Sermon Central
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The Christ Hymn (Part 1) Series
Contributed by Jefferson Williams on Jun 19, 2023 (message contributor)
Summary: Paul uses an early Christian hymn to give the ultimate example of humility.
Technicolor Joy: The Christ Hymn (Part 1)
Pastor Jefferson M. Williams
Chenoa Baptist Church
6-18-2023
Attitude is Everything
I spent the week with Rich and Ken in Branson, Missouri, while Maxine and Beth were on the beach in the Dominican Republic.
On Tuesday, we went to Silver Dollar City and saw “Nick Wallenda’s Zirkus” show. Nick is a Jesus-loving tightrope walker who holds 14 World Records. He has walked over the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, and in between two skyscrapers in New York.
As he and his wife stood on the tightrope above us, he talked about how important his attitude, or mindset, is when he is attempting a new challenge.
When he walked over the Grand Canyon, the wind was gusting almost 50 miles per hour. His grandfather taught him that only he could control his attitude and if he allowed fearful thoughts in while on the wire, he could panic and fall. So instead, he quotes Bible verses to himself to counter any negative thoughts.
As the old 80s ad campaign told us, attitude is everything!
The word attitude comes from a French word for posing for an artist. In its English form, it's a settled way of thinking about a person, event, or circumstance.
Paul knows the Philippians are being opposed by the pagan culture around them and that they are experiencing conflict from within the church.
In chapter two, he calls for an attitude adjustment, a mindset change.
Review
Last week, Paul began by listing four blessings of being in the faith:
Encouragement in Christ
Love of God the Father
Fellowship of the Spirit
Tenderness and Compassion
Since these are realities in their spiritual lives, Paul issues his command - make my joy complete.
Paul knows that this church is a solid church. He doesn’t have to remind them about sound doctrine. He is willing to fight for their joy in the midst of internal conflict.
He is saying, “I love you guys. It gives me joy when I pray for you. Make me even happier by ruthlessly pursuing unity with the church body.”
Being like-minded (Matthew and Simon)
Having the same love (not just mind but heart as well)
One in Spirit (souls that beat together)
One mind (being united in one purpose, one focus, one mission)
Paul wrote to the Ephesians:
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Eph 4:3-6)
What’s the secret to unity? It’s humility.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
The word humble means “a sense of modesty, without arrogance, the opposite of pride.” It produces a correct view of ourselves, our relation to Christ, and others.
When we get the order correct - Jesus. Others. You. That produces JOY!
That humility will lead to holy helpfulness.
“not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
If you weren’t here last week, you can always listen or watch on FaceBook, Twitter, YouTube, or our website.
In the verses that we will study over the next two weeks, Paul is going to give the Philippians, and us, three examples of humility, starting with the most amazing model of all - Jesus.
Turn to Philippians 2:5.
Read Philippians 2:1-11.
Prayer.
The Christ Hymn
These verses are the most famous in the letter to the Philippians and some of the most precious in all of the Bible.
Most commentators believe this was an early Christian hymn that Paul’s readers would have known and sung in their gatherings.
Paul takes this hymn and uses it to paint a picture of what true humility looks like.
This morning, we will study verses 5-8 (His humiliation), and next week, verses 9-11 (His exaltation).
Walk This Way
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:”
Paul, with the two women in conflict in his mind and heart, gives them a command - “have the same attitude or mindset as Jesus.”
We can’t imitate his moral perfection or miracles, or redemptive work. But we can imitate his humility.
John wrote:
“Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”
Paul told the Corinthians:
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (I Corinthians 11:1)
Peter writing about suffering wrote:
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” (I Peter 2:21)
It’s been said that imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.
Danette and Phil and I went to see the band, “The Hairbangers Ball” in Bloomington last weekend. They are an 80s tribute band.
