INTERACTIVE TEACHING/LEARNING GUIDE

Contentment for Life

Philippians

Week 4

Session Title: Selfless Living

Focal Passage:Philippians 2:1-11

Central Teaching/Learning Aim: In todays lesson learners will be challenged to examine their attitudes toward humility and selfless living.

I. Hook

A. Share the following word cloud with your class.

State This word cloud has been created from todays focal passage, Philippians 2:1-11. Please look for all the words that indicate an attitude. Ill write them on the marker board as you name them.

Ask What does it take to change an attitude?

State In our Bible study today we will examine several attitudes. Some Paul says that we should embrace and others he says that we should forsake.

B. Optional Method What Do These Things Have in Common?

Provide each class member with a pencil or pen and an index card.

State Today we are going to play a game. Ill write three sets of three things and Id like for you to write on your index card what those three things have in common. Let me give you an example: what do these three people have in common?

Jack Parr, Johnny Carson and Jay Leno

Thats right all three were hosts of The Tonight Show.

Heres another example: what do these three words have in common?

Central, Candlestick and Jurassic

All three are parks.

Now, Ill write several sets of three and you tell me what they have in common.

Choose your own or use the following:

a. Core, Crust, Mantle ANSWER: layers of the earth

b. A belt, bank robber, thumb tacks ANSWER: they all hold things up

c. Fruit, cheese, upside down ANSWER: types of cake

d. 1972 World Series, 1973 World Series, 1974 World Series ANSWER: all won by the Oakland As

e. Otis Redding, John Denver, Jim Croce ANSWER: musicians who were killed in plane crashes

Check to see who had the most correct answers.

State I have one more for you. Tell me what these three people have in common:

Mother Teresa, Billy Graham and Mr. Rogers ANSWER: all were humble people.

State In todays lesson we will talk about the attitude of humility and will be reminded that Jesus was the most humble man who ever lived. Well also talk about the fact that Paul reminds us that we should embrace that same attitude.

C. Optional Method Share the following excerpt from Yahoo! Sports:

The Vikings Zimmer Effect: Positive Attitudes at OTAs

Its truly hard to put into words what Mike Zimmer has meant to theMinnesota Vikings organization.He has brought a fire and intensity that most fans have only heard abouttothis point.Zimmers work ethic is starting to show through in the way the players are conductingthemselves on and off the field. For the 2016 season, we only have this years Organized Team Activities (OTAs) togo on, but the attitudes of the players have the look of a team focused on winning achampionship.

Fans have to be excited by the way the players are conducting themselves thisoffseason. Great attitudes arent always easy to come by in athletes. In fact, most superstars refuse to even show upand participate inOTAs because they feel they have earned their spot on the team already. This years Vikings are not only showing up, but they all are putting in the maximum effortZimmer has been expectingof them.

It may be an old clich but attitude is everything and if the Vikings continue with thispositive attitude, success cant be far behind.

Justin Ekstrom, The Vikings Zimmer Effect: Positive Attitudes at OTAs, Yahoo! Sports, June 10, 2016.

Ask What is a positive attitude? Would you say that you have a positive attitude?

State In our lesson today Paul does not say that we need a positive attitude, but that we should have the attitude of Christ Jesus. What kind of attitude is that?

D. Optional Method What REALLY Irritates You?

Make three columns on the marker board. Use one of these headings for each column:

a. These things REALLY irritate me at home.

b. These things REALLY irritate me on my commute.

c. These things REALLY irritate me at work.

Ask your class to help you by sharing those things that are irritating to them. These things might include the direction that the toilet paper comes off the roll, the cleanliness of the family car or the noise in the hallway at work.

Ask How would you describe your attitude about these things? What would Jesus attitude be?

State Today well explore the attitude of Jesus and compare his attitude to ours.

E. Optional Method Attitude is Everything

State Youve heard the old adage, Attitude is Everything.

Ask What do you think that means? Can a good attitude cause you to have more friends or make more money or have a happier life? How? Paul talks to us today about the attitude of Christ Jesus. Did his attitude cause him to have more friends or be successful in business or have a happier life? What is the attitude of Christ Jesus?

State Today well explore the attitude of Jesus and compare his attitude to ours.

F. Optional Method Chosen to be Servants

Location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PI_9GegVoYk

Start: 7:48

Stop: 9:42

Synopsis: This is a portion of Fred Rogers acceptance speech when he was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1999.

