Study Guide: The Greatest Descent (Philippians 2:5-8)
Reading
- Philippians 2:5-8
- Romans 8:5-8
- Romans 12:2
- Colossians 1:15-16
- John 1:1
- John 4:34
- John 8:29
- Hebrews 4:15
- Galatians 3:13
Warm Up
- Reflect on a time when you had to put someone else’s needs before your own. How did it feel, and what was the outcome?
- How do you currently understand the concept of humility? What are some examples of humility you have observed in others?
Scripture Exploration
- Read Philippians 2:5-8. What key characteristics of Jesus are highlighted in these verses?
- How does Paul contrast the mindset of the flesh with the mindset of the Spirit in Romans 8:5-8?
- In what ways does Romans 12:2 suggest we can transform our minds?
Personal Reflection
- What does the phrase “did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped” suggest about Jesus’ character and priorities?
- How does Colossians 1:15-16 deepen your understanding of Jesus’ deity?
- How does understanding Jesus’ humility and sacrifice affect your view of service and leadership?
Personal Application
- Identify one area in your life where you can prioritize others over yourself this week. What specific action will you take?
- How can you model the humility of Christ in your community or workplace?
- Reflect on the role of humility in your spiritual life. What steps can you take to cultivate a mindset that aligns with the Spirit, as described in Romans 8:5-8?
- Plan a way to share the message of Christ’s humility and descent with someone who may benefit from understanding this aspect of the Gospel.
DIVING DEEPER…
The Greatest Descent: A Reflection on Philippians 2:5-8
In his sermon titled “The Greatest Descent,” the speaker guides us through a profound exploration of humility and selflessness as exemplified by Jesus Christ. The central passage, Philippians 2:5-8, serves as a powerful reminder of the divine humility that Jesus embodied, providing a model for believers to emulate.
The Greatest Example of Humility
The sermon begins with a vivid illustration of Captain John O’Hagan, a firefighter who risked everything to save others. This story sets the stage for understanding true greatness as not how high we can ascend, but how low we are willing to descend for the sake of others. This theme is mirrored in the life of Jesus Christ, who, despite his divine nature, chose to humble himself for humanity’s salvation.
The Mindset of Christ
Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians is clear: adopt the mindset of Christ. This mindset is characterized by humility, selflessness, and a willingness to prioritize others over oneself. The speaker reminds us of the familiar phrase from the 1990s, “What would Jesus do?” which encapsulates the challenge of living a Christ-like life.
- Philippians 2:5: “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”
- Romans 8:5-8: Paul contrasts the mindset of the flesh with that of the Spirit, urging believers to set their minds on spiritual things.
The Descent of Christ
The speaker delves into the seven key statements in Philippians 2:6-8 that illustrate Christ’s descent:
Philippians 2:6: “Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped.”
- Christ’s deity is affirmed, yet he did not cling to his divine privileges.
Philippians 2:7: “But emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”
- Jesus willingly took on human form, becoming a servant.
Philippians 2:8: “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
- His ultimate act of humility was his obedience to death on the cross, a degrading form of execution reserved for the worst criminals.
Lessons in Humility
The sermon challenges us to reflect on our willingness to sacrifice for others:
- Are we prepared to lay aside our rights and privileges for the benefit of others?
- How far are we willing to go in serving others selflessly, following Christ’s example?
The speaker encourages believers to renew their minds (as urged in Romans 12:2) and to live a life that reflects the humility and selflessness of Jesus.
Conclusion
As the sermon draws to a close, the speaker invites the congregation to partake in communion, reflecting on the sacrifice of Christ. The act of communion serves as a powerful reminder of the descent Christ made for our salvation and challenges us to live in a manner worthy of his sacrifice.
This sermon on Philippians 2:5-8 is a call to embrace a life of humility, prioritizing others, and living with the mindset of Christ. As we reflect on these truths, may we be inspired to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, descending in humility to serve and uplift those around us.