Imitation of Christ

Posted by on February 17, 2008 under Sermons

The dynamic of the Christ hymn in Philippians 2:5-11 shows a downward movement and upward movement. The downward movement is the humility of Christ who abandons his interest in self for the sake of obedience and identification with humanity. The upward movement is God’s exaltation of Christ.

This becomes the key example in a set of other examples for the edification of the Philippian congregation …

CHRIST (2:5-11)
Philippians 2:4 – Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

  1. Paul (2:17-18)
  2. Timothy (2:19-24)
  3. Epaphroditus (2:25-30)

Paul (2:17-18)

  1. Poured out like wine …
  2. On their sacrifice and service
  3. Mutual rejoicing – He is glad for them and they should be glad for him.

Timothy (2:19-24)

  1. Interest in the welfare of others
  2. Concerned about Christ’s interests and not self-interest
  3. Timothy proved himself through his service to Paul

Epaphroditus (2:25-30)

  1. Brother, fellow-worker, fellow -soldier
  2. He was sent for Paul’s sake by Philippian church
  3. His mission nearly cost him his life
  4. He is concerned for them
  5. Paul sends him for their sake

Christian Maturity
“I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” – Philippians 3:10-11