A Thankful Life - Examples

Sunday, November 24th 2013, I preached part 2 of the Courageous Church series "Thankful".  It was a family day for the church, meaning that there was no childcare... meaning all the kids joined us for these service... All of them.  Don't get me wrong, it was a special day and the low roar of kids whispering and their parents trying to get them to settle down is like a beautiful song for our growing church.  But it also meant that 15 minutes before I was ready to be done, I sensed that the kids had given me all the attention they could... the wiggles were about to win, the ants had reached the pants, the "mommy, mommy, mommy" has started, so I wrapped up.  What I left out was the 4 examples that Paul gives us to living a "Thankful Life."  What you will find here is a brief glimpse into those 4 examples.  I encourage you to go back and listen to the "Thankful" series podcast.  They can be found at www.CourageousChurch.com.

Thankful Life - Examples from Philippians 2

When Paul wrote, he was very deliberate in how he structured his letters and didn't do things just because.  The beginning of Philippians 2, Paul tells us that we are unified with Christ and because of that unity that we should have the same mindset as Christ, that we should think like Jesus (verse 1 & 5).  That mindset/thinking is to humbly treat others as better than yourself (verse 3).  Paul then goes on to give us 4 examples that kind of humility.

1.  Jesus Himself - Philippians 2:6-11

Jesus is God.  A simple, true, LOADED statement.  Jesus being God means He didn't have to.  He didn't have to become human, He didn't have to be born, He didn't have to grow up in a poor village (if it had of been be I would have at least chosen a time when the amenities we comfortable and the food was delicious), He didn't have to be tempted by Satan like no one else ever has for 40 days, He didn't have heal people, He didn't have to betrayed, He didn't have to be beat-up, He didn't have to stand trial, He didn't have to have nails driven through His hands, He didn't have to hang mostly naked on a cross...  He didn't have to!  But He did.  Why? 
- Because Jesus consider you better than Himself. 

2.  Paul (himself) - Philippians 2:17

Paul had spent time in Philipi, he taught the Philippians about Jesus and how to live out their faith with fear and trembling (verse 12).  Paul was so proud of the people of Philipi, he called them stars shining in a dark universe (verse 15).  But for teaching Christ, not only in Philipi, but in Caesarea, Antioch, Tarsus, Ephesus and in the other places his travels took him, Paul is imprisoned and will eventually die.  Why did he continue to teach Christ and Christ crucified everywhere he went even thought he new that he would be punished? 
- Because Paul considered others better than himself.

3.  Timothy - Philippians 2:20

Timothy was Paul's protégé.  Look how Timothy is described. he takes "a genuine interest in" others.  Paul specifically tells of the want to send Timothy because of him having the mind of Christ.

- Because Timothy considers others better than himself.

4.  Epaphroditus - Philippians 2:26

Epaphroditus was sent by the Philippians to Paul to take care of him while he is in prison.  While with Paul, Epaphroditus gets sick.  Epaphroditus is distressed... But why?  Not because he is sick, but because the people in Philipi heard he was sick.  Ephroditus was distressed because he didn't want them to worry about his illness.  He is thinking of the Philippians not himself.  It is the sign of someone who is humble...
- Because Epaphroditus considers others better than himself.

Christ is the major example here, its his attitude we should have, its Jesus mind we get when we follow Him.  But Paul takes the time to show us others, who in their everyday life have put others before themselves.  It is an attitude, its a way of thinking and if you are a believer then this should be your attitude.  To consider others better than yourself.

To find out more about Courageous Church go to www.CourageousChurch.tv.