Philippians 2:8: Choosing humility!
Devotions this week are based on Joy in the Journey Week 4: Humility! (WATCH Full Sunday message)
The story of Jesus’ death on the cross is probably one of the most familiar accounts of Jesus’ life. The words of the Gospels play out his arrest, trial and crucifixion. What is hard to appreciate is that he chose crucifixion.
Read that again. He CHOSE crucifixion.
Jesus could have walked away from those in the garden. He put them on their backs. He chose to be arrested.
Jesus could have called down legions of angels to overcome Pilate and his guard. He chose to allow Pilate to have authority over him.
He could have laid out a strong case of legal logic and demand his release. He chose to let the pressure of the crowd and the lies of the leaders condemn him to death.
The crowd took responsibility and was willing to have his blood on their hands and their children. Yet, their evil intent did not negate the loving choice Jesus made to go to the cross.
We can understand Jesus stepping out of heaven.
We can appreciate Jesus taking on the form of a servant.
We can maybe even grasp him having to die.
But die on a Roman cross?
It was the epitome of humility.
Philippians 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself
and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!
He was not humiliated. He chose humility.
And even from the cross he chose to serve.
He forgave the ones who put him there.
He ensured his mother was taken care of.
He comforted the dying thief next to him.
He suffered separation from his Father.
He finished the work of paying for your sins and mine.
All from the cross.
Because he chose to humble himself.
Our sin deserved death. Jesus was the one who allowed himself to fall under the curse for us.
He died so we might live.
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus…”
Jesus humbled himself for us so we could find joy in humility.
Forgiving the one who harmed us.
Going out of our way to ensure a friend or relative is taken care of.
Offering comfort of the Gospel when it’s inconvenient but deeply needed.
Even…(fill in the blank).
An attitude of humility leads us to serve others, even when it inconveniences our time, takes us to places we’d rather not go, and challenges us to engage in activities we’d rather avoid.
But that’s what Jesus did for us. So it’s what we get to do for others.
Apply: Where does an attitude of humility take you today? Who is God calling you to humbly serve in a way and with the heart of Jesus?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You humbled Yourself in perfect obedience, even to death on a cross. Teach me to walk in Your humility, to surrender my pride, and to serve others with love. May Your cross shape my heart daily, that I may live in awe of Your grace. Amen.
Philippians 2:6-7: Jesus’ attitude led him to lower his altitude!
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Devotions this week are based on Joy in the Journey Week 4: Humility! (WATCH Full Sunday message) Jesus’ attitude led him to lower his altitude. To be humiliated is something done to you. To be humble or to have humility is a choice. Humiliation is an action that someone else does to lower your status in the eyes of others, usually because the perpetrator has some level of low self-confidence and feels the need to lower others to raise himself or herself up. To be humble, is to choose to lower oneself, even though one can rightly claim a position of power or prominence. Jesus was willing to take on the plan of his Father to save mankind. It necessitated an attitude of humility. Which led him to let go of his power and position in heaven to come to earth. Speaking of Jesus, Paul writes: (Philippians 2:6-7) 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. Jesus had every right to hold his position in heaven. However, he was more interested in changing the spiritual position of mankind. He did not hold onto his full divine power and go kicking and screaming to earth, but rather realized the salvation of man was more important that clinging to equality with God. So he made himself nothing. He chose humility to come to earth to serve us. The reality of this is profound. Jesus, who in very nature, was and is God chose to take the very nature, the fullness, of a servant. He had no other reason than because of his deep love for you. For all the times we cling to our status, our position, our power and refuse to serve others…he came to serve us. For all the times we seek to humiliate others and allow our pride to overcome our hearts…he chose to be a servant for us. For all the times we see a need and opportunity to serve, but think it’s someone else’s job or “below us” to act…he stepped out of heaven to save us. Jesus knew that we could not change our altitude on our own. We could not overcome the sinful nature of our hearts to join a perfect God in heaven. So he lowered his altitude to come to live and serve among us. Why? Because he knew the only way to change our altitude with God was to have an attitude of humility that was willing to come to earth to serve us. Apply: What strikes you most about Jesus’ choice to take on the nature of a servant for you? Ask the Lord to show you opportunities to serve others today! Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for having an attitude of humility that was willing to step out of heaven to come to this earth to serve us so that we might enjoy peace and a place in heaven. Amen. |
Philippians 2:5 – Watch your attitude!
