Sermon Reflections from Citizens of Joy: Joy in Humility | Alex Hardt | July 14, 2024
It is good to return from vacation as hopefully one has a clearer mind and renewed energy for the tasks ahead. The sermon this week was a breath of fresh air. The subject of JOY always is welcome and the topic of humility always calls us to greater challenges within our walk with Christ. Pastor Alex covered the fleetingness of personal goals and ambitions. We need those in life for sure, but we need them in balance with our receptiveness to the goals God has set for us and His purpose for our lives. Philippians 2:1-4 speaks of living beyond our natural selves, putting aside or putting off our old nature and embracing a life of love, dedication and service towards others. Paul speaks to us about having a ‘like mind’ with Christ. He is the only one who was able to live a dedicated life of service so He is our ultimate example. I love Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” God desires that we walk in unity with Christ so that our old natures are subject to Him and that we can be productive towards others. Philippians 2:3-4 explain to us what a life lived in ‘like mind’ to Christ is: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Thankfully, God unites with us through Jesus to produce this like-mind in us! Our unity with Christ makes all this possible.
In Philippians 2:5-8 Paul explains to us the example we have before us in Christ. We can look upon his actions, thoughts, dedication and devotion and have them before us to emulate. In human terms we do this all the time as we live our lives and seek to pattern our lives after those that mentor us. Since our mentors are human, we cannot take all of them as well-meaning but significant others in our lives teach us how to love, speak with tact, cherish others, build relationships, etc. Christ can do all this and more. Seeking to pattern ourselves after or towards Christ is our goal as Christians. Why do we do this? It is human nature to seek examples, mentors and friends to look up to and strive towards. Making sure that Christ if our central example is necessary for a healthy life centered on Him.
God’s work in us – this application of humility and like-mindedness transform us into workers dedicated to God. It allows us to serve others like Timothy with kindness and love. He was dedicated to the Lord and desired that other live their lives to the fullest. Epaphroditus was another example of servanthood who brought joy to those with whom he served.
Pastor Alex’s sermon leaves us with some lingering questions that we need to resolve in our own lives. Do I seek to live with a like-minded attitude devoted to Jesus? Does this union with Jesus result in Humility of spirit and actions? One way to answer this is to see if you have some of the benefits scriptures tells us come with being humble.
First of all one needs salvation. Psalm 149:4 “For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation.” Knowing the Lord Jesus as your savior gives you the ability to put on a humble spirit. The rest of the benefits are in no particular order:
Rest for your soul- Matthew 11:29 “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Taking on the likeness of Christ’s humility brings rest to our souls.
Wisdom –Proverbs 11:2 “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”
Guidance and teaching - Psalm 25:9 “He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.”
Grace or unmerited favor from God - Isaiah 66:2 “All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord.But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.”
Exaltation from God- Matthew18:4 “ Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
As you reflect on the joy of humility in your own life, may you see anew the great benefits we have as followers of Christ. He blesses us each and every day. That brings untold JOY! Live out our memory verse from Philippians 4:4 this week: “ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
Linda
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