Before starting the clip, ask that class members listen for what Mr. Rogers says about what those people in television are chosen to do.

Ask What did Mr. Rogers say about the role of television personalities? What are they chosen to do? Do you think that Mr. Rogers lived out this role? Why or why not?

State Today Paul will remind us that Jesus took on the very nature of a servant and that we should adopt that same attitude for ourselves.

II. Book

1. Write the following outline of todays lesson on the marker board:

Unity, Humility and a Christ-Like Attitude

1. Pauls appeal to be like-minded (vs. 1-2)

2. Pauls appeal to selfless living (vs. 3-4)

3. Pauls appeal to embrace the attitude of Christ (vs. 5-8)

4. Pauls appeal to worship Christ (vs. 9-11)

1. Utilize the discussion guide to examine the Scripture passages.

1. Prior to the session enlist someone in your class to do some research on crucifixion. Ask them to discover the historical roots of crucifixion and find out exactly what crucifixion involved in Roman times. Tell your volunteer that you will allow 2 to 3 minutes for him/her to share about what it means to become obedient to death even death on a cross.

III. Look

A. Provide a copy of Jesus Attitude handout for each class member. work through the handout together.

IV. Took

A. Emptying Himself

State In their book, Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Philippians, Tony Merida and Francis Chan relate the following story told by an African missionary:

In this particular part of Africa the chief is the strongest man in the village. As the chief, he also wears a very large headdress and ceremonial robes. One day a man carrying water out of the shaft of a deep well fell and broke his leg, and lay helpless at the bottom of the well. To get down to the bottom, one would have to climb down, using the alternating slits that go all the way down the deep well, and then climb back up. Because no one could carry the helpless man up like this, the chief was summoned. When he saw the plight of the man, he laid aside his headdress and his robe, climbed all the way to the bottom, put the injured man on himself, and brought him to safety. He did what no other man could do. Thats what Jesus has done for us. He came to rescue us. And He laid aside His heavenly glory, like the chief did with his headdress, in order to save us. Now, did the chief cease being the chief when he laid aside his headdress? Of course not. Did Jesus cease being God when He came to rescue us? Of course not.

Tony Merida and Francis Chan, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary: Exalting Jesus in Philippians, (Nashville: B&H Publishing, 2016), 97.

State Think about the attitudes that we have talked about today. This chief, like Jesus, had an attitude of humility. He was willing to set aside his glory and humble himself to save the life of someone of a lesser status.

Ask Do we have that kind of attitude? Are will willing to change our attitude? How can we do it?

Close in prayer, asking that God help us to change our attitudes.

B. Optional Method A Towel and a Bowl

State In the mid-1990s, Philip Yancey wrote an article published in Christianity today entitled, The Holy Inefficiency of Henri Nouwen: A Better Symbol of the Incarnation I Can Hardly Imagine. Let me share with you a little of what Philip Yancey said in that article.

Once when I was dining with a group of writers, the conversation turned to letters we get from readers. Richard Foster and Eugene Peterson mentioned an intense young man who had been seeking spiritual direction from both of them. They responded as best they could, answering questions by mail and recommending books on spirituality. Foster had just learned that the same inquirer had also contacted Henri Nouwen. You won't believe what Nouwen did, he said. He invited this stranger to live with him for a month so he could mentor him in person.

Most writers jealously protect their schedules and privacy. Nouwen, who died of a heart attack this past September, broke down such barriers of professionalism. His entire life, in fact, displayed a holy inefficiency.

Trained in Holland as a psychologist and a theologian, Nouwen spent his early years achieving. He taught at Notre Dame, Yale, and Harvard, averaged more than a book a year, and traveled widely as a conference speaker. He had a resume to die forwhich was the problem, exactly. The pressing schedule and relentless competition were suffocating his own spiritual life.

Nouwen went to South America for six months, scouting a new role for himself as a missionary in the Third World. A hectic speaking schedule on his return to the United States only made things worse. Finally, Nouwen fell into the arms of the L'Arche community in France, a home for the seriously disabled. He felt so nourished by them that he agreed to become priest in residence at a similar home in Toronto called Daybreak. There, Nouwen spent his last ten years, still writing and traveling to speak here and there, but always returning to the haven of Daybreak.

