LOOKING AT YOURSELF THROUGH THE EYES OF CHRIST

Philippians 2:1-4 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, then make my joy complete by being like- minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing vout of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:5-8 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross!

Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

I. When You Look at the Church – v1-4

A. The Church is worth looking at. I. When You Look at the Church

B. One of the biggest problems the church sees is disunity. I. When You Look at the Church

B. One of the biggest problems the church sees is disunity. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. – v3 1. Selfish ambition ( ἐ ριθείαν ) = “party making, trying to get others to agree you you. I. When You Look at the Church

B. One of the biggest problems the church sees is disunity. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. – v3 Philippians 1:15 - It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. I. When You Look at the Church

B. One of the biggest problems the church sees is disunity. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. – v3 2. Vain conceit ( κενοδοξίαν ) = “Empty glory”, pride. I. When You Look at the Church

B. One of the biggest problems the church sees is disunity. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. – v3 Galatians 5:16 - Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. I. When You Look at the Church

B. One of the biggest problems the church sees is disunity. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. – v3 3. Humility ( ταπεινοφροσύν ῃ ) = humbleness of mind. I. When You Look at the Church

B. One of the biggest problems the church sees is disunity. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. – v3 Ephesians 5:21 – Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Galatians 6:2 - Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. I. When You Look at the Church

C. The first priority in the church needs to be unity. 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... – v1 I. When You Look at the Church

C. The first priority in the church needs to be unity. 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... – v1 1. The Church has only one head – Lord Jesus! I. When You Look at the Church

C. The first priority in the church needs to be unity. 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... – v1 2. Because of our relationship to Christ, we are to be united! I. When You Look at the Church

C. The first priority in the church needs to be unity. 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... – v1 3. Because of His love for us, we are to comfort one another. I. When You Look at the Church

C. The first priority in the church needs to be unity. 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... – v1 4. Because of His Holy Spirit, we are to share with one another. I. When You Look at the Church

I. When You Look at the Church – v1-4 II. When You Look at Yourself – v5-8

A. Your goal is to follow the Lord’s example! I John 2:6 - Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. II. When You Look at Yourself

B. Strive to be humble. I John 2:6 - Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. Matthew 11: Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” II. When You Look at Yourself

B. Strive to be humble. I John 2:6 - Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. – v6-7 II. When You Look at Yourself

B. Strive to be humble. I John 2:6 - Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. – v6-7 II. When You Look at Yourself

C. Strive to be obedient. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! – v8 II. When You Look at Yourself

C. Strive to be obedient. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! – v8 Matthew 26:53 - Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? II. When You Look at Yourself

C. Strive to be obedient. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! – v8 How has your obedience been lately? I Peter 2:21 - To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. II. When You Look at Yourself

C. Strive to be obedient. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! – v8 How has your obedience been lately? Matthew 16:24 - If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. II. When You Look at Yourself

I. When You Look at the Church – v1-4 II. When You Look at Yourself – v5-8 III. When You Look at Your Future – v9-11

A. You will see a glorious Lord! III. When You Look at the Future

A. You will see a glorious Lord! Matthew 24:30 – “At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. Titus 2:13 – while we wait for the blessed hope — the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ... Acts 1:11 – “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Hebrews 9:28 - so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. III. When You Look at the Future

A. You will see a glorious Lord! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. – v9-11 III. When You Look at the Future

B. When you follow His example, He has promised to exalt you! Matthew 23:12 - For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. III. When You Look at the Future

B. When you follow His example, He has promised to exalt you! Matthew 23:12 - For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Parable of the Pounds Luke 19:11-27 III. When You Look at the Future

B. When you follow His example, He has promised to exalt you! Matthew 23:12 - For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Parable of the Talents Matthew 25:14-30 Matthew 25:23 - Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness! III. When You Look at the Future

Look at the church, yourself & the future realistically through the eyes of Christ. See how important: the church is, you are & your future is.