SESSION 3 FOLLOWING WITH JOY The Point We can live in love and humility even as Christ did. The Passage Philippians 2:1-11 The Bible Meets Life I went into a convenience store to grab a bottle of water. The cashier asked, Where are you from? You don t look like you re from around here. I replied, I live in North Carolina. He then said, You look like [pop icon] Pitbull. Do you know him? I said, Not personally, but I know who he is. Then the pushy cashier asked, Are you married? I responded, Yes, happily. To which he asked: Why are you married? How old are you? I m thirty-seven, I answered. He said: You re too young to be married. A man needs many women. I smiled and replied: You need Jesus. And you need a wife. Looking back, I wish I d told him to read Philippians 2. In this passage, we find the right outlook on life. Specifically, life isn t about satisfying our lusts; it s about joyfully following Christ and glorifying the One who willingly gave His life for us. The Setting Although writing from Rome while under house arrest, Paul found joy in humbly following God s plan for his life. Even while enduring confinement and uncertainty, and even while chained to a Roman guard, Paul placed the needs of the Philippians before his own. He wrote to them of the spiritual blessings we share as believers in Christ, exhorting them to turn from pleasing themselves and follow the example of Jesus in humility and obedience. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 119
What does the Bible say? Philippians 2:1-11 Emptied Himself (v. 7) The verb means to render void or of no effect. Christ voluntarily made His eternal position, rank, and privilege of no effect while on the earth. 1 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings, focusing on one goal. 3 Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. 4 Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage. 7 Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, 8 He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death even to death on a cross. 9 For this reason God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth 11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 120 Session 3
THE POINT We can live in love and humility even as Christ did. GET INTO THE STUDY 10 minutes DISCUSS: Question #1 on page 97 of the PSG: When have you really needed an attitude adjustment? Notes ACTIVITY (OPTIONAL): Ask for volunteers to role play what humility would look like in one or more of the following situations: a confrontation with a neighbor, an employee asking for a raise, or a parent correcting a rebellious teen. In each situation, assign one volunteer to play the humble person and the other to play someone angry and proud. Note: If time permits, encourage different volunteers to play the humble person in order to reveal different ideas of what it means to express humility. GUIDE: Direct group members to The Bible Meets Life on page 98 of the PSG. Introduce the theme of humbly following Christ by reading or summarizing the text or by encouraging group members to read on their own. GUIDE: Call attention to The Point at the top of page 98 of the PSG: We can live in love and humility even as Christ did. LEADER PACK: Display Pack Item 11, Philippians 2:5, to help group members make a visual connection with the text. Ask: What comes to mind when you contemplate this image? PRAY: Transition into the study by confessing the need for love and humility in today s culture. Ask the Holy Spirit to grant you and your group members a deeper understanding of what it means to be humble as you study the Scriptures. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 121
5 minutes STUDY THE BIBLE Notes Philippians 2:1-2 1 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings, focusing on one goal. READ: Philippians 2:1-2 on page 99 of the PSG. Read the text out loud or ask a volunteer to do so. GUIDE: Use the first paragraph from page 123 of this Leader Guide to set the context for these verses and explain the structure of verse 1. GUIDE: Direct group members to read through the bullet list on page 99 of the PSG in order to understand the four motivations Paul mentioned for Christian unity: ALTERNATE QUESTION: What would you like to see as some common goals for your church? > > > > > > > > The encouragement in Christ. The consolation of love. The fellowship with the Spirit. Shared affection and mercy. DISCUSS: Question #2 on page 99 of the PSG: Why is unity so essential in the church? RECAP: Read aloud the third and fourth paragraphs from page 100 of the PSG: Paul encouraged the Philippians to get their heads on straight and remember their identity and common mission as followers of Jesus Christ. His words likewise encourage us today. We have joy as we grow together in purpose and love. TRANSITION: As we move to verses 3-4, we ll see Paul identify a key ingredient of unity in the church: humility. 122 Session 3
THE POINT We can live in love and humility even as Christ did. Philippians 2:1-2 Commentary In chapter 1, Paul spoke of his joy in his relationship with Christ and in his relationships with other believers. In chapter 2, Paul explained how joy comes through humility in both of those relationships. Verses 1-4 form one long sentence in Greek, with one basic command: fulfill my joy. The four if statements of verse 1 (in both Greek and English) do not express doubt. They could be translated assuming these things are so or because these things are so. They are rhetorical, assuming of course there is! All four statements introduce the command of verse 2. [Verse 1] Our attitudes toward one another are important. Our oneness in Christ is found in the four attributes of verse 1. Encouragement (solace, comfort, consolation, exhortation) is said to be in Christ, or from belonging to or being united with, Christ. It is a benefit of our relationship with Him. Consolation (concrete or definite comfort, coming alongside to stimulate) comes from the divine love of Christ. Paul considered Christ the source of all consolation or comfort. Love is the Greek agape, the supreme, selfless love demonstrated perfectly by the sacrifice