I once visited Nouwen, sharing lunch with him in his small room. It had a single bed, one bookshelf, and a few pieces of Shaker-style furniture. The walls were unadorned except for a print of a Van Gogh painting and a few religious symbols. A Daybreak staff person served us a bowl of Caesar salad and a loaf of bread. No fax machine, no computer, no Daytimer calendar posted on the wallin this room, at least, Nouwen had found serenity. The church "industry" seemed very far away.

After lunch we celebrated a special Eucharist for Adam, the young man Nouwen looked after. With solemnity, but also a twinkle in his eye, Nouwen led the liturgy in honor of Adam's twenty-sixth birthday. Unable to talk, walk, or dress himself, profoundly retarded, Adam gave no sign of comprehension. He seemed to recognize, at least, that his family had come. He drooled throughout the ceremony and grunted loudly a few times.

Later Nouwen told me it took him nearly two hours to prepare Adam each day. Bathing and shaving him, brushing his teeth, combing his hair, guiding his hand as he tried to eat breakfast-these simple, repetitive acts had become for him almost like an hour of meditation.

I must admit I had a fleeting doubt as to whether this was the best use of the busy priest's time. Could not someone else take over the manual chores? When I cautiously broached the subject with Nouwen himself, he informed me that I had completely misinterpreted him. I am not giving up anything, he insisted. It is not Adam, who gets the main benefit from our friendship.

All day Nouwen kept circling back to my question, bringing up various ways he had benefitted from his relationship with Adam. It had been difficult for him at first, he said. Physical touch, affection, and the messiness of caring for an uncoordinated person did not come easily. But he had learned to love Adam, truly to love him. In the process he had learned what it must be like for God to love usspiritually uncoordinated, retarded, able to respond with what must seem to God like inarticulate grunts and groans. Indeed, working with Adam had taught him the humility and emptiness achieved by desert monks only after much discipline.

I will miss Henri Nouwen. For some, his legacy consists of his many books, for others his role as a bridge between Catholics and Protestants, for others his distinguished career at Ivy League universities. For me, though, a single image captures him best: the energetic priest, hair in disarray, using his restless hands as if to fashion a homily out of thin air, celebrating an eloquent birthday Eucharist for an unresponsive child-man so damaged that many parents would have had him aborted. A better symbol of the Incarnation, I can hardly imagine.

Philip Yancey, The Holy Inefficiency of Henri Nouwen: A Better Symbol of the Incarnation I Can Hardly Imagine, Christianity Today, December 9, 1996.

Ask What would it take for a person to forsake a successful career as an author, conference speaker and Ivy League scholar to work at a place like Daybreak? What attitudes had to change in the life of Henri Nouwen? Do you think that he embraced that attitude that was in Christ Jesus? Would you be willing to make such a change?

State In just a moment we will have a quiet meditation time. I would ask that you spend some time examining your own attitudes. Identify those attitudes that need to be changed and commit yourself to change them. Ill play A Towel and a Bowl, by Steve Amerson, as you pray.

Location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=an89XxVQ8Gs

C. Optional Method Im Proud of You

Remind your class of the video clip of Fred Rogers that you saw at the beginning of todays session.

State I want to tell you about a book that gives special insight into the life of Fred Rogers. This information is taken from an article that appeared in Christianity Today.

The book, Im Proud of You is the story about the surprising friendship of Tim Madigan, a journalist for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, with Fred Rogers.

Madigan flew to Pittsburg to interview Mr. Rogers for the Star-Telegram. Expecting little, Madigan was immediately disarmed by the intense sincerity and humble kindness of this giant of children's television. Madigans life was radically changed due to his blossoming friendship with Mr. Rogers.

Throughout the book, Madigan invites us to eavesdrop on their conversations and correspondence, which reveal Rogers as a faithful Christian who lived out the gospel with the kind of grace, kindness, and unconditional love that every soul longs and hungers for. "He was a man in touch with the eternal," his friends would say of him after his death.

