New and Better Mindset

All right, man. If you have your Bibles, All right, man. If you have your Bibles, turn to Philippians chapter 2. That's turn to Philippians chapter 2. That's turn to Philippians chapter 2. That's where we're going to start today. If you where we're going to start today. If you where we're going to start today. If you were not here last week with us, we are were not here last week with us, we are were not here last week with us, we are in a new series called New and Better. in a new series called New and Better. in a new series called New and Better. And so last week, we we walked through And so last week, we we walked through And so last week, we we walked through Philippians chapter 1. And just so bring Philippians chapter 1. And just so bring Philippians chapter 1. And just so bring us up to speed here, what Philippians is us up to speed here, what Philippians is us up to speed here, what Philippians is is it is a letter written from the is it is a letter written from the is it is a letter written from the Apostle Paul to the church in Philippi, Apostle Paul to the church in Philippi, Apostle Paul to the church in Philippi, which he helped start. But here's the which he helped start. But here's the which he helped start. But here's the thing. Paul is writing from the prison thing. Paul is writing from the prison thing. Paul is writing from the prison in Rome. He's in on house arrest because in Rome. He's in on house arrest because in Rome. He's in on house arrest because he was arrested in Jerusalem for being a he was arrested in Jerusalem for being a he was arrested in Jerusalem for being a Christian and preaching Jesus. And so as Christian and preaching Jesus. And so as Christian and preaching Jesus. And so as a Roman citizen, he said, "I want a seat a Roman citizen, he said, "I want a seat a Roman citizen, he said, "I want a seat before Caesar," which every Roman before Caesar," which every Roman before Caesar," which every Roman citizen was was able to do. And so he citizen was was able to do. And so he citizen was was able to do. And so he wasn't thrown in prison just in wasn't thrown in prison just in wasn't thrown in prison just in Jerusalem. He was on a five-year Jerusalem. He was on a five-year Jerusalem. He was on a five-year journey. And he's in Rome. and he's journey. And he's in Rome. and he's journey. And he's in Rome. and he's writing a letter to a church that he writing a letter to a church that he writing a letter to a church that he deeply loves that he helped started deeply loves that he helped started deeply loves that he helped started because just like a lot of churches because just like a lot of churches because just like a lot of churches there's some stuff going on, some really there's some stuff going on, some really there's some stuff going on, some really good stuff and there's some other stuff good stuff and there's some other stuff good stuff and there's some other stuff that's not so great. And so as we get that's not so great. And so as we get that's not so great. And so as we get into chapter 2 today, what I want to into chapter 2 today, what I want to into chapter 2 today, what I want to think about is how many of you all have think about is how many of you all have think about is how many of you all have ever seen the show Undercover Boss?

ever seen the show Undercover Boss? ever seen the show Undercover Boss? Anybody? Raise them up high. Let me see. Anybody? Raise them up high. Let me see. Anybody? Raise them up high. Let me see. Okay, you've probably at least heard of Okay, you've probably at least heard of Okay, you've probably at least heard of it. It's this show where the boss or the it. It's this show where the boss or the it. It's this show where the boss or the president um president um president um takes off their president, boss, takes off their president, boss, takes off their president, boss, whatever hat, CEO, and they leave the whatever hat, CEO, and they leave the whatever hat, CEO, and they leave the the corner office and they go do life the corner office and they go do life the corner office and they go do life with the frontline employees and they with the frontline employees and they with the frontline employees and they put on what I would consider a terrible put on what I would consider a terrible put on what I would consider a terrible costume costume costume that if any of their employees looked at that if any of their employees looked at that if any of their employees looked at the, you know, the company website, the, you know, the company website, the, you know, the company website, they'd be like, "This looks weird." they'd be like, "This looks weird." they'd be like, "This looks weird." Anyway, but they go and they get to go Anyway, but they go and they get to go Anyway, but they go and they get to go see what is going on in the company that see what is going on in the company that see what is going on in the company that I oversee. And I feel like Paul is I oversee. And I feel like Paul is I oversee. And I feel like Paul is playing a little undercover boss in playing a little undercover boss in playing a little undercover boss in Philippians chapter 2. He has heard, he Philippians chapter 2. He has heard, he Philippians chapter 2. He has heard, he has seen what's going on in the church has seen what's going on in the church has seen what's going on in the church in Philippi. And so he wants to write an in Philippi. And so he wants to write an in Philippi. And so he wants to write an encouraging letter both to embolden them encouraging letter both to embolden them encouraging letter both to embolden them and strengthen them in in just their and strengthen them in in just their and strengthen them in in just their mission for what they're doing. And so mission for what they're doing. And so mission for what they're doing. And so to do that, he talks in chapter one that to do that, he talks in chapter one that to do that, he talks in chapter one that God is doing more than you think in your God is doing more than you think in your God is doing more than you think in your circumstance. And so that's what we circumstance. And so that's what we circumstance. And so that's what we talked about last week, a new and better talked about last week, a new and better talked about last week, a new and better perspective.

perspective. perspective. That whatever minds, whatever That whatever minds, whatever That whatever minds, whatever circumstance you find yourself in, your circumstance you find yourself in, your circumstance you find yourself in, your circumstance as a Christian does not circumstance as a Christian does not circumstance as a Christian does not dictate the purpose of your life. dictate the purpose of your life. dictate the purpose of your life. Paul said, "I'm in prison." And Paul said, "I'm in prison." And Paul said, "I'm in prison." And actually, it has served to advance the actually, it has served to advance the actually, it has served to advance the gospel. gospel. gospel. It didn't the the fears of of those that It didn't the the fears of of those that It didn't the the fears of of those that knew Paul, they may have been praying knew Paul, they may have been praying knew Paul, they may have been praying for him to get out of prison. Paul's for him to get out of prison. Paul's for him to get out of prison. Paul's like, "No, keep me in here. The gospel like, "No, keep me in here. The gospel like, "No, keep me in here. The gospel is being advanced. His circumstance did is being advanced. His circumstance did is being advanced. His circumstance did not dictate his purpose." And so, as not dictate his purpose." And so, as not dictate his purpose." And so, as Christians, we then too can live with Christians, we then too can live with Christians, we then too can live with meaning and purpose regardless of your meaning and purpose regardless of your meaning and purpose regardless of your situation and your circumstance. That situation and your circumstance. That situation and your circumstance. That was chapter 1. And then in verse 27, was chapter 1. And then in verse 27, was chapter 1. And then in verse 27, Paul starts to to shift what he's doing. Paul starts to to shift what he's doing. Paul starts to to shift what he's doing. And in verse 27 of chapter 1, he's And in verse 27 of chapter 1, he's And in verse 27 of chapter 1, he's giving what I would consider the summary giving what I would consider the summary giving what I would consider the summary of the entire letter. This is what he of the entire letter. This is what he of the entire letter. This is what he says. Just one thing. As citizens of says. Just one thing. As citizens of says. Just one thing. As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the heaven, live your life worthy of the heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then whether I come gospel of Christ. Then whether I come gospel of Christ. Then whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear and see you or am absent, I will hear and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in about you that you are standing firm in about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending one spirit, in one accord, contending one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel.

