Be Like Christ

Introduction:

Paul has spoken on the need to have good Christian conduct. (1:27) The goal of the Philippians was to: Stand firm in one spirit, one mind, and work together. Unity is absolutely necessary. Unity happens because of brotherly love. Love is the bottom line. How strong is it? Are we working on growing & developing our love? In Chapter 2 – Philippians were urged to be like Christ.  How?

I. 2:1-2 – Congregational Unity is expected.

A.    We should be working toward:

1.    Encouragement – always look for the best in each other.

2.    Love, fellowship, affection, & compassion. Need to build this up!

B.    2:2 – we are to be of the same mind.  See 1 Cor. 1:10

1.    Need to be united in doctrine, purpose, and work.

C.   If we are like minded – then we will have the same love.

1.     love sincerely, fervently, from a pure heart – 1 Pet. 1:22-23

D.   These things help us become united in spirit.

II. 2:3-4 - Selfishness destroys unity.

A.    We must rid ourselves the desire for exalting self.

B.    We should put on humility. Esteem others better than self. See Rom. 12:10b

C.   Look out for interests of others. 

1.    It is an attitude of maturity & was the attitude of Jesus. Rom. 15:1-3

III. 2:5-11 – These qualities were seen in Jesus’ sacrifice.

A.    Jesus lacked selfish ambition. 

1.    He existed as essentially one with God. John 1:1-3

B.    Yet Jesus did not regard equality with God a thing to be asserted.

C.   Do we have the mind of Christ?
D.   Jesus... "emptied Himself"
1.    He took upon Himself "the form of a servant"
2.    He came "in the likeness of men"
a)    As such, He could experience their temptations and sufferings - 
Heb 2:14,17-18; 4:15; 5:7
3.    He "humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the 
death of the cross" Consider He 5:8
E.    This was done for the sake of others.
1.    He did it, to bear OUR reproach - cf. Ro 15:1-3; Isa 53:4-6
F.2:9-11 – He was highly exalted by God.
IV. 2:12-18 – work out your own salvation.
A.Working out our salvation involves work on our part.
B.       But God is also involved in our salvation.
C.      2:14 - And we are to work w/o murmuring or complaining.
D.      2L15 - We must shine as lights in the world.
E.       TO SHINE AS LIGHTS, WE MUST "HOLD FAST" THE WORD OF LIFE...
a)    We "hold fast" by our study and obedience - 2 Tim 2:15
b)    We "hold fast" by offering it to those in the world - Mk 16:15
Conclusion:
A.       This all goes back to being like Jesus.   Are you striving to be like Him?