http://bible.com/events/49081155

Church of the Nazarene – Harrisonburg

Living The Jesus Life: Part 4

Philippians 2:5-11

Living The Jesus Life

This series is a part of our annual practice of spending time focusing on one book of the Bible. In this case, the study is of Philippians – the letter Paul wrote from a Roman prison to the church at Philippi, the first church Paul started in Eastern Europe (see Acts 16). The people at Philippi were facing the resistance of Rome but remained a vibrant community of faith.

Philippians is a letter that speaks to living life as a disciple of Jesus in 2023. That’s why we’ve entitled the series, ‘Living the Jesus Life’.

Today’s focus is Philippians 2:5-11.

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬-‭11

‬‬In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming 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 acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

-Living the Jesus Life was never intended to be only about observation. It is a much bigger a call: a call to act. To participate.

-Living the Jesus Life means participating.

-We are called to have the same mindset as Christ did because it causes us to act.

What does this mindset of Christ look like?

1. He did not cling to his privileges, and his power, and his authority (verse 6)

2. He made himself a servant – made himself nothing (verse 7)

3. He humbled himself (verse 8)

1. Choose sacrifice2. Choose surrender3. Chose humility

You can’t choose your circumstances, but you do get to choose your response (your ‘mindset’ as Paul calls it).

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: To choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s way.”-Viktor Frankl

Bottom Line:

Choosing the Jesus mindset leads to living a Jesus life.

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬-‭11‬‬

Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion. Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father.

Verses for further study/reflection:

John 1:14

Hebrews 1:1-2

Galatians 4:4-5

Zechariah 9:9

Hebrews 12:1-3

Giving at COTN

If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know:

finance@cotnaz.org

Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ!

Giving

https://www.bible.com/events/49081916

Church of the Nazarene – East Rock

Living The Jesus Life Part 4Philippians 2:5-11Living The Jesus Life

I want to welcome you back to our teaching series “Living the Jesus Life”

We are in the midst of a 9-Week series, taking a deep dive into the book of Philippians and this is our 4th study in this letter.

We have covered Paul’s initial greetings and expression of his love and gratitude for his friends in Philippi. Paul has shared about his current imprisonment in Rome- No sad stories though, all the seemingly bad things are actually turning out to allow him to tell more people about Christ.

Last week we turned from his welcoming remarks and updates to practical exhortation or instruction for the believers in Philippi. The church was under pressure from the Roman empire, those outside the church. And it seems like that pressure was starting to endanger the relationships, the unity within the church.

Paul’s first instruction for them- “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

As we continue today in Verse 5 of Chapter 2, Paul will deepen his teaching with the pivotal text in the book of Philippians. What we’ll read today is the anchor of all of his other arguments in this letter.‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭5

‬‬In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

To live the Jesus life, to be a follower or an apprentice of Christ- is to seek to have his mind.

– To speak as he spoke, to love as he loved, to serve as he served.

– To deal with disruption the way he did.- To love your enemies, like he did.

– To humble yourself like he did- To give up your rights, like he did.

To live the Jesus life, to follow after him, is to live like he lived.

For the Apostle Paul, there is an inseparable link between what we believe and how we live. You might call it the link between theology and ethics.

What we think about Christ, what we believe about him, cannot be separated from how we live our lives.

We cannot say that Jesus is Lord, then live any old way we want to. We can’t say that we believe in Jesus and continue to live in sin. We can’t say that Jesus is Lord, and continue to harbor un-forgiveness, jealousy, pride, or envy in our hearts.

To place your faith in Jesus as Lord is to model your life after his. That’s what it is to live the Jesus life. And that’s the central theme of PhilippiansDoes your life affirm you believe that too?‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬-‭11

‬‬In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming 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 acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

This isn’t just the Gospel presented in poetic fashion. It’s a call to us to live just like that.

– Jesus, by the very nature and essence of who he is, was God, and is God.

– And His Lordship, his status, he did not view as being for his own benefit.

– Rather than using his power and status for himself, he used that to serve others.

