By Janice Hall
Overview
Scripture Lesson Text: Philippians 2:1-13
We see in these verses , there is an emphasis on selfless service, unity, and humility. Paul encourages the believers to have the same mind as Christ, who humbled himself., and became obedient to the point of death on a cross. Paul wrote that when the church was unified and sanctified, it fulfilled his joy. Paul states that it is God who works in them, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. These passages gives the believers encouragement, that it is good to imitate Christ’s example by practicing humility, meeting the needs of others, and continue the unity in the community.
Related Scriptures
1 Corinthians 12:4-13; 14:1-5; Ephesians 4:1-6; 5:15-21; Hebrews 10:19-25
In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul describes the subject of spiritual gifts, who receives them, and how and what they are used. Believers are told that particular spiritual gifts do not make them spiritual. Every Christian has God’s Spirit within him or her. The Spirit gives one or more spiritual gifts to every believer to be used to serve the church. These verses illustrate how the church is united as one body in Christ, even though the members and gifts are diverse.
When we look at 1 Corinthians 14, these verses instruct believers to pursue love, while one should desire spiritual gifts in particular, the gift of prophecy.. Ephesians 4:1-6, speaks of the new hope in which Christians have in Jesus and the unity among the believers. Ephesians 5: 15-21, teaches the believer to be wise and to make the most of their time, because the world is full of sin and temptation, and to understand the will of God for their lives. Hebrews 10:19-25 show us that because of Jesus’ sacrifice, now believers have access to approach God with confidence. These passages encourage the believer in their faith and to live with confidence, support each other in fellowship.
Practical Point
We should imitate Christ, who humbly served others.
To imitate Christ, we can look at His character traits, and strive to grasp his teachings.
The process is to reflect and learn his character of compassion, love, humility, and apply other virtues to our lives. We look at studying and applying the Word of God, to live a life that is a reflection of his teachings. Following His example, incudes daily prayer, serving others, and obeying God’s will in all aspects of life. “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ“ (1 Corinthians 11:1).
