Philippians - Joy In All Seasons
Week 12 - The Joy of Humility

Last week we talked about having “one mind” that is to be “centered in Christ.” One mind isn’t like invasion of the body-snatchers where the hive mind takes over. It refers to the unity that is borne out of being centered on the Gospel. There will be many places we see things differently, but we unify around the essentials of who Christ is and our salvation in Him alone. Jesus is Lord and we surrender ourselves to His grace. Looking not to our own interests, but to others, comes from a humility that understands how Jesus saves us.

There are those who believe humanity—our intellect, our goodness—will ultimately solve the world’s problems, but history shows that to not be the case. Long-standing historical hatreds and hostilities between people and nations continue to erupt. Too often, those on the outside of a conflict think the conflict looks simple with an easy solution. Our issues go so much deeper than that; it is why only what the Gospel does can bring any type of resolution.

We have a disease, and we will never treat the disease unless we can come to understand the source of our disease. We need a diagnosis and a prescription to know the true remedy.

• The diagnosis – Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit …

Selfish ambition – Some commentators think it should be translated as “a spirit of rivalry.” It is an attitude that is not governed by truth or reason, but by prejudice. It is an attitude that refuses to let thought or reason guide our interactions, and it leads to us to take everything personally. It centers itself in pride. This is why it is important to understand what God has said about us in Christ—this is where we get our worth.

Conceit – The best translation is probably “vainglory.” It means a person starving for glory. Paul says, “Do nothing out of a hunger for glory.” When the Bible tells the story of humanity apart from God, it continues to show that every human heart, in its deepest recesses, is trying to manufacture its own (worth) glory. The Bible reminds us that this comes from sin. We are starved for glory and afraid of never being treated right because of sin; sin has robbed us. The more we know that we lack glory, the more we try to manufacture it. We have to see the truth of this to get to the heart of the disease.

• The remedy – Phil 2:4-5 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus

Jesus comes and changes us from the inside out. Something can happen inside of us only because Jesus redeemed us. Jesus came and took what we deserved. He emptied Himself of His glory. He was despised. He was rejected. He emptied Himself of His glory so we could be filled. What it means to become a Christian is to surrender to Him and trust Him for His salvation and grace.

By seeing Jesus, we do not need to be petty or small; we can now have real relationships based in Christ’s love of us. That is how we live in this “one mind.” It is strength that comes from knowing that He has given us weight, a weight of the glory He had with the Father before the world began.

CONVERSATION GUIDE:

Opening Questions:
• Where are you prone to not see the inside of a conflict because you are on the outside?

• How often do you think you know the solution if people would simply listen to you?

Discussion Questions:
• How does Paul’s description of selfish ambition resonate with your experience?

• What’s the difference between healthy self-worth and unhealthy pride?

• When have you struggled most with pride or seeking glory?

• Where do you currently seek meaning in life?

• How does Christ’s example reshape our understanding of glory and significance?

• Why do you think humans naturally seek glory and recognition?

Personal Application:
• Reflect on areas where you might be seeking glory and/or worth apart from Christ.

• Consider how Christ’s humility can reshape your approach to relationships.

• Identify ways you can practice putting others’ interests before your own.

Group Focus:
• Pray for Christ-like humility in your relationships.

• Share struggles with pride and self-centeredness.

• Discuss practical ways to cultivate genuine humility.