Bible Study
Don’t just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Philippians 1:27–2:4; Luke 18:9–14.
Sermon Outline
Paul’s message to the Philippians had clear political shades—his gospel, about the resurrected king of David’s line, showed that Caesar was a pretended. The Philippians were to be encouraged that the defining order of their lives was not to be the greasy ladder of Roman social mobility, suspended under Caesar, but the fellowship in Christ and the Holy Spirit that unites the church. The radical implications of this message are sometimes lost on affluent modern westerners, who understand little of the pressures of social exclusion in the ancient world. But what if Paul’s message challenges us where it really counts—our desire for an identity and purpose defined by “me and me alone”?
Sermon Application
Can you identify with what Rieff says about the “psychological man”—the person who finds his/her sense of self by looking inward? How does this passage challenge such an approach to life?
If you know and love the Lord Jesus: do you identify more with the “scrawny saint” or the “beefy believer”? Which of the two—Paul’s encouragement or warning—might you need to remember this week?
Do you sometimes find yourself “canvassing for public opinion”? Are there traces of rivalry or self-justification in your relationships with others?
Do you frequently operate out of a desire for attention, affirmation, and applause? Perhaps using a journal—so that you can record God’s faithfulness later—repent of these things. Ask God for His help.
What concrete, little expressions of humility can you practice this week towards other members of our church family with whom you have nothing in common but Christ and the Spirit?
What do you find yourself thinking about when you are alone, or when you are with the people you love most? Is it possible that this flows from a desire to attain some identity and purpose and comfort, apart from Christ?Sermon Series
Our fall sermon series is on Paul’s letter to the Church in Philippi. As we go through Philippians, you may want to consult the following commentaries for personal Bible study.
NIV Application Commentary: Philippians by Frank Thielman
New International Commentary on the New Testament: Paul’s Letter to the Philippians by Gordon FeeQuestions?
Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Sam Fornecker ([email protected]).