Sunday, November 12th, 2023

Theme: Imitating Christ’s Humility

Texts: Philippians 2:1-11, Matthew 21:33-40

Preacher: Pastor David John

In the Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians, he encourages them to adopt a mindset of unity and humility, mirroring the life of Jesus Christ himself. He urges them to set aside selfish ambitions and prioritize the needs of others, just as Christ did.

The church of Philippi provides us with three key principles regarding humility:

1. True Humility: True humility involves understanding our true worth in God's eyes. We are saved by grace through faith, and before God, we are all sinners. However, we are also God's beloved children, called to serve His kingdom. We must set aside selfishness and treat others with respect, considering their interests above our own. Jesus Christ is our perfect model of humility. He demonstrated an attitude of service, sacrificing his life for the salvation of humanity. He obeyed God's will without question, setting the ultimate example of humility.

2. Recognizing Our Dependence on God: True humility also involves acknowledging our dependence on God. We are God's creation, and we owe our very existence to Him. To combat the pride of life, we must serve others selflessly, just as Christ did. While Jesus was God's Son, He gave up His glory and power in submission to God's will. His humility was unique due to his sinless nature. He was crucified, died, and was resurrected so that we could be righteous before God.

3. Cultivating a Heart of Service: We are called to cultivate a heart of service, humility, and compassion. By imitating Christ, we can learn from his example and grow in our own humility. We should strive to think as Christ would in various situations, adopting his attitudes, desires, and actions. We must always prioritize God's will over our own and be compassionate with one another.

Beloved, imitating Christ's humility requires a conscious effort to align our thoughts, words, and actions with His. To cultivate a Christlike attitude, we must seek the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, who unites us as one body, mind, and soul. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we can walk in obedience to God's word and practice sacrificial service, reflecting the humility that Christ so beautifully embodied. Never forget, that there is profound joy and honor in living a life of humility.