The book also mentions anEsquirepiece in which the cynical writer, who had prejudged Rogers as a bland, out of step, simple, cardigan-wearing person who was culturally irrelevant. However, he was surprised to find himself victim to the irresistible kindness, selflessness, and humility of this man who saw his ministry as not only broadcasting grace to children, but helping to put us in touch with the child in all of us. The Esquire journalist, Tom Junod, writes of Rogers' tender sensitivity when visiting a boy with severe cerebral palsy:

At first the boy was made very nervous by the thought that Mister Rogers was visiting him. He was so nervous, in fact, that he got mad and began hitting and biting himself and his mother had to take him to another room to talk to him. Mister Rogers didn't leave though. He wanted something from the boy, and Mister Rogers never leaves when he wants something from somebody. He just waited patiently, and when the boy came back, Mister Rogers talked to him, and then he made his request. He said, I would like you to do something for me. Would you do something for me? On his computer the boy answered yes, of course, he would do anything for Mister Rogers, so then Mister Rogers said: I would like you to pray for me. Will you pray for me? And now the boy didn't know how to respond. He was thunderstruck because nobody had ever asked him for something like that, ever. The boy had always been prayed for. The boy had always been the object of prayer, and now he was being asked to pray for Mister Rogers, and although at first he didn't know if he could do it, he said he would and ever since then he keeps Mister Rogers in his prayers and doesn't talk about wanting to die anymore, because he figures Mister Rogers is close to God, and if Mister Rogers likes him, that must mean that God likes him too.

As for Mister Rogers himself, he doesn't look at the story the same way the boy did or I did. In fact when Mister Rogers first told me the story, I complimented him for being smartfor knowing that asking the boy for his prayers would make the boy feel better about himselfand Mister Rogers responded by looking at me first with puzzlement and then with surprise. Oh heavens no, Tom! I didn't ask him for his prayers for him; I asked for me. I asked him because I think that anyone who has gone through challenges like that must be very close to God. I asked him because I wanted his intercession.

Jason Gray, My New Hero, Christianity Today, August 17, 2010.

State Fred Rogers is purported to have said, I have really never considered myself a TV star. I always thought I was a neighbor who just came in for a visit.

Ask Do you think that it was this kind of attitude that Paul described in todays lesson? Do you possess this attitude? Could you make a difference in the life of someone else, just like Mr. Rogers? What would you need to change? How could you cultivate this kind of attitude? Will you do it?

Close in prayer, asking that God help us embrace that same attitude that was evident in the life of Jesus and Mr. Rogers!

DISCUSSION GUIDE

Teacher Copy

1. Paul notes four incentives for Christian unity. What are they? (Philippians 2:1)

Pauls four incentives for Christian unity are the facts that:

a. There is encouragement in being united in Christ.

b. There is comfort from his love for us.

c. There is fellowship in the Spirit.

d. There is tenderness and compassion.

2. What would make Pauls joy complete? (Philippians 2:2)

[Pauls joy would be made complete if the Christians in Philippi were like-minded and if they were one in spirit and purpose.]

3. What can happen when a group of people are one in attitude and purpose?

4. For the sake of Christian unity, what petty squabbles with other believers do you need to put to rest today?

5. According to Paul, what should not motivate our actions? What should motivate our actions? (Philippians 2:3)

[Paul says that our actions should not be motivated out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Instead, we should be humble and consider others better than ourselves.]

6. What are some actions that you have observed in others that indicate that they are motivated by selfish ambition and vain conceit? Are you guilty of any of these kinds of actions?

7. What should be our attitude concerning our own interests? What should be our attitude concerning the interests of others? (Philippians 2:4)

[Paul says that we should carefully examine our own interests as well as the interests of others.]

8. What do you think this means? Give some examples.

9. What attitude does Paul call for the church to have? (Philippians 2:5)

[Paul calls for the church to have the attitude that was in Christ Jesus.]

10. What is the difference between a good attitude and an attitude that is the same as that of Christ Jesus?

11. How did Jesus limit himself? (Philippians 2:6-8)

[Jesus was in his very nature God but he chose to make himself nothing and become a human and a servant.]

12. How does Christs example of humility challenge our selfish ambition and vain conceit?

13. What is the result of Christs example of humility? (Philippians 2:9-11)

[As a result of Jesus humbling himself, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him a name above every name. He is to be worshipped by all the earth.]

DISCUSSION GUIDE

Student Copy

1. Paul notes four incentives for Christian unity. What are they? (Philippians 2:1)

Pauls four incentives for Christian unity are the facts that:

a.

b.

c.

d.

2. What would make Pauls joy complete? (Philippians 2:2)

3. What can happen when a group of people are one in attitude and purpose?

4. For the sake of Christian unity, what petty squabbles with other believers do you need to put to rest today?

5. According to Paul, what should not motivate our actions? What should motivate our actions? (Philippians 2:3)

6. What are some actions that you have observed in others that indicate that they are motivated by selfish ambition and vain conceit? Are you guilty of any of these kinds of actions?

