SERVING WITH HUMILITY AND IN UNITY

                                                  LESSON SCRIPTURE: PHILIPPIANS 2:1—3:1A

                                                        PRINT: PHILIPPIANS 2:1-13

Key Verse: Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5.

PHILIPPIANS 2:1-13 (NRSV)

1    If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy,

2    make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

3    Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.

4    Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.

5    Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,

6    who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited,

7    but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form,

8    he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross.

9    Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name,

10   so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11   and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

12   Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;

13   for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

PHILIPPIANS 2:1-13 (KJV)

1    If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

2    Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

3    Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

4    Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

5    Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

6    Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7    But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8    And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

9    Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

10   That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

11   And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

12   Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

13   For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

HOME DAILY BIBLE READINGS
August 2 - August 8

Monday - Matthew 20:20-28 (The Greatness of a Servant)

Tuesday — Acts 23:12-24 (Revealing a Conspiracy)

Wednesday - Hebrews 13:12-18 (Sacrifices Pleasing to God)

Thursday — Romans 12:1-2 (A Living Sacrifice)

Friday — Philippians 2:14-18 (Poured Out in Sacrifice)

Saturday — Philippians 2:19-30 (Concerned for Others' Welfare)

Sunday — Philippians 2:1-13 (Looking to Others' Interests)

INTRODUCTION

A major disagreement broke out among the twelve disciples on their way to Jerusalem and their last meal together before Jesus' death. James and John made a request with serious implications. They asked Jesus to choose them to sit beside him in heaven. When the other disciples heard this request, they were upset. They were probably upset that James and John had asked first and might get the honor. Jesus explained to them that this request was not his to grant. Then Jesus used their question for a spontaneous teaching moment. He knew that these positions were requested because they wanted to be the great leaders. However, Jesus explained that in order to be great in his kingdom one must serve others and to be first one must be willing to serve all whose status one considers as lower.

The concept of servanthood has become a negative trait and most people do not aspire to acquire it. This view is understandable in the Afro-American community given what slavery did to its ancestors. However, it is time for us to reexamine our attitudes concerning serving as required by God. We also need to reexamine the concept of unity in the church. It is becoming increasingly difficult to consider others when others do not consider you. How can we all be like-minded when we are so diverse? Is it possible that the biblical teachings on these concepts do not apply today?

BIBLE STORY

It appears that the Philippian Church had a problem with being united because of internal issues among its members. Paul knew that unity in the church could only happen if they were united in Christ. Therefore Paul teaches the why, the what, the where, and the how of unity. Why should the church be united? There should be unity because of the benefits of being united with Christ - consolation, encouragement, comfort, fellowship, affection and compassion. The Lord provides encouragement and the tools that enable us to live worthily such as the Holy Spirit, and the Bible. The love of the Lord has sustained and comforted us through many valley experiences. It has kept us when we did not want to be kept. Didn't it provide the gift of salvation? Personal fellowship with God the Holy Spirit empowers us. Fellowship with the Holy Spirit is the glue for unity which all believers possess. As we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives fruit is produced (Galatians 5:22-23) which enables the glue to build the bonds of
unity. Tenderness allows us to be sensitive to the needs and feelings of others as Christ Jesus is to us. Mercy allows us to feel the sorrow of others and have a desire to help.

The "what" of unity is "being like-minded, having the same love and being one in spirit and purpose as one lives in Jesus' shadow" Being like-minded refers to attitude. We should have the attitude of Jesus by demonstrating love in actions and deeds just as he loved as described in verses 5-11. It is the Holy Spirit that unites the church into one body with Christ as the head. Therefore, we stand firm in the Holy Spirit for the common goal of the body - spreading the gospel message. The means and methods of spreading the gospel will vary since each person is different with different spiritual gifts.

The "where" of unity is using it in the church, in our day-to-day interactions with each other. We should not seek our selfish ambition, which leads to strife. It is not about us seeking glory for ourselves or having our own agenda. Conceit and vainglory should not be a motivator since our actions and desires should be to glorify the Lord and not self.

