I remember being taught long ago an easy way to remember the theme of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. It’s all about JOY, using those letters as an acrostic. We are to order our lives in a way that puts Jesus first, Others second and Yourself third.

How do you accomplish this? As one Bible scholar I read put it “humble living in light of Jesus’ humble example”.

James 4.6

6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Reading Philippians 2.2, what is Paul hoping to see in the Philippian church? Understanding that, how does he think they can achieve it based on what he says in the following verses? I can’t wait for an answer because it is SO important to issues facing the Church today. Ready? HUMILITY OF HEART BRINGS UNITY TO THE BODY!!!

+ What is your Biblical definition of the term “grace”? How can God give us more grace as it states in James 4.6? Share an example from your life when God has done that for you.

+ A literal definition of the word “opposes” in James 4.6 is “to set oneself in battle array against a foe”. Why is God so strongly against pride or the proud? Read Isaiah 66.1-2, Matthew 5.3, Luke 18.9-14

+ So, how can one “gain” humility so as to receive grace from God?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ I read verses like Philippians 2.3-4 and I think, “This is impossible. How can I possibly live life where I put others before myself?”. Then, like most verses in Scripture, the answer can be found in the very next verse. In addition, like most verses from Scripture, you also find out it is something you can’t achieve, but has already been graciously given to us by God. Paul states here in Philippians 2 and in 1 Corinthians 2.16 that those who place their faith in Jesus HAVE the mind of Christ!!! So, it’s not a question of ability, it’s a question of desire. And the only way we can spur that desire into action is to continually submit to Him and follow the model of Jesus,

[Philippians 2.6-8]

6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Lord, forgive us for being selfish in all aspects of our lives. Strengthen us with Your Spirit to battle against the desire to put our interests before others. Thank you for graciously giving us the things we need to carry out your commands, then offering forgiveness and mercy when we failed to do so. Amen.

[Ephesians 2:8-9]

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?