dinner happened years ago at a church dinner whenever an elder, one of the leaders of whenever an elder, one of the leaders of whenever an elder, one of the leaders of the church, sat down beside a young kid the church, sat down beside a young kid the church, sat down beside a young kid and noticed that that kid had a bigger and noticed that that kid had a bigger and noticed that that kid had a bigger piece of ham than he had,

piece of ham than he had, piece of ham than he had, which led to them then this story which led to them then this story which led to them then this story getting out on the local newspapers. And getting out on the local newspapers. And getting out on the local newspapers. And he says this, "Sadly, this tidbit he says this, "Sadly, this tidbit he says this, "Sadly, this tidbit of news was reported to the local of news was reported to the local of news was reported to the local newspaper for everyone to read and laugh newspaper for everyone to read and laugh newspaper for everyone to read and laugh at, at, at, but it is no laughing matter. Sometimes but it is no laughing matter. Sometimes but it is no laughing matter. Sometimes the smallest slights turn into the the smallest slights turn into the the smallest slights turn into the biggest roots of bitterness that can biggest roots of bitterness that can biggest roots of bitterness that can defile a whole church." defile a whole church." defile a whole church." And the reason Paul writes about this is And the reason Paul writes about this is And the reason Paul writes about this is because disunityity is one of the because disunityity is one of the because disunityity is one of the biggest threats to the church. biggest threats to the church. biggest threats to the church. While other sins may be seen as more While other sins may be seen as more While other sins may be seen as more serious, serious, serious, that only takes the pride of one person that only takes the pride of one person that only takes the pride of one person to cause a big church split. to cause a big church split. to cause a big church split. But as Psalm 133 tells us, it is good But as Psalm 133 tells us, it is good But as Psalm 133 tells us, it is good and pleasant from God's people live and pleasant from God's people live and pleasant from God's people live together in unity. And Jesus, when he together in unity. And Jesus, when he together in unity. And Jesus, when he prayed in John 17, he prayed that the prayed in John 17, he prayed that the prayed in John 17, he prayed that the church would be one. He said, "Father, I church would be one. He said, "Father, I church would be one. He said, "Father, I pray that you would make them one as you pray that you would make them one as you pray that you would make them one as you and I are one. That we find our unity in and I are one. That we find our unity in and I are one. That we find our unity in who God is. that we find our unity just who God is. that we find our unity just who God is. that we find our unity just as God the father, God the son, God the as God the father, God the son, God the as God the father, God the son, God the holy spirit of one that he prays for us holy spirit of one that he prays for us holy spirit of one that he prays for us to be one together. And here in to be one together. And here in to be one together. And here in Philippians, Paul's going to make a big Philippians, Paul's going to make a big Philippians, Paul's going to make a big deal about our unity when he says that deal about our unity when he says that deal about our unity when he says that he's going to encourage the church to be he's going to encourage the church to be he's going to encourage the church to be unified. But then from there, when he unified. But then from there, when he unified. But then from there, when he tells them to be unified, he does not tells them to be unified, he does not tells them to be unified, he does not give a sevenstep give a sevenstep give a sevenstep outline of okay, this is what you do outline of okay, this is what you do outline of okay, this is what you do first get over yourself to do this. Like first get over yourself to do this. Like first get over yourself to do this. Like he is going to point us to Jesus. And he is going to point us to Jesus. And he is going to point us to Jesus. And here's what this text is going to mean here's what this text is going to mean here's what this text is going to mean for us today. Here's what we need to get for us today. Here's what we need to get for us today. Here's what we need to get out of this. The big thing that we need out of this. The big thing that we need out of this. The big thing that we need to get out of this text today is that we

to get out of this text today is that we to get out of this text today is that we must find our unity in Jesus must find our unity in Jesus must find our unity in Jesus who is both our example who is both our example who is both our example and our Lord. and our Lord. and our Lord. And then when that is what we do, what And then when that is what we do, what And then when that is what we do, what we are going to do is just as Jesus said we are going to do is just as Jesus said we are going to do is just as Jesus said in Matthew 18, the gates of hell cannot in Matthew 18, the gates of hell cannot in Matthew 18, the gates of hell cannot stand against a church that is unified stand against a church that is unified stand against a church that is unified and built on Jesus. And so would you and built on Jesus. And so would you and built on Jesus. And so would you read this text with me today as we see read this text with me today as we see read this text with me today as we see who Jesus is and as we seek to do what who Jesus is and as we seek to do what who Jesus is and as we seek to do what he tells us to do. So Philippians 2:es he tells us to do. So Philippians 2:es he tells us to do. So Philippians 2:es 1-1. This is what the word of the Lord 1-1. This is what the word of the Lord 1-1. This is what the word of the Lord says. Therefore, says. Therefore, says. Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if if there is any consolation of love, if if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the spirit, there is any fellowship of the spirit, there is any fellowship of the spirit, if there if any affection and if there if any affection and if there if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by compassion, make my joy complete by compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the being of the same mind, maintaining the being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on same love, united in spirit, intent on same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. one purpose. one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty Do nothing from selfishness or empty Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind, conceit, but with humility of mind, conceit, but with humility of mind, regard one another as more important regard one another as more important regard one another as more important than yourselves.

than yourselves. than yourselves. Do not merely look out for your own Do not merely look out for your own Do not merely look out for your own personal interests but also for the personal interests but also for the personal interests but also for the interest of others. interest of others. interest of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which Have this attitude in yourselves which Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus who although he was also in Christ Jesus who although he was also in Christ Jesus who although he existed in the form of God did not existed in the form of God did not existed in the form of God did not regard regard equality with God a thing regard regard equality with God a thing regard regard equality with God a thing to be grasped but emptied himself to be grasped but emptied himself to be grasped but emptied himself taking the form of a bondervant and taking the form of a bondervant and taking the form of a bondervant and being made in the likeness of men. He being made in the likeness of men. He being made in the likeness of men. He found being found in the appearance as a found being found in the appearance as a found being found in the appearance as a man, he humbled himself himself by man, he humbled himself himself by man, he humbled himself himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, becoming obedient to the point of death, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. even death on a cross. even death on a cross. For this reason also God highly exalted For this reason also God highly exalted For this reason also God highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which him and bestowed on him the name which him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name. So that the the is above every name. So that the the is above every name. So that the the name of Jesus, every knee will bow and name of Jesus, every knee will bow and name of Jesus, every knee will bow and those who are in heaven and on earth and those who are in heaven and on earth and those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess under the earth and every tongue confess under the earth and every tongue confess will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. Would to the glory of God the Father. Would to the glory of God the Father. Would you pray with me as we seek the Lord's you pray with me as we seek the Lord's you pray with me as we seek the Lord's help and glorify him? Father, would we help and glorify him? Father, would we help and glorify him? Father, would we leave here today doing just what that leave here today doing just what that leave here today doing just what that last phrase says? Would we leave here last phrase says? Would we leave here last phrase says? Would we leave here glorifying you out into this world, God?

glorifying you out into this world, God? glorifying you out into this world, God? Would you make us a church that is one Would you make us a church that is one Would you make us a church that is one because you are one? Would you make us a because you are one? Would you make us a because you are one? Would you make us a church that is built on Jesus, the chief church that is built on Jesus, the chief church that is built on Jesus, the chief cornerstone? So Jesus, would you have cornerstone? So Jesus, would you have cornerstone? So Jesus, would you have your way in us this morning? Will we not your way in us this morning? Will we not your way in us this morning? Will we not leave here the same as we entered, but leave here the same as we entered, but leave here the same as we entered, but will we leave here changed and will we leave here changed and will we leave here changed and sanctified by you? So spirit have your sanctified by you? So spirit have your sanctified by you? So spirit have your way in us at this time again all for way in us at this time again all for way in us at this time again all for your glory God and pray this in Jesus your glory God and pray this in Jesus your glory God and pray this in Jesus name. Amen. name. Amen. name. Amen. All right. One thing you need to know All right. One thing you need to know All right. One thing you need to know and I'm going to try this iPad out thing and I'm going to try this iPad out thing and I'm going to try this iPad out thing myself this iPad thing out myself. Uh myself this iPad thing out myself. Uh myself this iPad thing out myself. Uh one thing you need to know that whenever one thing you need to know that whenever one thing you need to know that whenever you read a book whenever you read a New you read a book whenever you read a New you read a book whenever you read a New Testament letter that it is one big Testament letter that it is one big Testament letter that it is one big letter that was read all at one time in letter that was read all at one time in letter that was read all at one time in the setting of the church. And so every the setting of the church. And so every the setting of the church. And so every verse flows into the next verse. And verse flows into the next verse. And verse flows into the next verse. And that takes place here too. That this that takes place here too. That this that takes place here too. That this therefore gives us that hint that this therefore gives us that hint that this therefore gives us that hint that this therefore is pointing us back to verses therefore is pointing us back to verses therefore is pointing us back to verses 27- 28. That in verse 27, what Paul says 27- 28. That in verse 27, what Paul says 27- 28. That in verse 27, what Paul says is whatever you do, or as the CSV puts is whatever you do, or as the CSV puts is whatever you do, or as the CSV puts it, just one thing. Just one thing. What it, just one thing. Just one thing. What it, just one thing. Just one thing. What is that one thing? Live worthy of the is that one thing? Live worthy of the is that one thing? Live worthy of the gospel. It was as if Paul was holding up gospel. It was as if Paul was holding up gospel. It was as if Paul was holding up one finger like pointing that finger one finger like pointing that finger one finger like pointing that finger like just one thing you church need to like just one thing you church need to like just one thing you church need to be doing, one thing you need to be be doing, one thing you need to be be doing, one thing you need to be about. Live a life worthy of the gospel.

