The Spiritual Discipline of Jesus
Philippians 2:5-11
Introduction
1.
The tendency to be so focused on
the deity of Jesus that we miss his humanity – Heb 2:17-18
2.
Luke tells us about his growth –
Luke 2:52
3.
A summary: Phil 2:5-11
Discussion
1.
The source of Jesus’ spiritual
discipline
a.
He was devoted to prayer and
fasting
i.
Like Moses on
ii.
Like Elijah on his trip to Sinai
iii.
Jesus began his ministry with a 40
day fast
iv. Luke 6:12 – the night before he appointed the 12
b.
He was devoted to God
i.
To speak the word of God – John
ii.
To do the deeds of God – John
iii.
In the Garden – Luke 22:42
c.
He knew where he came from and
where he was going – John
i.
Notice what Paul wrote about those
who left the faith, contrasted with those who remain true to God – Phil
3:18-19 – “our citizenship is in heaven”
ii.
The import of Col 3:1-4
2.
The result of spiritual discipline
– 2 Peter 3:18
a.
We will be a blessing to our family
– to our wives, our husbands, to our children, to our parents
b.
We will be a blessing to our
community – Matt 5:14-16
c.
We will find personal satisfaction
in our own lives
Conclusion
1.
Romans 12:1-2 as a conclusion to
Paul’s discussion of how we are saved (beginning at Rom
2.
When we have conquered the flesh
and become spiritual people we will be in a position to help others – Gal 6:1
3.
Spiritual discipline begins with a
commitment to follow Jesus, sealed in baptism