The Mind of Christ: Embracing the Spirit of Service and Sacrifice

Trevor S. Ferguson

February 25, 2012

Philippians 2:5-11 (KJV)
⁵ 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.

INTRODUCTION

The world today is largely driven by a self-centered philosophy. People are primarily concerned about their own interest and often will help others only to the extent that they perceive some ultimate benefit to themselves. This self-centered philosophy breeds a number of ills in the society. In order to get ahead in life people often use and abuse others, people often get involved in corrupt practices, engage in deception, lying, stealing and ultimately major criminal activities including fraud, and murder.

Another common trait seen today is the desire for convenience and ease. Science and technology has made it easy for most things to be done with little expenditure of energy or effort. As a result persons shy away from things that are challenging or that will require prolonged effort before seeing the result.  

Sadly, many of these attitudes have crept into the church. Many of us as Christians have become self-centered and the spirit of convenience and apathy have become pervasive.

The passage in today’s text however challenges us to take a different attitude. We are challenged to take on the mind of Christ and embrace the spirit of service and sacrifice. As we reflect of the text today, I will share with you how Christ modeled this spirit of service and sacrifice, how Paul himself became an example of service and sacrifice and how we can pattern Christ in embracing the spirit of service and sacrifice. We will also look at the rewards of service and sacrifice as we encourage ourselves to walk in the footsteps of Christ.

EXPOSITION

The passage in Philippians 2 starts with Paul encouraging the Philippians to live in unity, have the same mindset, walking in love and in one accord. He then gives some specific instructions concerning their work and service to one another: Nothing be done through strife or vain glory; each saint should esteem the other as better than themselves; don’t look out for your own interest but look out for the interest of others.

On the surface these look like routine Christian attributes, but as we think a little deeper we begin to see that it’s not as easy as we initially thought. How often do we find in the church that we strive one against the other seeking for prominence and recognition? How often do we find one group of believers believing that they are better than others? How often do we close the door of opportunity (keeping precious bits of information secret) so that we may benefit and others may not?

The problem however is that if we accept and embrace these negative attitudes we will have a self-centered, materialistic church and the will of God would not be accomplished. Paul picked up seeds of these attitudes among the Philippians and took measures to correct it as we see in verse 5 where he writes: Let this mind be in you which also was in Christ! As Christians we must strive to have this MIND OF CHRIST!

Mind in this context refers to our ‘attitude’ or our ‘mode of thinking’ or ‘mindset’. Paul is therefore exhorting the Philippians to take on the mind of Christ, which is characterized by humility, self-less service, a willingness to lay aside power and authority and a willingness to sacrifice. Verse 6-8 illustrates how Christ modeled this spirit of service and sacrifice: Though he was God, he did not cling on to the prerogatives of deity (KJV – ‘thought it not robbery to be equal with God’). He instead made himself of no reputation i.e. He ‘emptied Himself’; laid aside His heavenly glory, position, rights and the use of His divine attributes. Having decided to take on humanity He chose to come in the most humble form – not as a king or person of high esteem, but rather took on to himself the form of a servant. He went as low as He could go! As a man He humbled Himself and became obedient. He submitted his human will unto the will of the Father and became subject to death on the cross of Calvary.

We begin to understand the magnitude of His sacrifice we he look back and realize that He Himself had no sin, and therefore was not deserving of death. He had no personal gain because the sacrifice required would cost him everything. In the human context, when one give s his life he has given everything.

One would argue that that was Christ, so can we really live up to that standard? My answer is: Yes, we can! Take a look at the life of Paul and read from his own testimony in Philippians 3:4-11.

⁴ Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: ⁵ Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;⁶ Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.⁷ But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.⁸ Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, ⁹ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: ¹⁰ That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; ¹¹ If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

Here Paul describes his own experience of selfless sacrifice in order to gain a better relationship with Christ. 

Now, look at the NIV rendition of verse 17 of chap 2: But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.  

Look also at 2^nd Timothy 4:6 - For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

Finally look at Acts 20:22-24 - ²² And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: ²³ Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. ²⁴ But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

In these passages Paul was essentially saying it did not matter the personal price. He was totally committed and completely sold out to preach this gospel! We can therefore see why he instructed the Corinthians to follow him as he follows Christ.

Let us take time to point out that there are rewards for this attitude of service and sacrifice. Verses 9-11 of Philippians 2 describe the rewards Christ received for His selfless sacrifice:  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.

In 2^nd Timothy 4, Paul also describes his expectation to receive a crown of righteousness in recognition for his service in the kingdom.

We too will be justly rewarded if we take up this attitude of service and sacrifice

APPLICATION

The challenge to us today is how can we embrace the spirit of service and sacrifice?