about. Live a life worthy of the gospel. about. Live a life worthy of the gospel. >> And then following that in verses 28 >> And then following that in verses 28 >> And then following that in verses 28 through30, what he does is he prepares through30, what he does is he prepares through30, what he does is he prepares the church that there's going to be the church that there's going to be the church that there's going to be external opposition that you're going to external opposition that you're going to external opposition that you're going to face. There's going to be external face. There's going to be external face. There's going to be external conflicts that you face. There's going conflicts that you face. There's going conflicts that you face. There's going to be persecution. There's going to be to be persecution. There's going to be to be persecution. There's going to be uh trials that come from the outside. uh trials that come from the outside. uh trials that come from the outside. And because that's going to take place, And because that's going to take place, And because that's going to take place, what you need to do verses 1-4 in what you need to do verses 1-4 in what you need to do verses 1-4 in chapter 2, don't add to it from your own chapter 2, don't add to it from your own chapter 2, don't add to it from your own internal conflict. You are going to be internal conflict. You are going to be internal conflict. You are going to be facing external conflict. So don't add facing external conflict. So don't add facing external conflict. So don't add to it in your own internal conflict. And to it in your own internal conflict. And to it in your own internal conflict. And so Paul now tells us in these verses how so Paul now tells us in these verses how so Paul now tells us in these verses how we as a church we as a church we as a church fulfill that one thing. And the way that fulfill that one thing. And the way that fulfill that one thing. And the way that we fulfill that one thing is verses 1-4. we fulfill that one thing is verses 1-4. we fulfill that one thing is verses 1-4. We fulfill it by being united. That we We fulfill it by being united. That we We fulfill it by being united. That we are called to be united in Christ. That are called to be united in Christ. That are called to be united in Christ. That there's a connection between the unity there's a connection between the unity there's a connection between the unity church of the church and our and its church of the church and our and its church of the church and our and its projection of who God is into the world. projection of who God is into the world. projection of who God is into the world. As I said earlier, God is one. He is one As I said earlier, God is one. He is one As I said earlier, God is one. He is one God and three persons. God the father, God and three persons. God the father, God and three persons. God the father, God the son, and God the holy spirit all God the son, and God the holy spirit all God the son, and God the holy spirit all together as one. And so when we are a together as one. And so when we are a together as one. And so when we are a church united, what we are doing is we church united, what we are doing is we church united, what we are doing is we are showing the world this is who our are showing the world this is who our are showing the world this is who our God is.

God is. God is. But when we are a church divided, we run But when we are a church divided, we run But when we are a church divided, we run the risk of promoting a false gospel. the risk of promoting a false gospel. the risk of promoting a false gospel. The gospel is the foundation of our The gospel is the foundation of our The gospel is the foundation of our unity. And he gets at that in this verse unity. And he gets at that in this verse unity. And he gets at that in this verse one. In verse one, he's telling us, he's one. In verse one, he's telling us, he's one. In verse one, he's telling us, he's reminding us of the experience that we reminding us of the experience that we reminding us of the experience that we all have because of the gospel. all have because of the gospel. all have because of the gospel. He's reminding us of the basis of our He's reminding us of the basis of our He's reminding us of the basis of our obedience is not anything that we do, obedience is not anything that we do, obedience is not anything that we do, but it's all because of the gospel. And but it's all because of the gospel. And but it's all because of the gospel. And he tells us this by these four if he tells us this by these four if he tells us this by these four if statements. And he says, if there's any statements. And he says, if there's any statements. And he says, if there's any encouragement, if there's any encouragement, if there's any encouragement, if there's any consolation, if there's any fellowship, consolation, if there's any fellowship, consolation, if there's any fellowship, if there's any infection and compassion. if there's any infection and compassion. if there's any infection and compassion. These ifs, by the way, they're not here These ifs, by the way, they're not here These ifs, by the way, they're not here to raise doubt. These ifs are to raise doubt. These ifs are to raise doubt. These ifs are certainties. It's better to be certainties. It's better to be certainties. It's better to be understood as since you have this, since understood as since you have this, since understood as since you have this, since you have encouragement in Christ, since you have encouragement in Christ, since you have encouragement in Christ, since you have consolation of love, since you you have consolation of love, since you you have consolation of love, since you have fellowship, since you have have fellowship, since you have have fellowship, since you have affection and compassion, because you affection and compassion, because you affection and compassion, because you have this, Paul is giving us these to have this, Paul is giving us these to have this, Paul is giving us these to remind us of the certainties that we remind us of the certainties that we remind us of the certainties that we have because we are a people that have have because we are a people that have have because we are a people that have the all experience the grace of God the all experience the grace of God the all experience the grace of God through the gospel of Jesus Christ through the gospel of Jesus Christ through the gospel of Jesus Christ together. He's reminding us of what he together. He's reminding us of what he together. He's reminding us of what he has given us. They're not here to shame has given us. They're not here to shame has given us. They're not here to shame us.

us. us. And just remind you like the gospel has And just remind you like the gospel has And just remind you like the gospel has nothing to do with shame nothing to do with shame nothing to do with shame except for the point that all of our except for the point that all of our except for the point that all of our shame was point put on Christ when he shame was point put on Christ when he shame was point put on Christ when he went to the cross. went to the cross. went to the cross. Some of you may have been shamed by an Some of you may have been shamed by an Some of you may have been shamed by an if statement before. if statement before. if statement before. Well, if you would just do this, then Well, if you would just do this, then Well, if you would just do this, then maybe the Lord would bless you. maybe the Lord would bless you. maybe the Lord would bless you. That's not what Paul's doing. And that's That's not what Paul's doing. And that's That's not what Paul's doing. And that's not what the gospel is about. The gospel not what the gospel is about. The gospel not what the gospel is about. The gospel is that since you have this now do this. is that since you have this now do this. is that since you have this now do this. >> Paul is trying to remind us. He's trying >> Paul is trying to remind us. He's trying >> Paul is trying to remind us. He's trying to get the people to remember the basis to get the people to remember the basis to get the people to remember the basis of us being the body of Christ. And of us being the body of Christ. And of us being the body of Christ. And because this is the basis because this because this is the basis because this because this is the basis because this is the experience that we all have. Now is the experience that we all have. Now is the experience that we all have. Now he's going to go in verse two and the he's going to go in verse two and the he's going to go in verse two and the exhortation exhortation exhortation the exhortation the one command in this the exhortation the one command in this the exhortation the one command in this passage is this. make my joy complete. passage is this. make my joy complete. passage is this. make my joy complete. This is the one command in this passage. This is the one command in this passage. This is the one command in this passage. This is the one idea. This is the main This is the one idea. This is the main This is the one idea. This is the main idea that Paul is trying to get across idea that Paul is trying to get across idea that Paul is trying to get across to make my joy complete.

to make my joy complete. to make my joy complete. And here's the thing about Paul that And here's the thing about Paul that And here's the thing about Paul that that if you notice when you're ever that if you notice when you're ever that if you notice when you're ever you're reading through Philippians, you're reading through Philippians, you're reading through Philippians, Paul's joy is not tied to himself. Paul's joy is not tied to himself. Paul's joy is not tied to himself. I know it's corny and I know you've I know it's corny and I know you've I know it's corny and I know you've probably heard it before, but joy being probably heard it before, but joy being probably heard it before, but joy being found in J Ou Jesus others yourself. found in J Ou Jesus others yourself. found in J Ou Jesus others yourself. But whenever you look at Paul, there's But whenever you look at Paul, there's But whenever you look at Paul, there's really no joy. It's a lot of joe. really no joy. It's a lot of joe. really no joy. It's a lot of joe. It's Jesus others, not himself. It's Jesus others, not himself. It's Jesus others, not himself. That like a good parent, a good parent That like a good parent, a good parent That like a good parent, a good parent who finds joy in the well-being of their who finds joy in the well-being of their who finds joy in the well-being of their kids. This is what Paul is finding joy kids. This is what Paul is finding joy kids. This is what Paul is finding joy in. He find joy in the well-being of the in. He find joy in the well-being of the in. He find joy in the well-being of the people of whom whom he loves. people of whom whom he loves. people of whom whom he loves. Kids, I want to let you go on a little Kids, I want to let you go on a little Kids, I want to let you go on a little secret secret secret that us parents find joy when you that us parents find joy when you that us parents find joy when you actually get along. actually get along. actually get along. It's such a peaceful thing. It's such a peaceful thing. It's such a peaceful thing. This is what Paul finds joy in. When his This is what Paul finds joy in. When his This is what Paul finds joy in. When his people get along, people get along, people get along, go back to verses 28 through 30 in go back to verses 28 through 30 in go back to verses 28 through 30 in chapter 1. We're going to face struggle.

chapter 1. We're going to face struggle. chapter 1. We're going to face struggle. Joy is not found in the absence of Joy is not found in the absence of Joy is not found in the absence of struggle. struggle. struggle. Joy is found Joy is found Joy is found when the church when the church when the church is unified and we can go through those is unified and we can go through those is unified and we can go through those struggles together. struggles together. struggles together. That's where joy is found. That's where joy is found. That's where joy is found. So we be reminded, follow this So we be reminded, follow this So we be reminded, follow this exhortation, follow this command, but do exhortation, follow this command, but do exhortation, follow this command, but do so because of our experience of the so because of our experience of the so because of our experience of the gospel. gospel. gospel. Which leads us then to the essence of Which leads us then to the essence of Which leads us then to the essence of this command. The essence of being this command. The essence of being this command. The essence of being unified is being likeminded. You see unified is being likeminded. You see unified is being likeminded. You see that word or of the same mind. This is that word or of the same mind. This is that word or of the same mind. This is found in 10 times. This verb is used 10 found in 10 times. This verb is used 10 found in 10 times. This verb is used 10 times throughout Philippians. And it's times throughout Philippians. And it's times throughout Philippians. And it's referring to our intellect. But it goes referring to our intellect. But it goes referring to our intellect. But it goes beyond that. It goes beyond an intellect beyond that. It goes beyond an intellect beyond that. It goes beyond an intellect and into our shared will that we have as and into our shared will that we have as and into our shared will that we have as a church, which then goes in and affects a church, which then goes in and affects a church, which then goes in and affects our attitudes. It's like a our attitudes. It's like a our attitudes. It's like a all-encompassing thing that takes place all-encompassing thing that takes place all-encompassing thing that takes place in the Christian life when we have the in the Christian life when we have the in the Christian life when we have the same mind. When we are likeminded same mind. When we are likeminded same mind. When we are likeminded together, it's this comprehensive together, it's this comprehensive together, it's this comprehensive outlook that affects the attitude of the outlook that affects the attitude of the outlook that affects the attitude of the whole. Not just you as a person, but the whole. Not just you as a person, but the whole. Not just you as a person, but the whole of the church. That unity is found whole of the church. That unity is found whole of the church. That unity is found in sharing a common purpose.

