Title: Service and example/Philippians 2:1-11
Contents
Subject: Service and example
Verse: Philippians 2:1-11
- Introduction -
Let's go back to what we studied last week.
How can we have true meaning in our lives? (When living for Christ in relationship with Christ.)
So what specifically does it mean to live a life for Christ in Christ? "Come to me and learn me." (Matthew 11:29) What did Jesus’ words mean? Today we are going to study these issues.
First, let's read Philippians 2:1-11 (have students read it). Let's understand the words of the Bible in the text. And let's present the meaning we understand each other. If we decompose this text, the whole of Philippians 2 is [counsel on church life]. Among them, verses 1-4 [exhort us to become one] and verses 5-11 teach us to live [like Christ, who came to become one].
1. Servant of Suffering (Isaiah 53)
Let's read again Isaiah 52:13-53:9.
The [Servant of Suffering] shown here is very similar to the suffering suffered by Christ, so many scholars say that this [Servant of Suffering] prophesied of Christ.
In the text Philippians 2:6-8, it is said that although Jesus is the person of God (meaning the 3 person 1 body), he gave up his equality with God and rather took the form of a servant and became a man. So, he humbled himself and obeyed God even to the point of death on a cross, saving all mankind and serving them.
In other words, Christ came to this earth to serve all mankind, that is, himself. Let's read Matthew 20:28. “The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” I think these words express the true meaning of Christ's service.
2. Humble Service
There are many Bible lessons about service. In verses 3-4 of today's text, "With lowliness of mind, consider each other better than yourselves. Do not each take care of your own business, but take care of each other's business as well." Jesus himself washed the feet of his disciples to teach them love and service.
However, the service the Bible teaches is always accompanied by the adjective [humility]. This is meant to imitate the spirit of service of Christ.
Consider the well-known Dr. Albert Schweitzer. He is a man who truly humbly followed the teachings of Christ. He became a saint in the jungle, suffering from hard work, pain, and criticism, not boasting of his numerous degrees and not having peace for himself.
However, we should always be careful about service, avoid the urge to brag to others and intentional service that always expects a reward. Of course, this service cannot be called service. However, there are many people today who mistake this service for service. So Jesus said, "Don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." I don't know if you did As we imitate the humility of Christ, the way becomes the way to share in the honor of Jesus.
3. Path of Service
Let's read today's key verse, verse 8. “He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” In fact, Jesus came to this earth for all mankind and He did everything. He did not hesitate to die if it was the way to save people.
It is through the death of Christ that we have life. In that sense, the focus of our life is on Christ. Christ asks us to serve our neighbors (Luke 9:37) So our students will have a job in the future. As for the field of specialization you need to do, you will have to choose a job that can serve your neighbors like this.
In 1 Corinthians 10:33, Paul said, "In all that I do, I try to please everyone. I do not seek my own benefit, but the benefit of many..."
We need to understand the meaning of Christ's sufferings, to understand others with humility, and to serve others with humility. Today's era is so selfish. We Christians should enter this world and show true love of service.
Before the vague idea that I must do that in the future, it is from the closest time, the closest place, and the closest person to whom I live. Christ was obedient to the point of death and loved us.