– Not only did Jesus become a man, but he also humbled himself as a man, becoming obedient, even to the point of death, and that of the worst kind

– Death on the cross. This act of humility and obedience unto death, most vividly portrays the Love of God.- God the Father has highly exalted Christ

– the vindication or affirmation of his deity and expressed love through humbling himself in service to others.

Are you ready today, to set aside what you feel like you deserve, what you think you have a right to, to live the Jesus life?

Jesus said “Those who seek to save their lives will lose it, but those who lose their life for my sake will find it”Is this the Jesus life you are living?

Remember this beautiful description of Christ is centered in a letter written to a church that was having a few challenges, experiencing opposition and pressure.

It was important they had an accurate understanding of Christ and just who he was and what was accomplished on the cross.

But he also wanted them to know that this pattern of self-serving, self-giving love, was the model for them to live their lives after.

Today in response, I want to invite you to declare Jesus as Lord of your life.

To place your faith in Him, and to model your life after him.

“Jesus is Lord”

Giving at COTN

If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know:

finance@cotnaz.org

Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ!

Giving

http://bible.com/events/49078342

Church of the Nazarene – Harrisonburg

Living The Jesus Life: Part 3

Philippians 1:27-30

Living The Jesus Life

This series is a part of our annual practice of spending time focusing on one book of the Bible. In this case, the study is of Philippians – the letter Paul wrote from a Roman prison to the church at Philippi, the first church Paul started in Eastern Europe (see Acts 16). The people at Philippi were facing the resistance of Rome but remained a vibrant community of faith.

Philippians is a letter that speaks to living life as a disciple of Jesus in 2023. That’s why we’ve entitled the series, ‘Living the Jesus Life’.

Today’s focus is Philippians 1:27-30.

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬-‭30

‬‬Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

-While most of us do not enjoy pain, the truth is, it’s not pain in and of itself that we hate. It’s pain without purpose.-Paul’s words ‘whatever happens’ is a clear indication that he has experienced joys of sorrows, blessings and suffering.-“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him” (verse 29).-It isn’t enough to simply believe in Jesus, living the Jesus life means that we are to “suffer for him”.-The suffering Paul speaks of here is given to us, it is granted, like a gift.

While it’s true that there is pain and heartache and suffering in this world because of the presence of sin, it is a mistake to say that God has nothing to do with suffering.

We are sometimes surprised by the suffering in our life.

But we really shouldn’t be based on what we read in our Bibles and on the experiences of those who have followed Christ.‭‭

1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭10

‬‬And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.‭‭

Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭18

‬‬For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭4‬‬

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭10

‬‬that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬-‭13‬‬

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.“

Those who understand God’s sovereignty have joy even in the midst of suffering, a joy reflected on their very faces, for they see that their suffering is not without purpose.” R.C. Sproul

Someone asked C.S. Lewis, “Why do the righteous suffer?”

“Why not?” he replied. “They’re the only ones who can take it.”

3 Reasons We Suffer:

1. The consequences of our actions

Humanity ultimately brought suffering into the world by rejecting God’s authority. When we choose to sin, God honors the free will He has given us, and allows us to experience consequences.

2. The consequences of others’ actions

The choices others make impacts us. Just like we can face the consequences of our actions, we can certainly face the consequences of others’ as well.

3. Because we need to grow

Growth involves resistance, and God sometimes allows suffering so we can be mature.

Bottom Line:

God does more work through pain than any other human experience.‭‭

Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬-‭5

‬‬Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Verses for further study/reflection:

2 Timothy 2:12

1 Peter 4:1-2

1 Peter 5:10

Romans 8:18

James 1:2-4

Psalm 34:19

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Giving at COTN

If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know:

finance@cotnaz.org

Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ!

Giving

https://www.bible.com/events/49078349

Church of the Nazarene – East Rock

Living The Jesus Life Part 3

Philippians 1:27-2:4

Living The Jesus Life

This series is the next in an annual practice of spending time focusing on one book of the Bible. In this case, the study is of Philippians – the letter Paul wrote from a Roman prison to the church at Philippi, the first church Paul started in Eastern Europe (see Acts 16). The people at Philippi were facing the resistance of Rome but remained a vibrant community of faith.