7. What should be our attitude concerning our own interests? What should be our attitude concerning the interests of others? (Philippians 2:4)

8. What do you think this means? Give some examples.

9. What attitude does Paul call for the church to have? (Philippians 2:5)

10. What is the difference between a good attitude and an attitude that is the same as that of Christ Jesus?

11. How did Jesus limit himself? (Philippians 2:6-8)

12. How does Christs example of humility challenge our selfish ambition and vain conceit?

13. What is the result of Christs example of humility? (Philippians 2:9-11)

Jesus Attitude

Read the following passages; describe Jesus attitude and the attitude most evident in our world today.

Scripture

Jesus Attitude

Attitude in Our World Today

Matthew 8:1-4

Matthew 20:25-28

John 13:1-17

Ephesians 5:1

Matthew 5:43-45

Here are five practical ways to help you change your attitude. Under each suggestion list ways that you could use that advice to make your attitude the same as Christ Jesus.

1. Identify and understand the attitude you want to change.

2. Look for an example or role model to follow.

3. List ways that the change in attitude will affect your life.

4. Choose friends who will hold you accountable.

5. Believe that you will be able to change.

THEE WORD FOR THE WEEK

ULTIMATE SERVANTHOOD

Philippians 2:12-18

Monday: Read Philippians 2:12

Remember that Paul is writing to the church in Philippi from prison. What does he acknowledge about their obedience?

What does it mean that we work out our own salvation?

Does that mean that we are responsible for our own salvation?

What do you think that Paul means to do so with fear and trembling?

Tuesday: Read Philippians 2:13

What does this verse say about who it is that works in us?

How are you doing with allowing God to work in you?

For whose good pleasure does God work in us?

Wednesday: Read Philippians 2:14-16

How difficult is it for you to do all things without grumbling or disputing?

According to verse 15, what is the goal of verse 14?

What does verse 16 say to you?

How can we shine like lights in the world?

Thursday: Read Philippians 2:17

Paul is talking about being poured out like a drink offering. What do you think he means by that?

Why would Paul says he is glad and rejoices?

How would you define servanthood?

Friday: Read Philippians 2:17-18

Why is Paul saying that they should be glad and rejoice with him?

What needs to change so that you can serve those around you better?

How can you be a better servant in a way that others see Christ through you?

EXEGETICAL ~ THEOLOGICAL ~ PEDAGOGICAL

Note: Full sentence propositions have been employed in all outline statements for the sake of clarity. In the exegetical and theological sections, the subject portion of the proposition (answering the question, What was the biblical author talking about?) has been noted by the use of bold type and the complement portion of the proposition (answering the question, What was the biblical author saying about what he is talking about?) by the use of bold and underline.

(EXEGETICAL: What it meant to the Philippian Church back THEN)

THE MANNER IN WHICH THE PHILIPPIANS,

IN UNIFIED CONSIDERATION FOR EACH OTHER

AND THUS FULFILLING PAULS JOY,

WERE TO THINK LIKE [FOLLOW THE PATTERN OF]

CHRIST JESUS, WHOM GOD HAD EXALTED SO THAT

EVERY BEING MIGHT WORSHIP HIM . . .

WAS WITH CONSIDERED, SELF-DENYING, HUMBLE SUBMISSION,

(Philippians 2:1-11).

I. The manner in which the Philippians were to fulfill Pauls joy, based on his call for them to live worthy (1:27), their blessings as Christians and according to his command to act like joyful Christians . . . was by demonstrating unity, humility, and consideration, (2:1-4).

Note: When, at 2:1, he [Paul] writes the word therefore, he is returning to take up the great theme again the theme of worthiness.

By this summary we see that the word only in 1:27 is repeated in another form by complete my joy in 2:2, and the so or therefore links the two together. We see also what the central characteristic of a worthy life is: only (1:27) . . . complete my joy by being of the same mind (2:2). It is the life of unity.

The life worthy of the gospel is a life of unity; the life of unity matches the apostolic ideal for the church (Motyer, J. A. The Message of Philippians, 101-102).

Pauls thoughts turned from the need to withstand pressure from the outside to the attitudes that were to characterize Christians. In 1:27 he exhorted them to unity, and here he continued that thought. The passage unfolds in three parts: the basis of Pauls appeal to unity (2:1); the essence of unity (2:2a); and the expression of unity (2:34). In actuality, these three are part of another long sentence in the Greek text, and there is one basic command: Make my joy complete (Melick, R. R. Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, Vol. 32, 92).

