HAVE AN ATTITUDE LIKE JESUS (Outline)
April 5, 2009 -- LENT 6 / PALM SUNDAY
-- Philippians 2:5-11
INTRO: When we look at our world with a discerning eye we discover constant failures and disappointment. Sin, evil, and wickedness are alive and well in our world today. All of creation is affected, infected, and corrupted by sin. As Judgment Day draws near things will only keep getting worse. We might want to throw up our hands in despair. Rather we are reminded to look beyond this world and this life. We look ahead to the eternal glory in store for each and every believer. "Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we con-fess" (HEBREWS 3:1). We do keep looking ahead whenever we
HAVE AN ATTITUDE LIKE JESUS.
This means we will I. Share in Jesus’ humility.
We will also II. Rejoice in Jesus’ glory.
I. SHARE IN JESUS’ HUMILITY
A. The life of Jesus had its’ ups and downs. There are no greater ups and downs than during Holy Week.
1. Jesus enters Jerusalem on the first day of the week as King. He leaves on Friday, crucified.
2. Verse 5. Paul encourages these believers to think like Jesus. Have a Jesus attitude.
B. Verse 6. Paul further explains this Jesus attitude. Jesus was and is equal with God.
1. For a time Jesus cloaked his divinity with human flesh. People saw Jesus as an ordinary man.
2. Verse 7. Jesus came to serve mankind and not to be served. Jesus lived very humbly.
C. Verses 8. This verse describes the depth of the humility of the God-man Jesus.
1. For hours Jesus suffered the torture of hanging on the cross. He did not have to do this.
2. Jesus suffered in his human flesh to redeem all those burdened with their human flesh.
D. The example of Jesus is to be our example. Scripture clearly teaches about the humble life. Our Savior did not even have a place to lay his head. He was born in a manger in Bethlehem. Jesus was the King of creation yet died as a criminal. We are to have the same attitude of humility. As believers we are to consider others better than ourselves. Our love for God motivates us to love our neighbor. At times, evil people may take advantage of believers. The wicked know that Christians can be a “soft touch”. "But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps"(1 PETER 2:20b, 21). Christ has left us an example of extreme humility. We ought not to think we deserve better.
E. Remember our gracious God and loving Lord never asks nor expects us to do anything without the strength that our Savior provides. A much higher calling than anyone else in this world motivates believers. We live our lives not for wealth and riches. We live our lives not for fame and glory. We live our lives because Christ lived his life for us. "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich"(2 CORINTHIANS 8:9). Think about Jesus’ sacrifice. Christ left his place in heaven to live among his creation on earth. Christ became poor so that we would become rich. Rich we are. Eternity is ours!
F. We might think that a life of humility means suffering like Jesus did. More than likely none of us will be put to death for our faith in our land of freedom. A life of humility will not always bring respect or honor by the people of this world. To have an attitude like Jesus will mean a life of service that reflects the glory of God and not the praise of men. "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you"
(COLOSSIANS 3:12,14). Note our Christian motivation for doing anything like Christ. We are called: “God’s chose people, holy and dearly loved”. We are also reminded that the Lord forgave us. Only in this way do we know about love and forgiveness. Only by knowing God’s love and forgiveness are we able to love and forgive others. Only by knowing God’s love do want to be loving and forgiving.
HAVE AN ATTITUDE LIKE JESUS. We will share in Jesus’ humility.
II. REJOICE IN JESUS’ GLORY
A. Today is Palm Sunday. Jesus enters Jerusalem along with the praises of the crowds on the way.
1. They spread cloaks and palm branches on the ground. It seemed to be Jesus’ greatest glory.
2. Jesus rides in on a donkey. This was not the usual ride for a king. Glory in humility.
3. Jesus would face the greatest humiliation at his crucifixion. In the cross was still God’s glory.
B. Verse 9. Jesus’ very name meant Savior, to save. The angel gave this name to Joseph for Jesus.
1. Each time Jesus’ name was used the people were remembered its true meaning -- Savior.
2. Jesus of Nazareth = Savior from Nazareth. Jesus is the humble name with a glorious meaning.
C. Verse 10. On the Judgment Day every eye will see the Son of Man return on clouds of glory.
1. This includes the ones who crucified Jesus. They will bow in worship, but out of fear.
2. All will know that this is the Christ, the Savior Jesus, verse 11. Jesus will return in glory.
D. We learn many different and interesting facts of faith whenever we study the Scriptures. Names of people in the Bible are filled with meaning. Each name meant something. For the most part each name represented the person’s life. Or maybe it is that the person fulfilled the meaning of his name. Abraham meant “father of nations”. Adam meant “man”. There are many other examples. The early apostles preached in the synagogues to the people about their responsibility for crucifying the Savior. They were cut to the heart by this preaching of the law. Peter reminded them to repent. Peter preached this saving message of the Gospel: "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved"(ACTS 4:12). Today, Jesus is still the only way, truth, and life!
E. All too many today water down God’s word. In doing so they remove the clear path to eternity by trying to take away God’s glory. Over and over again Scripture is very clear concerning the path to eternity. By the very name Jesus mankind is saved. Jesus is not the only name that our God-man Savior was called. "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace"(ISAIAH 9:6).
F. We share in the humility of our Savior Jesus Christ. In the midst of Jesus’ humility we also discover God’s great glory. In a humble manner Christ came to earth. In a humble way Christ wove himself into the very fabric of history. In an unremarkable manner the Lord Jesus Christ made himself an integral part of our eternal glory. "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light"(MATTHEW 11:29,30). We rejoice in the humble glory of our Savior. Jesus has made himself the most important part of our earthly lives and eternal salvation. Christ binds himself to us to take away the burden of our sins.
CONC.: HAVE AN ATTITUDE LIKE JESUS. This type of attitude may not always provide earthly success, fame, or wealth. Leading a humble, Christ-like life may not be recognized by those in power of earthly kingdoms. The wicked may even take advantage of a humble life. This is not so bad. In taking advantage the wicked have seen in you the attitude of Christ. Be encouraged as you share in the humility of Jesus. In doing so you will also be able to rejoice in Jesus’ glory. "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God"(EPHESIANS 5:1,2). We are to imitate God. We can and want to follow Jesus’ example because of his great love for us. HAVE AN ATTITUDE LIKE JESUS. We share in Jesus’ humility so that we can also always rejoice in Jesus’ glory. Amen. Pastor Timm O. Meyer
SERVICES: 1:00pm @ NCF Min.(Sat) / 12:00pm @ NCF Medium (Sun) / 9:30am @ Redeemer (Sun) / 7:00pm @ Living Savior, Hays, KS
/ Sunday radio broadcast @ 9:05am on KQNK 106.7FM or 1530AM
LENT 6/PALM SUNDAY rdgs.:
ZECHARIAH 9:9,10;
PHILIPPIAN 2:5-11;
MARK 11:1-10;
(PSALM 24)
