Humility

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. - Philippians 2:1‭-‬11 ESV

Rev. Dwight Yoo

Meaning of humility 

Humility is not selfish ambition. There were opponents to Paul who were preaching for selfish gain. We are called to look to the interest of others. This is not telling us to self care is unnecessary, but it is not just solely about self. 

Model of humility 

Motivation of humility 

Manner of Life Worthy of the Gospel

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Philippians 1:27‭-‬30 ESV

Rev. Dan Whang

Citizens of heaven

We are to act as citizens of heaven. People should be able to look at our lives and see that we belong to God. Just like when people from other countries come here clearly stand out, so our lifestyle should reflect where we belong.

Expectation of opposition

We should live expecting opposition for our faith in God and lifting up the Bible as truth. Christians should not expect a life of utmost comfort but rather harsh criticism and even physical persecution. But this is an honor, it is an honor to share in Christ' sufferings. Because Jesus suffered not just harsh criticism, but even persecuted to death. Jesus has walked this path first. He has started the redemption of all things and calls us to follow him in the restoration of all things.

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, - Philippians 1:3‭-‬18 ESV

Rev. Travis Drake

Paul is imprisoned in jail on a false charge of inciting rioting. He has appealed to the very top, the emperor of Rome, to decide on this matter. This is a pivotal point for Christians of that day and age. Paul is a central figure of the faith and he was about to see what Rome thought of the religion of following Jesus. And in this context, the followers of Jesus dared to share the gospel. How is this so?

Paul is focused on the sharing of the gospel. That no matter what's going on, he rejoices that the gospel is preached. The death and resurrection of Jesus is the proof of our future hope. That we will rise again renewed, restored, and whole again. 

How the gospel moves thru adversity

Gospel moves not because we can do it. It isn't by our willpower. We need God's empowerment. We cannot rely on our own strength or our works. God started the good work in us and he will complete it. We don't have to figure it out. We just need to move with God. 

covet and contentment

And God spoke all these words, saying, "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's."

Exodus 20:1‭-‬2‭, ‬17 ESV

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:11‭-‬13 ESV

Rev. Dwight Yoo

God doesn't care just about outward obedience, He also cares about our inward heart. He doesn't just care about what we do but why we do it. 

The problem and pervasiveness of coveting

The desire for a house, a spouse, good things is a desire given by God. There is nothing wrong with these desires. But we are not to desire what is our neighbors. Not just their possessions, but literally anything. Their opportunities, talents, good looks, etc. We are to desire our neighbor's good above their goods. We are to celebrate their success and blessings. But it is not just a horizontal relationship problem, it has a vertical dimension. Covetousness hides a belief that we are not getting what we deserve. If we had this thing or things, everything would be complete in our lives. Scripture says that covetousness is idolatry. It is elevating these things to make them ultimate. It is an accusation that God is not dealing fairly or properly with you. It is such a small hearted thing. How ugly and shameful that we cannot celebrate when our neighbor is successful. We all struggle with this. Our culture only fans the flames. It tells us to be discontent.

The power to turn from coveting to contentment

Buddhism sees the problem of coveting and tells the followers to mute the desires entirely. But Christianity says something different, we do not seek to eliminate our desires but rather to desire rightly. To put our desires in the proper order, and placing our ultimate hope in Jesus. We are to submit our lives entirely to God. This is how to find contentment in our lives. Paul writes from prison about his contentment. He is often in need, in danger, and at risk. Shipwrecks, beatings, imprisonment. But he is content because he is grounded in Christ. How? First, being grounded in Christ takes away any sense of entitlement. Anything on the other side from hell is grace because that is what we deserve. Second, the cross points out how far God will go for us. It is our proof that God is working for our good regardless of how our circumstances appear on the surface. God provides for all that we need. God withholds things for our good. Things that we desire... For our good. 

radical truthfulness

And God spoke all these words, saying, "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 

"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

Exodus 20:1‭-‬2‭, ‬16 ESV

"Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.' But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil. - Matthew 5:33‭-‬37 ESV

Rev. Dwight Yoo

What it means

This command is specific to court/judicial setting. When you are brought up as a witness or you are accusing someone, you are to tell the truth. In this day and age, we have security cameras, cell phone footage, even DNA analysis. But Israel had none of these things. They only had spoken testimony. Speaking the truth can have life changing implications. It has corporate effects as well. Speaking lies tears at the fabric of community. It makes us skeptical and even cynical. 

How it applies

This command is more then just not lying. It means to keep to the truth in all areas of life. Jesus speaks to this in the use of oaths. There was a set of religious laws called the mishna. It outlined two types of oaths. One set that were not legally binding and the other would incur the judgement of God. These religious laws made for more complex lying rather than more trustworthy people. Those who follow God were to be truthful, so truthful that they do not need to be under oath. They do not need to swear an oath in order to speak truth. That is the radical truth and trustworthiness God calls us to.

It is unlikely that we have committed perjury. But we break this commandment in many ways everyday. We exaggerate to plead our case, to make ourselves look better. We revile those we dislike. We magnify their faults and minimize/omit their strengths. We gossip under the guise of sharing. There is no heart to reach out and engage them to help them to kill that sin. All this lying is largely driven by fear. Fear of missing out, fear of looking bad, fear of not having enough social standing or career opportunities.

How to truly live it

Liars and slanders have no place on God's holy hill. We, those who tear at the fabric of community, deserve God's judgement & wrath. But Jesus came full of grace and truth. He came and paid the price of capital punishment on our behalf. He frees us from fear. We are accepted into God's kingdom because of what Jesus has done. We have the riches of God and a place in His presence. We can live a life of giving rather than fear.

