Dedication – Philippians 2:1-16
By David Woods
Discussion: When you hear unchurched people say that they distrust the Church, what are the reasons they give?
(Teacher: On whiteboard write “1)” and “2)”. When the students give an answer, add another outline point until all possible answers appear to be exhausted.)
In verse one Paul wrote, “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies.”
Some of the words are not exactly used too commonly today. Also, some of these words may not be often combined in this way in our common speech. When have you said to someone, “if there is any comfort in love”?
What is Paul talking about? Simply, Paul is saying, “Guys, if you love me and are concerned for me…” – verse two – “Fulfill my joy.” Paul then talks about how the Philippians can fulfill his joy.
But in verse fifteen and sixteen Paul concludes this admonition by saying that if they did what he had instructed:
- They would be blameless and harmless, the sons of God.
- They would be without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom they shone as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life.
- Paul would be able to rejoice at the Second Coming of Christ that his labors for their salvation had been fruitful.
Simply, Paul was saying that if they followed his instructions in verses two through fourteen that their lives would deliver a powerful testimony to unbelievers. In verses two through four and twelve through fourteen, Paul give a number of commands. In verses five through eleven, Paul provides a powerful illustration of how he desired the Philippians Christians to act. But the key verse is verse five. Paul writes, “Let this mind be in you, which also was in Christ Jesus.” So I would like to suggest to you that the principle Paul is teaching in this scripture passage is that:
Big Idea: Dedication to a Christlike mindset delivers a powerful testimony to unbelievers.
Now, beyond trying to keep with the given topic of this Sunday School lesson, why is dedication to a Christlike mindset needed, in order to deliver a powerful testimony to the world?
The story behind this scripture is that there were two ladies in the church, seemingly very influential, who had some kind of disagreement that was threatening to create contention and division within the church. This scripture passage appears to be an attempt by Paul to tactfully deal with this problem. In chapter four, verse two, Paul finally wrote, “I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.”
While the disagreement between these two ladies was a festering problem, the church of Philippi was overall in very good shape. They were exemplary Christians. Yet even though this was a great church, I believe Paul realized that a renewed dedication to a Christlike mindset would help this church to grow spiritually even more.
We probably all have heard stories of how churches in the past have suffered divisions and have left a bad taste in the mouths of their communities.
However, it is possible that a church will never have a church split, and yet its members may display attitudes and actions that leave just as bad a taste in the mouths of its community.
So I believe even the most perfect church should study this scripture and dedicate itself to adopting a Christlike mindset in order that it may maintain its good testimony before the world.
Consider four problems that dedication to a Christlike mindset can solve.
1. The problem of finding common ground between two opposing opinions (likeminded, v. 2)
Discussion: What does it mean to be “likeminded”?
Discussion: Is being likeminded and compromise synonymous? Why or why not?
Discussion: Sometimes, two saintly Christians can hold conflicting opinions on an issue. Both believe the other to be wrong and cannot change their personal opinion on the issue. Can two such Christians still find a likemindedness that will allow them to live and serve Christ in “one accord”? How can this be accomplished?
2. The problem of avoiding force to persuade others. (strife, v. 3)
Discussion: If you were to examine rhetoric only, you might be compelled to believe that a communist nation would be the Holy Grail of unity and harmony. In reality, however, Communist countries are the epitome of oppression and persecution of those who disagree with the ruling party. Why is this so?
Discussion: Christians typically do not use physical force to compel others to agree with them. But Christians can apply other kinds of force to get their way? What are some ways that Christians try to make the rest of the church adopt their ideas?
Discussion: What are some questions we can ask ourselves to use a check so that we aren’t trying to force others to agree with us?
3. The problem of pursuing a specific agenda while maintaining pure motives (vainglory, v. 3)
Quite frankly, if we truly believe in something – if we have a strong opinion about something, we will want that opinion to prevail. The problem is that it is extremely easy for our motives in pursuing this agenda to become impure.
