Have the Attitude of Christ

  • Pastor Josh Smith
Have you ever found yourself caught in the web of offense or misunderstanding within your community? Discover how the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians offers a blueprint for unity and humility, urging us to embrace a Christlike attitude that transforms our relationships and strengthens our faith. Let’s explore how we can move from division to divine harmony in this message.

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Have the Attitude of Christ

Message Summary
Have you ever found yourself caught in the web of offense or misunderstanding within your community? Discover how the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians offers a blueprint for unity and humility, urging us to embrace a Christlike attitude that transforms our relationships and strengthens our faith. Let’s explore how we can move from division to divine harmony in this message.
Key Scripture
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:1-11 NLT
Additional Scriptures

5 Day Devotional

Day 1

Day 1: The Call to Unity

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-4 NLT

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

Devotional: Unity is a recurring theme in Paul’s letters, and for good reason. The early church faced internal and external challenges, much like we do today. Paul urges us to find encouragement, comfort, and fellowship in Christ, which should naturally lead to unity. This unity is not just about being together physically but being of one mind and purpose. It requires humility and a genuine interest in others, setting aside selfish ambitions.

Response Questions:

  1. How have you experienced encouragement or comfort from belonging to Christ?
  2. What are some practical ways you can work towards unity in your community?
  3. How can you shift your focus from self-interest to the interests of others?

Prayer Points:

  1. Pray for a heart that seeks unity and harmony within your community.
  2. Ask God to help you see others through His eyes, valuing them above yourself.

Day 2

Day 2: The Example of Christ

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-8 NLT

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Devotional: Jesus is the ultimate example of humility and selflessness. Despite His divine nature, He chose to become human and live among us, ultimately sacrificing His life for our salvation. This act of humility is the standard for how we should live our lives. Emulating Christ means letting go of our pride and embracing a servant’s heart, willing to put others first.

Response Questions:

  1. What does it mean to you to have the same attitude as Christ?
  2. How can you practice humility in your daily interactions?
  3. In what areas of your life do you struggle to let go of pride?

Prayer Points:

  1. Pray for the strength to adopt Christ’s attitude of humility and selflessness.
  2. Ask for guidance in identifying areas where you need to let go of pride.

Day 3

Day 3: The Power of Humility

Scripture: James 4:6-10 NLT

And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.

Devotional: Humility is not just a virtue; it is a powerful tool in our spiritual journey. James reminds us that God gives grace to the humble and that humility is key to drawing closer to Him. By humbling ourselves, we open the door for God’s grace to work in our lives, lifting us up and transforming us. This requires a sincere heart and a willingness to turn away from pride and sin.

Response Questions:

  1. How does humility impact your relationship with God?
  2. What steps can you take to humble yourself before the Lord?
  3. How can you resist the temptation to let pride take over?

Prayer Points:

  1. Pray for a heart that is open to God’s grace and willing to be humbled.
  2. Ask for the strength to resist pride and draw closer to God.

Day 4

Day 4: Living in Fellowship

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-6 NLT

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.

Devotional: Paul’s letter to the Ephesians emphasizes the importance of living in fellowship with one another. This requires humility, gentleness, and patience, making allowances for each other’s faults. Unity in the Spirit is essential for the body of Christ, as we are all called to one hope and one faith. By striving for peace and understanding, we reflect the love of God in our communities.

Response Questions:

  1. How can you contribute to unity and peace in your community?
  2. What challenges do you face in being patient and gentle with others?
  3. How does understanding our shared hope in Christ help foster unity?

Prayer Points:

  1. Pray for the ability to be patient and gentle, making allowances for others’ faults.
  2. Ask for the Spirit’s guidance in maintaining unity and peace within your community.

Day 5

Day 5: The Reward of Humility

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:5-7 NLT

In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Devotional: Peter reminds us that humility is not just a posture but a way of life. By clothing ourselves in humility, we align ourselves with God’s grace and care. Humbling ourselves under God’s mighty power means trusting Him with our worries and cares, knowing that He will lift us up in due time. This trust and surrender are key to experiencing the fullness of God’s love and provision.

Response Questions:

  1. How can you “dress yourself in humility” in your daily life?
  2. What worries or cares do you need to surrender to God?
  3. How does trusting in God’s timing help you remain humble?

Prayer Points:

  1. Pray for the strength to live a life clothed in humility, trusting in God’s care.
  2. Ask for peace and patience as you wait for God to lift you up in His timing.

GrowGroup Guide

A weekly guide to carry the conversation beyond Sunday morning.

Opening Prayer: Begin with a prayer inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your discussion, open hearts, and foster unity within the group.

Introduction: Briefly summarize the sermon, highlighting the key themes of unity, humility, and having the same attitude as Christ. Emphasize the importance of moving from offense to grace and how this can transform our relationships and community.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does it mean to have the same attitude as Christ Jesus?
    • Context: The sermon emphasized Philippians 2:1-11, where Paul calls us to emulate Christ’s humility and selflessness. Discuss how Jesus, though divine, chose to humble Himself and serve others. Reflect on how adopting this attitude can impact our daily interactions.
  2. How can we actively pursue unity within our church and community?
    • Context: The sermon highlighted the importance of unity and how internal disruptions often challenge the church. Discuss practical ways to foster unity, such as open communication, forgiveness, and shared purpose, as Paul encourages in Philippians.
  3. In what ways can we be more aware of our tendency to take offense, and how can we choose grace instead?
    • Context: The story of the church split over a minor offense illustrates how easily we can be led astray by our grievances. Discuss how being aware of our reactions and choosing grace can prevent division and promote peace.
  4. How can we take a genuine interest in others, as Paul suggests, and why is this important?
    • Context: The sermon stressed the importance of being interested in others’ stories rather than being consumed by our own narratives. Discuss how this practice can deepen relationships and reflect Christ’s love.
  5. Reflect on a time when you felt encouraged or comforted by Christ. How can these experiences motivate us to extend the same to others?
    • Context: Paul asks if there is any encouragement or comfort from belonging to Christ. Share personal experiences and discuss how these can inspire us to be sources of encouragement and comfort to those around us.

Application: Encourage group members to reflect on the GrowCard Question: “Following the example of Jesus, how will you put others first this week? At home, at work, in your neighborhood?” Ask them to share their thoughts and any specific actions they plan to take.

Closing Prayer: Conclude with a prayer asking for God’s help in living out these principles, fostering unity, and having the attitude of Christ in all areas of life. Pray for each member’s specific commitments and for the strength to follow through.

Additional Resources:

  • Encourage group members to read Philippians 2:1-11 throughout the week.
  • Suggest journaling about their experiences of putting others first and any challenges they encounter.

This guide aims to facilitate a meaningful discussion that not only reflects on the sermon but also encourages practical application in daily life.

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