As we continue in our teaching series, the Apostle Paul will challenge us to see that the citizenship that matters most in our lives has nothing to do with speed traps, spring taxes, or voting

The most important thing for us to live our lives by, is not determined by our physical location, but rather our citizenship in heaven.

That’s the call of living the Jesus life. To live a life worthy of the gospel of Christ.‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬-‭28‬‬

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.

Paul has already mentioned some of the challenges he is facing, now he turns to address some of the matters that the church is dealing with.

Nothing in the letter itself explains the details of the opposition they were facing, but it seems like it was coming from the Roman empire- from those outside the church.

The word for “Conduct yourselves” is unique in the original language. It certainly has implications of how we live and act. But, in the original language it also includes how people conducted themselves as citizens of a particular state.

So, Paul makes a play on that idea here- He implies that they should live like a colony of heaven. What should shape how they live is their relationship to heaven through Christ.“Conduct yourselves like heaven, right here on earth!”

With that focus, Paul anticipates that several things will be true of their lives together-That they will stand firm in The Spirit

That they will strive together

That they will not be afraid‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭29‬-‭30

‬‬For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Paul doesn’t want his friends to think that they have done something wrong because opposition has arisen, or because they are facing challenging times.

In fact, as he writes from a Roman prison, Paul wants them to know that suffering for Christ, is a sign, a gift of living the Jesus life.

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭4‬‬

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in 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 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.

Have the same mind, focused on the kingdom of God- strive together

Don’t allow selfish desires to veer you off course- Unity can breakdown strongholds and dispel fear, but selfishness destroys the work of God.

Friends the vision of Living the Jesus Life that Paul had from a roman jail nearly two thousand years ago, is still the call to live the Jesus life today.

To live by the heavenly code- by the values and ethics of the Kingdom of God.

As you think about your life today- What citizenship does your life reflect?

Giving at COTN

If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know:

finance@cotnaz.org

Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ!

Giving

https://www.bible.com/events/49072923

Church of the Nazarene – Harrisonburg Living The Jesus Life: Part 2

Philippians 1:19-26

Living The Jesus Life

This series is a part of our annual practice of spending time focusing on one book of the Bible. In this case, the study is of Philippians – the letter Paul wrote from a Roman prison to the church at Philippi, the first church Paul started in Eastern Europe (see Acts 16). The people at Philippi were facing the resistance of Rome but remained a vibrant community of faith.

Philippians is a letter that speaks to living life as a disciple of Jesus in 2023. That’s why we’ve entitled the series, ‘Living the Jesus Life’.

Today’s focus is Philippians 1:19-26.‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬-‭26

‬‬for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

The end brings clarity.

As Paul writes in this next part of chapter 1, he is reflecting on his life and his possible death (remember, he is writing from a Roman jail).

His life could end at any moment and the end, at least the thought of end, brings incredible clarity.

-Paul might be facing his death any moment now, and with that he declares that He wants Christ to be exalted no matter what, whether by life or by death.

-The focus of this passage is on these 8 words in verse 21: “to live is Christ and to die is gain”.

1. To live is Christ-Paul found His true life in Christ. Eternal life but also life today.

-Paul’s source of joy (a theme throughout Philippians) is Christ. It is safe to say that Paul’s life found its ultimate meaning in Christ. So, if Paul lives, he gets to live serving and pleasing Christ.

-His life IS Christ, to live IS Christ.

2. To die is gain

-We fear death. To us, death seems like the end. But since Paul finds ultimate meaning in Christ and in relationship with Him, then death is just the end of this life, but the doorway to eternal life with him.

-His ultimate concern and most precious possession, both now and forever, is Christ and his relationship with Him.

-If He lives, that’s great because He lives for Christ. If he dies, that’s even better! Paul is in a no-lose situation.

“Some day you will read in the papers that D. L. Moody, of East Northfield, is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it! At that moment I shall be more alive than I am now.”

D.L. Moody

The question Philippians 1:21 asks of us is this: who is Lord?

Bottom Line:

Living the Jesus life means that your life is in His hands, one way or the other.

Verses for further study/reflection:

John 15:13

1 John 3:16

Luke 9:24

2 Corinthians 5:15

Giving at COTN

If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know:

finance@cotnaz.org

Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ!

Giving