In order for unity to work, we must relate to each other in humility. Humility for believers refers to knowing who Christ is, who we are in Christ, and who others are in Christ. We are all sinners saved by grace. There are no big and little "I's" with the Lord. When we are humble, we know that we are no better than anyone else is in the church. Therefore, we can lift up others.

When we are united, we are lifting ourselves in the process. As we relate to each other, we determine what is best for the church body which will include our interests and the interest of others.

The "how" of unity is exemplified through Jesus' actions. Our attitude should be like that of Jesus. Jesus the Christ who is God, the Son, came to earth in the form of a human. He did not come as the king, but as a servant. He willingly came as a servant. The Son of God was obedient to the will of God the Father even though it meant a horrible death on the cross. Due to his attitude and actions, God the Father exalted him.

In verses 12-13 Paul is not saying that we have to work for salvation. However, as a result of accepting the gift of salvation we cannot sit down and rest. It is in the day-to-day happenings that we fulfill our purpose in the Lord. It is in the day to day interaction within the church that we work on unity and being humble. It is from day to day that we try to please the Lord out of reverence and awe of who he is. Not wanting to disappoint him. God works through us to make known his will. Faithfulness to God is a way of allowing God's purpose to be fulfilled in us.

LIFE APPLICATION

Many local churches have been split due to various reasons. The universal church appears to be going into many different directions with different interests. Why has it been so hard for us to follow the attitude and effort of Jesus the Christ? Let's examine the meaning of like-minded (unity) and apply it. First, "like-minded" means having the attitude of Jesus the Christ. Christ even through God was a servant to God the Father and served those whom he helped to create. Check your attitude at the door and take on the same attitude that Jesus displayed often - one of servanthood. Being a servant does not mean allowing others to walk all over you or assuming a demeaning role in life. Consider Jesus who had the power and authority of God, his Father, and yet he willingly served others. Serving includes through the power of the Holy Spirit seeing the needs of others and seeking to help as directed by the Spirit. We will not be able to help everyone, but we should help those we are directed to help.

Being like-minded does not mean we are clones of each others and will always agree. No two people are alike. We are a diverse group of people and God made us like this. We should be united in the Holy Spirit for the common goal of spreading the gospel. Therefore, there will be many different ways of accomplishing that task. We may not agree on all the methods but we are open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Our focus is not on what we think or like. Our focus is on the needs of the people and how they are best met in keeping with biblical principles. Some of the methods for spreading the gospel will change as people change and the tools available change, such as the internet.

Like-minded includes some basic assumptions for leaders since good leaders interact with constituents with a Jesus-like attitude. Church leaders must be willing to serve the members; implement what is best for the church, include members in decision-making; listen patiently to new ideas; and show mutual love for both those with education and position and those without. The most important characteristic of a God-led leader is humility; knowing that one is serving under the mantle of an All-Wise, All-Powerful, and merciful God.

CONCLUSION

Paul's teaching on unity and servant-hood tells us that this concept is as relevant today as when his letter was written. Servanthood is a core value needed as the church evangelizes the gospel in an evil and perverse world. It is not about what you like or want. It is not about what you do not like or want. Unity is about the diverse members of the church working together as led by the Holy Spirit to proclaim Christ. As we live humble lives, we are able to discern and accomplish the will of the Lord. Then the focus will be on our divine power source and not on the fragilities of one or two people in the church.

Questions

1. Are Jesus' teachings about servant-hood relevant today?

2.  Do you think it is possible for all members of a local church to be like-minded?  Why or why not?  What can be done when there is disunity in the church?

3.  Do you think that denominations are good or bad? Why? Are they symptoms of disunity in the church or are they meeting the needs of a diverse group of people?

4.  Use verses 5 through 8 to make a list of what it means to put the "attitude of Christ" in action.

CLOSING PRAYER

My Lord and my God, I am striving to be humble. I am striving not to want my own way, but to seek your will. I am striving to be a servant leader. Please don't give up on me as I strive to be your instrument of peace and unity among your people. Amen!

Hymn: We Are One in the Spirit, One in the Lord