Thank you, Steven Mansell, for bringing the message this week!
In your life, whom have you looked up to the most? What did you learn from this person’s example?
Why do you think we find people’s good examples so inspirational and encouraging?
Why might we see a good example in someone but choose not to follow it?
Philippians 2:1-4 ESV
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
How does Paul say this unity among one another should be achieved? What one word or phrase sums up what Paul is driving at here?
When you consider the word “humility,” what are your first thoughts?
In your opinion, what is the prevailing idea in our culture regarding humility?
Philippians 2:5–11 (ESV)
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so 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.
How did Jesus Christ show humility in His life on earth?
How does His example challenge your view or the culture’s view of what humility means?
Philippians 2:19–24 (ESV)
I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
How do we see Timothy having the attitude of Christ Jesus?
What is the connection between caring about the interests of others and caring about the interests of Jesus Christ?
Philippians 2:25-30 ESV
I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
How do we see Epaphroditus having the attitude of Christ Jesus?
What are some ways we can follow the example of Jesus and humble ourselves for the sake of others in our church? For those outside of our church who need Jesus?
How can our group encourage one another as we strive to walk in humility, caring for the interests of others?
How might our actions of faithful humility open doors for sharing the good news about Jesus, and how can we seize those opportunities?
I would love for you to partner The Orchard Church in 2025. A Partner is someone who is committed to practicing the “Spiritual Growth Engine” in their life consistently for one year… Including serving like Jesus. Try it this year, and see how God works in your life.