together for the faith of the gospel. together for the faith of the gospel. That is what he's doing. That is what he's doing. That is what he's doing. You are citizens of heaven. You are citizens of heaven. You are citizens of heaven. Your citizenship has changed because a Your citizenship has changed because a Your citizenship has changed because a new king has come. So therefore, live new king has come. So therefore, live new king has come. So therefore, live in a way that honors the new king. in a way that honors the new king. in a way that honors the new king. And so he's saying, "This is what we're And so he's saying, "This is what we're And so he's saying, "This is what we're going to do. This is who we are." He's going to do. This is who we are." He's going to do. This is who we are." He's given them their identity and he's given them their identity and he's given them their identity and he's giving him them their mission. Live, giving him them their mission. Live, giving him them their mission. Live, stand firm, and contend. I love that stand firm, and contend. I love that stand firm, and contend. I love that word contend. It means struggle word contend. It means struggle word contend. It means struggle together. together. together. It's not ease. It's not without hard It's not ease. It's not without hard It's not ease. It's not without hard work. It is contending. It's the root work. It is contending. It's the root work. It is contending. It's the root word for like athletic agony. word for like athletic agony. word for like athletic agony. We're gonna It's going to be hard, but We're gonna It's going to be hard, but We're gonna It's going to be hard, but we're going to do it. We're going to we're going to do it. We're going to we're going to do it. We're going to contend together. So then he gets to contend together. So then he gets to contend together. So then he gets to chapter 2. Now that's our chapter. He's chapter 2. Now that's our chapter. He's chapter 2. Now that's our chapter. He's just writing a letter. He says, "So the just writing a letter. He says, "So the just writing a letter. He says, "So the if then let's go to verse one of chapter if then let's go to verse one of chapter if then let's go to verse one of chapter 2. If then as citizens of heaven there 2. If then as citizens of heaven there 2. If then as citizens of heaven there is any encouragement in Christ, if any is any encouragement in Christ, if any is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship consolation of love, if any fellowship consolation of love, if any fellowship with the spirit, if any affection and with the spirit, if any affection and with the spirit, if any affection and mercy, make my joy complete by thinking mercy, make my joy complete by thinking mercy, make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, the same way, having the same love, the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose, united in spirit, intent on one purpose, united in spirit, intent on one purpose, doing nothing out of selfish ambition or doing nothing out of selfish ambition or doing nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others conceit, but in humility consider others conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.

as more important than yourselves. as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for Everyone should look out not only for Everyone should look out not only for his own interests but also the interests his own interests but also the interests his own interests but also the interests of others. This is the challenge of the of others. This is the challenge of the of others. This is the challenge of the new and better mindset. That's what new and better mindset. That's what new and better mindset. That's what we're going to talk about this morning. we're going to talk about this morning. we're going to talk about this morning. The new and better mindset. The new and better mindset. The new and better mindset. And you hear it right here. He says, And you hear it right here. He says, And you hear it right here. He says, "Make my joy complete by thinking the "Make my joy complete by thinking the "Make my joy complete by thinking the same way, by loving the same thing, and same way, by loving the same thing, and same way, by loving the same thing, and having the same purpose." This is all having the same purpose." This is all having the same purpose." This is all right here. right here. right here. He's trying to bring unity to a church He's trying to bring unity to a church He's trying to bring unity to a church that might be arguing a little bit. I that might be arguing a little bit. I that might be arguing a little bit. I mean, they would be the first church in mean, they would be the first church in mean, they would be the first church in ever to argue, right? ever to argue, right? ever to argue, right? But here's the thing. If we're going to But here's the thing. If we're going to But here's the thing. If we're going to talk new and better, we have to talk new and better, we have to talk new and better, we have to acknowledge what is the old and worse. acknowledge what is the old and worse. acknowledge what is the old and worse. The new and better is saying that it's The new and better is saying that it's The new and better is saying that it's new and it's better than what we're new and it's better than what we're new and it's better than what we're currently doing. So what are they currently doing. So what are they currently doing. So what are they currently doing? currently doing? currently doing? If you look at this, he kind of gives a If you look at this, he kind of gives a If you look at this, he kind of gives a nod to it. He says, nod to it. He says, nod to it. He says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit."

conceit." conceit." That is the old and worse. Selfish That is the old and worse. Selfish That is the old and worse. Selfish ambition. ambition. ambition. I I'm about me. I want to get mine. I I I'm about me. I want to get mine. I I I'm about me. I want to get mine. I want it to happen the way I want it to want it to happen the way I want it to want it to happen the way I want it to happen, when I want it to happen, and happen, when I want it to happen, and happen, when I want it to happen, and how I want it to happen. Selfish how I want it to happen. Selfish how I want it to happen. Selfish ambition and vain conceit. He said, "No, ambition and vain conceit. He said, "No, ambition and vain conceit. He said, "No, no, no. That is not the new and better no, no. That is not the new and better no, no. That is not the new and better mindset of a citizen of heaven." He says, "Have the same mind, have the He says, "Have the same mind, have the same love, have the same intent." Th Can same love, have the same intent." Th Can same love, have the same intent." Th Can we just be honest for a minute this we just be honest for a minute this we just be honest for a minute this morning? Doesn't this seem impossible? morning? Doesn't this seem impossible? morning? Doesn't this seem impossible? I mean like you know you, I know me, we I mean like you know you, I know me, we I mean like you know you, I know me, we know each other, we're watching the same know each other, we're watching the same know each other, we're watching the same world world world the same. We need unity is what Paul's the same. We need unity is what Paul's the same. We need unity is what Paul's saying. He's saying in Philippi, you saying. He's saying in Philippi, you saying. He's saying in Philippi, you need unity for one purpose. need unity for one purpose. need unity for one purpose. That the gospel of Jesus would be That the gospel of Jesus would be That the gospel of Jesus would be proclaimed, that the hope of the world proclaimed, that the hope of the world proclaimed, that the hope of the world would be shouted from the mountaintops. would be shouted from the mountaintops. would be shouted from the mountaintops. And he's saying, have the same mind, And he's saying, have the same mind, And he's saying, have the same mind, same love, same intent in the same same love, same intent in the same same love, same intent in the same spirit.

