Live in Christ!

For the past several months we’ve been going through Philippians looking at it through the scope of our Position and Privilege in Jesus Christ. Today we’ll wrap up the study with some keys to help us live in Christ.

A. Our position in Christ
   1.  Philippians 2:5ff Have the attitude of Jesus who set aside self in obedience to the Father’s will, taking our sins on his earthly body. Be humble in Christ knowing that on our own we can never achieve righteousness. Rise up above our selfish desires and ambitions.
   2. 3:20 Our citizenship is in heaven! We are to live on earth as ambassadors of heaven 2 Cor 5:20Let our mannerisms and speech be as an ambassador imitating Jesus.
B. Cultivate being like Jesus
   1. 4:1 Stand firm in Christ  Jesus, the Word of Life, is the foundation of all our convictions. My firm conviction must be based on Jesus. Take a stand, commit to making sure that all of your firm convictions are aligned with Jesus. Don’t waiver from doing the things the Spirit is nudging you to do.
Ask yourself: What would the Father want you to do?
  2. 4:2 Live in harmony in the Lord. As followers of Christ Jesus we need to practice cultivating lives of harmony – with a gentle spirit 4:5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all.
The way we interact with other Christians shouts a loud message to non-believers. Often it’s only through Jesus that we’re able to live harmoniously together.
Harmony: different notes blending together making the music fuller, richer, more meaningful and pleasant. Think of Jesus as being the root chord of a key. When we practice at being in tune with God then we will be in tune w/ each other. For music to sound pleasing all the notes played must be in relation to the Key the music is played in. Occasionally a dissonant note is played but that note is carefully and deliberately used to catch the ear, making the listener aware and think about the music. God used prophets as the dissonant voice in the attempt to get their attention and obedience.
3. 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord. Cultivate a mindset of gratitude and rejoicing – because of Jesus.
   4. 4:12 Learn to be content in various circumstances. Note, this doesn’t mean complacent. We’re constantly bombarded with the push to be noticed, stand out, accumulate stuff that is supposed to fulfill and make us happy.
C. Conclusion: How?
   1. 4:5 The Lord is near
   2. 4:13 Christ gives me strength to live in union with Him, to do the right thing.
3.  4:19 God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
              not my wants, dreams, desires but needs.
What are your greatest needs? To be unified and living in Jesus.
4. 4:23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. We can be unified in Jesus by God’s grace!