Our Horizontal Expressions of the Gospel Our Vertical Experiences of the Gospel

1. Our Vertical Experiences of the Gospel Philippians 2:1 Therefore 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,

2. Our Horizontal Expressions of the Gospel Philippians 2:2-4 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

God's Parabola Principle for Our Lives Phil. 2:5-11

Philippians 2:5-11 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! 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.

God's Parabola Principle for Our Lives:

Eternity Past Christ's eternal glory Eternity Future Christ's eternal glory Christ's Condescension Christ's Exaltation Christ's Death on the Cross

God's Parabola Principle for Our Lives: Self-important position God valued Position Self-denial Servant attitude God's Exaltation Self-Sacrifice

1. Christ's Condescension Philippians 2:6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, Self-Asserting vs. Self-denying Why? For the greater purpose of God! How? Trusting in God's identity for Him!

1. Christ's Condescension Philippians 2:7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. Self-Serving vs. Self-Emptying Why? To show the values of the Kingdom of God! How? Trusting in God's purpose for Him!

1. Christ's Condescension Philippians 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Self-Preservation vs. Self-Sacrifice Why? For our salvation and our example! How? Trusting in God's love for Him!

2. Christ's Exaltation 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.

3. Christ's Implication: Self-asserting vs. Self-denying God valued Position Self-serving vs. Self-emptying God's Exaltation Self-preservation vs. Self-Sacrifice

3. Christ's Implication: Luke 14:11 "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Matt 20:26-28 "... whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Lord Jesus, help me to live this out this week!