HANDOUT FOR SERMON: Part 2: YOU CHOOSE YOUR ATTITUDE, Philippians 2                                                                      January 29, 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.” 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 during ridicule, abuse and hostility, Jesus made no threats and did not retaliate. Jesus entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:23.

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.

LESSON: continuation from last Sunday’s lesson

1.WE MUST RECOGNIZE WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR HOW WE IMPACT OTHERS.                                                      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

IN RELATIONSHIPS JESUS WILL HOLD US ACCOUNTABLE FOR OUR HEARTS & ATTITUDES. It is NOT about just keeping the rules and following the rules perfectly that are important to Jesus! Jesus expects us to treat others as He would and did. Take time to consider your attitude and treatment of others.

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 concept. Jesus looked down on the Earth, a world full of sin, completely wrong and misguided and He decided that He would leave Heaven and come down and help us anyway!! An attitude to help and serve others for their best!

We live in the world and Jesus expects us to be light and salt as we live here.
We can learn some things from the “attitude indicator” that is used in airplanes.
The attitude indicator measures YOU and it measures the horizon in front of me.
At some place you and the horizon will interact. We call that the landing.
If you do it right “everyone lives” if not damage is done and maybe all will die!
Attitude: is where you currently ARE in relation to WHERE Christ wants you to be!
Many people focus on where everyone else is or should be, and where everyone else is wrong or needs to improve!
Do we see ourselves as perfect and everyone else is off axis?
We must adjust to the horizon not the horizon needs to change for me!

Scripture:                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Philippians 2:12-13 Your relationship with God. We may be pretty good to please God in our connection with Him (our obedience to His rules and how we worship Him). I think most of us do try our best to adjust please God! But what about our relationship to others (humanity)?                                                                                                                                                                                                                Philippians 2:1-2, this passage is all about your relationship with others.  We are NOT so good to focus on that and work on our relationship with others. How willing are you to adjust for other.                                                                                                                              Philippians 2:14 Tells us why we do this. Why I am willing to “adjust”! Jesus teaches:  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) How well are you at this? Do you mean you never complain, grumble or gossip about others?

TAKE AWAY POINTS FOR BELIEVERS 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, your attitude and your disposition.                                                                                                                                                WE ARE TO STAY LOYAL TO GOD AND HIS WORD IN ALL THINGS.