spirit. spirit. Man, I got to be honest. When I'm Man, I got to be honest. When I'm Man, I got to be honest. When I'm reading this, I'm like, man, this this reading this, I'm like, man, this this reading this, I'm like, man, this this literally seems impossible. Almost literally seems impossible. Almost literally seems impossible. Almost laughably impossible. laughably impossible. laughably impossible. When I was a senior in high school, When I was a senior in high school, When I was a senior in high school, I decided to join the choir. And I decided to join the choir. And I decided to join the choir. And luckily, you guys are in a room where luckily, you guys are in a room where luckily, you guys are in a room where you hear an amazing choir almost every you hear an amazing choir almost every you hear an amazing choir almost every week except the next several weeks. week except the next several weeks. week except the next several weeks. And I was a senior. I was more of the And I was a senior. I was more of the And I was a senior. I was more of the soccer player, athlete, but my brother soccer player, athlete, but my brother soccer player, athlete, but my brother had joined choir his senior year. He was had joined choir his senior year. He was had joined choir his senior year. He was a year before me. and he had a great a year before me. and he had a great a year before me. and he had a great time. And so I had never thought about time. And so I had never thought about time. And so I had never thought about like, you know what, I'll join choir my like, you know what, I'll join choir my like, you know what, I'll join choir my senior year. And so I went to my first senior year. And so I went to my first senior year. And so I went to my first choir practice. We're all sitting there choir practice. We're all sitting there choir practice. We're all sitting there in the choir room in my high school and in the choir room in my high school and in the choir room in my high school and the choir director says, "All right, the choir director says, "All right, the choir director says, "All right, let's start singing." So we start let's start singing." So we start let's start singing." So we start singing. I don't know how to read music. singing. I don't know how to read music. singing. I don't know how to read music. I don't know anything about anything I don't know anything about anything I don't know anything about anything about music. Okay? It's loud or not. about music. Okay? It's loud or not. about music. Okay? It's loud or not. That's pretty much all I know. That's pretty much all I know. That's pretty much all I know. And so he says, "Go ahead and sing." And And so he says, "Go ahead and sing." And And so he says, "Go ahead and sing." And they start singing. And he says, "All they start singing. And he says, "All they start singing. And he says, "All right, stop." like about a verse in, right, stop." like about a verse in, right, stop." like about a verse in, he's like, "Stop it." Right now, just he's like, "Stop it." Right now, just he's like, "Stop it." Right now, just the middle section. Now, mind you, I'm the middle section. Now, mind you, I'm the middle section. Now, mind you, I'm in the middle section in the middle section in the middle section in the front row. Right in the middle.

in the front row. Right in the middle. in the front row. Right in the middle. And so, he says, "All right, the side. And so, he says, "All right, the side. And so, he says, "All right, the side. Stop and just the middle." And the Stop and just the middle." And the Stop and just the middle." And the middle starts singing. middle starts singing. middle starts singing. And he said, "All right, stop. Just the And he said, "All right, stop. Just the And he said, "All right, stop. Just the first three rows." first three rows." first three rows." Okay. What you're feeling is what I was Okay. What you're feeling is what I was Okay. What you're feeling is what I was feeling. feeling. feeling. This is not going in a direction that's This is not going in a direction that's This is not going in a direction that's going to be good for me. going to be good for me. going to be good for me. And so he says, "All right, first three And so he says, "All right, first three And so he says, "All right, first three rows, start singing." He's like, "All rows, start singing." He's like, "All rows, start singing." He's like, "All right, stop. right, stop. right, stop. First row, start singing." First row, start singing." First row, start singing." And then he said, "All right, stop. And then he said, "All right, stop. And then he said, "All right, stop. You three start singing." I was the problem. And he pointed it I was the problem. And he pointed it out. But here's the thing. He may have out. But here's the thing. He may have out. But here's the thing. He may have done it in a really like kind of rude done it in a really like kind of rude done it in a really like kind of rude way, but he had been doing this for a way, but he had been doing this for a way, but he had been doing this for a long time. And I had never done this. I long time. And I had never done this. I long time. And I had never done this. I had only sung in the shower and in the had only sung in the shower and in the had only sung in the shower and in the car. I was fantastic. But he had an ear and he knew what he But he had an ear and he knew what he wanted this choir to sound like. And wanted this choir to sound like. And wanted this choir to sound like. And what he recognized was I was not able to what he recognized was I was not able to what he recognized was I was not able to blend my voice with the other voices.

blend my voice with the other voices. blend my voice with the other voices. Cuz here's what a choir will do is it is Cuz here's what a choir will do is it is Cuz here's what a choir will do is it is a group of individuals with group of a group of individuals with group of a group of individuals with group of with with individual gifts and wirings with with individual gifts and wirings with with individual gifts and wirings who change their tune to sound together. who change their tune to sound together. who change their tune to sound together. And then it's beautiful. And then it's beautiful. And then it's beautiful. If that choir, if everyone sang their If that choir, if everyone sang their If that choir, if everyone sang their own song, it would sound terrible. own song, it would sound terrible. own song, it would sound terrible. If everyone sang the same song the way If everyone sang the same song the way If everyone sang the same song the way that they wanted to sing it, it would that they wanted to sing it, it would that they wanted to sing it, it would not sound right. not sound right. not sound right. And just like my choir director, he was And just like my choir director, he was And just like my choir director, he was just pointing out, Andy, you're in a just pointing out, Andy, you're in a just pointing out, Andy, you're in a place where you're new. You need to place where you're new. You need to place where you're new. You need to learn to sing with the group. And Paul learn to sing with the group. And Paul learn to sing with the group. And Paul is telling the church in Philippi, is telling the church in Philippi, is telling the church in Philippi, Christians, it is time to sing the song Christians, it is time to sing the song Christians, it is time to sing the song of the gospel of Jesus together, of the gospel of Jesus together, of the gospel of Jesus together, unified, unified, unified, not with our own ambition. not with our own ambition. not with our own ambition. And so what we see in this first little And so what we see in this first little And so what we see in this first little passage is yes, the old and worse, but passage is yes, the old and worse, but passage is yes, the old and worse, but the new and better is that everyone the new and better is that everyone the new and better is that everyone should look out not only for his own should look out not only for his own should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of interests, but also for the interests of interests, but also for the interests of others. The only way to do that, the others. The only way to do that, the others. The only way to do that, the only way to accomplish a beautiful choir only way to accomplish a beautiful choir only way to accomplish a beautiful choir is humility.