To honor in family relationships

"I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

Exodus 20:2‭, ‬12 ESV

Rev. Travis Drake

What does it mean to honor our parents in adulthood? Family relationships are complicated. Sin and brokenness is often found in these relationships, but God calls us from slavery into God's goodness.

Honoring, ancient Israel-style

Honor was hierarchical in Mediterranean culture. There was an order and structure to how honor was given. The ruler was the top of a pyramid demanding the first. Eli was accused of honoring his sons above God. God was claiming that sacrifices were his, but Eli was honoring his sons above God. God is above all. Parents, leaders, and managers... There is someone higher in the food chain than you. God's honor is always to be greater than our own. We can't claim the greatest place in our children's lives. We should not act like the only authority in our house. This command doesn't just speak to those under authority; it speaks to those with authority. We all sit under the authority of God. 

Honor was mutually beneficial. The patron-client relationship describes this. Protection was limited, so a patron provided it to clients. But the clients also honored patrons and both parties benefited. This doesn't call for parents to treat their children as clients! But it points out the mutual benefit of both parties. Honor meant that when we gathered things, it would benefit not just ourselves but also others. Good provision to children raised the honor of the parents. And good provision was, of course, good for the children. So honor is not just for you and I, but for others and for God.

Honoring our parents in light of Jesus' life

Jesus heads with his family to Jerusalem and he stays behind. Now traveling in such large family group, it takes some time for his parents to find that he isn't with them. He stays behind in the temple and that is where his parents find him. Jesus is speaking with the religious teachers and showing his good desire to be in his father's house. But Jesus at that young age, goes back with his parents. He submits to his parents authority. Jesus lets his parents exercise authority as a child. 

But as he grows older, he no longer asks Mary for advice or permission. Jesus doesn't ask Mary for directions. Jesus' parents no longer control him. So for us, submission as a child was for the child to learn and be guided. Jesus' ministry takes off, he calls himself the son of God. Jesus' family come to get him. They think Jesus is acting crazy and they go to bring him home and set him straight. But Jesus doesn't go along with them. Jesus publicly disagrees with his family. Jesus doesn't write them off. Jesus continues to honor them even as he disagrees them. Jesus calls John, the disciple, to care for his mother at the cross.

Honoring our parents in our lives

As children, we should submit to our parents. Even as children who disagree with our parents, we need to submit, even when the desires are not bad. As adults, we must continue to honor and care for our parents, even when we disagree. Why? Because Jesus did. Even as Jesus was being publicly executed, he honored his mother, Mary. So honor isn't just for when it is convenient. Jesus was the commandments in flesh. So to honor, to care, and to love our parents at all times is the command. But on our best days, we cannot muster this. Jesus doesn't simply provide the example, the blueprint. He provides the power. Through the power of the holy spirit, God can change us inside to desire these things. Honoring in Jesus' life led to death, but also resurrection. Consider that in the old testament dishonoring ones parents was punishable by death. So it is with us. We fail to honor God and our parents... And to do so is deserving of death. But for the Christian, we die with Jesus and find life & resurrection. We find desire to do what God desires. And we find honor, even as we honor others, especially.

Understanding Rest

And God spoke all these words, saying, "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. - Exodus 20:1‭-‬2‭, ‬8‭-‬11 ESV

Rev. Travis Drake

The commandments outline how to flourish with God. It is moving from enslavement to freedom in Christ. Many of us in the church struggle to understand and rest/Sabbath. God doesn't just offer it to us; He commands it.

Why we struggle to Sabbath

Why do we constantly struggle with putting down our striving? We see it as a restriction or constraint. Often it is because we think that God will reject us because we aren't doing it tightly. For others, when God command rest, we see it as an imposition of who's the boss. We struggle with keeping God as Lord of our lives. Still others may think that by keeping the Sabbath, they are missing out, falling behind, or getting less. Fears of falling behind in our lives in some way. But God has already seen this and prepared for these things. God first delivers Israel from Egypt and in that, we see that God provides. He knows that we will struggle to trust Him. That's why He rescues first. So we could know that we can trust him. We are constantly looking for ways to control the world around us. Maybe our spouse, or our career, or our parents... God gives us freedom in Christ so that we don't serve other things in our lives.

How to reorient

This command invites us to be like God. The passage points us back to the story of creation. The reason we are commanded to rest isn't just because we need rest, but God, infinite and powerful, enjoys rest. In being commanded to rest, we are invited to be like God. This is not a restriction, this is God wanting is to have more. God has this and wants to share it with us. After centuries of hardship and slavery, God invites them to enjoy things of the King. From centuries of degradation, an invitation to being elevated back to heirs of the King. This isn't an invitation to those who have it together, Israel was always sinful and slavery didn't make it better. It is for sinners like you and I. This invitation is for those who were broken inside and out. We don't need just a physical rescue, a release from our circumstances. We need a rescue from our internal brokenness, a slavery that we carry around with us everywhere we go. So this command is to put down our attempts to do what Christ has done for us. That is what the Sabbath calls us to. It calls to rest in what Jesus has already done for us. For those who believe, we are free in Jesus. That is ultimately what our Sabbath should be about.

How to live into it?

First, we are to examine. We need to look at our Sundays and see how it is different from other days. Does it look different from Saturday? This isn't a call to guilt, we will not see a perfect Sabbath in our lives until we see Jesus. But it is a call to change it, to make it holy in our lives. We need to examine our hearts and perhaps to start thinking on Saturday how we can start resting on Sunday. 

Let's do some dangerous resting. I want us to step out in faith and stop working on something that feels so important in your life. Leave that project, that striving, that thing that we are afraid to put down. Push it off to Monday. Trust in God instead. Place our hope in Jesus instead.