A. The basis for Pauls exhortation to the Philippians . . . was the supernatural blessings they enjoyed as Christians, (1).

Note: Although the word if brings doubt to mind, these clauses express little hesitancy. They should be translated assuming then make my joy complete.

Paul gently reminded the believers of what he and they had in common.

The four statements recall the blessings of being in a Christian community (Melick, 93).

1.The first basis for Pauls exhortation to the Philippians . . . was their encouragement in Christ.

2.The second basis for Pauls exhortation to the Philippians . . . was their comfort of God's love.

3.The third basis for Pauls exhortation to the Philippians . . . was their fellowship with the Spirit.

4.The fourth basis for Pauls exhortation to the Philippians . . . was their tenderness and compassion from God.

B.The content of Pauls exhortation to the Philippians . . . was to fulfill his joy, (2a).

Note: Paul wrote to produce like-mindedness. His approach shifted from the blessings they shared in Christ to the Philippians responsibility to Paul, their spiritual father. Pauls joy would be complete when they stood together in unity. His references to joy here suggested the anticipation of presenting a mature group of Christians to the Lord. His joy was that his life work would amount to something in Gods economy and in the lives of other people (Melick, 93).

C.The manner in which the Philippians were to fulfill Pauls joy . . . was by demonstrating unity, humility, and consideration, (2b-4).

1.The manner in which the Philippians were to fulfill Pauls joy . . . was by demonstrating unity, (2b).

a.One way in which the Philippians were to demonstrate unity . . . was by thinking the same things [basic beliefs].

b.Another way in which the Philippians were to demonstrate unity . . . was by loving the same things in the same way [shared values].

c.Another way in which the Philippians were to demonstrate unity . . . was by maintaining the same spirit [common fellowship].

d.Another way in which the Philippians were to demonstrate unity . . . was by having the same purpose [fellow service in Christ].

Note: Paul spoke of the values and ambitions which surface through the mind. This is unity. It is not found in an identical life-style or personality. It occurs when Christian people have the same values and loves.

Three characteristics express the unity of the church. . . . The first is the same outlook. Three ideas combine to emphasize its different aspects: having the same love as Christ did; having a harmonious affection; and valuing the same thing. . . . Together these speak to the unity found among those who are going the same direction (Melick, 94).

2.The manner in which the Philippians were to fulfill Pauls joy . . . was by demonstrating humility, (3).

Note: The second measurement is humility.

Christs humility is the standard for evaluating the worth of others and actions toward them.

Humility begins with a realistic appraisal of oneself and others as being in the image of God (Melick, 95).

a.One way in which the Philippians were to demonstrate humility . . . was by doing nothing in strife or conceit.

b.Another way in which the Philippians were to demonstrate humility . . . was by acknowledging others' importance.

3.The manner in which the Philippians were to fulfill Pauls joy . . . was by demonstrating consideration, (4).

Note: The third measurement is consideration. The Philippians were to look out for others interests as well as their own. A way to unity, then, is watching to see how God works in others the qualities he desires in everyone. The focus shifts to others rather than personal spiritual qualities. The interpretation is attractive. It answers the problem of self-centeredness and false glory. It also does not relieve Christians of an obligation to care for their own things. It expresses the dynamics of church relationships and fits the example of Christ. In reading the text, however, it seems that Paul had more in mind. A natural reading suggests a broader reference point than merely spiritual qualities. Any concerns of others were to become the concerns of all! (Melick, 95).

a.One way in which the Philippians were to demonstrate consideration . . . was by not considering their own "needs" only.

b.Another way in which the Philippians were to demonstrate

consideration . . . was by considering others' needs as well.

II. The manner in which the Philippians were to think like Christ Jesus, whom God had exalted so that every person might worship . . . was with considered/thoughtful, self-denying, humble submission, (2:5-11).

Note: Paul exhorted the Philippians to proper attitudes in 2:14. In 2:5 he repeated that exhortation. The repetition emphasizes its importance. Even more, however, it introduces the model of humility and servanthood: the Lord himself. Philippians 2:611 recalls the attitude and actions of Christ as he left the glories of his preexistent, eternal state to assume humanity and die vicariously. The Philippians were to imitate him because, in so doing, the problems of disunity would be solved (Melick, 96).