is humility. is humility. That's it. That's it. That's it. The kingdom of God was built on The kingdom of God was built on The kingdom of God was built on humility. In fact, this idea of humility is core In fact, this idea of humility is core to our citizenship. It's core. In to our citizenship. It's core. In to our citizenship. It's core. In Matthew 18, chapter 4, look, Jesus says Matthew 18, chapter 4, look, Jesus says Matthew 18, chapter 4, look, Jesus says this, humility is core to our this, humility is core to our this, humility is core to our citizenship. Therefore, whoever humbles citizenship. Therefore, whoever humbles citizenship. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child, this one is the himself like this child, this one is the himself like this child, this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. greatest in the kingdom of heaven. greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And then in Matthew 18, he says, or And then in Matthew 18, he says, or And then in Matthew 18, he says, or sorry, is that right? Therefore, he sorry, is that right? Therefore, he sorry, is that right? Therefore, he humble yourself. humble yourself. humble yourself. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be and whoever humbles himself will be and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. exalted. exalted. And then the brother of Jesus, James, And then the brother of Jesus, James, And then the brother of Jesus, James, says this, humility, humble yourselves says this, humility, humble yourselves says this, humility, humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. before the Lord, and he will exalt you. before the Lord, and he will exalt you. And then the apostle apostle Peter in 1 And then the apostle apostle Peter in 1 And then the apostle apostle Peter in 1 Peter 3 says finally all of you be Peter 3 says finally all of you be Peter 3 says finally all of you be likeminded sympathetic love one another likeminded sympathetic love one another likeminded sympathetic love one another and be compassionate and humble.

and be compassionate and humble. and be compassionate and humble. Humility Humility Humility is the core of our citizenship as is the core of our citizenship as is the core of our citizenship as children of God and citizens of heaven. children of God and citizens of heaven. children of God and citizens of heaven. And Paul is saying we need to sing And Paul is saying we need to sing And Paul is saying we need to sing together. We need to bring ourselves together. We need to bring ourselves together. We need to bring ourselves into a low position and bring ourselves into a low position and bring ourselves into a low position and bring ourselves in tune with the gospel of Jesus Christ. in tune with the gospel of Jesus Christ. in tune with the gospel of Jesus Christ. So, how do we do this in a world that So, how do we do this in a world that So, how do we do this in a world that just seems to be arguing about just seems to be arguing about just seems to be arguing about everything? everything? everything? Like even if we agree, if we don't agree Like even if we agree, if we don't agree Like even if we agree, if we don't agree at the same level, now we're at odds at the same level, now we're at odds at the same level, now we're at odds with each other. Selfish ambition and with each other. Selfish ambition and with each other. Selfish ambition and vain conceit. And Paul says, 'N no, this vain conceit. And Paul says, 'N no, this vain conceit. And Paul says, 'N no, this is not how the people of God are to be. is not how the people of God are to be. is not how the people of God are to be. He says, 'We are to stand firm together He says, 'We are to stand firm together He says, 'We are to stand firm together in unity contending for the gospel. So in unity contending for the gospel. So in unity contending for the gospel. So how do we do this? Let's move on to how do we do this? Let's move on to how do we do this? Let's move on to verse five. verse five. verse five. And he brings in And he brings in And he brings in the how. By pointing us not to ourselves the how. By pointing us not to ourselves the how. By pointing us not to ourselves and not by grinding and trying and and not by grinding and trying and and not by grinding and trying and striving. He says, "Turn your eyes to striving. He says, "Turn your eyes to striving. He says, "Turn your eyes to Jesus." Verse five, adopt the same Jesus." Verse five, adopt the same Jesus." Verse five, adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus. Adopt.

attitude as that of Christ Jesus. Adopt. attitude as that of Christ Jesus. Adopt. That simply means take something and That simply means take something and That simply means take something and make it your own. make it your own. make it your own. We see Jesus and we're not like, "Oh, We see Jesus and we're not like, "Oh, We see Jesus and we're not like, "Oh, he's a great guy." No, we adopt it. We he's a great guy." No, we adopt it. We he's a great guy." No, we adopt it. We take the the mind of Christ, the take the the mind of Christ, the take the the mind of Christ, the attitude of Christ, and we adopt it into attitude of Christ, and we adopt it into attitude of Christ, and we adopt it into our lives. our lives. our lives. Look at verse six, Look at verse six, Look at verse six, guys. Can we stop for a minute before we guys. Can we stop for a minute before we guys. Can we stop for a minute before we get to verse six get to verse six get to verse six and behold the beauty of the gospel and behold the beauty of the gospel and behold the beauty of the gospel and the beauty of King Jesus? and the beauty of King Jesus? and the beauty of King Jesus? He is not a guru and he's not a He is not a guru and he's not a He is not a guru and he's not a therapist. He's not just a friend. He is therapist. He's not just a friend. He is therapist. He's not just a friend. He is king. Yes, sir. king. Yes, sir. king. Yes, sir. >> And what Paul is describing here is he's >> And what Paul is describing here is he's >> And what Paul is describing here is he's like, you don't have to to just muster like, you don't have to to just muster like, you don't have to to just muster it up. Turn your hearts, minds, and soul it up. Turn your hearts, minds, and soul it up. Turn your hearts, minds, and soul to Jesus. Watch this. to Jesus. Watch this. to Jesus. Watch this. He says adopt the same attitude as that He says adopt the same attitude as that He says adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus who existing in the form of Christ Jesus who existing in the form of Christ Jesus who existing in the form of God did not consider equality with of God did not consider equality with of God did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited.

God as something to be exploited. God as something to be exploited. Instead he emptied himself by assuming Instead he emptied himself by assuming Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant taking on the the form of a servant taking on the the form of a servant taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had likeness of humanity. And when he had likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by come as a man, he humbled himself by come as a man, he humbled 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. What do we see here? Verse six, he says What do we see here? Verse six, he says he did not consider where do you he did not consider where do you he did not consider where do you consider right here? mindset. He was God and he consider did not He was God and he consider did not consider equality with God something to consider equality with God something to consider equality with God something to be exploited or your the NIV might see be exploited or your the NIV might see be exploited or your the NIV might see something to be grasped, something to something to be grasped, something to something to be grasped, something to chase and hold on to. Can I make an chase and hold on to. Can I make an chase and hold on to. Can I make an observation here that this concept right observation here that this concept right observation here that this concept right here that Jesus did not see equality here that Jesus did not see equality here that Jesus did not see equality with God as something to be grasped is with God as something to be grasped is with God as something to be grasped is the fall of Satan and the fall of the fall of Satan and the fall of the fall of Satan and the fall of humanity. humanity. humanity. Satan while he was an angel in heaven, Satan while he was an angel in heaven, Satan while he was an angel in heaven, what did he want? He wanted to be like what did he want? He wanted to be like what did he want? He wanted to be like God.

