"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness." Philippians 2:5-7.
"Presenting Christ as He was when equal with God and with Him receiving the homage of the angels, the apostle traced His course until He had reached the lowest depth of humiliation. Paul was convinced that if they could be brought to comprehend the amazing sacrifice made by the Majesty of heaven, all selfishness would be banished from their lives."—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 333.
You can put self aside by looking constantly to Christ! You can honor Him in unselfish ministry! You can help others find hope and salvation!
Christ laid aside His heavenly glory and humbled Himself as a servant, becoming obedient to death, "even the death of the cross." Philippians 2:8. Why? So that He might lift the fallen human race from sinful degradation and restore the repentant to His likeness.
In this lesson you will discover—
THE UNSELFISH ATTITUDE
1. What is the proper attitude of one who truly serves or ministers? Philippians 2:5-7.
Philippians 2:5-7 (NIV) Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 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.
2. What must we guard against in Christian ministry ? Philippians 2:3.
Philippians 2:3 (NIV) Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
3. How does Paul encourage the blending of personal interests with concern for others? Philippians 2:4.
Philippians 2:4 (NIV) Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
4. What is the true motive of Christian service? Galatians 5:13.
Galatians 5:13 (NIV) You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature ; rather, serve one another in love.
5. Where is the source of love which compels to genuine ministry? 2 Corinthians 5:14, 15.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (NIV) For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15) And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
6. What does this love lead Christians to do? Romans 12:10-13.
Romans 12:10-13 (NIV) Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11) Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12) Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13) Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
7. Where is self put in relationship to Jesus Christ? 2 Corinthians 4:5.
2 Corinthians 4:5 (NIV) For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.
8. How did Paul express the apostles' sharing experience? 1 Thessalonians 2:7, 8.
1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 (NIV) but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. 8) We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.
9. In whose power is the gospel to be shared? 1 Corinthians 2:3-5.
1 Corinthians 2:3-5 (NIV) I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4) My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 5) so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.
10. How did Paul recognize his authority as well as his lack of self-importance? 2 Corinthians 12:11.
1 Corinthians 12:11 (NIV) All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
11. How does Paul describe his own ministry? 1 Corinthians 2:1, 2.
1 Corinthians 2:1-2 (NIV) When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2) For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
12. What does the Bible say about encouraging one another in personal ministry? Hebrews 10:24, 25.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25) Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
AN AVENUE OF MINISTRY
Adventurer And Pathfinder Clubs
Adventurer Club with six levels for children ages 4-9 provides the opportunity for parents to learn and grow with their children. Using arts & crafts, outdoor activities, camping & field trips, and by providing the chance for children to engage in community service projects etc, the club experience will enhance their natural abilities as well as open their eyes to a wider world view.
The Adventurer Club provides fun and creative ways for children:
1. to develop a Christ-like character;
2. to experience the joy and satisfaction of doing things well;
3. to express their love for Jesus in a natural way;
4. to learn good sportsmanship and strengthen their ability to get along with others;
5. to discover their God-given abilities and to learn how to use them to benefit self and serve others;
6. to discover God's world;
7. to improve their understanding of what makes families strong;
8. to develop parental support for the training of children.
The Pathfinder Club in the Adventist Church provides a character-building program of various activities for boys and girls between 10 and 15 years of age. Classes are conducted which promote skills, crafts, and nature study, along with outdoor living in the camping season. The Pathfinder Fair and Camporee are annual events with exhibits, demonstrations, and parades.
This program emphasizes the happy association of adults with children in mutually enjoyable projects. Club organization includes a uniform, club flag, and ceremonies. Each club is divided into units of six to eight boys or girls with adult counselors or instructors. Pathfinder clubs aim to help each member become a sincere Christian— trustworthy, resourceful, and compelled by a sense of mission. Those interested in volunteering to help such a club should contact the Pathfinder leader or pastor.
Unless otherwise designated, scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION�. Copyright � 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.