These verses contain two parts: an introduction in the form of a command (v. 5) and the hymn to Christ (vv. 611). The hymn has two movements: the humility of Christ (vv. 68) and the exaltation of Christ (vv. 911) (Melick, 99-100).

A.The content of Pauls command to the Philippians [following his prior imperative that they act like rejoicing Christians while suffering for Christs sake (1:27) by mutually submitting to one another (2:1-4)] . . . was that they think like [take on the frame of mind or attitude of] Christ Jesus, (5).

B.The manner in which Christ Jesus thought . . . was with judicial, self-denying, humble submission, (6-8).

1.The manner in which Christ Jesus thought . . . was with judicial submission, (6).

a.The manner in which Christ Jesus thought . . . was judicial/ considered.

b.The content of Christ Jesus judicial submission . . . was that even though He was truly God in His essence, maintaining His glorious appearance as God and employing His divine attributes selfishly were not something to be grasped after.

2.The manner in which Christ Jesus thought . . . was with self-denying submission, (7).

a.The manner in which Christ Jesus thought . . . was self-denying/ sacrificial.

b.The content of Christ Jesus sacrificial submission . . . was that He divested Himself of His divine glory and took on the nature of a human being, becoming a slave.

Note: Christ, indeed, says Calvin, could not divest himself of God- head; but he kept it concealed for a time . . . he laid aside his glory in the view of men, not by lessening it, but by concealing it.

It is not Of what did he empty himself? but Into what did he empty himself? . . . Christ Jesus brought the whole of his divine nature, undiminished, into a new and had it not been reveled to us in Scripture unimaginable state (Motyer, 113). This stands as proof of His self-denying submission to the divine plan of redemption.

Paradoxically, being made nothing means adding humanity to deity rather than subtracting deity from his person (Melick, 103).

3.The manner in which Christ Jesus thought . . . was with humble submission, (8).

a.The manner in which Christ Jesus thought . . .was humble/ unassuming.

b.The content of Christ Jesus unassuming submission . . . was that He obeyed God even to the point of dying the most painful and shameful of deaths.

Note: Finally, this Godward-manward act was undertaken by the will and consent of the Lord Jesus himself. No-one else did it: he humbled himself. This feature, so central to Philippians 2:6-8, must find its root in Isaiah 53, especially verses 7-9, where for the first time in the Old Testament we meet with a consenting sacrifice (Motyer, 117).

The dramatic distance Jesus traveled from the form of God to the death of the cross dramatically reveals the servant mind that each believer was to have (Melick, 99).

C. The results of Jesus Christs thinking in judicial, self-denying, humble submission . . . were that God exalted Him and gave Him a name above every name, (9).

Note: Again the passage changes both tone and structure. The hymnic character continues, but God becomes the subject, rather than Christ, and the purpose of Gods actions becomes evident. God exalted Jesus. Two statements reveal the nature of Gods actions. First, he exalted him to the highest place; second, he gave him the name that is above every name. The two relate to each other so that together they express Gods action (Melick, 105).

1.One result of Jesus Christs thinking in judicial, self-denying, humble submission . . . was that God exalted Him, (9a).

2.Another result of Jesus Christs thinking in judicial, self-denying, humble submission . . . was that God gave Him a name above every name, (9b).

D.The purpose for which God exalted Jesus Christ and gave Him a name above every name . . . was so that angels, men, and demons would worship Him to the glory of God the Father, (10-11).

Note: The hymn explains the goal or purpose of Gods exalting Jesus. Quoting the LXX of Isa 45:23, with its own additions, two parallel ideas express Jesus as the object of worship. They are: every knee should bow and every tongue should confess. Employing typical imagery of the part for the whole, the knee and the tongue stand for worship and confession that Jesus is Lord (Melick, 107).

1.The comprehensive purpose for which God exalted Jesus Christ and gave Him a name above every name . . . was so that angels, men, and demons would worship Him, (10-11a).

a.The purpose for which God exalted Christ and gave Him a name above every name . . . was so that all the angels and redeemed in heaven, all the people of the earth, and all the demons and lost in hell would one day bend their knees in worship of Jesus, (10).

b.The purpose for which God exalted Christ and gave Him a name above every name . . . was so that all the angels and redeemed in heaven, all the people of the earth, and all the demons and lost in hell would one day acknowledge with their tongues that Jesus Christ is Lord, (11a).

2.The ultimate purpose for which God exalted Jesus Christ and gave Him a name above every name . . . was so that God, the Father, would be glorified, (11b).

