On this Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, we again follow the message from the Apostle Paul to his friends in Philippi. Paul addresses the subject of humility and how the character of a humble person is rooted in love. Paul draws direct comparisons to the life of Jesus and his acts of humility, lowering himself even to death on a cross...and Paul asks his friends in Philippi if they might cultivate the same character of humility in their lives because it will lead them to love others as God intends for us.
Our Scripture passage is found in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians. The Scripture passage may be found by following this link: (Philippians 2:1-13).
For continuing study, reflect on these questions (found in the study guide below):
After reading the Scripture lesson, reflect on the "movement" of the text in the following verse groupings: 2:1-5; 6-11; 12-13. Consider how Paul is drawing a picture of the rejection and glorification of Jesus.
After reading the "WHAT..." paragraph below, reflect further on the pairings of "humility and exaltation" in the lesson.
After reading the "WHERE is God..." paragraph below, reflect on on the journey of Christ's suffering and His humility provides insights for our own spiritual journey, which Paul describes as "working out your own salvation with fear and trembling."
After reading the "SO WHAT..." paragraph below, consider how your own journey has led you to an increasing awareness of our need or desire to do things differently in order to be truly following Christ in our lives.
After reading the "NOW WHAT..." paragraph, consider how humility is not a weakness, but a moral and spiritual character that gives someone strength through recognition that God provides and we do not need to be filled with pride.
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