in sharing a common purpose. in sharing a common purpose. This is what unity is not. Unity is not This is what unity is not. Unity is not This is what unity is not. Unity is not uniformity. uniformity. uniformity. That God is not about us all being That God is not about us all being That God is not about us all being clones and being robots. clones and being robots. clones and being robots. And this is the beauty of the church. And this is the beauty of the church. And this is the beauty of the church. There's beauty when the church is There's beauty when the church is There's beauty when the church is diverse. There's unity when a church diverse. There's unity when a church diverse. There's unity when a church does not look like we should all be does not look like we should all be does not look like we should all be hanging out together. hanging out together. hanging out together. We had a friend in North Carolina when We had a friend in North Carolina when We had a friend in North Carolina when we lived there that she said one time, we lived there that she said one time, we lived there that she said one time, this may sound mean, uh, and it maybe this may sound mean, uh, and it maybe this may sound mean, uh, and it maybe is, but, uh, she said one time she was is, but, uh, she said one time she was is, but, uh, she said one time she was in her small group and she's like, I was in her small group and she's like, I was in her small group and she's like, I was looking around the room and she's like, looking around the room and she's like, looking around the room and she's like, I couldn't help but think that there is I couldn't help but think that there is I couldn't help but think that there is no way I would be hanging out with these no way I would be hanging out with these no way I would be hanging out with these people if it weren't for Jesus. people if it weren't for Jesus. people if it weren't for Jesus. Maybe you've looked around the room. Maybe you've looked around the room. Maybe you've looked around the room. Maybe you're looking up on the stage and Maybe you're looking up on the stage and Maybe you're looking up on the stage and you're thinking that right now. But you're thinking that right now. But you're thinking that right now. But that's the beauty of the church. that's the beauty of the church. that's the beauty of the church. That's the beauty of the church. When we That's the beauty of the church. When we That's the beauty of the church. When we don't look alike, when we don't respond don't look alike, when we don't respond don't look alike, when we don't respond the same way, when we don't have these the same way, when we don't have these the same way, when we don't have these identical lifestyles or these identical identical lifestyles or these identical identical lifestyles or these identical gifts, this is what he tells us in first gifts, this is what he tells us in first gifts, this is what he tells us in first Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12 that Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12 that Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12 that we have been given different gifts, we have been given different gifts, we have been given different gifts, different abilities, all for the purpose different abilities, all for the purpose different abilities, all for the purpose of edifying the church.

of edifying the church. of edifying the church. Which means that you matter. You Which means that you matter. You Which means that you matter. You individually matter. that you individually matter. that you individually matter. that you individually with the individual gift individually with the individual gift individually with the individual gift that God has given you, you matter. You that God has given you, you matter. You that God has given you, you matter. You bring edification to the church. That if bring edification to the church. That if bring edification to the church. That if you're on the fence, should I join a you're on the fence, should I join a you're on the fence, should I join a church? Should I not join a church? Join church? Should I not join a church? Join church? Should I not join a church? Join a church. a church. a church. If if you don't live here, join a good If if you don't live here, join a good If if you don't live here, join a good bibleelving gospel preaching church bibleelving gospel preaching church bibleelving gospel preaching church where you live because you matter. Your where you live because you matter. Your where you live because you matter. Your gifts matter. What you bring to the gifts matter. What you bring to the gifts matter. What you bring to the church matters. If you don't think you church matters. If you don't think you church matters. If you don't think you have a place, you absolutely have a have a place, you absolutely have a have a place, you absolutely have a place within the church and you are place within the church and you are place within the church and you are absolutely needed. absolutely needed. absolutely needed. And it is a compelling thing. And it is a compelling thing. And it is a compelling thing. It's a compelling thing to the world It's a compelling thing to the world It's a compelling thing to the world when the church is made up of people who when the church is made up of people who when the church is made up of people who don't look like they should belong don't look like they should belong don't look like they should belong together, but here they are hanging out together, but here they are hanging out together, but here they are hanging out together because they love one another. together because they love one another. together because they love one another. >> This is the essence of us being united. >> This is the essence of us being united. >> This is the essence of us being united. And then the essentials, the essentials And then the essentials, the essentials And then the essentials, the essentials of us being united is having this same of us being united is having this same of us being united is having this same outlook or this same love intent on one outlook or this same love intent on one outlook or this same love intent on one purpose.

purpose. purpose. This is the essence that we have this This is the essence that we have this This is the essence that we have this same outlook, a commonality that is same outlook, a commonality that is same outlook, a commonality that is found in going the same direction, found in going the same direction, found in going the same direction, seeking a same purpose that is rooted in seeking a same purpose that is rooted in seeking a same purpose that is rooted in this word right here, humility. this word right here, humility. this word right here, humility. And back then when Paul is writing this And back then when Paul is writing this And back then when Paul is writing this letter, humility was no virtue at all. letter, humility was no virtue at all. letter, humility was no virtue at all. Like to us it may be a virtue but for Like to us it may be a virtue but for Like to us it may be a virtue but for Paul humility was really a humiliation Paul humility was really a humiliation Paul humility was really a humiliation thing. Because what it meant is that you thing. Because what it meant is that you thing. Because what it meant is that you are taking on the mindset of a slave. are taking on the mindset of a slave. are taking on the mindset of a slave. And the mindset of a slave back then was And the mindset of a slave back then was And the mindset of a slave back then was I am here for the purpose of serving I am here for the purpose of serving I am here for the purpose of serving another person which is exactly what he another person which is exactly what he another person which is exactly what he is telling us to take on this m is telling us to take on this m is telling us to take on this m mentality. mentality. mentality. This is what it means to grow as a This is what it means to grow as a This is what it means to grow as a disciple is is is to grow in our disciple is is is to grow in our disciple is is is to grow in our humility humility humility on disciplehip. John Sto said that at on disciplehip. John Sto said that at on disciplehip. John Sto said that at every stage every stage every stage of our Christian development of our Christian development of our Christian development and in every sphere of our Christian and in every sphere of our Christian and in every sphere of our Christian disciplehip. disciplehip. disciplehip. Pride is our greatest enemy and humility Pride is our greatest enemy and humility Pride is our greatest enemy and humility is our greatest friend.

Can you just imagine Can you just imagine church what we could do church what we could do church what we could do if everyone in our church, if everyone in our church, if everyone in our church, no matter who we are, no matter what we no matter who we are, no matter what we no matter who we are, no matter what we came from, walked into this room and came from, walked into this room and came from, walked into this room and said, "I am here to humbly serve my said, "I am here to humbly serve my said, "I am here to humbly serve my brothers and sisters that are in this brothers and sisters that are in this brothers and sisters that are in this room." room." room." You may have heard it said there's one You may have heard it said there's one You may have heard it said there's one of two ways that you can walk into a of two ways that you can walk into a of two ways that you can walk into a room. The first way is to walk in the room. The first way is to walk in the room. The first way is to walk in the room and say, "Hey, here I am. room and say, "Hey, here I am. room and say, "Hey, here I am. Look at me." Look at me." Look at me." Or it could be to walk into the room and Or it could be to walk into the room and Or it could be to walk into the room and say, "There you are. What can I do for say, "There you are. What can I do for say, "There you are. What can I do for you?" you?" you?" Let us walk in with that second mindset. Let us walk in with that second mindset. Let us walk in with that second mindset. And then the other essence, the other And then the other essence, the other And then the other essence, the other essential is verse four. consideration of others consideration of others actually is seen in verse three. Do not actually is seen in verse three. Do not actually is seen in verse three. Do not just regard one another as more just regard one another as more just regard one another as more important than yourselves. And then important than yourselves. And then important than yourselves. And then verse four, look out also for the verse four, look out also for the verse four, look out also for the interest of others. And listen, I know interest of others. And listen, I know interest of others. And listen, I know that there are people that are hard to that there are people that are hard to that there are people that are hard to deal with.

deal with. deal with. And if you can't think of anybody that's And if you can't think of anybody that's And if you can't think of anybody that's hard to deal with, one, you're either hard to deal with, one, you're either hard to deal with, one, you're either fully sanctified or two, you are that fully sanctified or two, you are that fully sanctified or two, you are that person. person. person. And if you're that person, we love you. And if you're that person, we love you. And if you're that person, we love you. Thanks for being here. But here's what he's saying with regard But here's what he's saying with regard regard one another as more important. regard one another as more important. regard one another as more important. Look out for the interests of others. Look out for the interests of others. Look out for the interests of others. Here here's what Paul is saying. He's Here here's what Paul is saying. He's Here here's what Paul is saying. He's saying to view these people to view saying to view these people to view saying to view these people to view everyone as somebody to be served. everyone as somebody to be served. everyone as somebody to be served. Now when Christ came down to the earth Now when Christ came down to the earth Now when Christ came down to the earth and he came to serve, Matthew or Mark and he came to serve, Matthew or Mark and he came to serve, Matthew or Mark 10, he said, "I did not come to be 10, he said, "I did not come to be 10, he said, "I did not come to be served but to serve." When he came down, served but to serve." When he came down, served but to serve." When he came down, did he serve because we are worthy of did he serve because we are worthy of did he serve because we are worthy of his service? Absolutely not. his service? Absolutely not. his service? Absolutely not. No, Christ came down to serve us, to No, Christ came down to serve us, to No, Christ came down to serve us, to make us worthy. make us worthy. make us worthy. We're not worthy to be served. We're not worthy to be served. We're not worthy to be served. But in doing so, just as Christ saw who But in doing so, just as Christ saw who But in doing so, just as Christ saw who we could become in him, we look at each we could become in him, we look at each we could become in him, we look at each other and we see who they become, who other and we see who they become, who other and we see who they become, who they could become in Christ, and then we they could become in Christ, and then we they could become in Christ, and then we say, "I'm going to serve you because in say, "I'm going to serve you because in say, "I'm going to serve you because in Christ, you are beautiful and you're Christ, you are beautiful and you're Christ, you are beautiful and you're worthy of my service."