Today’s Devotion is based on Joy in the Journey – Week 4 – Humility (WATCH HERE)
Zig Ziglar, the personal growth and motivational speaker, said, “Your attitude, more than your aptitude, determines your altitude.”
As a sophomore in high school, Michael Jordan tried out for the varsity basketball team—but was cut. He didn’t make it. At the time, he was shorter and less physically developed than other players.
Instead of quitting or sulking, Jordan went home and cried—but then he resolved to outwork everyone. He practiced every morning and evening, honing his skills with unrelenting discipline.
By his senior year, he made varsity, earned a scholarship to North Carolina, and later became arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, winning six NBA championships and earning two Olympic gold medals.
Jordan didn’t let failure define him. He didn’t embrace an attitude of failure, but rather an attitude of hard work and determination to outwork and out perform all his competitors.
Attitude is important.
Attitude is important to find joy in our journey through life.
The question is, “What is the attitude I am to have?”
Paul gives inspired direction: “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.”
The Greek word for “attitude” (or “mind” in some translations) refers to a deep, settled way of thinking that influences everything else—how we respond, relate, and live. It’s not about pretending to be nice; it’s about having the very heart of Christ take root in us.
Paul doesn’t say to “behave” like Jesus, but rather have the same mindset as Jesus. The reality is that when our mind and heart are aligned to Christ, the actions will follow in line with Christ as well.
Previously, Paul had encouraged: 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3-4)
Paul knew that the ability of the Philippians and for us to have this type of interaction with others could only come when our heart and mind were guided by the heart and mind of Christ.
He then continues to describe the attitude and the action that flowed from that attitude (We will explore this more as the week progresses):
6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7 but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
The attitude of Jesus is nothing but amazing. To capture it in our own hearts is nothing but a blessing!
Apply: Ask yourself: What is my attitude reflecting? Is it self-focused or Christ-focused? Is it defensive or humble? Is it entitled or grateful?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to have Your mindset today. Make me humble, obedient, and loving in how I treat others. Remove selfish pride and teach me to live like You. Shape my heart so that my thoughts, words, and actions reflect Your grace. In Your name I pray, Amen.
Philippians 2:4 – Look out…not in!
Listen to this week’s message Joy in the Journey – Week 3 (Watch Here)
Look Out…not in!
Philippians 2:4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
We live in a world constantly urging us to look out for ourselves:
Protect your time. Prioritize your goals. Build your brand. Secure your future.
While it’s not wrong to be responsible for yourself, Paul’s words in Philippians 2:4 remind us that a life centered only on self is a life that shrinks. Instead of habitually seeking your own interests, Scripture calls us to look out to see the needs of others.
To be sure, Paul isn’t saying ignore your own needs. He says don’t stop there. Don’t live in a bubble. Don’t treat your concerns as the only concerns that matter. God has put others around you so that you can put into practice habits of selfless service.
When our attention stays locked on our own problems, dreams, and struggles, we develop tunnel vision. We miss the opportunities around us to love, encourage, and serve.
Here’s what happens when we simply focus on ourselves:
- Our world becomes smaller.
- We accomplish less
- We are more anxious because we focus on what we lack.
- We miss the blessing of the support and teamwork of others.
Probably the greatest consequence is that the more we focus on ourselves, the more joy slips through our fingers.
That’s why Paul calls us to look outward — to lift our eyes beyond our own life.
This is one of the most counter-cultural commands in Scripture. Paul says, “Start living like others matter as much as you do.” Not just in theory, but in action.
“Looking to the interests of others” means:
- Noticing when someone is discouraged and taking time to encourage them
- Seeing a need and stepping in before you’re asked
- Giving up convenience to be a blessing
- Asking, “How can I help?” rather than, “What do I get out of this?”
Selfless living reflects the heart of Jesus. As we will see next, Jesus even though He was God, didn’t cling to His rights. He humbled Himself for us (Philippians 2:6–8). As we follow Him, we carry the same mindset: others first.
