HANDOUT FOR SERMON: YOU CHOOSE YOUR ATTITUDE, Philippians 2 January 22, 2023, Manchester, TN 9:30 a.m. service
INTRODUCTION: Let us start with defining the word attitude: manner, disposition, feeling, position, about a person or thing. A tendency or orientation, especially of the mind. Attitude is very important and should be considered in reference to a life in Christ. In Philippians 1:17, Paul from a prison cell in Rome wrote about the attitude of a Christian and what it should be. “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a worthy manner of the gospel of Christ.” Later, in Philippians 1:27 Paul admonishes the Christians to “stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel”. No matter what unexpected disruptions, frustrations, or difficulties come our way, we must ALWAYS just respond with a Christ-like attitude. In Philippians 2:5 Paul writes: Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ.
Jesus maintained a perfect attitude in every situation. He prayed about everything and worried about nothing. Work hard to keep your attitude from becoming defensive or discouraged. Even in the midst of ridicule, abuse and hostility, Jesus made no threats and did not retaliate. Jesus entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:23.
Other Scripture: Ephesians 5:1, Matthew 5:16, 1 Peter 2:21-22.
LESSON:
1.YOU DECIDE AND DETERMINE YOUR ATTITUDE (DISPOSITION). Philippians 2:5-8
Scripture: Ephesians 4:23, 1 Peter 4:1, Romans 12:16, Romans 15:5.
In becoming a Christian, a child of God, the goal must be the transformation of our minds into the attitude of godliness. He wants us to grow up spiritually, to become like Christ. Romans 12:2. Christlikeness is all about transforming of minds and attitudes. It has always been God’s will that we develop the kind of mindset that is described in the “Beatitude of Jesus in Matthew
5:1-12. We are to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23 and the principles of love that are taught in 1 Corinthians 13.1-8. We strive to pattern our lives on the characteristics of 2 Peter 1:5-6. Thought to consider about ourselves: “The only disability in life is a bad attitude!”
2.BECOME CHRIST-LIKE IN ATTITUDE. Philippians 2:5-8 The gospel should be studied often and deeply for the purpose of learning how to have the mind and disposition of Jesus in us. We have an amazing Savior who came as a great example of how we are to think, react and behave in this world. The great powerful Jesus willingly lowered Himself for the good of others and to glorify God. We must have this kind of disposition. Jesus as the light of the world chose to humbly adjust Himself to interact with us (sinful, hateful humanity) in a profitable way. Jesus could have refused but He did not. Jesus the perfect one humbled enough to interact in a way that was profitable for others which often demanded lowering Himself. God the Father saw this in Jesus and exalted Him because of His attitude, behavior, and interaction with the world. Philippians 2:9. Jesus’ attitude adjustment was noticed by God.
3. DO WE TRULY UNDERSTAND & PRACTICE BIBLICAL HUMILITY?
Totally empty yourself. Can you do that? Have you really done that?
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. Have YOU made yourself a “slave to all?” Have you become “all things to all men for the sake of the Gospel?” What does this mean? Paul speaks of an attitude that will adjust to make interacts with other people, races and traditions possibly for that advancement of the Gospel (MOST OF US ARE NOT GOOD AT THIS!) Attitude adjustments must be made even if you are correct or right! Your heart will be judge by God not just your stance on something.
Scripture: Philippians 2:3-4 It cannot just be about you or me! We must take responsibility for how we impact other people. Other Scripture: Romans 14:13, Matthew 18:6 Matthew 23:13, Luke 17:2, 1 John 2:10, 1 Corinthians 8:9
Illustration: Aircraft instrument: “attitude indicator.” The purpose of this instrument is the orientation of an aircraft relative to the horizon. Where you are in relation to where you ought to be. If someone needs to move or adjust, it is usually yourself who needs to move or adjust! Jesus teaches us this. Jesus looked down on the Earth, a world full of sin, completely wrong and
misguided. He decided He would leave Heaven and come down and help us anyway!!
Scripture: Philippians 2:12-13 Your relationship with God, Philippians 2:1-2 Your relationship
with others. Philippians 2:14 Tells us why we do this. Why I am willing to “adjust”!
Do all things without grumbling and disputing! Grumble here means: murmuring, muttering, secret debate, malcontent or discontent. (James 5:9, 1 Peter 4:9, 1 Corinthians 10:10, Exodus 16:8)
4.TAKE AWAY FOR US TODAY.
• Innocence and holiness start with your heart. Philippians 2:1 Be a person who is an encourager in Christ, a comforter who enjoys the fellowship of spirit. One with a tender heart and compassion for others. Philippians 2:5 & 14.
• Do not forget the mission, Philippians 2:15. We align ourselves with the attitude of Jesus not only the rules and regulations of Jesus. I am here to help people grow closer to God and get to Heaven, not push them away!
• The Humble King is coming, Philippians 2:16. He will return and then the judgment will come. I am going to “hold fast” to the word- that is great. But if we refuse to change ANYTHING about ourselves and have NO regard for where others are or what they need, beware in Judgment as this will be addressed. Hebrews 4:12-13. The King will return looking for people who ARE like Him, with an amazing attitude, Philippians 2:3-4.
CONCLUSION: Scripture: Matthew 7:17, Matthew 25:34-36, 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 Staying rigid? Is that always the right thing? Be careful. Consider your heart, attitude and disposition. WE ARE TO STAY LOYAL TO GOD AND HIS WORD IN ALL THINGS.