worthy of my service." worthy of my service." We modeled Jesus. This is what he's We modeled Jesus. This is what he's We modeled Jesus. This is what he's saying. model Christ saying. model Christ saying. model Christ and all of this. You see this in verse and all of this. You see this in verse and all of this. You see this in verse three, it has these negatives. Do three, it has these negatives. Do three, it has these negatives. Do nothing and do not. And the main nothing and do not. And the main nothing and do not. And the main negative that he's getting us to is this negative that he's getting us to is this negative that he's getting us to is this empty conceit. Do nothing out of empty conceit. Do nothing out of empty conceit. Do nothing out of emptiness, out of selfishness or empty emptiness, out of selfishness or empty emptiness, out of selfishness or empty conceit. That should remind us of verse conceit. That should remind us of verse conceit. That should remind us of verse 117 when he says, "There are some who 117 when he says, "There are some who 117 when he says, "There are some who are preaching the gospel out of are preaching the gospel out of are preaching the gospel out of selfishness or of their own empty selfishness or of their own empty selfishness or of their own empty ambition." This is that same word that ambition." This is that same word that ambition." This is that same word that empty is the same word that he has empty is the same word that he has empty is the same word that he has there. It's this word that means there. It's this word that means there. It's this word that means literally means empty glory that you are literally means empty glory that you are literally means empty glory that you are seeking empty glory. In verse 117 again seeking empty glory. In verse 117 again seeking empty glory. In verse 117 again he calls it empty ambition. he calls it empty ambition. he calls it empty ambition. I find it interesting that if you look I find it interesting that if you look I find it interesting that if you look throughout the ages that the nature of throughout the ages that the nature of throughout the ages that the nature of humanity has not changed has it not humanity has not changed has it not humanity has not changed has it not like commenting on this verse here in uh like commenting on this verse here in uh like commenting on this verse here in uh Philippians 2:3 John Christrysum who is Philippians 2:3 John Christrysum who is Philippians 2:3 John Christrysum who is a pastor back in the 300s he said this a pastor back in the 300s he said this a pastor back in the 300s he said this he said that being vain glorious is he said that being vain glorious is he said that being vain glorious is being enslaved to popularity.

being enslaved to popularity. being enslaved to popularity. He goes on to say that from selfishness He goes on to say that from selfishness He goes on to say that from selfishness and vain glory love grows cold and we and vain glory love grows cold and we and vain glory love grows cold and we serve our popularity rather than others. serve our popularity rather than others. serve our popularity rather than others. Moving on, another early church pastor Moving on, another early church pastor Moving on, another early church pastor Marius Victorianist commented on this Marius Victorianist commented on this Marius Victorianist commented on this verse saying that empty conceit shows verse saying that empty conceit shows verse saying that empty conceit shows itself through ambition. itself through ambition. itself through ambition. You want to know what's being called the You want to know what's being called the You want to know what's being called the new drug new drug new drug right now? Ambition. Ambition. Ambition is being called the new drug Ambition is being called the new drug Ambition is being called the new drug right now because it leads to this overt right now because it leads to this overt right now because it leads to this overt obsession with achievement. Just listen obsession with achievement. Just listen obsession with achievement. Just listen to a couple articles. One article said to a couple articles. One article said to a couple articles. One article said that achievement addiction hijacks the that achievement addiction hijacks the that achievement addiction hijacks the brain. brain. brain. Another article went on to say that Another article went on to say that Another article went on to say that success is the new drug leading us to success is the new drug leading us to success is the new drug leading us to wanting more and more notoriety and wanting more and more notoriety and wanting more and more notoriety and recognition. And listen to this right recognition. And listen to this right recognition. And listen to this right here. To the point where we become here. To the point where we become here. To the point where we become driven to destructive levels of use all driven to destructive levels of use all driven to destructive levels of use all the while here it is experiencing the while here it is experiencing the while here it is experiencing increasing increasing increasing emptiness inside.

emptiness inside. emptiness inside. You hear that? like you're experiencing You hear that? like you're experiencing You hear that? like you're experiencing emptiness inside by being driven by this emptiness inside by being driven by this emptiness inside by being driven by this success and ambition and notoriety and success and ambition and notoriety and success and ambition and notoriety and recognition. recognition. recognition. Same idea here in chapter 2:3, Same idea here in chapter 2:3, Same idea here in chapter 2:3, seeking empty conceit, empty glory. Why? seeking empty conceit, empty glory. Why? seeking empty conceit, empty glory. Why? Because it's all built on seeking Because it's all built on seeking Because it's all built on seeking validation. But it's only when we go back to the But it's only when we go back to the reality of the gospel and know that we reality of the gospel and know that we reality of the gospel and know that we are validated because of Christ will we are validated because of Christ will we are validated because of Christ will we then be a church that is willing to be then be a church that is willing to be then be a church that is willing to be united. Because we aren't seeking united. Because we aren't seeking united. Because we aren't seeking validation by serving, but we know that validation by serving, but we know that validation by serving, but we know that we are validated. And because I'm we are validated. And because I'm we are validated. And because I'm validated by the one who we love and validated by the one who we love and validated by the one who we love and value the most value the most value the most because he is validated, then let me go because he is validated, then let me go because he is validated, then let me go and humble myself and serve others. Only and humble myself and serve others. Only and humble myself and serve others. Only when we recognize the one that who loves when we recognize the one that who loves when we recognize the one that who loves us most and values us most and who us most and values us most and who us most and values us most and who notices us most and who has the most notices us most and who has the most notices us most and who has the most value over anybody or anything God. Only value over anybody or anything God. Only value over anybody or anything God. Only when we see that he loves us and values when we see that he loves us and values when we see that he loves us and values us will then we be see ourselves secure us will then we be see ourselves secure us will then we be see ourselves secure enough enough enough to be humble enough to serve to be humble enough to serve to be humble enough to serve those around us.

those around us. those around us. Because then we're full. We're not Because then we're full. We're not Because then we're full. We're not empty. We're working out of this full. empty. We're working out of this full. empty. We're working out of this full. We don't seek fulfillment from We don't seek fulfillment from We don't seek fulfillment from achievement, achievement, empty glory. achievement, achievement, empty glory. achievement, achievement, empty glory. This does not bring fulfillment. This does not bring fulfillment. This does not bring fulfillment. Christ brings fulfillment. And when you Christ brings fulfillment. And when you Christ brings fulfillment. And when you see that Christ, what he has achieved see that Christ, what he has achieved see that Christ, what he has achieved for you is enough. Then what you see as for you is enough. Then what you see as for you is enough. Then what you see as the other person as enough to work to to the other person as enough to work to to the other person as enough to work to to serve. serve. serve. Our unity is built on Jesus. This is why Our unity is built on Jesus. This is why Our unity is built on Jesus. This is why Paul shows who Jesus is in this. So that Paul shows who Jesus is in this. So that Paul shows who Jesus is in this. So that when the church looks to Jesus and looks when the church looks to Jesus and looks when the church looks to Jesus and looks like Jesus, unity is going to follow. like Jesus, unity is going to follow. like Jesus, unity is going to follow. And we live in this hyperdriven or this And we live in this hyperdriven or this And we live in this hyperdriven or this hyper divisive uh divisive mindset in hyper divisive uh divisive mindset in hyper divisive uh divisive mindset in our world today. We take on a different our world today. We take on a different our world today. We take on a different mindset. We take on the mindset of mindset. We take on the mindset of mindset. We take on the mindset of Christ, which is exactly what he's going Christ, which is exactly what he's going Christ, which is exactly what he's going to get to next. When he says in verse 5 to get to next. When he says in verse 5 to get to next. When he says in verse 5 to have the attitude in yourselves as to have the attitude in yourselves as to have the attitude in yourselves as Christ Jesus, what do we do now? We be Christ Jesus, what do we do now? We be Christ Jesus, what do we do now? We be like Jesus. We become like Jesus. What like Jesus. We become like Jesus. What like Jesus. We become like Jesus. What Paul is encouraging us to do is he's Paul is encouraging us to do is he's Paul is encouraging us to do is he's encouraged us to be humbly united encouraged us to be humbly united encouraged us to be humbly united by reminding us of who Jesus is. Again, by reminding us of who Jesus is. Again, by reminding us of who Jesus is. Again, he's not giving us of hey, make my joy he's not giving us of hey, make my joy he's not giving us of hey, make my joy complete by being same mind, maintaining complete by being same mind, maintaining complete by being same mind, maintaining same love, united in spirit, intent on same love, united in spirit, intent on same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Here's the steps how to do one purpose. Here's the steps how to do one purpose. Here's the steps how to do this. He's doing this by pointing us to this. He's doing this by pointing us to this. He's doing this by pointing us to who Jesus is. In verses 6 through 11, who Jesus is. In verses 6 through 11, who Jesus is. In verses 6 through 11, it's known as the Christ hymn. could it's known as the Christ hymn. could it's known as the Christ hymn. could have been sung early by the early have been sung early by the early have been sung early by the early church. It could have been something church. It could have been something church. It could have been something that they sung in their church together.

that they sung in their church together. that they sung in their church together. But what he is doing is he is grounding But what he is doing is he is grounding But what he is doing is he is grounding the practicality and deep rich theology. the practicality and deep rich theology. the practicality and deep rich theology. He's pointing them back to doctrine He's pointing them back to doctrine He's pointing them back to doctrine because when you rightly understand because when you rightly understand because when you rightly understand doctrine, it leads you to right living. doctrine, it leads you to right living. doctrine, it leads you to right living. And you may think, but you know what? I And you may think, but you know what? I And you may think, but you know what? I know people who know the Bible from back know people who know the Bible from back know people who know the Bible from back to front and there are some awful folks. to front and there are some awful folks. to front and there are some awful folks. They don't rightly understand it. They don't rightly understand it. They don't rightly understand it. Because when you rightly understand who Because when you rightly understand who Because when you rightly understand who Jesus is, you can't help but rightly Jesus is, you can't help but rightly Jesus is, you can't help but rightly live like who Jesus was. This is what live like who Jesus was. This is what live like who Jesus was. This is what he's getting at. And I want you to see he's getting at. And I want you to see he's getting at. And I want you to see something real fast. Uh you see this something real fast. Uh you see this something real fast. Uh you see this little I'm going to draw it down here. little I'm going to draw it down here. little I'm going to draw it down here. This little Vshape that from eternity This little Vshape that from eternity This little Vshape that from eternity past then to eternity. then to eternity. Sorry, my bad handwriting. That this is Sorry, my bad handwriting. That this is Sorry, my bad handwriting. That this is what's taking place in verses 6 through what's taking place in verses 6 through what's taking place in verses 6 through 8. There's this downward trajectory of 8. There's this downward trajectory of 8. There's this downward trajectory of the humiliation of Jesus. And then in the humiliation of Jesus. And then in the humiliation of Jesus. And then in verses 9- 11, there's this upward verses 9- 11, there's this upward verses 9- 11, there's this upward trajectory of the exaltation of Jesus. trajectory of the exaltation of Jesus. trajectory of the exaltation of Jesus. That Jesus in verses 6 through8, the That Jesus in verses 6 through8, the That Jesus in verses 6 through8, the downward trajectory of his humiliation.

