LIFE. DEATH. VICTORY. An Easter Message Series
The Jesus Story –
Philippians 2:5-11
INTRODUCTION:
A. Today we will
begin a journey that will take us to the cross and the empty tomb.
1. It is not a fairytale or horror story, though
some might disagree.
2. It is a story, that is a life, that is
unfolding right in front of our very eyes.
3. For you see, our story did not begin at birth
or even conception – it began thousands of years ago, even beyond the creation
of this world.
a.
It began in the heart and mind of God
b.
Before anything was created God had a plan that included you and me; but
even more important it included Jesus Christ!
B. In fact, our story finds itself in the midst
of Jesus Christ’s story!
1. And I pray that you will see the glorious end
2. As we go though the next 5 weeks I hope you
will see the greatness of our God
3. May the
celebration of Easter be a stepping stone for an even greater year in the
service of our One and only Great God and Savior Jesus Christ!
C. This series is entitled: Life. Death. Victory.
1. Those three words sum up what Jesus has done
for us – by his holy life, his innocent death, and His glorious resurrection He
brings victory!
2. Steven Albers writes,
Jesus lived a perfect life –
And gave that life to me.
Jesus died a gruesome death
Alone on
Jesus left the empty grave,
His might, my victory!
3. In this series we will investigate the
following topics
a. The Story of My Life
b. The Story Of My Death
c. The Crucifixion Story
d. The Resurrection Story
e. The Story Of My Victory, but
2. Today we begin with The Story of Jesus! If you read the devotional material you have
begun to look into His story (birth, Temptation, healing, and call to follow) –
this morning we continue His story
D. Our Scripture passage is found in Phil 2:5-11 Let this mind be in you,
which was also in Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in the form of God, thought it
not robbery to be equal with God: [7] But made himself of no reputation, and
took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: [8]
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient
unto death, even the death of the cross. [9] Wherefore God also hath highly
exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: [10] That at the
name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth,
and things under the earth; [11] And that every tongue should confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
1. As we look at the story of Jesus we find four
great characteristics that he exhibited, and as his disciples we should exhibit
as well
a. Humility
b. Forgiveness
c. Thanksgiving
d. Service
2. As we examine His life, lets examine our own
and see if we really are disciples of our Savior!
PRAY
We begin by looking at
I. THE STORY OF
JESUS – HUMILITY
A. Our scripture
passage makes plain that Jesus humbled himself.
1. The ultimate show of humility was the cross
2. The One who, according to John’s gospel, made
the world and all things in it, allowed the created to put the creator on a
cross of torture.
3. The Creator humbled Himself and became
obedient – sounds odd, but true – obedient to His Father’s will
4. Somebody once said, Humility is not weakness,
but strength under control – Christ was humble!
B. Ever the
teacher - On the night before His crucifixion Jesus wrapped a towel about His
waist and voluntarily began doing one of the most menial servant tasks of His
culture
1. He washed the feet of His disciples - John 13:5 After that he poureth
water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them
with the towel wherewith he was girded.
-
Interesting side note, even though Jesus knew who He was and what was at
His disposal He never let pride take the lead in His life, He never tried to
force anyone to do anything – He went about doing what God sent Him to do.
2. Though Jesus was God, and knew He was so, He
humbled Himself and became obedient to His Fathers will
C. Remember our
life is wrapped up in His - Have we learned from the Master 1. Do we live our lives with humility, or let
our pride get in the way?
2. Are we obedient, or do we try to force others
to be obedient?
Christ’s life was one of humility and this leads us to
II. THE LIFE OF
CHRIST – SERVICE
A. Jesus took
upon Himself the form of a servant – His purpose was to serve!
1. Toward the end of His ministry, two of His
disciples came to Him with the request that He allow them to sit next to Him,
one on the right hand the other on the left hand, in His kingdom
2. Mark records Jesus’ response; after telling
them the positions were not His to give Jesus stated, And
whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. [45] For even
the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his
life a ransom for many. Mark 10:44-45
B. How do we see ourselves in this world?
1. Do we see
ourselves as servants?
2. You would think, to listen to us, that we are
the masters.
a. Whining, complaining, gripping - no body loves me, no body will do something
for me, and on, and on, and on
b. Do we give the orders – do we expect things
to go our way?
4. Folks, we are to
be servants – Jesus was our example, and our life is in Him!
5. Are we serving
others? The church? Our employers? – Lets be like Jesus
The Life of Jesus – Humility & Service, but there
is more
III. THE
LIFE OF JESUS – THANKSGIVING
A. Jesus’ life was one of thankfulness towards
His heavenly father.
1. There was the
time Jesus received 5 loaves of bread and two fish (to feed 5000+ people)
a. He did not complain about how little, but
gave thanks to God for the provision
b. John 6:11 And Jesus
took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples,
and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as
much as they would.
c. He was thankful for a little, knowing God
could provide for the need.
2. Then there was the time Lazarus had died
a. John 11:41 & 43
Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus
lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me...And
when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
b. And sure enough, God raised the dead man!
B. If our life is in Jesus then it will be a
life of thanksgiving
1. If Jesus felt the need to be thankful, how
much more should we?
2. A thankful life is one filled with an intimate
knowledge of our need and gratitude for how our Savior provides! Let’s be
thankful!
The Life of Jesus was one of humility, service and
thankfulness, and one more
IV. THE LIFE OF
JESUS: FORGIVENESS
A. Ultimately His life was about forgiveness
1. His first words from the cross were, Father, forgive them; for they know not
what they do. Luke 23:34
2. Prior to that, Jesus’ ministry was filled
with folks asking for and Jesus granting forgiveness.
3. John writes of
an event involving a woman taken in adultery
a. The Pharisees wanted her stoned
b. After stooping down and writing in the sand
Jesus looked at them and said, He that is without sin among you, let him
first cast a stone at her. John 8:7
c. The crowd left leaving
just the woman and Jesus; and after a very short conversation Jesus ended with
these words, Neither do I condemn thee:
go, and sin no more. John 8:11
B. Christ’s life was about forgiveness of sin –
He died to pay the price for our sin and grant us forgiveness.
1. Should we not forgive also? YES!
2. Paul wrote, be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even
as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephes. 4:32
3. We need the
forgiveness Jesus offers us – and the receipt of that forgiveness should
encourage us to forgive others – Do we?
CONCLUSION: In closing
A. As we prepare
our hearts for the celebration known as Easter, lets ask God to help us be more
like our Savior
1. I believe the more we become like Him, the
more the celebration will be fill with meaning.
2. Let’s seek to be a people full of humility,
service, thanksgiving and forgiveness.
B. Paul wrote, Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Phil 2:5
Look at next weeks devotional reading –
Week Two: The Story Of My Life.