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Humility Shares
Philippians 2:1-4 – One thing that Paul wanted to see the Philippian church grow in was in their unselfishness and their care for each other. The message here for us is to look out for the good of others, even though it will be difficult.
We’ve all been given good things, testimony about what God is doing for us, money, skills, etc. Share the things that God has given you.
Humility Sacrifices
Philippians 2:5-11 – When a honey bee stings someone it is giving its life to protect the hive. In these verses we have a much better example of sacrifice than even honey bees, Jesus.
Jesus went from being King to being a servant. After all of that He humbled himself further and became obedient to death, even death on a cross.
1 John 3:16-18 – How far are we willing to go in our obedience to God. How much are we willing to sacrifice for the good of our brothers and sisters in Christ?
Hebrews 12:2-3 – Sacrifice is not the end, there is a reward. Because Jesus humbled Himself God gave Him the highest place. God will get the praise and honor that He deserves. Colossians 3:1-4 – We are promised a reward with Jesus as well.
What is it that keeps us from being humble? What makes it hard to consider others better than ourselves?
- It’s just not fair.
- The other person doesn’t deserve this.
- I’m being taken advantage of.
- They hurt me and I can’t submit to them.
A lot of these arguments focus on the unworthiness of the other person for me to be able to love them and submit to them. They also focus on my rights and what I deserve.
We are so unworthy… and yet Jesus died for us.
Humility Shines
Philippians 2:12-18 – The good that comes out of our lives is the direct result of God working in and through us. The very desire to do God’s will is a gift from God.
Perhaps our weak desire to God’s will is the seed that God can take and grow into a stronger desire to do His will. It is only through relying on God that we can grow.
Honey bees sit at the entrance of the hive and fan vigorously to help ventilate the hive. The bees that are trying to keep the hive cool get “crash landed on” by worker bees coming in with pollen. Despite being landed on they get back up and keep on working.
When things happen that would normally cause a person to blow a fuse, humility keeps the person the ability to keep focus on the task at hand and to not blow a fuse.
Just as stars declare the glory of God, so can we. The evil and darkness around us only amplifies the light that God can shine through us.
Paul says that even if his life was poured out as an offering with no affect, he would rejoice.