downward trajectory of his humiliation. downward trajectory of his humiliation. That he became a man. That he became a That he became a man. That he became a That he became a man. That he became a servant. That Jesus died and he died the servant. That Jesus died and he died the servant. That Jesus died and he died the most humiliating death of all, death on most humiliating death of all, death on most humiliating death of all, death on the cross. And then in verses 9 through the cross. And then in verses 9 through the cross. And then in verses 9 through 11, that Jesus was exalted. He was 11, that Jesus was exalted. He was 11, that Jesus was exalted. He was exalted to have the name above every exalted to have the name above every exalted to have the name above every name. He was given uh that at one day name. He was given uh that at one day name. He was given uh that at one day every knee will bow and every tongue every knee will bow and every tongue every knee will bow and every tongue confess that he is Lord. That you see confess that he is Lord. That you see confess that he is Lord. That you see this from eternity past to eternity this from eternity past to eternity this from eternity past to eternity future. What Christ has done that he future. What Christ has done that he future. What Christ has done that he humiliated himself and now he is being humiliated himself and now he is being humiliated himself and now he is being exalted. That he's pointing us to this exalted. That he's pointing us to this exalted. That he's pointing us to this rich doctrine to tell us look to Jesus. rich doctrine to tell us look to Jesus. rich doctrine to tell us look to Jesus. Quit looking to yourself. It's not that Quit looking to yourself. It's not that Quit looking to yourself. It's not that you I'm going to be humble. I'm going to you I'm going to be humble. I'm going to you I'm going to be humble. I'm going to make myself humble. It's not like you make myself humble. It's not like you make myself humble. It's not like you can muster this up. But you do it by can muster this up. But you do it by can muster this up. But you do it by looking to Christ. that Jesus serves as looking to Christ. that Jesus serves as looking to Christ. that Jesus serves as an example for us. It goes back to that an example for us. It goes back to that an example for us. It goes back to that old bracelet that you all probably wore, old bracelet that you all probably wore, old bracelet that you all probably wore, maybe you didn't, uh, back in the 90s, maybe you didn't, uh, back in the 90s, maybe you didn't, uh, back in the 90s, WWJD. WWJD. WWJD. What would Jesus do if you don't know What would Jesus do if you don't know What would Jesus do if you don't know what that means? Uh, what that means? Uh, what that means? Uh, but it's important to know that you look but it's important to know that you look but it's important to know that you look at verses 9 through 11. Not only does at verses 9 through 11. Not only does at verses 9 through 11. Not only does Jesus serve an example for us, but he is Jesus serve an example for us, but he is Jesus serve an example for us, but he is Lord of all. He's nothing less than an Lord of all. He's nothing less than an Lord of all. He's nothing less than an example, but he is way more than an example, but he is way more than an example, but he is way more than an example. that he is the Lord of all example. that he is the Lord of all example. that he is the Lord of all creation. And verse five tells us what creation. And verse five tells us what creation. And verse five tells us what we do. Have this same attitude. That we do. Have this same attitude. That we do. Have this same attitude. That word attitude right here is this right word attitude right here is this right word attitude right here is this right here. Same mind. Have the same mindset.

here. Same mind. Have the same mindset. here. Same mind. Have the same mindset. It's this idea that Paul's going to show It's this idea that Paul's going to show It's this idea that Paul's going to show that you have the mindset of Christ by that you have the mindset of Christ by that you have the mindset of Christ by one, you adopt Jesus's attitude. What one, you adopt Jesus's attitude. What one, you adopt Jesus's attitude. What was his attitude? Verse six, even though was his attitude? Verse six, even though was his attitude? Verse six, even though he existed in the form of God. There are he existed in the form of God. There are he existed in the form of God. There are two words that Paul could have used for two words that Paul could have used for two words that Paul could have used for this word form. And he uses this word this word form. And he uses this word this word form. And he uses this word morphe. And that word morphe, what it morphe. And that word morphe, what it morphe. And that word morphe, what it means is his very nature. His very means is his very nature. His very means is his very nature. His very essence, what made him him was that he essence, what made him him was that he essence, what made him him was that he is God. That he is 100% God. And I'm not is God. That he is 100% God. And I'm not is God. That he is 100% God. And I'm not trying to beat people up, but there are trying to beat people up, but there are trying to beat people up, but there are two there are misunderstandings from two there are misunderstandings from two there are misunderstandings from this passage when it says form. Then it this passage when it says form. Then it this passage when it says form. Then it comes there are two people that have comes there are two people that have comes there are two people that have misunderstanding when it comes to this. misunderstanding when it comes to this. misunderstanding when it comes to this. Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses. that Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses. that Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses. that Mormons will say that they have this Mormons will say that they have this Mormons will say that they have this view of Jesus that he was the form of view of Jesus that he was the form of view of Jesus that he was the form of God which means that he came from the God which means that he came from the God which means that he came from the heavenly father and the heavenly mother heavenly father and the heavenly mother heavenly father and the heavenly mother and they have heavenly sons one being and they have heavenly sons one being and they have heavenly sons one being Jesus Jesus was the good son Lucifer Jesus Jesus was the good son Lucifer Jesus Jesus was the good son Lucifer being the other son and he was the bad being the other son and he was the bad being the other son and he was the bad son well he got mad because Jesus was son well he got mad because Jesus was son well he got mad because Jesus was chosen to be the one that would be the chosen to be the one that would be the chosen to be the one that would be the savior of the world and so Lucifer then savior of the world and so Lucifer then savior of the world and so Lucifer then became the rebellious son that's not the became the rebellious son that's not the became the rebellious son that's not the case Jesus is God Jehovah and witnesses case Jesus is God Jehovah and witnesses case Jesus is God Jehovah and witnesses will say that the form of God which will say that the form of God which will say that the form of God which means he was kind of like God uh and means he was kind of like God uh and means he was kind of like God uh and they put him on the same level like him they put him on the same level like him they put him on the same level like him and Michael the arch angel. They were and Michael the arch angel. They were and Michael the arch angel. They were together as they're one. But this is together as they're one. But this is together as they're one. But this is saying that Jesus is 100% God. That he saying that Jesus is 100% God. That he saying that Jesus is 100% God. That he is Lord of all. He has always been is Lord of all. He has always been is Lord of all. He has always been eternity past and eternity future. He eternity past and eternity future. He eternity past and eternity future. He has always been God. But what did he do has always been God. But what did he do has always been God. But what did he do with his divinity? What did he do being

with his divinity? What did he do being with his divinity? What did he do being God himself? He did not count it as God himself? He did not count it as God himself? He did not count it as something to be grasped. He did not live an entitled life. He did not live an entitled life. There is one thing, if there's one thing There is one thing, if there's one thing There is one thing, if there's one thing that does not belong in a Christian, it that does not belong in a Christian, it that does not belong in a Christian, it is entitlement. This phrase, do you know who I am? Does This phrase, do you know who I am? Does not belong in us. Yeah, I know who you not belong in us. Yeah, I know who you not belong in us. Yeah, I know who you are. You're a dirty, rotten sinner. are. You're a dirty, rotten sinner. are. You're a dirty, rotten sinner. That's why Christ had to come save you. That's why Christ had to come save you. That's why Christ had to come save you. Happy 4th of July weekend. If you when you read the Gospels If you when you read the Gospels and you see who Jesus is, and you see who Jesus is, and you see who Jesus is, we do not see entitlement. we do not see entitlement. we do not see entitlement. We see somebody who stooped to the We see somebody who stooped to the We see somebody who stooped to the lowest of lows to serve others, lowest of lows to serve others, lowest of lows to serve others, washing their feet, washing their feet, washing their feet, dying for those who hated him, saying on dying for those who hated him, saying on dying for those who hated him, saying on the cross, "Father, forgive them because the cross, "Father, forgive them because the cross, "Father, forgive them because they don't know what they're doing."

they don't know what they're doing." they don't know what they're doing." Adopting the mindset of Jesus means that Adopting the mindset of Jesus means that Adopting the mindset of Jesus means that we set aside, we lay aside our we set aside, we lay aside our we set aside, we lay aside our entitlements in order to serve others. entitlements in order to serve others. entitlements in order to serve others. Do we have rights? Yes, we have rights, Do we have rights? Yes, we have rights, Do we have rights? Yes, we have rights, but we're not using those rights for our but we're not using those rights for our but we're not using those rights for our own advantage. own advantage. own advantage. lay aside your entitlements. Nothing is lay aside your entitlements. Nothing is lay aside your entitlements. Nothing is below us and no one is below us. To below us and no one is below us. To below us and no one is below us. To adopt the attitude of Jesus is to adopt adopt the attitude of Jesus is to adopt adopt the attitude of Jesus is to adopt his same humility and not see our rights his same humility and not see our rights his same humility and not see our rights as something to be grasped or something as something to be grasped or something as something to be grasped or something to take advantage of, but it's seen as to take advantage of, but it's seen as to take advantage of, but it's seen as something to lay aside so that we can something to lay aside so that we can something to lay aside so that we can serve others. serve others. serve others. And as we adopt the attitude of Christ, And as we adopt the attitude of Christ, And as we adopt the attitude of Christ, we also adopt the actions of Christ. we also adopt the actions of Christ. we also adopt the actions of Christ. Verse six talks about this attitude. Verse six talks about this attitude. Verse six talks about this attitude. verses 7 and 8 talk about his actions verses 7 and 8 talk about his actions verses 7 and 8 talk about his actions that he did what? He emptied himself. If that he did what? He emptied himself. If that he did what? He emptied himself. If you have a Bible, you can s circle that you have a Bible, you can s circle that you have a Bible, you can s circle that and you can go back to this same empty and you can go back to this same empty and you can go back to this same empty right here. That's this word kinosis. right here. That's this word kinosis. right here. That's this word kinosis. And it's not talking about Jesus giving And it's not talking about Jesus giving And it's not talking about Jesus giving up his divinity. There's a popular up his divinity. There's a popular up his divinity. There's a popular church out there that they make a lot of church out there that they make a lot of church out there that they make a lot of songs and this is one of the things that songs and this is one of the things that songs and this is one of the things that they teach that Jesus emptied himself of they teach that Jesus emptied himself of they teach that Jesus emptied himself of his divinity. That is not what he did.

