Read Philippians 2:5-7 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Discover
Paul urged the Philippian church to embrace humility, and he pointed to Jesus as the ultimate example. In the verses we’ll study over the next three days, Paul writes one of the clearest descriptions of who Jesus is and what He did. These words are the centerpiece of theology. Jesus didn’t just look like or act like God. He was God! If anyone deserved to put themselves on a platform, it was Jesus. Yet He made Himself low, and we can never be the same again.
It can be easy to let a “god complex” infiltrate our own hearts and minds – to focus solely on elevating ourselves and believing the world revolves around us and our achievements and desires. But that isn’t what leads to joy. Being humble like Jesus means giving up the rights we cling to and replacing them with a desire to serve someone else. Joy is the result when Jesus is the aim.
• Make Jesus your aim through humility. What is a typical situation when you would focus on yourself during the day? Brainstorm one practical way you can switch the focus to Jesus in that situation. Share with a trusted friend for accountability.
Respond
Use your Philippians Guidebook to reflect and respond. For a digital copy of the guidebook, visit tpcc.org/rebels-guide.
Want to go deeper? Look up the following verses for perspective on what it meant for Jesus to come to earth. Note what you observe and then continue with your time of response.
• John 1:10-14