Scripture: John 13:12-17

C.I.: The Attitude of a Submissive Mind

In Phil. 1, we saw how Paul used himself as an example – of how a Christian who puts Jesus first in their lives – NO MATTER THE CIRCUMSTANCES – will truly find the attitude of joy in this life.
Today we will learn that we can experience the same attitude of joy – when we put others before ourselves!

•  Four Examples of the Submissive Attitude, (chapter 2)

•  INTRO.: The problem in the church in the city of Philippi - was one of a lack of unity among its members.

•  This lack of unity is a spiritual problem. – It can only be solved when your relationship with God and each other is made right!

•  Unity is from within by love for God/Others. Uniformity is by pressure from outside (rules don't fix)!

•  ( vs. 1-4 ), “If there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation in love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection & compassion, make my joy complete, by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. – Do nothing from…!”

•  The problems in relationships are caused by selfishness – ( Jms. 4:1 ), “What is the source of quarrels & conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures which wage war in your members?!”

•  “Humility” is not thinking lowly or less of ourselves – it is not thinking of ourselves at all !!

•  Rules & threats don't solve unity problems (church, marriage, family, etc.) – being right w/Jesus will!

•  But is this kind of “submissive attitude” even possible?! – Paul now gives us 4 examples of it…

A. The Submissive Attitude of Jesus, (verses 1:11)

1. As followers of Jesus we should want to do everything His way. – THIS INCLUDES OUR ATTITUDE!
a. ( vs. 5-11 ), “Have this attitude in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed….”
1) Did Jesus “demand His rights”? – No! – He gave them up to help others gain something better!!!
2) Seeing it as a blessing to serve others – will allow God to bless us (instead of us using our privileges
to bless ourselves)! – I Pt. 5:5-6 , “…clothe yourselves in humility towards one another , for God is
opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. – Humble yourselves, therefore, under the…. ”

•  The Submissive Attitude of Paul, (vs. 12-18) - Greatest example (Jesus) cannot enable, it can only inspire!

1. Unless we have what Jesus had – His example for us means nothing! – Paul tells us that we have it!!!
a. ( vs. 12-13 ), “So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not in my presence only, but now
much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear & trembling; - for it is God who is at
work in you, both to will and to work for His own good pleasure.”
1) We can attain all that God desires – as we allow Him (His will) to work in our lives!
2) But for this to happen – we need to have a submissive attitude before God!

2. ( vs. 14-18 ), “Do all things w/o grumbling or disputing, that you may prove yourselves blameless… -
a. This attitude is not only seen by what it does – but also by what it doesn't do, i.e. grumbling…!
1) To be like Jesus/Paul – we need a singular attitude that puts God first (no matter the
circumstance) – and a submissive attitude that puts others before ourselves!!!

•  The Submissive Attitude of Timothy, (vs. 19-24)
Jesus & Paul as examples? Who can reach that level???! – So Paul gives to “vanilla” Xns as examples!

•  ( vs. 19-21 ), “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly… – For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will be genuinely concerned about your welfare. – For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus.”

•  Paul had to send someone of his fellow workers – rather than someone from Rome.

•  Sadly, the problem in the Roman church was much like many today. – “TOO BUSY TOHELP!”

•  Remember his earlier point, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility…”

•  Note, when we do look after the interests of others – we are also looking after those of Christ Jesus!

•  ( Matt. 25:35-40 ), “I was hungry… -‘…to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, you did it to Me!”

•  ( vs. 22-24 ), “But you know of his proven worth - that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father.”

•  Timothy is an example of the character/attitude - that Paul wanted to impart to the Philippians!

•  This attitude came from Timothy's life - spent in serving the Lord – by serving others.

•  This attitude cannot be developed by a single sermon – or even a weekend seminar. – It can only come from a life that is dedicated to God – and demonstrated to serving others!!!

•  The Submissive Attitude of Epaphroditus, (vs. 25-30)

•  Epaphroditus was a member of the church in Philippi. – They had sent him to Rome Paul with some money to help take care of his needs. – Thus, he becomes a perfect example for the rest of us. – 3 qualities he has…

•  Epaphroditus is a “ balanced Christian ” - ( v. 25 ), “But I thought it necessary to send you Epaphroditus, my brother, my fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need.”

•  “Brother” = right relationship to other believers – “Fellow worker” = right relationship to God – “fellow soldier” = right relationship to the Lord's work!

•  Some Xns get “out of balance,” all relationship & no work ( ILLUST.: “Jes us Only” ). – Others are all work but no relationship (become arrogant) – All relationship & work but no God (legalistic!).

•  Like Jesus, Epaphroditus is balanced ( cf. Lk. 2:52 ), “Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and….”

•  Epaphroditus is also a “ burdened Christian .”

•  ( vs. 26-27 ), “…he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard he was sick. – For indeed he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.”

•  He was burdened in his love for Paul. – He had heard about Paul's imprisonment – and he went to him (no matter the sacrifice) in order to served his needs.

•  He was also burdened with his concern for the Philippians – because of their concern for him.

•  Many people know things that need to be done. – Those with a submissive mind will do them!!!

•  Epaphroditus is a “ blessed Christian ”

•  ( vs. 29-30) – Therefore receive him in the Lord with all joy, - and hold men like him in high regard; - because he came close to death for the work of Christ.”

•  A blessing to Paul in his need – and a blessing to his home church.

•  REVIEW… - Mk. 16:16; Acts 22:16