Philippians 2:1-18

Did any of you feel the effects of the cold weather this past week? We can’t see cold, but we can sure feel it. The Haitian people were devastated by a strong earthquake. They are still feeling the effects of that disaster. And on a more positive note, some of you moved to Maine from another place. You have come to like this area. You are feeling the positive effects of that change. And when we meet Christ, we will be feeling the effects.

This morning we have three people who will be baptized. These are people who profess to have put their trust in Christ. Have you put your trust in Christ? This question is the most important question we can ask. Some day we will meet God and he will ask us, “Did you trust Christ?” That will be a yes or no answer.

For those who have trusted Christ, he has done much for you personally. In the English language, the word “if” can mean “I don’t know for sure,” “I’m pretty sure,” “May be,” or other meanings. But we have to guess. The Greeks made it clearer by having several words that cover the one English word “if.” The one used here in verse one assumes that the statement is true. It speaks of our personal experiences with Christ.

1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,

All of these things were true. And we could add to the list. How many of us have had our sins forgiven? How many have experienced answers to prayer? How many have found strength in tough times? How many have found that Jesus kept the family together, changed the dynamics of the relationship, helped with other issues? I think most Christians could give testimony. God has been good to us.

But God’s goodness to us personally, should have an effect on our lives. God’s goodness to us personally should bind us together in unity. Our common experiences with Christ should be the glue that pulls us together. This idea is found in verse 2.

2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

Paul says that if God has blessed you personally, then we should become likeminded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. God’s goodness to us should pull us closer to one another.

But though this should happen, it often doesn’t. Many people are content to have a God who cares for them, but does not put any stress in their lives. Many people are content to have a God who answers their prayers, but they are unwilling to be part of God’s answer to others prayers. Our walk with God is meant to be shared. Our experiences are meant to pull us together.

In order for this to happen, Paul outlines three ingredients that need to be present.

First, in order for us to experience unity, we need to be humble.

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 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.

Look at Jesus. Jesus did not do anything with selfish ambition. He did not lower himself to vain conceit. These attitudes would have destroyed his mission. Rather, we find a tremendous unity between God the Father and God the Son.

Notice the words in verse 7, “but made himself nothing…” Literally, he emptied himself. Theologians have written books on this question. Most cults have misrepresented what is taught here. But it is not the theological debate that is important, it is understanding the attitude of Jesus.

Jesus was in the nature of God. What does that mean? You can tell by looking at the opposite. Being in nature God is not the opposite of being in nature a man. The wording is very clear here. Jesus was made in human likeness, but not, in this passage, in human nature. So what is the opposite of the nature of God? Verse 7 tells us. The opposite of being in nature God is to be in nature a servant.

So I ask you this question: What would God have to “empty himself “ of to become a servant? The answer is clear: The ability to give orders. Or, in another way, the willingness to take orders.

Before Jesus came to this earth, he gave orders. “By him were all things made…” John tells us. Jesus was the one speaking when the worlds came into being. In heaven, every wish Jesus had was fulfilled by angels. He gave the orders.

So what was Jesus like on earth? He said, “I didn’t come to do my will, but the will of my Father…” Hebrews tells us “he learned obedience…” And then he comes out and says this: 28 “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28, NIV).

That was the kind of attitude, the kind of servant Jesus was. He obeyed orders right up to death. He died for us. That was the servant. But he fully cooperated with God. We see amazing unity.

And this attitude of humble service is huge if we want to have unity that pleases God. God has been so good to us that he wants his goodness to flow out to others in humble service.

But there is a second ingredient. This is personal responsibility.

12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

God is working in you. He is working in you to make you willing to do his will. This message this morning can be used of God to help you be willing to connect with Christian people. That is what God is working on in you. And when you say, “Yes, Lord,” He will work in you to act according to his good purpose. Some of you may have said, “yes” to God, but you haven’t acted yet. But this is God’s work in you.

You need to work out your own salvation by saying yes to God. This is not talking about becoming a Christian. This is talking about the changes God is trying to make in your lives. I can’t work out your salvation, Phil or the Elders cannot work out your salvation; this is something that you have to take personal responsibility for.

Please don’t misunderstand me. God gives us pastors, teachers and others in the body of Christ to help. But they are more like travel agents. We can tell you about the trip, tell you how to get there, show you the blessings of doing so, but we can’t put you on the plane, nor can we do anything but encourage you. The responsibility rests with you.

When people are humble and take responsibility, there is one more ingredient that is needed.

That ingredient is congeniality. In other words, if there is going to be real unity, like-mindedness and all that God wants, we need to be careful about how we treat one another.

Paul wrote: 14 Do everything without complaining or arguing,

Would you agree with me that there is a difference between a healthy discussion and an argument? Would you agree with me that there is a difference between pointing out an area of weakness or an area that needs improvement and complaining?

I have heard some use this verse to say we should never disagree. But that is not the point here. Some people are professional critics. That is all they do. I take this rule as good advice. Never criticize what you are unwilling to help solve. If you have ever been around people who are constantly complaining and arguing, you are in a tough spot. I know. I used to sit in the middle seat on long trips with my brothers! Not that I ever did any arguing or complaining!

It is amazing that people of good will can often accomplish great things. But when people become the problem, when others become the enemy, when our pride separates us from others, Satan has won a victory.

And what are the benefits of this kind of unity?

15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16 as you hold out the word of life--in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labour for nothing.

You will be blameless when Christ comes. He will see your humble service. He will know that you take personal responsibility for your spiritual life. He will see your efforts at working with others. And you will be blessed.

But there will be a mutual blessing. I will be blessed as well. Your Sunday school teacher, small group leader, youth worker, parent, or friend will be blessed as well. For those who do serve in humility, who take seriously their own walk, who are trying to help others, when they see someone come to Christ, grow in Christ, live for Christ, they are blessed.

You have people in your life who have poured their lives into yours. When you walk with Christ, you bring them joy. Paul said: 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. (Philippians 2:1-18, NIV).

So today we will see the effects of Christ. We will see it in baptism. And it is our prayer that we will see it in the future of each one who takes that step today. We share in their joy. Many of you have served and ministered to those who will be baptized today. You may take a moment and rejoice and thank God for your part in their testimony.