Philippians 2:1-11 The way up is Down

Philippians 2:1-11 The way up is Down

Presidential races

Old songs like “have thine own way Lord’…….
Newer songs like “Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me……
express the desire to be used by God. And we want to be used by God in some significant way.
In this passage Paul tells us of the strange shaped spiritual ladder.

1.       The desire for significance
a. vs 9-11 part of the glory
b. touchdown pass, a scoring kickoff return, or the winning field goal
c. in our hearts we want to be used by God, important to the kingdom
d. how do we get there? THEREFORE

2.       The same mind as Jesus
a. vs 1&2 same mind and same love as Jesus
b. vs 5 This mind which is in Christ Jesus

3.       What mind
a. vs 3 selfish ambition
b. conceit
c. humility
d. count others as more important than self
e. other interests not self-interests
f. emptied himself, humbled himself, obedient even to death.

Do you want your life to have meaning, accomplish something great for God? Remember on God’s ladder of success the way to the top is down. The way to be exalted is to humble yourself in service. To save your life you must give it up. For the way up is following Jesus, down.