Based on the selfless sacrificial life Jesus modeled, Christians are called to continual and increased oneness and unity as parts of the Body of Christ.

PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11 (NASB)

2 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

MATTHEW 20:28 (NASB)

“The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and give His life a ransom for many.”

REVELATION 5:11-13 (NASB)

Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.” And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.”

DISCUSSION-

1. In Pastor Jeff’s message, he likens Cinderella to Jesus. How might they be similar or dissimilar?

2. Disunity can be a major impediment within the body of Christ. How can humility be an antidote for disunity?

3. Why is “unity” such an important factor in Christianity? (see Matt 12:25)

4. Discuss ways in which we, as believers, can demonstrate unity.

5. In Philippians 2:7, we read, “rather, He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” What attributes did Jesus demonstrate that would be servant-like? (see Matt. 20:28)

6. If we are Jesus’ disciples, how should we demonstrate servanthood?

7. In Philippians 2:6 we read. “who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped…” What is your understanding of this verse? (BE CAREFUL… “form” in this verse does NOT mean a replica[not the real thing], but same as God, equality with God).

8. Philippians 2:7 refers to Jesus as “taking on the form of a bond-servant.” A bond-servant is one who willingly places himself in the service of another. How does this description fit Jesus?

9. The humility and obedience that the New Testament teaches, and that Jesus exemplified, would have been a completely counter-cultural concept for the Philippian Christians. Discuss “obedience” and “humility” in terms of our 21st-century culture in America (keeping in mind the biblical meaning and context of obedience and unity). 

10. Describe what Jesus being LORD means to you (be careful, Lord and Savior are NOT synonymous)  .    

PRAYER-

Focusing on the truth that Jesus came to serve and NOT be served… ask of the Lord what TRUE Christian service looks like and how we can serve as Jesus taught us. Then, be bold enough, with humility, to ask the Lord for new opportunities to serve in the Kingdom. 

Then LISTEN for HIS response!