First of all we must recognize the grave need in the world and in the church today. A recent national survey show that one in five Jamaicans are depressed and one in 16 (6%) have contemplated suicide. Most of these persons have no relationship with Jesus Christ and have no hope for eternal life! Even in the church many are depressed, frustrated and on the verge of giving up!

There is an urgent need for workers to spread the good news of salvation! There is an urgent need for us to travail with seekers until they break through with the power of the Holy Ghost. There is an urgent need for person to minister to the needs of members and affiliates of the church.

There is an urgent need for us to go beyond that which is convenient, to beyond our person needs and minister to the needs of others. There is an urgent need for us to take on the mind of Christ. There is an urgent need embrace the spirit of selfless service and the spirit of sacrifice.

The voice of God is crying out today: Whom shall I send and who will go for us? Let us respond like Isaiah – Here I am. Send me! 

Link to PDF File

Walking in God's Calling

Trevor S. Ferguson

February 22, 2012

INTRODUCTION

A call to serve God in ministry is one of the greatest ‘occupations’ for us as humans. Such a call however  is often received with great trepidation as the individual comes face to face with his/her own limitations and the need for total reliance on God.

It is however very important that human beings avail themselves to serve God in the various forms of ministry as this is the means through which God has chosen to bring salvation to man.

EXPOSITION

1.    Recognizing the Call

Before we walk in the call we must recognize the call.

Let’s look at how the call of God came to some biblical characters:

Moses:  (Exodus 3:1-10) - Voice from the burning bush 

Samuel: (1^st Samuel 3:1-4) - Voice while sleeping. Note instructions of Eli. This illustrates the role pastors, ministers, senior/seasoned members can help to us to recognize the voice of God

Elisha: (1^st Kings 19:19-21) - Elijah cast his mantle upon Elisha

Peter, Andrew, James, John: (Matt 4:18-22; Luke 5:1-11) - Follow me and I will make you fishers of men

Paul: (Acts 9) - Struck down by a bright light

There are many different areas of ministry to which we may be called

Service gifts – Romans 12:4-8; Ministerial Office Gifts – Ephesians 4:11

Areas to which we may be called: singing (choir, praise team etc); music (drums, keyboard, guitar, etc); evangelism (personal witnessing; tract distribution; door knocking); helps (peer counseling, encouragement [Barnabas], serving others [sick, elderly, young children, children’s home, home for the elderly etc]); maintenance (upkeep of the sanctuary and its equipment – recall the Levites and the tabernacle); ministry of the word (preaching, teaching, exhortation)

2.    Responding to the Call

Many persons are initially reluctant – Moses, Jeremiah

Initial reluctance does not disqualify us from ministry. This is illustrated in the lives of Moses and Jeremiah. Look also at parable in Matt 21:28-32

Desired response is that of Isaiah: Here am I, Send me.

3.    Walking in the Call

Having heard the voice of God and responded to the call we must continue to listen to the voice of God so that we will have ‘fresh bread’ to minister

How does God speak to us: The audible voice (e.g. the still small voice); gentle nudges or impressions on the mind; through the word; through nature or every day events; through life situations; through other persons (saints, ministers, ‘ordinary’ people)

We need to maintain our personal consecration and personal devotion and so keep close to God

We can’t expect to live off yesterday’s anointing

We must walk the talk

Practice what you preach; live what you sing; live in holiness;

Transmit the vision

Seek to reproduce your ministry in others.

Look at Paul’s charge to Timothy in 2^nd Timothy 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

4.    Completing the Call

Philippians 1:6 (KJV)

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

See 1^st Corinthians 9:24-27; Hebrews 12:1-2

Remember Demas – described as fellow labourer in Philemon 1:24 but in 2^nd Tim 4:10 Paul reports that Demas had forsaken him having loved this present world

We can recover even if we stumble

John Mark – 2^nd Timothy 4:11

5.    Rewards of the Call

Mark 10:28-30 (KJV) ²⁸ Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. ²⁹ And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, ³⁰ But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 (KJV) ⁷ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: ⁸ Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

From Bethel to Peniel: How God Transformed Jacob to Israel

Trevor S. Ferguson

February 5, 2012

Genesis 32:22-30 (KJV)
²² And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two women servants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok.
²³ And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had.
²⁴ And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
²⁵ And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.
²⁶ And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
²⁷ And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.
²⁸ And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
²⁹ And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.
³⁰ And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

INTRODUCTION

It is always good to be in the house of God. Regardless of the specific role or function we play or the position we are in, it is better to be in the house of God than anywhere else. We recall and affirm psalmist statement in Psalm 84:10 “I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness”.