his divinity. That is not what he did. his divinity. That is not what he did. But what he did, you can keep this But what he did, you can keep this But what he did, you can keep this phrase in mind. Remaining all that he phrase in mind. Remaining all that he phrase in mind. Remaining all that he was, was, was, he became what he was not. he became what he was not. he became what he was not. Remaining all that he was, God. He Remaining all that he was, God. He Remaining all that he was, God. He became what he was not, man. That Jesus became what he was not, man. That Jesus became what he was not, man. That Jesus is 100% God and 100% man at the same is 100% God and 100% man at the same is 100% God and 100% man at the same time. These two natures integrated into time. These two natures integrated into time. These two natures integrated into one person and his name is Jesus. one person and his name is Jesus. one person and his name is Jesus. Brian Chapel, he tells a story to Brian Chapel, he tells a story to Brian Chapel, he tells a story to illustrate this idea of Jesus making illustrate this idea of Jesus making illustrate this idea of Jesus making himself nothing and emptying himself. himself nothing and emptying himself. himself nothing and emptying himself. And he tells a story that he learned And he tells a story that he learned And he tells a story that he learned from an African missionary. from an African missionary. from an African missionary. This missionary talked about how in this This missionary talked about how in this This missionary talked about how in this one particular African tribe, the chief one particular African tribe, the chief one particular African tribe, the chief was the strongest man in the tribe. was the strongest man in the tribe. was the strongest man in the tribe. He was the one that had the uh he could He was the one that had the uh he could He was the one that had the uh he could back squat the most and bench press the back squat the most and bench press the back squat the most and bench press the most. And so he was made chief. most. And so he was made chief. most. And so he was made chief. And as the chief, he also wears the And as the chief, he also wears the And as the chief, he also wears the largest headdress. He wears the largest headdress. He wears the largest headdress. He wears the elaborate robes. He has this garment elaborate robes. He has this garment elaborate robes. He has this garment that makes him that sets him aside as that makes him that sets him aside as that makes him that sets him aside as being the chief.

being the chief. being the chief. One day in one in this one particular One day in one in this one particular One day in one in this one particular village, a man was going to the well to village, a man was going to the well to village, a man was going to the well to draw some water. He breaks his leg and draw some water. He breaks his leg and draw some water. He breaks his leg and he falls down deep into the well. They he falls down deep into the well. They he falls down deep into the well. They go to the well and the only way to go go to the well and the only way to go go to the well and the only way to go down into the well was going climbing down into the well was going climbing down into the well was going climbing down these slits that were carved into down these slits that were carved into down these slits that were carved into the earth that you climbed down. Well, the earth that you climbed down. Well, the earth that you climbed down. Well, no one could bring the man out. And so no one could bring the man out. And so no one could bring the man out. And so they had to go to the chief. they had to go to the chief. they had to go to the chief. But in order for the chief to climb down But in order for the chief to climb down But in order for the chief to climb down into the well to bring the man back up, into the well to bring the man back up, into the well to bring the man back up, he had to set aside his headdress. He he had to set aside his headdress. He he had to set aside his headdress. He had to lay aside his garments. And he had to lay aside his garments. And he had to lay aside his garments. And he had to go down into the well in order to had to go down into the well in order to had to go down into the well in order to pick the man up. pick the man up. pick the man up. Did the chief cease being the chief when Did the chief cease being the chief when Did the chief cease being the chief when he did that? he did that? he did that? No, he did not cease being chief when he No, he did not cease being chief when he No, he did not cease being chief when he did that. He was still the chief. He did that. He was still the chief. He did that. He was still the chief. He just simply laid aside that which just simply laid aside that which just simply laid aside that which signified him as the chief. That's what signified him as the chief. That's what signified him as the chief. That's what Jesus did for us. He did not cease being Jesus did for us. He did not cease being Jesus did for us. He did not cease being God. God. God. Read the Gospels. God, somebody who Read the Gospels. God, somebody who Read the Gospels. God, somebody who ceases being God does not tell the wind ceases being God does not tell the wind ceases being God does not tell the wind and the waves to be still. He does not and the waves to be still. He does not and the waves to be still. He does not raise people from the dead.

raise people from the dead. raise people from the dead. Jesus is 100% God. But he added on Jesus is 100% God. But he added on Jesus is 100% God. But he added on humanity to himself. You see again that humanity to himself. You see again that humanity to himself. You see again that he being found in the appearance of a he being found in the appearance of a he being found in the appearance of a man. That word again it's pointing us man. That word again it's pointing us man. That word again it's pointing us back to his form that word morphe that back to his form that word morphe that back to his form that word morphe that he became humanity. He added on not only he became humanity. He added on not only he became humanity. He added on not only uh being found in the likeness of men uh being found in the likeness of men uh being found in the likeness of men but he became the form of a bondervant. but he became the form of a bondervant. but he became the form of a bondervant. Again these forms they connect to one Again these forms they connect to one Again these forms they connect to one another. He became subject to his another. He became subject to his another. He became subject to his creation. Think about this. The one who creation. Think about this. The one who creation. Think about this. The one who created everything became subject to his created everything became subject to his created everything became subject to his creation. creation. creation. Hey kids in the room. I got a question Hey kids in the room. I got a question Hey kids in the room. I got a question for you. I'm you're in here with us in for you. I'm you're in here with us in for you. I'm you're in here with us in the month of July. So, I want to help the month of July. So, I want to help the month of July. So, I want to help you. Uh kids, I want you to be honest you. Uh kids, I want you to be honest you. Uh kids, I want you to be honest with me. All right? Have your parents with me. All right? Have your parents with me. All right? Have your parents have your parents ever said to you, "I have your parents ever said to you, "I have your parents ever said to you, "I brought you into this world. I can take brought you into this world. I can take brought you into this world. I can take you out of this world." Have they ever you out of this world." Have they ever you out of this world." Have they ever said that? Some of you who aren't kids said that? Some of you who aren't kids said that? Some of you who aren't kids are shaking your head. Or they didn't.

are shaking your head. Or they didn't. are shaking your head. Or they didn't. You have good parents. Here's where I'm getting at. Here's where I'm getting at. Jesus Jesus Jesus could have said that to his parents. Jesus could have said to Mary and Jesus could have said to Mary and Joseph, "I'm the reason that you're Joseph, "I'm the reason that you're Joseph, "I'm the reason that you're here. Mom, Dad, I brought you into this here. Mom, Dad, I brought you into this here. Mom, Dad, I brought you into this world. I can take you out of this world. I can take you out of this world. I can take you out of this world." This is how Jesus comes into our This is how Jesus comes into our society. Not as a ruler born into a society. Not as a ruler born into a society. Not as a ruler born into a palace, but born to a peasant woman palace, but born to a peasant woman palace, but born to a peasant woman placed in an animal's feeding troth. as placed in an animal's feeding troth. as placed in an animal's feeding troth. as a humble baby who had to be changed, who a humble baby who had to be changed, who a humble baby who had to be changed, who had to be fed, who had to rely on had to be fed, who had to rely on had to be fed, who had to rely on somebody to care for him, all by the somebody to care for him, all by the somebody to care for him, all by the ones who he created. ones who he created. ones who he created. And the truth is Jesus was beautiful And the truth is Jesus was beautiful And the truth is Jesus was beautiful beyond our bearing. He was glorious beyond our bearing. He was glorious beyond our bearing. He was glorious beyond our comprehension. Yet he did not beyond our comprehension. Yet he did not beyond our comprehension. Yet he did not seek empty glory, but instead he emptied seek empty glory, but instead he emptied seek empty glory, but instead he emptied himself for us. And one of the ways he emptied himself And one of the ways he emptied himself was through his obedience. In verse 8, was through his obedience. In verse 8, was through his obedience. In verse 8, Jesus became obedient. This word is Jesus became obedient. This word is Jesus became obedient. This word is pointing to his partnership between God pointing to his partnership between God pointing to his partnership between God the Father and God the Holy Spirit to the Father and God the Holy Spirit to the Father and God the Holy Spirit to accomplish the mission of our salvation.

accomplish the mission of our salvation. accomplish the mission of our salvation. And he says, not only did he obey, but And he says, not only did he obey, but And he says, not only did he obey, but he obeyed to the point of the cross by he obeyed to the point of the cross by he obeyed to the point of the cross by coming obedient even to the death, even coming obedient even to the death, even coming obedient even to the death, even to death on the cross. The lowest of to death on the cross. The lowest of to death on the cross. The lowest of lows in Jesus's days was crucifixion on lows in Jesus's days was crucifixion on lows in Jesus's days was crucifixion on the cross to the point that Roman uh the cross to the point that Roman uh the cross to the point that Roman uh citizens weren't even allowed to say the citizens weren't even allowed to say the citizens weren't even allowed to say the word crucifixion. word crucifixion. word crucifixion. Cicero and a Roman writer back then said Cicero and a Roman writer back then said Cicero and a Roman writer back then said death by crucifixion is so shameful it death by crucifixion is so shameful it death by crucifixion is so shameful it should not even be talked about by a should not even be talked about by a should not even be talked about by a Roman citizen. Yet this is Jesus's Roman citizen. Yet this is Jesus's Roman citizen. Yet this is Jesus's cross. The cross is God's scandal. God's cross. The cross is God's scandal. God's cross. The cross is God's scandal. God's contradiction to human wisdom and human contradiction to human wisdom and human contradiction to human wisdom and human power. And for those of us who are in power. And for those of us who are in power. And for those of us who are in Christ, that makes the cross our scandal Christ, that makes the cross our scandal Christ, that makes the cross our scandal and our contradiction to the world's and our contradiction to the world's and our contradiction to the world's wisdom and power, showing that there's a wisdom and power, showing that there's a wisdom and power, showing that there's a better way. better way. better way. And that way is our way. part of this And that way is our way. part of this And that way is our way. part of this this first part of this hymn verses 6 this first part of this hymn verses 6 this first part of this hymn verses 6 through8 what is it doing it's through8 what is it doing it's through8 what is it doing it's critiquing the world's idea of human critiquing the world's idea of human critiquing the world's idea of human flourishing flourishing flourishing while the world says chase power chase while the world says chase power chase while the world says chase power chase notoriety Jesus the most powerful person notoriety Jesus the most powerful person notoriety Jesus the most powerful person ever said I'm going to lay down my power ever said I'm going to lay down my power ever said I'm going to lay down my power and serve those who hate me this mean for us Christians it means this mean for us Christians it means that we embrace the salvation he gives that we embrace the salvation he gives that we embrace the salvation he gives by participating that the life the life that Christ gives that the life the life that Christ gives which is humble renunciation which is humble renunciation which is humble renunciation and service of others and service of others and service of others again it's not going to be mustering up

