Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

July 31, 2005

PROFILE OF A GREAT EXAMPLE

Philippians Chapter Two

Conclusion

In our first pen pulpit on the Profile of a Great Example we saw that the Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated:

1. A Selfless Mind

2. A Serving Mind

3. A Sacrificial Mind

His first act of service was BECOMING A MAN. His final act of service was BECOMING SIN!

Now let us continue to follow the apostle’s thinking in this great chapter.

THE GREAT HONOR THAT GOD BESTOWED ON THIS GREAT EXAMPLE

(2:9-11)

Our Savior returned to heaven with something He didn’t leave heaven with: The Essence of Humanity!

“So then, my beloved, just as you have already obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and do of His good pleasure.”

Regeneration initiates the believer into a life with obligation. Working is not for salvation. Working makes salvation operational. God energizes within us just as Energizer batteries energize a flashlight!

THE HUMAN EXAMPLES WHO LIVED IN THE POWER AND REALITY OF CHRIST, THE GREAT EXAMPLE AS APPLIED TO MINISTRY (2:18-26).

We see the mind of Christ reproduced in Timothy and Epahroditus.

LIVING IN THE LIGHT OF PHILIPPIANS CHAPTER TWO

We can’t say more than Paul

We can’t say less than Paul

We must say what Paul said – “Have this attitude in yourselves.”

Webster defines attitude as “disposition of the mind.” Please note that the Scripture doesn’t say, “admire Christ’s attitude” but commands us to “have this attitude!”

You may question why are we given this example? God could have just told us to be humble and live in unity. And He did!

• But He never asks us to do anything that He wouldn’t do.

• Instruction tells you to do something.

• Example shows that it can be done.

• Paul doesn’t point to some merely human example with whom he could find fault.

• He points to the great God of the universe!

In summing up we should have as Christ has –

1. A selfless mind – a disregard for self. “Have this attitude!”

2. A servant mind – identification with others. “Have this attitude!”

3. A sacrificial mind – unquestionable obedience to God. “Have this attitude!”

So beloved, do we have the attitude of the Lord Jesus Christ in a selfless mind, a serving mind and a sacrificial mind? Let’s make this our prayer for ourselves and well as each other.

God bless each one of you and have a great week.