God. God. And then in the garden, what was the And then in the garden, what was the And then in the garden, what was the lie? What was the temptation that that lie? What was the temptation that that lie? What was the temptation that that he offered to Eve? If you eat this he offered to Eve? If you eat this he offered to Eve? If you eat this apple, you will be like God. Equality with God is something we've Equality with God is something we've been grasping for for eternity. been grasping for for eternity. been grasping for for eternity. And not just us but spiritual beings. And not just us but spiritual beings. And not just us but spiritual beings. Equality with God is something that we Equality with God is something that we Equality with God is something that we chase. This is what we do in our lives, chase. This is what we do in our lives, chase. This is what we do in our lives, isn't it? We try to control and we try isn't it? We try to control and we try isn't it? We try to control and we try to manipulate to get outcomes that are to manipulate to get outcomes that are to manipulate to get outcomes that are good for us. We try and get the good for us. We try and get the good for us. We try and get the promotion. We try and get get above promotion. We try and get get above promotion. We try and get get above everybody all the time. We we want to everybody all the time. We we want to everybody all the time. We we want to win every argument. We want to show how win every argument. We want to show how win every argument. We want to show how smart we are and how wise we are and how smart we are and how wise we are and how smart we are and how wise we are and how everything should be done the way that I everything should be done the way that I everything should be done the way that I want it to be done. want it to be done. want it to be done. But Jesus passed another test. But Jesus passed another test. But Jesus passed another test. It says that although he was in the form It says that although he was in the form It says that although he was in the form of God, he did not consider equality of God, he did not consider equality of God, he did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. with God as something to be exploited. with God as something to be exploited. He actually used his power. He actually He actually used his power. He actually He actually used his power. He actually used his advantage used his advantage used his advantage for us.

for us. for us. Talk about an undercover boss. Talk about an undercover boss. Talk about an undercover boss. He put on humanity and he took off his He put on humanity and he took off his He put on humanity and he took off his crown and he came to earth to give us crown and he came to earth to give us crown and he came to earth to give us what we could not get for ourselves. He what we could not get for ourselves. He what we could not get for ourselves. He came to redeem us to God. came to redeem us to God. came to redeem us to God. And then continuing in verse 7, And then continuing in verse 7, And then continuing in verse 7, it says, it says, it says, "Instead "Instead "Instead of filling himself with glory, he of filling himself with glory, he of filling himself with glory, he emptied himself emptied himself emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, by assuming the form of a servant, by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And taking on the likeness of humanity. And taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, oh, here's when he had come as a man, oh, here's when he had come as a man, oh, here's step two of humility, he humbled himself step two of humility, he humbled himself step two of humility, he humbled himself again. again. again. He didn't just humble himself to come be He didn't just humble himself to come be He didn't just humble himself to come be human. While he was human, he continued human. While he was human, he continued human. While he was human, he continued to humble himself to bring himself low to humble himself to bring himself low to humble himself to bring himself low on purpose with intention on purpose with intention on purpose with intention to be obedient to God to the point of to be obedient to God to the point of to be obedient to God to the point of death, even to death on a cross. You death, even to death on a cross. You death, even to death on a cross. You see, the humility of Jesus see, the humility of Jesus see, the humility of Jesus produced obedience.

produced obedience. produced obedience. And as followers of Jesus, is it producing obedience? is it producing obedience? Humility produces obedience. Jesus is Humility produces obedience. Jesus is Humility produces obedience. Jesus is showing us the way. showing us the way. showing us the way. And in verse eight And in verse eight And in verse eight all the way to the cross. And this is all the way to the cross. And this is all the way to the cross. And this is what Paul is saying in Philippians 1. what Paul is saying in Philippians 1. what Paul is saying in Philippians 1. He's like, "Whether I live or whether I He's like, "Whether I live or whether I He's like, "Whether I live or whether I die, die, die, my sole goal is that Jesus Christ would my sole goal is that Jesus Christ would my sole goal is that Jesus Christ would be honored in my body and the gospel be honored in my body and the gospel be honored in my body and the gospel proclaimed, one purpose." proclaimed, one purpose." proclaimed, one purpose." And he's calling the church here to say, And he's calling the church here to say, And he's calling the church here to say, "Hey, Jesus has made the way." Jesus "Hey, Jesus has made the way." Jesus "Hey, Jesus has made the way." Jesus humbled himself humbled himself humbled himself so we can too. so we can too. so we can too. We are following a humble and merciful We are following a humble and merciful We are following a humble and merciful and gracious king. We're not following a and gracious king. We're not following a and gracious king. We're not following a tyrant. We're not we're not following a tyrant. We're not we're not following a tyrant. We're not we're not following a a God who's just trying to micromanage a God who's just trying to micromanage a God who's just trying to micromanage your life because he needs to feel good your life because he needs to feel good your life because he needs to feel good about himself. No, no. We serve and we about himself. No, no. We serve and we about himself. No, no. We serve and we follow Jesus because he took his follow Jesus because he took his follow Jesus because he took his advantage and he laid it aside advantage and he laid it aside advantage and he laid it aside so that one day you and I would get the so that one day you and I would get the so that one day you and I would get the exaltation.

It's an amazing It's an amazing amazing thing. What an amazing savior we amazing thing. What an amazing savior we amazing thing. What an amazing savior we serve. serve. serve. And then it says in verse 9, Paul And then it says in verse 9, Paul And then it says in verse 9, Paul writes, "For this reason, the humility writes, "For this reason, the humility writes, "For this reason, the humility and obedience. and obedience. and obedience. For this reason, God exalted him and For this reason, God exalted him and For this reason, God exalted him and gave him the name that is above every gave him the name that is above every gave him the name that is above every name. So that at the name of Jesus, name. So that at the name of Jesus, name. So that at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow in heaven and on every knee will bow in heaven and on every knee will bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every earth and under the earth, and every earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father." >> That idea of glory to God the Father. >> That idea of glory to God the Father. Here here's here's what I think this Here here's here's what I think this Here here's here's what I think this this this idea means. Does God need our this this idea means. Does God need our this this idea means. Does God need our glory? No. He is self-sufficient. But as glory? No. He is self-sufficient. But as glory? No. He is self-sufficient. But as human beings, we rejoice and we praise human beings, we rejoice and we praise human beings, we rejoice and we praise the things we enjoy. the things we enjoy. the things we enjoy. And so we come here to sing every week And so we come here to sing every week And so we come here to sing every week because we enjoy the Lord and we want to because we enjoy the Lord and we want to because we enjoy the Lord and we want to recognize his goodness in our life recognize his goodness in our life recognize his goodness in our life because it lifts up our souls and it because it lifts up our souls and it because it lifts up our souls and it brings us into unity as a body of Christ brings us into unity as a body of Christ brings us into unity as a body of Christ that we would be of one mind and one that we would be of one mind and one that we would be of one mind and one heart and one purpose that this city and heart and one purpose that this city and heart and one purpose that this city and our neighborhoods and our families would our neighborhoods and our families would our neighborhoods and our families would know the hope of the gospel.

