Message: Philippians 2 spoke right to my heart this morning. Paul was talking about the need for humility in the church and this is exactly what I have been praying for lately as I pray for my own humility and ask God to show me what he needs me to see. In verses 3 and 4 Paul tells the church “Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” I see American Christians right now walking around with so much confidence that it has become arrogant. Christians are boldly declaring their constitutional rights above all else because we have merged our faith with our politics. This is dangerous and I think we so easily forget that the Bible has called us to lay aside our rights like Jesus did. Verse 6 reminds us that when Jesus came to earth as a man he existed in the form of God , but didn’t consider his equality with God something to be used to his own advantage. He had certain privileges as God, but he didn’t use them for his own gain or comfort. He used it for the sake of others when he healed and delivered, but he submitted himself to all kinds of abuse without rising up to defend himself. His boldness and confidence was in the truth of the gospel. Philippians 2 reminds us that when the world sees us loving each other and laying our lives down for each other they will be drawn to the church. I find it ironic that as a church we have watered down the gospel to appeal to man, but we have risen up in arrogance about our rights and personal freedoms. I see Christians fighting for the government for our moral beliefs while also living immoral lives. This is backwards and it happens because of pride. When we want all that God has promised us, but we leave out the parts that cost us we are walking in pride and arrogance. James tells us that God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. I don’t know about anyone else but I need God’s help and favor so I can’t afford to ignore the fact that my humility is what matters, and this is what will bring unity to the church. Lord, we repent of our pride and we submit our will, desires and plans to you. Show us what you want us to see and help us to cooperate with your plan and stop trying to promote our own. Show us where we are putting our own selfish desires ahead of others and where our focus is selfish and off course with your plan. Quiet the noise of our own ambitions so we can hear your voice and follow you. Let the church humble herself and bring her into unity so we can be a light to the world and attract the world because of our authentic love and unity.