again it's not going to be mustering up again it's not going to be mustering up it's only going to be when we look to it's only going to be when we look to it's only going to be when we look to Jesus when we see the rich theology see Jesus when we see the rich theology see Jesus when we see the rich theology see the rich doctrine of who Christ is the rich doctrine of who Christ is the rich doctrine of who Christ is and the extent that Jesus went to and the extent that Jesus went to and the extent that Jesus went to because of his great love for you will because of his great love for you will because of his great love for you will we then be willing to go to that same we then be willing to go to that same we then be willing to go to that same extent for others. And it's going to lead us next to the And it's going to lead us next to the exaltation of Christ. Verses 9-11. What exaltation of Christ. Verses 9-11. What exaltation of Christ. Verses 9-11. What do we do with this? We exalt Christ. do we do with this? We exalt Christ. do we do with this? We exalt Christ. Christ is now exalted. That word highly Christ is now exalted. That word highly Christ is now exalted. That word highly exalted. This is Paul loves using exalted. This is Paul loves using exalted. This is Paul loves using hyperbole. It literally means super hyperbole. It literally means super hyperbole. It literally means super exalted him. And it says that he's been exalted him. And it says that he's been exalted him. And it says that he's been given the name above every name. And given the name above every name. And given the name above every name. And that if you have your Bible, it said that if you have your Bible, it said that if you have your Bible, it said you'll see that it's bolden emboldened you'll see that it's bolden emboldened you'll see that it's bolden emboldened there in verse 10 that it's pointing to there in verse 10 that it's pointing to there in verse 10 that it's pointing to it's Paul is quoting Isaiah 45:23 that's it's Paul is quoting Isaiah 45:23 that's it's Paul is quoting Isaiah 45:23 that's talking about Yahweh God. And so now talking about Yahweh God. And so now talking about Yahweh God. And so now he's going to say that same thing that he's going to say that same thing that he's going to say that same thing that was said about God in the Old Testament was said about God in the Old Testament was said about God in the Old Testament by the way that's Jesus that every day by the way that's Jesus that every day by the way that's Jesus that every day uh every knee will bow that he has been uh every knee will bow that he has been uh every knee will bow that he has been given the name God that every tongue given the name God that every tongue given the name God that every tongue confess every knee will bow to him.

confess every knee will bow to him. confess every knee will bow to him. That's the invitation of the hymn today That's the invitation of the hymn today That's the invitation of the hymn today and that's the invitation for us to and that's the invitation for us to and that's the invitation for us to confess him as Lord. confess him as Lord. confess him as Lord. You see, you can't have this attitude of You see, you can't have this attitude of You see, you can't have this attitude of Christ on your own. We can't humble Christ on your own. We can't humble Christ on your own. We can't humble ourselves on our own. ourselves on our own. ourselves on our own. Only when we look to the astonishing Only when we look to the astonishing Only when we look to the astonishing acts of Jesus will you be able to do acts of Jesus will you be able to do acts of Jesus will you be able to do that. that. that. This is what confessing Jesus involves. This is what confessing Jesus involves. This is what confessing Jesus involves. It involves a total submission to him It involves a total submission to him It involves a total submission to him and a total abandonment to yourself. and a total abandonment to yourself. and a total abandonment to yourself. Unbeliever, this is the invitation for Unbeliever, this is the invitation for Unbeliever, this is the invitation for you today you today you today to make today the first day time that to make today the first day time that to make today the first day time that you bow the knee to Jesus and confess you bow the knee to Jesus and confess you bow the knee to Jesus and confess him as Lord. him as Lord. him as Lord. One day One day One day every knee will bow, every tongue every knee will bow, every tongue every knee will bow, every tongue confess. You see there in verse 10, confess. You see there in verse 10, confess. You see there in verse 10, those who are in heaven, on earth, and those who are in heaven, on earth, and those who are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. Translation of that under the earth. Translation of that under the earth. Translation of that Jesus's lordship is universal. that one Jesus's lordship is universal. that one Jesus's lordship is universal. that one day every heavenly being, those angels, day every heavenly being, those angels, day every heavenly being, those angels, good angels and the demons, they're good angels and the demons, they're good angels and the demons, they're going to bow the knee. One day his going to bow the knee. One day his going to bow the knee. One day his enemies will bow the knee to him. One enemies will bow the knee to him. One enemies will bow the knee to him. One day, everyone on earth, those who are day, everyone on earth, those who are day, everyone on earth, those who are still living, when Christ returns, still living, when Christ returns, still living, when Christ returns, they're going to bow the knee. Whether they're going to bow the knee. Whether they're going to bow the knee. Whether they chose to do so before or they're they chose to do so before or they're they chose to do so before or they're forced to do so when he comes back one forced to do so when he comes back one forced to do so when he comes back one day, those under the earth, referring to day, those under the earth, referring to day, those under the earth, referring to those who have died before his return, those who have died before his return, those who have died before his return, they're going to bow the knee. Whether they're going to bow the knee. Whether they're going to bow the knee. Whether they did they chose to do so before or they did they chose to do so before or they did they chose to do so before or they're forced to do so when he returns.

they're forced to do so when he returns. they're forced to do so when he returns. So why not do it today? and don't delay So why not do it today? and don't delay So why not do it today? and don't delay that Christ is worthy of our exaltation. that Christ is worthy of our exaltation. that Christ is worthy of our exaltation. You see what his exaltation brings to You see what his exaltation brings to You see what his exaltation brings to the thing that you and I are living for the thing that you and I are living for the thing that you and I are living for as Christians to the glory of the Lord as Christians to the glory of the Lord as Christians to the glory of the Lord the Father of God the Father. This is the Father of God the Father. This is the Father of God the Father. This is what we're living. This isn't this what what we're living. This isn't this what what we're living. This isn't this what we want as Christians. We say it all the we want as Christians. We say it all the we want as Christians. We say it all the time. Glory to God. Glory to God. time. Glory to God. Glory to God. time. Glory to God. Glory to God. This is what we're living for. This is what we're living for. This is what we're living for. And then this is what we do when we And then this is what we do when we And then this is what we do when we exalt Christ. When we become like Christ exalt Christ. When we become like Christ exalt Christ. When we become like Christ and where we're united in Christ, this and where we're united in Christ, this and where we're united in Christ, this is what we bring to God. We bring glory is what we bring to God. We bring glory is what we bring to God. We bring glory to him. to him. to him. So why not do so today? So why not do so today? So why not do so today? I want to invite the band back up as we I want to invite the band back up as we I want to invite the band back up as we sum this up. But here's what Paul's sum this up. But here's what Paul's sum this up. But here's what Paul's getting at. getting at. getting at. What Paul is doing in placing this hymn What Paul is doing in placing this hymn What Paul is doing in placing this hymn verses 6 through 11 here. What he's verses 6 through 11 here. What he's verses 6 through 11 here. What he's doing is he is reminding us back, doing is he is reminding us back, doing is he is reminding us back, putting our minds back to the gospel. putting our minds back to the gospel. putting our minds back to the gospel. Bring this full circle that he's going Bring this full circle that he's going Bring this full circle that he's going back to verse one. Remember the back to verse one. Remember the back to verse one. Remember the experience that you have in the gospel. experience that you have in the gospel. experience that you have in the gospel. And Christians, we never grow beyond the And Christians, we never grow beyond the And Christians, we never grow beyond the gospel. This is why Paul says in Romans gospel. This is why Paul says in Romans gospel. This is why Paul says in Romans 1:16 that I am not ashamed of the gospel 1:16 that I am not ashamed of the gospel 1:16 that I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is a power of those who are because it is a power of those who are because it is a power of those who are being saved. It's an ongoing thing that being saved. It's an ongoing thing that being saved. It's an ongoing thing that we continue to grow in our salvation.

we continue to grow in our salvation. we continue to grow in our salvation. The way that you and I grow in our The way that you and I grow in our The way that you and I grow in our salvation is by remembering the gospel. salvation is by remembering the gospel. salvation is by remembering the gospel. When we see the gospel for what it When we see the gospel for what it When we see the gospel for what it really is, when we trust the gospel for really is, when we trust the gospel for really is, when we trust the gospel for what it really is, when we live out the what it really is, when we live out the what it really is, when we live out the gospel for what it really is, then and gospel for what it really is, then and gospel for what it really is, then and only then will we be able to live out only then will we be able to live out only then will we be able to live out this text. It's only It's only when we see the extravagant when we see the extravagant when we see the extravagant love love love and the extent that Jesus went to will and the extent that Jesus went to will and the extent that Jesus went to will we be able to be humbly united in him on these verses. Saur and Kirky guard he on these verses. Saur and Kirky guard he was a Danish philosopher back in the was a Danish philosopher back in the was a Danish philosopher back in the day. He he told a ver he he told a day. He he told a ver he he told a day. He he told a ver he he told a little story. If you're in foundations little story. If you're in foundations little story. If you're in foundations class, I read this story. But he told a class, I read this story. But he told a class, I read this story. But he told a story that illustrates verses 6 story that illustrates verses 6 story that illustrates verses 6 through8. And he says, "Imagine, And he says, "Imagine, imagine there was a king that loved a imagine there was a king that loved a imagine there was a king that loved a humble maiden.

humble maiden. humble maiden. She had no royal pedigree, no education, She had no royal pedigree, no education, She had no royal pedigree, no education, no standing in the court. She dressed in no standing in the court. She dressed in no standing in the court. She dressed in rags. She lived in a shack. She lived rags. She lived in a shack. She lived rags. She lived in a shack. She lived the ragged life of a peasant. But for the ragged life of a peasant. But for the ragged life of a peasant. But for reasons no one could ever quite figure reasons no one could ever quite figure reasons no one could ever quite figure out. The king fell in love with this out. The king fell in love with this out. The king fell in love with this girl. girl. girl. Why he should love her is beyond Why he should love her is beyond Why he should love her is beyond explaining. But love her he did. And he explaining. But love her he did. And he explaining. But love her he did. And he could not stop loving her. could not stop loving her. could not stop loving her. Then there awoke in the heart of this Then there awoke in the heart of this Then there awoke in the heart of this king an anxious thought. How was he king an anxious thought. How was he king an anxious thought. How was he going to reveal his love to the girl? going to reveal his love to the girl? going to reveal his love to the girl? How could he bridge the chasm of his How could he bridge the chasm of his How could he bridge the chasm of his station being the king and her station station being the king and her station station being the king and her station of being a peasant? And how he could of being a peasant? And how he could of being a peasant? And how he could bring them together? How could he bring them together? How could he bring them together? How could he bridge the chasm that separated them? bridge the chasm that separated them? bridge the chasm that separated them? His adviserss would tell him, "We'll His adviserss would tell him, "We'll His adviserss would tell him, "We'll just force her to love you. Simply just force her to love you. Simply just force her to love you. Simply command her to be the queen because command her to be the queen because command her to be the queen because you're a man of immense power. Every you're a man of immense power. Every you're a man of immense power. Every statesman fears your wrath. Every statesman fears your wrath. Every statesman fears your wrath. Every foreign power trembles before you. Every foreign power trembles before you. Every foreign power trembles before you. Every quarter gravel in the dust of your quarter gravel in the dust of your quarter gravel in the dust of your voice. She would have no power to voice. She would have no power to voice. She would have no power to resist. She would owe you everything an resist. She would owe you everything an resist. She would owe you everything an eternal gr debt of gratitude.