know the hope of the gospel. know the hope of the gospel. But we have to do it have to have to But we have to do it have to have to But we have to do it have to have to have to have to do with humility. have to have to do with humility. have to have to do with humility. Without humility, unity is impossible. And so this question comes to my mind as And so this question comes to my mind as I read this little passage, this poem, I read this little passage, this poem, I read this little passage, this poem, verses 6 through 11, is how in the world verses 6 through 11, is how in the world verses 6 through 11, is how in the world can I be a prideful follower of a humble can I be a prideful follower of a humble can I be a prideful follower of a humble king? king? king? How can we do that? How can we do that? How can we do that? How can we say what I want, how I want How can we say what I want, how I want How can we say what I want, how I want it, and when I want it? And if God, you it, and when I want it? And if God, you it, and when I want it? And if God, you don't do it how I want it, when I want don't do it how I want it, when I want don't do it how I want it, when I want it, you're not good. I can't be a it, you're not good. I can't be a it, you're not good. I can't be a prideful follower of a humble king. prideful follower of a humble king. prideful follower of a humble king. If I'm going to follow the humble king, If I'm going to follow the humble king, If I'm going to follow the humble king, the right response is to follow humbly the right response is to follow humbly the right response is to follow humbly and let him lead and guide and show and and let him lead and guide and show and and let him lead and guide and show and care for us as we follow. care for us as we follow. care for us as we follow. You see, the downward path of humility You see, the downward path of humility You see, the downward path of humility is so much greater than the path the is so much greater than the path the is so much greater than the path the upward path of pride.

upward path of pride. upward path of pride. the downward path of choosing to humble the downward path of choosing to humble the downward path of choosing to humble ourselves. ourselves. ourselves. Because I'll promise you this, going Because I'll promise you this, going Because I'll promise you this, going back to my choir story senior year, it back to my choir story senior year, it back to my choir story senior year, it is way, way, way better to choose to is way, way, way better to choose to is way, way, way better to choose to humble yourself than to be humbled. And humble yourself than to be humbled. And humble yourself than to be humbled. And that day, I was humbled. that day, I was humbled. that day, I was humbled. But here's the thing. Unlike my choir But here's the thing. Unlike my choir But here's the thing. Unlike my choir director, Jesus did not come to catch director, Jesus did not come to catch director, Jesus did not come to catch you in your sin. He came to set you free you in your sin. He came to set you free you in your sin. He came to set you free from the sin that has already caught from the sin that has already caught from the sin that has already caught you. you. you. That's what he did. That's what he did. That's what he did. >> He didn't come here to shake a finger at >> He didn't come here to shake a finger at >> He didn't come here to shake a finger at you. He came to unlock the gate and say, you. He came to unlock the gate and say, you. He came to unlock the gate and say, "Follow me." To freedom, "Follow me." To freedom, "Follow me." To freedom, >> to hope. >> Let's continue >> Let's continue lastly with the fruit of humility. This lastly with the fruit of humility. This lastly with the fruit of humility. This new and better mindset of humility. new and better mindset of humility. new and better mindset of humility. Verse 12, he says, "Therefore," Paul Verse 12, he says, "Therefore," Paul Verse 12, he says, "Therefore," Paul says, "because of what Jesus did, says, "because of what Jesus did, says, "because of what Jesus did, therefore, because we are going to be therefore, because we are going to be therefore, because we are going to be unified, my dear friends, just as you unified, my dear friends, just as you unified, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed."

have always obeyed." have always obeyed." The fruit of humility is obedience. So The fruit of humility is obedience. So The fruit of humility is obedience. So now, not only in my presence, but even now, not only in my presence, but even now, not only in my presence, but even more in my absence, work out your own more in my absence, work out your own more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For salvation with fear and trembling. For salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who is working in you both to it is God who is working in you both to it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good will and to work according to his good will and to work according to his good purpose. Do everything. purpose. Do everything. purpose. Do everything. >> Are you guys listening here? >> Are you guys listening here? >> Are you guys listening here? >> Do everything without grumbling or >> Do everything without grumbling or >> Do everything without grumbling or arguing. arguing. arguing. Where does grumbling and arguing come Where does grumbling and arguing come Where does grumbling and arguing come from? Pride. from? Pride. from? Pride. Selfish ambition. Selfish ambition. Selfish ambition. What I think should happen is not What I think should happen is not What I think should happen is not happening. I got to wait. I grumble. happening. I got to wait. I grumble. happening. I got to wait. I grumble. Someone disagrees with me. I want to Someone disagrees with me. I want to Someone disagrees with me. I want to argue. argue. argue. He says, 'd do everything without He says, 'd do everything without He says, 'd do everything without grumbling or arguing so that you may be grumbling or arguing so that you may be grumbling or arguing so that you may be blameless and pure children of God who blameless and pure children of God who blameless and pure children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted are faultless in a crooked and perverted are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation among whom you shine like generation among whom you shine like generation among whom you shine like stars in the world by holding firm to stars in the world by holding firm to stars in the world by holding firm to the word of life. the word of life. the word of life. Then I can boast, says Paul, in the day Then I can boast, says Paul, in the day Then I can boast, says Paul, in the day of Christ, that I did not run or labor of Christ, that I did not run or labor of Christ, that I did not run or labor for nothing, but even if I am poured out for nothing, but even if I am poured out for nothing, but even if I am poured out as a drink offering on the sacrificial as a drink offering on the sacrificial as a drink offering on the sacrificial service of your faith, I am glad and service of your faith, I am glad and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. In the same rejoice with all of you. In the same rejoice with all of you. In the same way, you should also be glad and rejoice way, you should also be glad and rejoice way, you should also be glad and rejoice with me. This is the fruit of humility.