Note: In using this hymn, Paul reminded the Philippians of the greatest example of servanthood. The first section, on selflessness, applied directly to them. They were to be like Christ, the chief servant. Christs attitude was to become theirs. They were to focus on giving rather than receiving. If God chose to exalt them, they would be truly exalted . . .

Appropriately Paul employed a hymn to teach the lesson. Hymns were used in worship, and it was through worship that these attitudes would make their way from the mind to the heart and from attitudes to appropriate actions (Melick, 108-109).

What all will confess is that Jesus Christ is Lord. This, the earliest Christian creed, meant that Jesus Christ is Yahweh-God. One day all will be made to acknowledge that Jesus Christ is all He claimed to bevery God of very God. Unfortunately, for many it will be too late for the salvation of their souls. The exalted place the Savior now occupies and the universal bowing in the future in acknowledgement of His lordship is all to the glory of God the Father (Lightner, R. P. Philippians in J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, Vol. 2, 654655).

Christs exaltation by God is the consequence of his obeying God and his setting aside his own interests. Christians cannot emulate his exaltation, but they can set aside their own interests to serve others and rest assured that those who suffer with Christ will be glorified with him (Ro 8:17). As God graces Christians with the privilege of suffering for Christ (Php 1:29), God will grace them to share in his exaltation (Garland, D. E. Philippians in T. Longman III (Ed.), The Expositors Bible Commentary: EphesiansPhilemon (Revised Edition), Vol. 12, 223).

(Theological . . . what it means for Gods people always)

SELFLESS LIVING THAT DEMONSTRATES

HUMBLE SUBMISSION TO GODS PLAN . . .

PRODUCES EXALTATION AND GLORY,

(Philippians 2:1-11).

I.Mutual submission . . . produces spiritual joy, (2:1-4).

A.Gods supernatural blessings . . . undergird/justify every spiritual command, (1).

B.Obeying God's commands . . . produces joy among His spiritual leaders, (2a).

C. Gods spiritual leaders . . . find joy through the unity, humility, and mutual consideration among believers, (2b-4).

II.Thinking like Jesus . . . produces submission to God's plan and the ultimate exaltation, (5-11).

A.Christians who rejoice in suffering . . . demonstrate Christ-like thinking a Christ-like attitude, (5).

B. Thinking like Jesus . . . produces submission to God's plan,

(6-8).

1.Thinking like Jesus . . . produces judicial submission, (6).

2.Thinking like Jesus . . . produces sacrificial submission, (7).

3.Thinking like Jesus . . . produces unassuming submission, (8).

C. Voluntary submission to God's plan . . . results in exaltation by God, (10-11a).

D. A submissive believer's exaltation by God . . . enhances God's glory, (11b).

(Pedagogical: what it means for us now)

EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF SELF-LESS LIVING,

(Philippians 2:1-11).

I.Count your spiritual blessings, (1).

A.Christ encourages you.

B.The father comforts you in love.

C.The spirit fellowships with you.

D.God loves you.

II.Fill to overflowing your spiritual leaders joy, (2a).

A.Act like a true Christian.

B.Rejoice, even in suffering.

C.Fill to overflowing the joy of all your spiritual leaders . . .

III.Practice the pattern of mutual submission, (2b-4).

A.Think in unity, (2b). (Not uniformity)

(Same mind, love, spirit, purpose).

B.Act with humility, (3).

1.Dont be proud.

2.Do be humble.

C.Live altruistically, (4).

1.Dont be self-centered.

2.Do be considerate.

IV.Be like Jesus, (5).

A. Do not try to be Jesus.

1.He is God.

2.You are not God.

B.Do try to be like Jesus.

1.Think like Jesus thought.

2.Do what Jesus did . . . bring people closer to God.

V.Think submission to God's plan.

A. Think about what is important, (6).

1.Count your blessings . . . because of who you are.

2.Trust God . . . hold your blessings with an open hand.

B.Think about how to become the answer to others' problems, (7).

1.Empty yourself.

2.Serve others.

C.Think about how low you must go to help somebody else, (8).

1.Get down low (with all your Christian confidence).

2.Obey God's plan to bring others closer to God.

VI. God will make it up to you.

A. God established the pattern of submission-exaltation in Christ, (9-11).

B. He will exalt you.

(Luke 14:11; James 4:10)

C.He will be glorified through you.

(Isaiah 45:23; Matthew 5:16)

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