The Example of Christ

I. THE EXAMPLE OF HIS LOVE (Philippians 2:1-2)

A. The Perfect Example (Philippians 2:1)

1. The consolation in Christ (Romans 15:5; 2 Thessalonians 2:16)
2. The comfort of love (2 Corinthians 1:3-5; Colossians 2:2)
3. The fellowship of the Spirit
4. The bowels and mercies (Philippians 1:8; Colossians 3:12; Philemon 1:7, 12, 20; 1 John 3:17)

B. The Desire for the Saints (Philippians 2:2)

1. The desire for Paul
a. For his joy to be fulfilled
b. The apostle’s joy was associated with the people of God
1.) He joyed with the Philippians (Philippians 2:17-18)
2.) The people of God were his joy (Philippians 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20)
2. The desire for the Philippians
a. That they be likeminded, having the same love
b. That they be of one accord, of one mind
c. This was a chief desire for the New Testament church (1 Corinthians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Ephesians 4:2-3; Philippians 4:2; Colossians 2:2; 1 Peter 3:8).

II. THE EXAMPLE OF HIS HUMILITY (Philippians 2:3-7)

A. The Twofold Nature of Humility (Philippians 2:3, 7)

1. Esteem others better than yourself (Philippians 2:3).
2. Make yourself of no reputation (Philippians 2:7).

B. The Admonition to the Saints (Philippians 2:3-5)

1. Consider your motives (Philippians 2:3).
2. Esteem others better than yourselves (Philippians 2:3-4).
a. Through lowliness of mind (Philippians 2:3)
b. By looking on the things of others (Philippians 2:4, 19-21)
3. Let the mind of Christ be in you (Philippians 2:5).

C. The Perfect Example (Philippians 2:6-7)

1. His form by nature (Philippians 2:6)
a. He was in the form of God (John 1:1-14; 1 Timothy 3:16).
b. He was equal with God.
1.) Equal in creation (John 1:3; Genesis 1:1)
2.) Equal in His work (John 5:16-18)
3.) Equal in life (John 5:26)
4.) Equal in eternal existence (John 8:56-59; Exodus 3:14)
5.) Equal in power (John 10:27-33)
6.) Equal in glory (John 17:5)
7.) Equal in receiving worship (John 20:27-29)
2. His form by choice (Philippians 2:7)
a. He made Himself of no reputation.
b. He took upon Him the form of a servant.
c. He was made in the likeness of men.

III. THE EXAMPLE OF HIS SACRIFICE (Philippians 2:8)

A. The Nature of the Sacrifice

1. He was “found in fashion as a man.”
2. He humbled Himself.

B. The Call of the Sacrifice

1. He “became obedient unto death.”
2. “Even the death of the cross”