As an example, recently Madonna has been under fire for her attempt to adopt an African orphan. I read somewhere that several potential adoptees had been lined up for Madonna to choose from, evoking imagery of a slave market. The Daily Mail, a British newspaper, notes:
“Madonna's visit to Malawi also has renewed criticism from those who accuse Western celebrities of using Africa and other parts of the developing world as a platform for misplaced, publicity-fuelled altruism.”[1]
In the church, it is also possible for our motives in pursuing some agenda to become impure. Are we pushing giving to that worthy cause because we simply want to help them in their ministry or are we trying to gain glory for how much we have donated? On the other hand, is the reason why we object to offerings due to a stingy heart?
Are we trying to increase our worship attendance because that will mean we have the opportunity to lead more people to faith in Christ – or do we want to be known for how many people we have in church?
On the other hand, is the reason why we don’t like “big” churches because we believe they are unable to minister effectively to the individual or is it because we feel intimidated by their size or by their effectiveness in ministering to people?
Discussion: What are some cautionary questions we should ask ourselves to ascertain whether or not our agenda and motives are proper?
(What does God’s Word say? What benefit is this providing me? Is this truly providing a service to others or is a simply a show of spirituality? Etc.)
4. The problem of developing a respect for others that supersedes pride of self (look not…, v. 4)
To properly interpret this scripture we must note first that to “look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” does not mean that we are to be busybody, gossipers. Other scriptures clearly forbid gossip. Also, this scripture is not saying that we are to have an improper low self-respect.
Discussion: Practically, how can we “look … also on the things of others”?
Discussion: How does following this instruction help us live in harmony with others?
Read Philippians 2:5-11
In these verses Paul gives us the perfect example of the mindset that we should have toward others – the example of Jesus.
Consider the position of Jesus in Heaven. Jesus is the Second Person of the Trinity. The pictures of Heaven in the book of Revelation present a picture of continual worship to God.
Revelation 4:8 says, “And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!’” (ESV)
Jesus, the rightful Lord of the Universe, receives glory and praise constantly in Heaven. But He loved us so much that He left that glory to come to earth.
Jesus loved us – mankind, which has sinned and become corrupt in God’s sight. The Bible says that the sinner is actually the enemy of God. We do not deserve the love of God, but God loved us.
Consider Christ’s reputation. Verse 7. Christ made himself of no reputation. Christ, almighty God, put on human flesh and entered this world as a little baby boy, unnoticed by most of the world.
Jesus, as the perfect God-man, did not insist on His rights while here on earth. Jesus did not insist that mankind worship Him and give Him honor. Instead, Jesus served mankind. He healed of all kinds of sickness and disease. He preached the Kingdom of God. He encouraged, comforted and strengthened.
Even though everything Jesus did was good, mankind hated Him. So, according to the plan of God, Jesus was crucified on a cross, which was the form of punishment reserved for the worst and most despicable criminals and unwanteds in the Roman Empire.
The kind of mindset that Jesus had to leave His glory in heaven, become man, and die in our place, taking the sins of the world upon Himself – that is the kind of mindset we are to adopt toward one another.
Because Christ humbled Himself this way, God the Father also exalted him and has given him “a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
I believe that if we similarly humble ourselves before others that God will also raise us up. Now, if we try to humble ourselves so that we might be exalted – I don’t think it will work. God can see through our hypocrisy easier than Superman can see through walls. Yet at the same time, if we do adopt the mindset of Christ, God will take care of us.
The principle I wish to leave with you is that: Dedication to a Christlike mindset delivers a powerful testimony to unbelievers. Why must we be dedicated to having and living with a Christlike mindset? Such a mindset goes against the grain of carnal Self. It contradicts the popular philosophies of the world. It doesn’t make common sense.
Yet when we dedicate ourselves to having and living with a Christlike mindset we please Christ. Finally, by having such a mindset we provide a powerful testimony of Christ’s grace to the world.
So I challenge you to dedicate yourself to having and living with a Christlike mindset.