Sermon Outline: “Unity through Humility in Christ”
Philippians 2:1-11 The Message Translation
[1-4] If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care—then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. [5-8] Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion. [9-11] Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father.
Philippians 2:1-11
Philippians is one of the “Prison Epistles” written by the Apostle Paul during his imprisonment, most likely in Rome. The primary audience is the church in Philippi, a city in the Roman province of Macedonia. The church there was among the first to be established in Europe and shared a special bond with Paul, supporting him both emotionally and materially.
Background of Philippians Chapter 2:
- Close Relationship with the Philippian Church: The Philippians had a close relationship with Paul, evidenced by their financial support and genuine concern for his well-being (Philippians 4:10-18). This relationship sets the tone for the intimate and heartfelt content of the letter.
- Purpose of Writing: Paul’s intent was to thank the Philippians for their support and to encourage them in their faith. He also addresses some issues in the church, primarily unity and humility among believers.
- Joy Amidst Suffering: A recurrent theme in Philippians is joy or rejoicing in Christ despite circumstances. Even though Paul was imprisoned, his primary concern was the progress of the gospel and the spiritual maturity of the believers.
Reason for Philippians Chapter 2:
- Call to Unity: There seems to have been some level of disagreement or disunity in the Philippian church (Philippians 4:2). In Chapter 2, Paul emphasizes unity, urging believers to be “like-minded,” “having the same love,” and “being of one accord, of one mind” (Philippians 2:2).
- The Example of Christ’s Humility: As a remedy for disunity, Paul points to the ultimate example of humility: Jesus Christ. In verses 5-11, he provides a Christological hymn or creed, detailing the self-emptying (kenosis) of Christ, His humble birth, obedient death, and subsequent exaltation by God. This serves as an illustrative call for believers to adopt the same mindset of humility and sacrificial love.
- Encouragement through Timothy and Epaphroditus: Later in the chapter, Paul speaks about Timothy and Epaphroditus, two individuals who embodied the values of unity and humility that he was advocating. They serve as concrete examples of the behavior he hoped to see in the Philippians.
I. Introduction
A. Importance of understanding “Therefore” in verse 1.
- Connection to previous chapter: Living a life worthy of the gospel (Philippians 1:27-30).
- Paul’s urging to unity is grounded on the basis of their shared experiences and blessings in Christ.
II. Encouragement in Christ (v. 1)
Philippians 2:1 NIV [1] Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,
A. What it means to be encouraged in Christ.
B. Cross Reference: 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 – God as the source of all comfort.
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NIV [3] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, [4] who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. [5] For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.
III. The Basis for Unity (v. 1-2)
Philippians 2:2 NIV [2] then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
A. Love, Spirit, and Affection as foundations.
B. Paul’s joy in seeing believers united.
C. Cross Reference: 1 Corinthians 1:10 – Call for unity in thought and purpose.
- 1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV [10] I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.
IV. The Attitude of Humility (v. 3-4)
Philippians 2:3-4 NIV [3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, [4] not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
A. Considering others more significant than oneself.
B. Looking to the interests of others.
C. Cross Reference: Romans 12:10 – Honor one another above yourselves.
- Romans 12:10 NIV [10] Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
V. The Ultimate Example of Humility: Christ Jesus (v. 5-8)
Philippians 2:5-8 NIV [5] In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; [7] rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. [8] And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
A. Mindset of Christ to be emulated.
B. Jesus’ divine nature and His willing incarnation.
C. The depth of His humility – death on a cross.
D. Cross Reference: 2 Corinthians 8:9 – Christ became poor for our sake.
- 2 Corinthians 8:9 NIV [9] For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
VI. The Exaltation of Christ (v. 9-11)
Philippians 2:9-11 NIV [9] Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, [10] that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
A. God’s response to Jesus’ humility.
B. The universal recognition of Jesus’ Lordship.
C. Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess.
D. Cross Reference: Isaiah 45:23 – Every knee shall bow.
- Isaiah 45:23 NIV [23] By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear.
VII. Application
A. The call for believers to have unity and humility, reflecting the attitude of Christ.
B. How this transforms our relationships and community.
C. Cross Reference: Ephesians 4:1-3 – Maintaining unity through the bond of peace.
- Ephesians 4:1-3 NIV [1] As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. [2] Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. [3] Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
VIII. Conclusion
A. Challenge to embrace and demonstrate the humility of Christ in all relationships and situations.
B. The promise of joy and fulfillment as we follow Christ’s example.
Here are the key takeaways:
1. Unity in Christ (verses 1-2): Paul encourages believers to live in unity and harmony by having the same love, being of one spirit and mind, which will result in complete joy. This unity reflects the fellowship that believers have through the Holy Spirit.
2. Humility and Selflessness (verses 3-4): Paul calls for humility, asking believers to set aside selfish ambition and pride. Instead, they should value others above themselves, looking out for each other’s interests and not just their own. This is a call to selfless service and care for others.
3. The Example of Christ (verses 5-8): Jesus is held up as the ultimate example of humility. Although He was divine, He did not cling to His status but took on the nature of a servant and became human. He humbled Himself even further by being obedient to the point of death on the cross. This passage emphasizes Jesus’ willingness to sacrifice for others.
4. Exaltation of Christ (verses 9-11): Because of His humility and obedience, God exalted Jesus to the highest place, giving Him a name above all names. Ultimately, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, bringing glory to God the Father.
5. The Call to Imitate Christ’s Mindset: Believers are encouraged to adopt the same mindset of humility, service, and obedience to God, following Jesus’ example as a model for their lives.