1. The Model for Spiritual Unity Philippians 2:5-11 Christ Jesus …. Our Example vs.5 His Existence vs.6 Emptied vs.7,8 Exalted vs.9-11

2. The Model for Spiritual Unity Part 1 “I am not” 1.Jesus Christ our Example  Compare Isaiah 14:12 to Phil. 2:5-8  Attitude of humility  Early Christianity Some 30 years later Some 30 years later As if no controversy, an accepted fact As if no controversy, an accepted fact Bedrock of early preaching Bedrock of early preaching

3. The Model for Spiritual Unity Part 1 “I am not” 2.Christ Jesus His Existence  Eternal - John 1:1-4  All God’s attributes  Equal with God - John 17:5  Therefore Jesus is divine

4. The Model for Spiritual Unity Part 1 “I am not” 3.Christ Jesus Emptied  Kenou – emptied, no reputation 1 Peter 1:12  Doulos - servant/slave Please God the Father - John 8:29 Please God the Father - John 8:29 Do the Father’s will - Matthew 6:10 Do the Father’s will - Matthew 6:10 Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12 Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12

5. The Model for Spiritual Unity Part 1 “I am not” 3.Christ Jesus Emptied (continued)  Humility - Matthew 18:4 ; 23:12 Luke 14:11 ; 18:14 Obedience Obedience Unto death Unto death

6. 4.Christ Jesus Exalted “ For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Active verbs 1.Exalts himself 2.Humbles himself Passive Verbs 1.Will be humbled 2.Will be exalted

7. The Model for Spiritual Unity Part 1 “I am not” Looking to Jesus Not an abstract statement of a difficult doctrine Not an abstract statement of a difficult doctrine Not a controversial section Not a controversial section It is simply Paul’s argument to our hearts of Christian conduct It is simply Paul’s argument to our hearts of Christian conduct

8. The Model for Spiritual Unity Part 1 “I am not” Conclusion We will only be able to have the humility (mind) of Christ when we have a right understanding of God (“I Am”). Therefore, I (me) am not!

9. The Model for Spiritual Unity Part 1 “I am not” Application What areas of your life are you not showing humility? What is keeping you from humbling yourself before “The Example”?