Introduction:
A. We live in a world of both unparalleled prosperity and extreme poverty.
B. It is easier to go from poverty to prosperity than from prosperity to poverty.
C. We want to be like the Master we serve (2 Cor. 8:9).
D. Our text reveals four characteristics of Jesus we must incorporate into our daily lives.
I. Unselfish love (Ph. 2:5-6)
A. Jesus demonstrated selfless love (Ph. 2:1-4).
B. How did Jesus show His selfless love? (Jn. 1:1, 14; Col. 2:9; Hb. 4:14; 5:8-9; Jn. 5:30).
C. How does Christ’s selfless love impact the body of Christ? (Rm. 12:10).
II. Service-Oriented (Ph. 2:7)
A. Jesus took the form of a servant (Mt. 20:28; Jn. 13:14-15).
B. General George B. McClellan
C. How often are we slighted because our ego gets in the way?
III. Sacrificial (Ph. 2:8)
A. Ministry costs us something (2 Sam. 24:24).
B. Jesus became obedient to the point of death (Gal. 3:13; 2 Cor. 5:21).
C. Love demands everything.
IV. God-Glorifying (Ph. 2:9-11)
A. Jesus glorified God in life and death (Jn. 17:1; Mt. 23:12).
B. If we would be exalted, we must humble ourselves to God (1 Pet. 5:6).
C. Our lives must glorify God.
Conclusion:
A. Jesus paid it all.
B. Accept the challenge to live beyond yourself!