Looking at Yourself through the Eyes of Christ
Intro:
1. ILL: A little girl trying to see through her grandmother’s glasses. Everything was blurry because they were not her prescription!
2. Have you ever watched yourself on a video?
a. You don’t see yourself like others see you.
b. You should look at yourself from others’ perspectives & you’ll see a different you.
c. This is why you should be slow to pass judgment until you’ve “walked in the other person’s shoes!”
3. As Christians, you need to look at things through the eyes of Lord Jesus!
4. When you see things through the eyes of the Lord - what do you see?
Philippians 2:1-11
I. v1-4 - When You Look at the Church?
A. The church is worth looking at!
1. The church consists of all of us - we are the Lord’s family.
2. Seeing the big picture is going to a convention like the NACC, or the FACC in Seattle. ILL: “The Mexican Convention”.
3. Where else in the world can you go & enjoy such fellowship?
B. One of the biggest problems the Lord sees is disunity. What are some of the factors that cause disunity?
1. v3 - Selfish ambition (ἐριθείαν) = Lit. “party making” - planning & striving to get others to agree with you.
a. Gossip is a sign of this. This attitude of selfishness leads to strife.
b. The goal of it is to create a party spirit, a division in the church that always sides with you. You’re boss!
c. When your ambition is selfish, you are putting yourself in the Lord’s place in your life.
- Phil 1:15 - It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
d. The Bible doesn’t condemn ambition, just selfish ambition. Your ambition needs to be for the Lord!
2. v3 - Vain conceit (κενοδοξίαν) = lit. “empty glory” - KJV “vainglory” - pride.
a. Gal 5:26 - Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
b. Pride is Public Enemy # 1 in the church because so many sins are rooted in it!
c. It’s even a bigger temptation than money & possessions to some people.
3. v3 - Not having humility (ταπεινοφροσύνῃ) = humbleness of mind. NAS says “regard one another as more important than yourself”.
a. If you always have your mind on your own interests, you’re bound to collide with someone else’s interests - the result: division. ILL: “The Driving Lesson”
b. Who is more important in your thinking?
c. Eph 5:21 - Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
d. Gal 6:2 - Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
C. v2 - The first priority in our church needs to be unity - being of one accord, in agreement.
1. We shouldn’t be arguing over petty differences. This church has only one head - the Lord Jesus!
2. v1 - Because of our relationship to Christ - we are to be united.
3. v1 - Because of His love for us - we are to comfort one another.
4. v1 - Because of His Holy Spirit - we are to share (have fellowship) with one another.
II. v5-8 - When You Look at Yourself
A. Your goal is to follow the Lord’s example. I Jn 2:6 - Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.
B. v8 - In following Christ - you need to strive to be humble!
1. Matt 11:29-30 - Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
2. v6 - The Lord was being in very nature God.
a. Lord Jesus was God Himself in a human life!
b. He was willing to give up His divine attributes to become a man.
3. v7 - He not only humbled Himself to become a man - He was willing to become a slave!
C. v8 - In following Christ - you need to strive to be obedient!
1. Lord Jesus became obedient to a death on a cross - a common criminal’s execution.
2. He could have called 10,000 angels to His rescue, but He didn’t (Matt 26:53).
3. He was willing to do this for you!
4. How has your obedience been lately?
a. I Pet 2:21 - To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
b. Matt 16:24 - If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me
III. v9-11 - When You Look at Your Future
A. You will see a glorious Lord.
1. He is coming again in all His former glory (Matt 24:30; Tit 2:13; Act 1:11; Heb 9:28).
2. The rapture will happen - the judgment will take place.
3. v11 - At that point everyone who has ever lived will recognize the Master of the Universe - Lord Jesus!
B. When you follow His example of humbleness - He has promised to exalt you. Matt 23:12 - For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
1. ILL: The Parable of the Pounds (Lk 19:11-27). The king not only gave the fruitful servants money - but also responsibility & authority.
2. ILL: The Parable of the Talents (Matt 25:14-30). The man told the fruitful servants Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness! - Matt 25:23.
Look at our church, yourselves & your future realistically through the eyes of Christ. See how important His church is. See how special you are. See your glorious future He is preparing!
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