This week (August 31), we are exploring what it means to believe in “Jesus Christ, his only son our Lord, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.”  As such, we are contemplating that amazing event called “incarnation” where God took on flesh and dwelt among us.  For Paul talking to the Philippians (Philippians 2:1-11), who were apparently having a bit of congregational infighting, this declaration was more than just a theological statement, this is an ethical statement.  If they truly believe then they will have the “same mind” that was in Jesus Christ.

1.      According to Paul, Jesus “humbled himself” by taking on human likeness?  What does it mean to say Jesus humbled himself?  Is that different from Jesus humiliating himself?

2.      What does glory look like when seen through the example of Christ?

3.      What would our individual lives look like if we had “the same mind as that was in Christ Jesus”? What changes would you have to make in your life if you followed the example of Christ in taking on flesh and being obedient unto death?

4.      Paul is not talking necessarily to individual Christians but to a congregation in turmoil.  What do his words have to say to us as a congregation?  If we were in full accord and of one mind (and that the mind of Christ!) how would we operate differently?  Worship differently?  Serve differently?

See you on Sunday!