An Extraordinary Person Involved in the Ordinary Video: Where s Jesus? INTRO: CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT JESUS 1 John 4:2 (NIV) This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 1
Philippians 2:5 (NIV) In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 1. SACRIFICE YOUR RIGHTS TO MEET OTHERS NEEDS Philippians 2:6-7 (NIV) 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... A. Position Mark 10:42-45 (NIV) 42 Jesus called them together and said, You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. 2
2 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV) B. Possessions 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. Psalm 24:1 (NIV) The earth is the LORD s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; C. Privileges Philippians 2:6 (NIV) Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 3
Philippians 2:13 (NIV) for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 (NIV) 2. LOWER YOURSELF TO A POSITION OF A SERVANT Philippians 2:7 (NIV) he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. I just need to talk with an adult! 4
Matthew 17:17 (NIV) (Disciples asked why they couldn't cast demon out of young boy) You unbelieving and perverse generation, Jesus replied, how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me. Mark 8:21 (NIV) He said to them, Do you still not understand? Luke 24:25 (NIV) He said to them, How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 3. HUMBLY OBEY GOD IN EVERYTHING Philippians 2:8 (NIV) And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death even death on a cross! 5
Hebrews 2:14-18 (NIV) 14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death that is, the devil 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death... Hebrews 2:14-18 (NIV) For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Dear God. Thank you for sending Jesus to die for my sin. I want to give you control of my life. Please forgive my sins and give me the gift of the Holy Spirit and eternal life. Help me to know you better and to learn from the Bible how I can live a life that pleases you and helps others. Amen. Hebrews 2:3-9 (NIV) 3 how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him...but we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV) 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are yet he did not sin. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV) 16 Let us then approach God s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. 6
CONC: LET GOD BE THE ONE TO EXALT YOU 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. Luke 14:11 (NIV) For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. 1 Peter 5:5-6 (NIV) All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1. SACRIFICE YOUR RIGHTS TO MEET OTHERS NEEDS A. POSITION B. POSSESSIONS C. PRIVILEGES 2. LOWER YOURSELF TO A POSITION OF A SERVANT 3. HUMBLY OBEY GOD IN EVERYTHING CONC: LET GOD BE THE ONE TO EXALT YOU 7
Follow Through Guide 8