of Christ. Fellowship (common interest and/or mutual participation) is communion together of believers flowing from joint participation in the benefits of and workings of the Spirit. Affection and mercy are those qualities shown by the Lord to us. These phrases illustrate the common experience of grace shared by the church. These blessings from Christ form the basis of Christian unity, and such unity produces joy. [Verse 2] Being united in Christ, believers are to work together for the same purposes or goals rather than allowing themselves to be divided by disagreement and division. This unity results in practical responses believers demonstrate toward one another, as Paul outlined in verse 2. Such unity would fulfill Paul s joy. His life s work was amounting to something in the kingdom of God and in the lives of people; the evidence would be the unity Paul described. Thinking the same way speaks to the believer s intellect as well as the will and emotions. This one central unifying characteristic is further developed by three measurements. Having the same love is a unity of affection provided by the sacrificial love of Christ being shed abroad in our hearts (see Rom. 5:5; 1 Cor. 1:10). This would mean loving the same noble things and loving each other as Christ loves us. Sharing the same feelings is more literally, like-souled, or soul with soul, and is only used here in the New Testament. It suggests the sharing of a basic principle of life or living as if the many were acting as one. Focusing on one goal is to be united in one singular purpose or commonly held value. This unity comes from believers having the same values and loves, and emanates from the core of one s being, transformed by Christ. Indeed this was the crux of Christ s fervent high priestly prayer addressed to the Father before His passion, when He essentially asked that believers would be one as He and the Father are one. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 123
15 minutes STUDY THE BIBLE Notes Philippians 2:3-4 3 Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. 4 Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. READ: Philippians 2:3-4 on page 100 of the PSG. GUIDE: Use the first paragraph from page 125 of this Leader Guide to offer group members a full definition of humility. Note: Consider reading the second paragraph, as well, in order to show how Jesus is the ultimate example of humility. DISCUSS: Question #3 on page 101 of the PSG: What are the consequences when people look out for their own interests in a community? Note: Responses to this question can reference any community, while the discussion of Question #4, below, should focus specifically on the church. ALTERNATE QUESTION: How would you describe the relationship between humility and unity? RECAP: Read aloud the second paragraph on page 101 of the PSG: Paul told the church not just to consider their own interests, but to look out also for the interests of others. In this age of obsessively taking and posting selfies, a lifestyle of thinking about others seems to be rare. How can we cultivate a life of humility? GUIDE: Encourage group members to read through the bullet list on page 101 of the PSG in order to find different ways to cultivate a life of humility. DISCUSS: Question #4 on page 101 of the PSG: What are the benefits when people look out for one another s interests in the church? TRANSITION: Having identified the importance of love and humility in the first four verses of chapter 2, Paul used verses 5-11 to explain why Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of love and humility for His followers. 124 Session 3
THE POINT We can live in love and humility even as Christ did. Philippians 2:3-4 Commentary How can a perfect unity of heart, mind, love, and purpose be realized? It s only through humility. Humility can be aptly defined as strength under control. Consider the example of a horse and rider. A horse outweighs its rider by a wide margin. We measure strength in horsepower, not manpower, for good reason. Yet this mighty beast is guided and controlled by a small tug on the reins, a verbal command, or even a click of the tongue. That is strength under control. No one who understands the personality and might of Jesus Christ would ever label Him as weak, yet He is the ultimate example of humility strength under control. This strength under control is the essential lubricant between the intersecting gears of humanity that allows cooperative living without grinding on one another. Paul finished his long sentence with a verbal illustration of humility at work in human relationships. [Verse 3] In negative reinforcement of the principles set forth in verses 1 2, Paul exhorted the Philippian believers to do nothing out of rivalry (factious contention) or conceit (empty glorying, empty pride), which are the opposite of the selfless love of Christ (see John 13:34 35). We are not to formulate any plan that is to be carried out in this way. The command prohibits all attempts to promote ourselves over others by physical strength, intellectual superiority, manipulative scheming, or angry indulgence out of ambition or rivalry. We are not to do anything to try to impress others with displays of superior talent, courage, or zeal. Among first-century secular writers, humility (lowliness, humiliation of mind, modesty) was equal to groveling. It described the mentality of a slave, conveying ideas of being unfit, base, shabby, and of little or no worth. The same term was used to speak of the Nile River at its low stage. Only in the New Testament with the example of Christ did humility find a new nobility of meaning and become a virtue to be sought. Humility is not putting ourselves down, but rather lifting others up. It s this humility that will consider (reckon, count, value) others to be more important than ourselves. [Verse 4] Paul further amplified these thoughts by exhorting his readers to look out for the interests of others and not just their own. We are to be aware and seek to find ways to help others even when they fail to see they need that help. Christ s humility, reflected in the following verses, becomes our guide for valuing others and weighing our actions toward them. All of this doesn t mean that personal concerns should be overlooked. Elsewhere, Paul clearly stated that believers should take care of their own affairs as an act of love for the congregation (see 1 Thess. 4:9 12). Humility starts by accurately evaluating oneself in light of one s relation to Christ, and seeing the image of God in others. Following Christ in humility means we will be concerned with and take correct action pertaining to the physical and spiritual needs of others. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 125
