Having the Attitude of Christ

In one paragraph

This message came from a Monday evening study at First B Jackson, working through Philippians 2:1-11. The focus was on what it looks like to have the attitude of Christ, and why that attitude is even possible in the first place. The passage gives both a list of things to pursue and the only real foundation on which they can stand. The session opened with Philippians 2:1-11, a passage whose heading...

Read together

1. Philippians 2:1-11 main passage read aloud in full as the basis for the entire teaching
2. Psalm 34 cited as the source of the song 'taste and see' sung before the teaching

Talk about it

1. The preacher asked why we would strive toward the attitude of Christ. What reasons from Philippians 2 do you find most compelling, and why?
2. The preacher described the items in the list, things like agreeing wholeheartedly, humility and taking an interest in others, as inseparable from encouragement, comfort, fellowship and tender hearts. Do you agree that one flows from the other? What has your own experience shown you?
3. The passage says Jesus did not think of equality with God as something to cling to, but instead humbled Himself and died a criminal's death on a cross. What does that picture of humility stir in you when you think about your own relationships inside this church?
4. The woman who shared her story talked about an overwhelming love for two people whose lifestyle she did not share, and she said it had to come from God because it did not come from her. Have you ever experienced something similar, where love for someone felt like it was given to you rather than something you chose on your own?
5. Taking an interest in someone, as she said, can be easy. Genuinely loving someone whose life looks very different from yours is something different. Where do you find that hardest, and what do you think it would take to move from polite interest to the kind of love she described?