with me. This is the fruit of humility. with me. This is the fruit of humility. We see a couple things. The fruit of We see a couple things. The fruit of We see a couple things. The fruit of humility is that we take responsibility humility is that we take responsibility humility is that we take responsibility to work out our faith in real life. to work out our faith in real life. to work out our faith in real life. That's what it's going to do. Paul's That's what it's going to do. Paul's That's what it's going to do. Paul's like, "Whether I come to you or whether like, "Whether I come to you or whether like, "Whether I come to you or whether I'm absent, what I want to hear is that I'm absent, what I want to hear is that I'm absent, what I want to hear is that you're contending for the gospel you're contending for the gospel you're contending for the gospel unified." And here he says, "To work it unified." And here he says, "To work it unified." And here he says, "To work it out with fear and trembling." And that's out with fear and trembling." And that's out with fear and trembling." And that's not a you got to earn your salvation. not a you got to earn your salvation. not a you got to earn your salvation. He says in chapter one, God has begun a He says in chapter one, God has begun a He says in chapter one, God has begun a good work in you. And now here he's good work in you. And now here he's good work in you. And now here he's saying now work it out. Figure out how saying now work it out. Figure out how saying now work it out. Figure out how we do community with unity we do community with unity we do community with unity for one purpose for one purpose for one purpose that God's name would be raised that God's name would be raised that God's name would be raised that the hope of the world would know that the hope of the world would know that the hope of the world would know that the world would know the hope of that the world would know the hope of that the world would know the hope of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Verse 15 he says then you when you do Verse 15 he says then you when you do Verse 15 he says then you when you do this when you live with humility this when you live with humility this when you live with humility the world will see the unified church. the world will see the unified church. the world will see the unified church. Can you imagine that day? Can you imagine that day? Can you imagine that day? Can you imagine a world that would look Can you imagine a world that would look Can you imagine a world that would look at the church and let's just say here in at the church and let's just say here in at the church and let's just say here in America that is unified America that is unified America that is unified about one purpose, not doing all the about one purpose, not doing all the about one purpose, not doing all the disagreement stuff, not making a big disagreement stuff, not making a big disagreement stuff, not making a big deal of the small stuff of saying we are deal of the small stuff of saying we are deal of the small stuff of saying we are unified. This is what Paul said in in 18 unified. This is what Paul said in in 18 unified. This is what Paul said in in 18 I think it is in Philippians 1:18 he I think it is in Philippians 1:18 he I think it is in Philippians 1:18 he says what does it matter says what does it matter says what does it matter what their motive is only that Christ what their motive is only that Christ what their motive is only that Christ has proclaimed has proclaimed has proclaimed and so Paul is not just preaching it and so Paul is not just preaching it and so Paul is not just preaching it he's living it and now he's encouraging he's living it and now he's encouraging he's living it and now he's encouraging them when you do this when we live with

them when you do this when we live with them when you do this when we live with humility the humility of Christ you will humility the humility of Christ you will humility the humility of Christ you will stick out like the best sore thumb stick out like the best sore thumb stick out like the best sore thumb you've ever seen you will shine like you've ever seen you will shine like you've ever seen you will shine like stars in a dark and depraved generation stars in a dark and depraved generation stars in a dark and depraved generation and they'll be like y'all all are weird. and they'll be like y'all all are weird. and they'll be like y'all all are weird. And we'll begin to say, you know why I'm And we'll begin to say, you know why I'm And we'll begin to say, you know why I'm weird? Because my savior is incredibly weird? Because my savior is incredibly weird? Because my savior is incredibly weird. weird. weird. He didn't use his privilege He didn't use his privilege He didn't use his privilege to lord it over us. He used his to lord it over us. He used his to lord it over us. He used his privilege to free us privilege to free us privilege to free us because we serve a humble and gracious because we serve a humble and gracious because we serve a humble and gracious and loving king. and loving king. and loving king. And the world will see it. And then he And the world will see it. And then he And the world will see it. And then he finishes in 17 saying, "Rejoice. I am finishes in 17 saying, "Rejoice. I am finishes in 17 saying, "Rejoice. I am glad and rejoice with you all that this glad and rejoice with you all that this glad and rejoice with you all that this is happening. is happening. is happening. Think about that word rejoice as Think about that word rejoice as Think about that word rejoice as celebrate. He's like celebrate with me celebrate. He's like celebrate with me celebrate. He's like celebrate with me and celebrate with one another. What are and celebrate with one another. What are and celebrate with one another. What are we celebrating? The unity of the body of we celebrating? The unity of the body of we celebrating? The unity of the body of Christ that the world would see you Christ that the world would see you Christ that the world would see you shine like stars so that people are like shine like stars so that people are like shine like stars so that people are like who are you and who is who is your king?

who are you and who is who is your king? who are you and who is who is your king? that Christ is being proclaimed through that Christ is being proclaimed through that Christ is being proclaimed through our lives in every circumstance, every our lives in every circumstance, every our lives in every circumstance, every situation without grumbling or situation without grumbling or situation without grumbling or complaining that we would lay aside complaining that we would lay aside complaining that we would lay aside our preferences our preferences our preferences and we would sing with the choir of the and we would sing with the choir of the and we would sing with the choir of the family of God, the good news of Jesus family of God, the good news of Jesus family of God, the good news of Jesus Christ. Christ. Christ. and we would forget all these arguments and we would forget all these arguments and we would forget all these arguments and we would we would not have to be the and we would we would not have to be the and we would we would not have to be the last word in every argument last word in every argument last word in every argument that we would just trust God that he's that we would just trust God that he's that we would just trust God that he's going to do it. going to do it. going to do it. Our role is to is to to sing our part Our role is to is to to sing our part Our role is to is to to sing our part faithfully, not to be first, but to be faithfully, not to be first, but to be faithfully, not to be first, but to be faithful. That's the goal. And so the new and better mindset And so the new and better mindset is that we would live worthy with is that we would live worthy with is that we would live worthy with humility producing a unity that sticks humility producing a unity that sticks humility producing a unity that sticks out to this world. And in that we out to this world. And in that we out to this world. And in that we celebrate.