10 minutes STUDY THE BIBLE Notes Philippians 2:5-11 5 Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage. 7 Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, 8 He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death even to death on a cross. 9 For this reason God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth 11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. DO: Direct group members to complete the activity Picturing Humility on page 103 of the PSG. After volunteers share their responses, move to Philippians 2:5-11 as the ultimate picture of humility. ALTERNATE QUESTION: How would you summarize the attitude of Jesus as described in this passage? Which of the following images best illustrates your understanding of what it means to be humble. Why? Why is humility a necessary characteristic for those who follow Christ? READ: Philippians 2:5-11 on page 102 of the PSG. DISCUSS: Question #5 on page 102 of the PSG: How can we work together to obey Paul s command in verse 5? GUIDE: Refer back to The Point for this session: We can live in love and humility even as Christ did. As time allows, encourage volunteers to share any final thoughts and questions. 126 Session 3
THE POINT We can live in love and humility even as Christ did. Philippians 2:5-11 Commentary [Verse 5] A literal rendering of this verse would be, Think this in you which Christ thought in Him. Attitude references verses 2 4 and will be vividly and memorably illustrated in the description of Christ s incarnation. Jesus submissive attitude led to His redemptive actions. [Verse 6] Existing in the form of God is perfect tense, indicating a permanent and continuing existence, which declares Jesus eternality. Equality with God emphasizes His co-participation in the Trinity in the expression of divine essence. Yet Christ s humility was such He did not cling to His essence and equality with God as a means of escaping His redemptive purpose. It was not something to be used for His own advantage, not a prize to be clutched but an offering to be freely surrendered. This is the essence of humility. [Verse 7] The hymn s focus shifts from attitude to actions. In perfect expression of His humility, Jesus emptied Himself. That is, He became a human being. He voluntarily made His position, rank, and privilege of no effect while on earth. And not just any human Jesus took upon Himself the form of a slave. The term taking on contrasts with existing from verse 6. Jesus existed originally in the form of God, but at a specific point He became human. The verb tense signifies entrance into a new state, the likeness of men, or humanity. [Verse 8] The act of self-emptying (v. 7) was accompanied by the act of self-humbling. Having already stepped out of glory to reside among the most rebellious of all God s earthly creations, Jesus further humbled Himself by submitting to complete obedience to the point of death (see Heb. 10:5-12). Even death did not cause Jesus to stop His obedience to the Father. The Jews believed death on a cross was a sign the victim was cursed of God (see Gal. 3:13). This expresses the climax of Jesus obedience. [Verse 9] For this reason ties the preceding acts of humility with the consequential actions of God the Father. Jesus has been highly exalted by the authority of the Father. He returned to the high heavenly state He possessed before, but He returned as God and man, who now identifies intimately with His fellow men and becomes our advocate and representative. [Verses 10-11] Everyone will acknowledge Jesus position in the universe. To bow the knee is the position of submission. To confess is the verbal disclosure of submission. Lord best expresses the unique name of authority and power given to Jesus. Lord speaks to character and function. Jesus will become the focus of adoration when every knee will bow to Him. The scene combines the worship of those who believe in Him with the acknowledgment of His power and authority by those He has defeated. All creation will give assent to God s divine plan and its perfect execution by Christ. It s only when we turn from following our own desires and turn to fully submitting to and following Him that we find real, lasting joy. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 127
5 minutes LIVE IT OUT Notes GUIDE: Direct group members to page 104 of the PSG. Encourage them to consider the following suggestions for reflecting the humility of Christ: > > Ask for help. Ask God each day to help you be more others-oriented. Pray for help to be a more joyful servant. > > Memorize Philippians 2:5-11. Paul s hymn was memorized and recited by the early Christians. We should follow their example. Write it. Meditate on it. Memorize it. > > Meet a need. Find someone in your church who needs to experience the blessing of Christian service, and humbly serve him or her this week. Remember to serve privately, and remember to choose someone who can t pay you back. Wrap It Up TRANSITION: Read or restate the Conclusion from page 104 of the PSG: There are plenty of people in this world who will tell you how should behave. Don t listen. Instead, concentrate on developing your relationship with Christ and let Him show you the best way to live. PRAY: Conclude by confessing that you lack the level of humility demonstrated by Christ. Pray that God would grant each of you the courage to demonstrate strength under control as you serve His kingdom this week. Free additional ideas for your group are available at BibleStudiesforLife.com/AdultExtra 128 Session 3