1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Paul pointed to Christ as a perfect model of unselfishness.
Paul’s challenge to believers is to imitate Christ’s steadfast obedience to God in becoming a lowly servant to us all. Jesus was willing to give up the glory of heaven to become a man, who endured all the vicissitudes of life and then suffered the agony of the cross for all of humanity’s sins. That kind of sacrifice, that kind of service, is what Jesus expects Christians to imitate.
Questions:
1. Do you believe people are basically good or people are basically evil?
2. What does Paul warn believers not to do? (2:3)
3. How are believers supposed to relate to other people? (2:3-4)
4. What rights did Christ forfeit by becoming a human being? (2:6-8)
5. What reward did Christ gain through his unselfish actions? (2:9-11)
6. What is your definition of selfishness?
7. What is most difficult about putting others’ needs before your own?
8. What opportunities would a servant-hearted believer seek throughout the day?
9. How does Christ’s example inspire you in your pursuit of becoming a servant in your home? In your workplace? In your church?
10. In what specific way will you attempt to be a servant to a family member, friend, or coworker today?
PJ
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