eternal gr debt of gratitude. eternal gr debt of gratitude. But power, even unlimited power, cannot But power, even unlimited power, cannot But power, even unlimited power, cannot command love. The king could force her body to be The king could force her body to be there, but he cannot force her love to there, but he cannot force her love to there, but he cannot force her love to be present. be present. be present. He could force her body to be present He could force her body to be present He could force her body to be present with him in his kingdom, but he cannot with him in his kingdom, but he cannot with him in his kingdom, but he cannot force her heart to be present with him force her heart to be present with him force her heart to be present with him and his and sharing the same love. He and his and sharing the same love. He and his and sharing the same love. He may be able to gain her obedience in a may be able to gain her obedience in a may be able to gain her obedience in a way, but coerced submission is not what way, but coerced submission is not what way, but coerced submission is not what he wanted. He longed for intimacy of he wanted. He longed for intimacy of he wanted. He longed for intimacy of heart heart heart and oneness of spirit. All the power of and oneness of spirit. All the power of and oneness of spirit. All the power of the world cannot unlock a door of a the world cannot unlock a door of a the world cannot unlock a door of a human heart. It must be unlocked. It human heart. It must be unlocked. It human heart. It must be unlocked. It must be opened from the inside. must be opened from the inside. must be opened from the inside. So his advisor So his advisor So his advisor might suggest the king give up his love, might suggest the king give up his love, might suggest the king give up his love, give his heart to a more worthy woman. give his heart to a more worthy woman. give his heart to a more worthy woman. But this king will not. He cannot But this king will not. He cannot But this king will not. He cannot because he loves her so much. And so his because he loves her so much. And so his because he loves her so much. And so his love becomes his pain. love becomes his pain. love becomes his pain. The king could try to bridge the chasm The king could try to bridge the chasm The king could try to bridge the chasm between elevating by elevating her to between elevating by elevating her to between elevating by elevating her to his position. He could shower her with his position. He could shower her with his position. He could shower her with gifts. He could dress her in purple and gifts. He could dress her in purple and gifts. He could dress her in purple and silk. He could have her crown king. But silk. He could have her crown king. But silk. He could have her crown king. But if he brought her to his palace, if he if he brought her to his palace, if he if he brought her to his palace, if he radiated the sun of his magnificence radiated the sun of his magnificence radiated the sun of his magnificence over her, if she saw all the wealth and over her, if she saw all the wealth and over her, if she saw all the wealth and power and pop of his greatness, she power and pop of his greatness, she power and pop of his greatness, she would be overwhelmed.

would be overwhelmed. would be overwhelmed. How would he know or she for that matter How would he know or she for that matter How would he know or she for that matter know if she really loved him for himself know if she really loved him for himself know if she really loved him for himself or was it for all that he gave her? How or was it for all that he gave her? How or was it for all that he gave her? How could she know that he loved her and could she know that he loved her and could she know that he loved her and would love her still even if she had would love her still even if she had would love her still even if she had only remained a humble peasant? And so only remained a humble peasant? And so only remained a humble peasant? And so the king said, "There's only one thing the king said, "There's only one thing the king said, "There's only one thing that can be done." Every other alternative came to nothing Every other alternative came to nothing and there is only one way. So one day and there is only one way. So one day and there is only one way. So one day the king arose. He left his throne. He the king arose. He left his throne. He the king arose. He left his throne. He removed his crown. He relinquished his removed his crown. He relinquished his removed his crown. He relinquished his scepter. And he laid aside his royal scepter. And he laid aside his royal scepter. And he laid aside his royal robes robes robes and said, "I'm going to take on her and said, "I'm going to take on her and said, "I'm going to take on her nature. nature. nature. I'm going to become as she is. I'm going to become as she is. I'm going to become as she is. And so the king took upon himself the And so the king took upon himself the And so the king took upon himself the life of a peasant. life of a peasant. life of a peasant. He dressed in rags. He scratched out a He dressed in rags. He scratched out a He dressed in rags. He scratched out a living in the dirt. He graveled for living in the dirt. He graveled for living in the dirt. He graveled for food. He dwelt in a shack. He did just food. He dwelt in a shack. He did just food. He dwelt in a shack. He did just not He didn't just take on the outward not He didn't just take on the outward not He didn't just take on the outward appearance of a servant. It became his appearance of a servant. It became his appearance of a servant. It became his actual his actual life, his nature, his actual his actual life, his nature, his actual his actual life, his nature, his burden.

burden. burden. And he became as ragged as the one he And he became as ragged as the one he And he became as ragged as the one he loved. so that she could be united to loved. so that she could be united to loved. so that she could be united to him forever. him forever. him forever. It was the only way. It was the only way. It was the only way. This story does not even touch This story does not even touch This story does not even touch the extent that Christ went to the extent that Christ went to the extent that Christ went to for us to be united to him so that we for us to be united to him so that we for us to be united to him so that we could be united together in him. When you see When you see the gloriousness and the beauty and the the gloriousness and the beauty and the the gloriousness and the beauty and the majesty of Jesus majesty of Jesus majesty of Jesus and the extravagant love that he has for and the extravagant love that he has for and the extravagant love that he has for you and me that he came down, became you and me that he came down, became you and me that he came down, became humble, became obedient, obedient to the humble, became obedient, obedient to the humble, became obedient, obedient to the point of death on the cross so that you point of death on the cross so that you point of death on the cross so that you and I could be one with him. and I could be one with him. and I could be one with him. There's going to be a time of invitation There's going to be a time of invitation There's going to be a time of invitation in a minute. And so here it is. in a minute. And so here it is. in a minute. And so here it is. unbeliever. My unbelieving friends in unbeliever. My unbelieving friends in unbeliever. My unbelieving friends in the room, here's an invitation for you. the room, here's an invitation for you. the room, here's an invitation for you. Again, bow the knee to Jesus. Confess Again, bow the knee to Jesus. Confess Again, bow the knee to Jesus. Confess him as Lord for the first time. One day, him as Lord for the first time. One day, him as Lord for the first time. One day, it's going to be too late.

it's going to be too late. it's going to be too late. But right now, it's the right time. But right now, it's the right time. But right now, it's the right time. There's going to be people up front. There's going to be people up front. There's going to be people up front. We're going to love to talk to you. We're going to love to talk to you. We're going to love to talk to you. Maybe you're here with somebody. I'm Maybe you're here with somebody. I'm Maybe you're here with somebody. I'm going to call them out, grab them, and going to call them out, grab them, and going to call them out, grab them, and say, "Tell me what it means to confess say, "Tell me what it means to confess say, "Tell me what it means to confess Jesus as Lord." Would you do that today? Jesus as Lord." Would you do that today? Jesus as Lord." Would you do that today? But my believing friends in the room, my But my believing friends in the room, my But my believing friends in the room, my brothers and sisters in Christ, brothers and sisters in Christ, brothers and sisters in Christ, let us adopt this attitude. As we do, let us live out John 3:30 and As we do, let us live out John 3:30 and what John the Baptist said. what John the Baptist said. what John the Baptist said. Would we decrease Would we decrease Would we decrease so that Christ may increase so that Christ may increase so that Christ may increase for the good of the church and for verse for the good of the church and for verse for the good of the church and for verse 11 11 11 to the glory of God the Father. to the glory of God the Father. to the glory of God the Father. Let's pray and let's respond. Jesus, you are worthy of it all. Jesus, you are worthy of it all. We are unworthy, but you have made us We are unworthy, but you have made us We are unworthy, but you have made us worthy in you, Christ. And so, God, I worthy in you, Christ. And so, God, I worthy in you, Christ. And so, God, I pray that you would help us now to pray that you would help us now to pray that you would help us now to respond in a way that we need to.

respond in a way that we need to. respond in a way that we need to. Spirit, would you work in us? Would you Spirit, would you work in us? Would you Spirit, would you work in us? Would you show us what it is, how we need to show us what it is, how we need to show us what it is, how we need to how we need to bow the knee to you today how we need to bow the knee to you today how we need to bow the knee to you today and confess you as Lord today? Lord, and confess you as Lord today? Lord, and confess you as Lord today? Lord, would you help remove pride from us that would you help remove pride from us that would you help remove pride from us that are holding on to our entitlements? are holding on to our entitlements? are holding on to our entitlements? Would you remove selfishness from where Would you remove selfishness from where Would you remove selfishness from where we're holding on to it? we're holding on to it? we're holding on to it? And God, will we see will we begin to And God, will we see will we begin to And God, will we see will we begin to see each other as people worthy to be see each other as people worthy to be see each other as people worthy to be loved because you have made us worthy. loved because you have made us worthy. loved because you have made us worthy. God, I pray there's somebody here today God, I pray there's somebody here today God, I pray there's somebody here today that needs to be saved. Would you do so that needs to be saved. Would you do so that needs to be saved. Would you do so today? Would they feel the confidence? today? Would they feel the confidence? today? Would they feel the confidence? Would they feel the confidence and the Would they feel the confidence and the Would they feel the confidence and the boldness to walk up front or to tell boldness to walk up front or to tell boldness to walk up front or to tell somebody that today they need to confess somebody that today they need to confess somebody that today they need to confess you as Lord and Savior. So God, this you as Lord and Savior. So God, this you as Lord and Savior. So God, this time right now, have your way. We pray time right now, have your way. We pray time right now, have your way. We pray in Jesus name. Amen.