It is important to note however that it is possible to be in the house of God and not be fully submitted to God. Paul in his letter to the Romans writes to persons who were members of the church, admonishing them to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God and that they should be transformed by the renewing of the minds. It is possible to be in the house of God and not be transformed!!

Today I want us to look at the story of Jacob as he journeys from Bethel (the house of God) to Peniel (the face God) and to see how God transformed him from Jacob (supplanter/trickster) to Israel (one who prevails with God). My vision tonight is that God will transform some Jacobs to Israel and so bring the glory to his church.

EXPOSITION

Jacob’s story begins in Genesis 25. The biblical account records that at the time of his birth, Jacob’s hand took hold of his brother’s heel, hence his name, which means 'heel snatcher' or 'supplanter'. Early in the narrative  we see where Jacob took advantage of Esau’s hunger in order to persuade him to give up his birth right for a bowl of pottage (lentil soup). Later we again see Jacob, following the instructions of his mother deceiving his father in order to obtain the paternal blessings. These actions confirmed the character denoted by his name – one who will trick or deceive even in the pursuit of good things. As a result of the latter deception Jacob had to flee to his uncle Laban in order to escape Esau’s wrath. It is on this journey that his transformation begins.

While on his journey the Lord appeared to Jacob in a dream (Genesis 28:10-22). God promised to give Jacob the land in which he was currently sleeping and that his descendants will be a blessing to all the families of the earth. Jacob called the name of the place Bethel saying this is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. He erected a pillar as a memorial of the encounter and pledged to give to God a tithe of all his blessings. Jacob continued on his journey to Haran, found Laban, met and fell in love with Rachel, married Leah and Rachel, had children and stayed in Haran 20 years.

It is noteworthy that ‘Haran means’ ‘mountainous country’; it also mean ‘parched’. Haran, the man, was the son of Terah and brother of Abraham; he died before his father and his son Lot ended up in Sodom and had to flee.  Hence we could infer that Haran was the ‘land of trouble’. We note also that when Rebecca proposed to send Jacob to Haran she expected him to stay but a few days (Gen 27:44). Thus Jacob, being in trouble, fled to the land of trouble and spent 20 years! God had to tell Jacob - It’s time to get out of Haran!

As Jacob journeyed from Haran the scriptures tell us that the angel s of God met him. He called the place Mahanaim, saying this is God’s host. This was Jacob’s third heavenly encounter but his transformation was still not complete. We see him still in fear of Esau, distressed, and planning strategies of appeasement – sending gifts to Esau, dividing the family into groups and putting his favourites Rachel and Joseph in positions where they were the least likely to get hurt if conflict arose.

Jacob’s real transformation came when he realized that he could not depend on his wit or strategies to get him out of his troubles but that he must call on his God! He then began to call out to God in earnest prayer (Gen 32:9-12). When he had finished his strategizing, God stepped in. The scripture says, Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day! The bible does not reveal the identity of the man here, but Jacob later stated that he had seen God face to face, so were understand this to be a theophany (i.e. an appearance of God in human form). As Jacob wrestled with the man it appears that none was gaining control of the contest; as the day began to break the man touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh so that it became dislocated (out of joint). Despite this however Jacob hung on to the man. This was one battle that Jacob was not going to lose! The man then asked him to let go, but Jacob countered – I will not let you go until you bless me! Jacob was asked; what is your name? After Jacob responded the man replied you will no longer be called Jacob but be would called Israel, signifying he had struggled with God and prevailed.

The name Israel is for Jacob a redemptive name.  According to Adam Clarke’s commentary one meaning of the name Israel is “the man who saw God”. This is consistent with the name that Jacob gave to the place of this encounter. Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, meaning “I have seen God face to face and my soul is redeemed”. From that day forward Jacob was a new man. No more trickery, no more deception, he was now a prince who had wrestled with God and prevailed.

APPLICATION

We note that Jacob had been to the house of God; he had received the blessing of God; he had seen the host of God but he was still not changed. It was not until he came face to face with God that he was changed!

The process of change, the transformation, came through the tenacious wrestling encounter that Jacob had at Peniel. Somebody needs to have a Peniel experience today!

You might have been in the church for a very long time or you may have come to the house of God for the very first time. God wants to transform your life today. The transformation will come through a face to face encounter with God. You must come to him in earnest prayer. Bare your all before Him and let Him know that you desperately need him. Hold on to Him and refuse to let Him go. I am sure he will come through and bless you.

Today is your Peniel opportunity. Today is your day for transformation. Today is your day of change. As God was able to change Jacob to Israel, He can change you today.

RECEIVE YOUR CHANGE!!