celebrate. celebrate. We celebrate one another. We celebrate We celebrate one another. We celebrate We celebrate one another. We celebrate it when we see it. it when we see it. it when we see it. We strive together towards it. We We strive together towards it. We We strive together towards it. We contend for it. we struggle together contend for it. we struggle together contend for it. we struggle together that the gospel and the good news of that the gospel and the good news of that the gospel and the good news of Jesus would be lifted up in our lives, Jesus would be lifted up in our lives, Jesus would be lifted up in our lives, in our families, in our neighborhoods, in our families, in our neighborhoods, in our families, in our neighborhoods, and in this church. That this church and in this church. That this church and in this church. That this church would be a lighthouse of hope in a dark would be a lighthouse of hope in a dark would be a lighthouse of hope in a dark world. world. world. So, what do we do with this? As I close, So, what do we do with this? As I close, So, what do we do with this? As I close, I just want to offer one thing. I just want to offer one thing. I just want to offer one thing. We put on the mindset of Jesus. We put on the mindset of Jesus. We put on the mindset of Jesus. We adopt it. We make it our own. And We adopt it. We make it our own. And We adopt it. We make it our own. And this is a every day, probably if you're this is a every day, probably if you're this is a every day, probably if you're anything like me, every hour, every 15 anything like me, every hour, every 15 anything like me, every hour, every 15 minutes kind of thing. minutes kind of thing. minutes kind of thing. I say put on, Paul says, adopt because I say put on, Paul says, adopt because I say put on, Paul says, adopt because I'm used to putting on stuff. Every day I'm used to putting on stuff. Every day I'm used to putting on stuff. Every day when I get dressed, I put on because I when I get dressed, I put on because I when I get dressed, I put on because I look, I'm like, what is that what what I look, I'm like, what is that what what I look, I'm like, what is that what what I should wear? Does that go together? All should wear? Does that go together? All should wear? Does that go together? All that kind of stuff. So, it just makes that kind of stuff. So, it just makes that kind of stuff. So, it just makes more sense to me to put on the humility more sense to me to put on the humility more sense to me to put on the humility of Christ in that meeting, at that place of Christ in that meeting, at that place of Christ in that meeting, at that place with that person.

with that person. with that person. And it's not just like, hey, I'm going And it's not just like, hey, I'm going And it's not just like, hey, I'm going to be humble. But sometimes when we get to be humble. But sometimes when we get to be humble. But sometimes when we get it wrong and we're not humble, the it wrong and we're not humble, the it wrong and we're not humble, the humble response is to apologize humble response is to apologize humble response is to apologize and say, you know what, I didn't I and say, you know what, I didn't I and say, you know what, I didn't I didn't handle that well. That would be didn't handle that well. That would be didn't handle that well. That would be weird to this world. To interact with weird to this world. To interact with weird to this world. To interact with Christians who are willing to say, you Christians who are willing to say, you Christians who are willing to say, you know what, I messed up. I shouldn't have know what, I messed up. I shouldn't have know what, I messed up. I shouldn't have said it that way. I shouldn't have said said it that way. I shouldn't have said said it that way. I shouldn't have said that at all. Would you please forgive that at all. Would you please forgive that at all. Would you please forgive me? That's humility. Because over and me? That's humility. Because over and me? That's humility. Because over and over, we see Jesus lower himself. And over, we see Jesus lower himself. And over, we see Jesus lower himself. And Paul's words to the church in Philippi Paul's words to the church in Philippi Paul's words to the church in Philippi are adopt the mindset of Christ who did are adopt the mindset of Christ who did are adopt the mindset of Christ who did not chase equality with God to be not chase equality with God to be not chase equality with God to be grasped, but instead he used it. He used grasped, but instead he used it. He used grasped, but instead he used it. He used his power and his privilege to live a his power and his privilege to live a his power and his privilege to live a life that we could not live and die a life that we could not live and die a life that we could not live and die a death that we could not die. That he death that we could not die. That he death that we could not die. That he might be raised again, put to the right might be raised again, put to the right might be raised again, put to the right hand of of God and say, "Who's with me?" hand of of God and say, "Who's with me?" hand of of God and say, "Who's with me?" Because he has offered that forgiveness. Because he has offered that forgiveness. Because he has offered that forgiveness. So here's my challenge to you as you go So here's my challenge to you as you go So here's my challenge to you as you go today. As you leave church today or you today. As you leave church today or you today. As you leave church today or you go to Sunday school, eating lunch, go to Sunday school, eating lunch, go to Sunday school, eating lunch, whoever you've come with, I maybe just whoever you've come with, I maybe just whoever you've come with, I maybe just share share share a frustration in your life and an a frustration in your life and an a frustration in your life and an annoyance in your life annoyance in your life annoyance in your life and say, "How would I respond to this in and say, "How would I respond to this in and say, "How would I respond to this in humility?"

humility?" humility?" If Jesus were in my shoes, what would he If Jesus were in my shoes, what would he If Jesus were in my shoes, what would he have me do here? How would I reconcile have me do here? How would I reconcile have me do here? How would I reconcile with humility? How would I lead with with humility? How would I lead with with humility? How would I lead with humility? How would I love with humility? How would I love with humility? How would I love with humility? So that people would see the humility? So that people would see the humility? So that people would see the fruit of Jesus Christ actually in my fruit of Jesus Christ actually in my fruit of Jesus Christ actually in my life. life. life. Because here's the thing, Jesus emptied Because here's the thing, Jesus emptied Because here's the thing, Jesus emptied himself himself himself to put on humanity. to put on humanity. to put on humanity. Our call is to empty of ourselves to put Our call is to empty of ourselves to put Our call is to empty of ourselves to put on Christ. on Christ. on Christ. Let's put him on. and this world, this Let's put him on. and this world, this Let's put him on. and this world, this watching world will see the glory of God watching world will see the glory of God watching world will see the glory of God through you and through me and through through you and through me and through through you and through me and through this church. Let me pray. God, thank you this church. Let me pray. God, thank you this church. Let me pray. God, thank you for bringing us here today, Lord. Thank for bringing us here today, Lord. Thank for bringing us here today, Lord. Thank you for Paul and his words in the you for Paul and his words in the you for Paul and his words in the Philippians. I pray God, Holy Spirit, Philippians. I pray God, Holy Spirit, Philippians. I pray God, Holy Spirit, that you would do a work in us, Lord. that you would do a work in us, Lord. that you would do a work in us, Lord. That you would bring up that person, That you would bring up that person, That you would bring up that person, that conversation, that situation, God, that conversation, that situation, God, that conversation, that situation, God, that we need to put on you and put aside that we need to put on you and put aside that we need to put on you and put aside our pride, our ambition, our pride, our ambition, our pride, our ambition, and just quietly ask you, Lord, what and just quietly ask you, Lord, what and just quietly ask you, Lord, what would you have me do here that we might would you have me do here that we might would you have me do here that we might be your ambassadors be your ambassadors be your ambassadors to show this world the goodness of who to show this world the goodness of who to show this world the goodness of who you are and the hope we have in Jesus?

you are and the hope we have in Jesus? you are and the hope we have in Jesus? We praise things in your name. Amen.