Looking out for others doesn’t always require grand gestures. It’s the small, intentional acts that begin to reshape your heart and impact those around you. It doesn’t take much to shift to be others-focused:
- A text to check in on someone you haven’t seen in a while
- Offering to help a co-worker who’s behind
- Choosing to listen instead of jumping to speak
- Giving your time, attention, or resources when it costs you
The great thing is that every time the Spirit guides you to shift your focus from yourself to others, you reflect the selfless love Jesus gave to you!
Apply: Look in a mirror and ask yourself, “Who around me needs encouragement, care, or help right now?” God will often use your selfless acts to answer someone else’s prayer. Imagine, you being the miracle someone else has been asking for.
Prayer: Lord, open my eyes today to see beyond myself. Show me where I’ve become too focused on my own plans and problems. Give me Your heart, a heart that notices, cares, and serves. Use me to lift someone else up today, just as You lift me up every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Philippians 2:3 – Two paths: Pride or Humility?
Listen to this week’s message Joy in the Journey – Week 3 (Watch Here)
Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
There are two paths we can walk in life: the path of pride or the path of humility. One says, “Look at me,” the other says, “How can I serve?” One is consumed with being seen, recognized, and elevated. The other is content with faithfully serving others, even if it’s behind the scenes.
But that is very hard even for a follower of Christ.
Paul writes in Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.” Nothing. Not some things. Not even the things we feel justified in doing for our own gain. He puts it plainly, pride has NO place in the life of a Christ-follower.
Selfish ambition and conceit are dangerous. Paul isn’t condemning healthy ambition. Healthy ambition strives for excellence or pursues calling with discipline. Rather, he’s targeting selfish ambition. Selfish ambition is the drive to get ahead at the expense of others, to push our name into the spotlight while leaving others behind in the shadows.
Vain conceit is a close companion. It’s an inflated sense of self-worth, a desire to be admired for who we appear to be, rather than who we truly are. It’s ego wearing a mask of confidence, but behind it is insecurity and a need to be validated.
The danger is this. Both selfish ambition and vain conceit have one focus: self.
They ask: “How does this benefit me?” “How can I be noticed?” “Why am I not getting more credit?”
Left unchecked, this mindset poisons relationships, divides churches, and steals our joy. It whispers lies that say our worth is tied to bettering others, and our success depends on others losing.
So the Spirit through Paul gives us a better way. Paul doesn’t just say “don’t be selfish,” he says, “In humility, value others above yourselves.”
Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less. It’s shifting the focus from me to we, from what I deserve to what I can give. It recognizes the image of God in others and treats them with honor and respect, regardless of status, appearance, or performance.
Humility asks: “How can I lift someone else up?” “What’s best for the team?” “Where can I serve quietly, faithfully?”
In a world that shouts “Promote yourself,” Jesus whispers, “Deny yourself.” And in doing so, He shows us that the way down is the way up. True greatness is found not in status, but in service.
Maybe this little comparison is helpful to see the contrast between being driven by pride versus humility:
| Pride/Ego | Humility/Others |
| Self-centered | Others-centered |
| Driven by comparison | Driven by compassion |
| Demands recognition | Delights in serving |
| Builds walls | Builds bridges |
| Competes | Collaborates |
The proud mindset says, “I need to win.”
The humble mindset says, “Let’s win together.”
The proud heart says, “You owe me.”
The humble heart says, “I’m here for you.”
Jesus, the King of kings, washed feet. He made Himself nothing. And in doing so, He gave us the perfect picture of humility. Paul will go on to say that we should have the same mindset as Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5).
Humility isn’t weakness — it’s strength submitted to God and poured out for others.
Apply: Today, choose one way to value someone above yourself. It could be listening more than talking, giving credit to a team member, or doing something kind without expecting thanks. Watch what happens. Humility doesn’t just change the atmosphere, it changes you.
Prayer: Father, break the grip of pride in my heart. Teach me to value others the way You value me. Help me to walk in humility, not seeking attention but seeking to serve. Give me the mindset of Christ, gentle, strong, and selfless. May others see You through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.