Philippians – Pt 3
Philippians 2:1-11 (NLT)
2 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
John 17: 20-23 (NLT)
20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.
22 “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ advances through our wholehearted agreement, love for one another, and purposeful unity.
Paul points out 6 mindset shifts to live out purposeful unity:
1.Don’t be selfish.
2.Be humble.
3.Don’t try to impress others.
4.Think of others as better than ourselves.
5.Don’t look out for your own interests.
6.Take an interest in others.
As Jesus’ disciples, we have the opportunity to lay down our rights and reputations for the sake of the gospel and the glory of God.
True joy is planted in humility — it starts low, but it bears fruit that reaches high.
SMALL GROUP MEETING OUTLINE
Where your faith intersects with real life!
Reconnect:
Each person shares a recent high and low from their life.
Explore:
Review the message notes.
Big Idea: The Gospel advances through joyful unity, self-emptying humility, and lives shaped by the attitude of Christ.
Consider:
Choose one or two questions for your Group to discuss as time allows.
▶ Read Philippians 2:5 (Amplified). How can you best imitate Christ? What does living humbly look like for you? In the middle of your story, no matter how messy, as a Christ follower, you can be advancing the Kingdom of God. Share how you can see this happening in your story.
▶ Read John 17:21 (NLT). Jesus prayed for us to be one (unity). How can we best walk in unity? What does that look like in your daily life?
▶ Read Philippians 2:3 (NLT). Humility is not weakness but strength under control (under submission). How have you learned how to walk in true humility?
Activate:
Spend a moment in silence to consider your response, then share with the Group.
Pastor Dustin talked about six mind shifts in his message. (Don’t be selfish, Be humble, Don’t try to impress others, Think of others as better than ourselves, Don’t look to your own interests, and Take an interest in others). Which of these mindset shifts will you focus on this week, and how do you plan to put it into practice?
Prayer:
Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.
Pray to grow to be more like Jesus by laying down your own interests, listening closely to God’s voice, giving thanks for Christ’s example, and asking for help to genuinely reflect Him.