As we look at the scene in the stable we want to evaluate the surroundings into which Christ was born. In the last reading we read that Mary wrapped Jesus in cloths and placed him in a manger. A manger is a trough that animals feed from. There, in the manger, lay the God of all creation who has all the resources of the entire universe in his hands. In this reading in Philippians we see God’s purpose in that humble beginning.
Philippians 2:1-11
Christ’s Example of Humility
2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS:
How did Paul say the Philippians could make his joy complete? (2-3)
What should our attitude be the same as? (5)
What was Christ’s attitude? (6-7)
What did he do out of obedience? (8)
What was the result? (9-11)
THOUGHT QUESTIONS:
How can we have the same attitude as Christ?
What will our lives be like if we have that attitude?
What does it mean to be humble?
Why does God want us to be humble?
Why is the manger a symbol of humility?
PRAYER:
Thank God that Christ humbled himself and came to die for you. Pray that God would work that same humble spirit in you, so that you might be made useful for his work and that he would be honored and glorified through your life.
FOCUS VERSE: Philippians 2:5-7.
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.