Being Like Jesus

Philippians 2: 1-11

Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.                                                                                                        Phil 2: 2-4

1.  Be Like-minded

‘Stop thinking just about yourself!’ says Paul. Some people do seem preoccupied with themselves. I expect you’ve met them. “Hello, how are you?” you ask and they begin to tell you all about themselves and what’s happening in their world but never stop to genuinely ask how you are. They demonstrate no interest in you as a person. In contrast Paul tells his friends to ‘count others [or consider others] more significant then yourselves’

He is instructing his friends to be like Jesus. Count others more significant than yourselves.

Consider the value of others greater than that of yourself! Think about others!

Even as he was dying on the cross Jesus was thinking of others. He asks John, his dear friend, to look after his mother. He listens to the plea of a criminal hanging next to him and welcomes him into his kingdom. As they drive the nails into his body he asks His Father to forgive them. Always thinking and caring for others. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others, writes the apostle.

Being like Jesus includes thinking like him. If each of us in DFC were so like-minded then how our church would thrive with love, care and growth. And the community where we live would also reap the benefit.

2.  Have the Same Love

They were seeing agape love – unselfish, sacrificial love – in action. For true love can only be seen by the action it prompts. This is the love that has changed the heart of every genuine follower of Jesus Christ. It has changed us from inside out and we want this love to flow out to others. ‘You have experienced the love of God,’ Paul is saying, ‘now have that same love for one another.’ Let God demonstrate His kindness and concern for others through YOU!

Having this same love transforms a community. Becoming more unselfish, becoming like Jesus, causes us to have an attitude that gives rather than grabs, that looks for ways to serve rather than being served. Are you one that 'grabs the towel' when something needs doing?

Jesus said But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,  and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,  even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.                   Matt 20: 26-28

Be One in Spirit and Purpose

Together we can achieve so much more than any one of us can on our own. Our unity springs from God’s love shed abroad in our hearts affecting the way we think, relate, love and serve each other. This overspills into our witness to the world and motivates us to share the gospel with those in our community who don’t know Jesus. We are together on a mission

Paul commends the Philippians for their working with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,  and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.                    1: 27,28

Make sure you are playing your part in our team in reaching out to others with the gospel. Be one with us in Spirit and purpose. Let’s enjoy being on a mission together, serving our Master side by side.