Pentecost 7 - 2012: Sermon

July 15, 2012 - Sermon from Pentecost 7 Sermon: "Rejoice! How to Get Down with Christ"

Philippians 2:5-11 (Summer Series 4)-Rev. Mark C. Wagner

Intro: This passage on the humiliation/exaltation of our Lord Jesus ranks as the Mt. Everest among the mountain peaks of revelation concerning the Person of Christ: the amazing story of how the eternal Son of God stepped out of eternity into our time and place.

How do we quell the destructive forces of rising pride in human hearts? As Christ's character embodies in us, we can achieve peace.

1. He came down low to bring us up with him.

1. Jesus gave up the right to his rights. He emptied himself and became nothing.
2. Jesus then assumed our place before God and became obedient to death.
3. Jesus won the eternal position and prestige of unequalled glory.

App: Every knee bowing, every tongue confessing: Jesus is LORD! Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and praise!

2. He came to change how we experience his peace.

1. Paul describes us as those who "have the mind of Christ."
2. Paul brought a tremendous healing ministry based on Christ himself: renunciation, humiliation

App: When the normal reaction to mistreatment whelms up within us (resentment, upset, anger, retaliation) then we feel the mind of Christ pressing our will into a different attitude and an alternate path of action.

Conclusion: What appears to be the hardest thing to do (humbling yourself) comes easily when you are close to Christ. His own willingness to accept injury and insult breaks through with a global effect on our lives. We are finally at peace, with others and with ourselves.

Recorded on Thursday, July 12, 2012