St Mary's Church Almondsbury
To know God, build up each other as Christians, and proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord to our neighbours
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“A Life Worth Living” Sermon Series The theme of this series is that living the Christian life is a positive, life-enhancing experience. That is, how it is possible to live the Christian life positively, practically and joyfully.			Philippians 2: 1-11 ‘Do nothing from selfish ambition or vain conceit’ (v3)
Sermon 3: New Attitude - Humility Sermon Summary We started by seeing that the Christian is someone with a new heart. This change on the inside will result on changes on the outside: one of these being humility. 1. Humility is not self seeking The Bible sometimes paints a dark background to show up the light of is teaching. Selfish ambition – aims, to be self-seeking, party squabbles (ambition, following a call of God, is good). Vain conceit – empty glory, assessment ‘I am the best’. 2. Humility is emptying yourself to serve others Humility is not a false self-depreciation, cringing before everyone. It is not weakness. The pattern of Christ dying voluntarily on the cross is the way of life for his people. This is what God is like; if we are born again of the spirit of God we should act like him. I am not to stand on my rights and privileges, but to look to the needs of others. ‘But emptied himself’ (v7) The meaning of this has been greatly debated. ‘Tis mystery all, the Immortal dies’ Jesus voluntary deprived himself of the benefits of being God - he did not grasp it, but let go. However he remained fully God, ‘in the form of God’. It was self-imposed. Human - slave Hurt - suffering Humiliation – cross Christ used the glories of being God not for self-advancement, but for self-denial, for the interests of others. ‘Look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others’ (v4) 3. The benefits of humility A healthy Church – where mutual agreement and brotherly harmony prevail. ‘A community of wholeness with Christ at the centre’ ‘be of the same mind’ (v2)- thinking the same thing ‘having the same love’ (v2) – possessing the same love, God’s love ‘being in full accord’ (v2) – ‘like-souled’ This is a unity of mind emotions and will. This is much more than tolerating each other. It is actively living together the same life of God (v1). Encouragement in Christ Consolation from love Sharing in the Spirit Compassion and sympathy Both the motivation and result of unity. Humility is a tough option. Paul’s is an example of this humility - joy was in the well being of the Church (make my joy complete’), not in his escape from prison. 'A Life Worth Living' Sermons
Contact the Church Office Rev. Philip W. Rowe, Vicar of Almondsbury and Olveston with Aust The Vicarage, 3 Sundays Hill, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4DS 01454 613223		Email the Website Administrator