Philippians 2:1-5 // 22.09.24

Summary

The speaker reflects on the importance of understanding one's beliefs and motivations, exemplified by four individuals' commitment to their faith. Drawing from personal anecdotes, including a humorous story about playing a 'goblin', the speaker emphasizes the value of self-reflection and living a life that aligns with one's values. He connects these themes to Paul's teachings in Philippians, highlighting the joy of living in unity with Christ and the significance of sharing in Christ's trials and glory.

Takeaways

• 🤔 The importance of reflecting on personal beliefs and the reasons behind them was emphasized.
• 🌟 Three individuals shared their beliefs and stood up for what they think is right, which is a commendable action.
• 🧐 Most people often go through life without questioning their actions or motivations.
• 💡 The speaker encourages the audience to think about why they do things to avoid getting caught off guard by existential questions.
• 🇦🇺 A vivid memory from Australia involving a children's camp and a role-playing activity as a 'goblin' was shared to illustrate the point of questioning one's actions.
• 🎭 The children's unexpected violent reaction during the role-play activity led to a moment of self-reflection for the speaker.
• 🔮 The speaker's personal decision to follow Jesus at the age of 16 influenced his life choices, including the small decision to help a friend.
• 📜 The passage from Philippians discussed how to live a united life, putting others first, and having the same attitude as Jesus.
• 🛐 Baptism symbolizes being united with Christ in his death and resurrection, which is central to Christian faith.
• 🌱 The concept of being united with Christ means that one's life is intertwined with His, providing a wellspring of encouragement and strength.
• 🌟 Living in a way that reflects Christ's teachings, even in small ways, can lead to sharing in His glory and fulfilling God's joy.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the speaker's talk?

The main theme of the speaker's talk is the importance of reflecting on one's beliefs and actions, and living a life that is in response to the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Why did the speaker mention Amelia, Caris, Belinda, and Lewis at the beginning?

The speaker mentioned Amelia, Caris, Belinda, and Lewis to highlight the significance of their actions in standing up for their beliefs and sharing them with others.

What is the significance of baptism in the context of the talk?

Baptism is significant as it symbolizes being united with Christ in his death and resurrection, representing a commitment to follow Jesus and live a life that reflects his teachings.

What is the story of 'The Princess and the Goblin' mentioned in the script?

The story of 'The Princess and the Goblin' by George MacDonald is used as a narrative for a children's camp activity where the speaker and Nick were asked to play the role of goblins to scare the children.

Why did the speaker agree to be a goblin in the children's camp activity?

The speaker agreed to be a goblin because Nick, a friend, asked him to help out, and despite not wanting to do it, he felt compelled to assist.

What was the turning point for the speaker when he questioned 'why am I doing this' during the goblin activity?

The turning point was when the speaker realized the children were chanting 'kill the goblins' and became aggressive, making him question his participation in the activity.

What is the connection between the speaker's experience in Australia and his faith?

The connection is that the speaker's decision to help out in Australia, despite the discomfort, is reflective of his commitment to living a life in response to Jesus' sacrifice and teachings.

What does the speaker mean by 'being united with Christ'?

Being united with Christ means having a relationship with Jesus where one's life is intertwined with his, influencing one's thoughts, actions, and decisions.

How does the speaker relate the concept of unity and putting others first to the teachings of Jesus?

The speaker relates the concept of unity and putting others first by referencing Jesus' life and teachings, which emphasized humility, compassion, and serving others.

What does Paul's letter to the Philippians tell us about living a Christian life?

Paul's letter to the Philippians tells us that living a Christian life involves unity, humility, and putting the needs of others first, all in response to the love and sacrifice of Christ.

Why does the speaker believe it's important to have a reason for one's actions?

The speaker believes it's important to have a reason for one's actions because it provides motivation and clarity, especially during challenging times when one might question the purpose of their actions.

Outlines

00:00

🤔 Reflecting on Personal Beliefs and Actions

The speaker begins by acknowledging the difficulty of following the previous speakers' profound sharing and decides to reflect on why they do what they do. They mention four individuals, three of whom are being baptized, who have demonstrated courage by examining and sharing their beliefs. The speaker encourages the audience to question their own motivations for their actions and lifestyle, as many people tend to act out of habit without deep reflection. They share a personal anecdote about working at a kids' camp in Australia, where they were unexpectedly asked to play a 'goblin' in a nighttime walk, leading to a moment of questioning their own participation.

05:03

👻 The Goblin Experience: A Test of Faith

In this paragraph, the speaker recounts the chaotic and humorous experience of being a 'goblin' during a kids' camp activity. They describe the moment of doubt when they questioned their involvement, especially when the children's chant turned from a song to 'kill the goblins'. The speaker humorously details the scene where the children, led by the boys, aggressively pursued the 'goblins', and how they and their friend Nick, who also played a goblin, reacted to the situation. This experience leads to a deeper reflection on the speaker's past decision to follow Jesus at the age of 16, which has influenced all major decisions in their life.

10:05

🙏 Embracing Unity and Selflessness in Faith

The speaker transitions to discussing the passage from Philippians, emphasizing the need for unity, humility, and putting others' needs first as part of Christian living. They argue that faith is not just about following historical teachings but is a personal response to God's love and actions. The speaker connects their own decision to help at the kids' camp to the broader concept of being united with Christ, suggesting that living a Christian life means living in response to God's love and accepting the invitation to be a part of His life.

15:06

🌟 Living in Response to God's Love

In the final paragraph, the speaker focuses on the idea of being united with Christ and how this unity should influence daily living. They discuss the concept of sharing in Christ's trials and sufferings as a way of living out one's faith. The speaker encourages embracing hardships and putting others' needs first, drawing a parallel to their own experience of playing a goblin and the greater spiritual journey of living a life committed to Christ. They conclude by emphasizing that living this way is a response to the love and unity received from God, which should be the driving force behind all actions and decisions.

Keywords

💡Belief

Belief refers to the acceptance that a statement or theory is true, especially one without proof. In the script, belief is central as it discusses the importance of individuals reflecting on their beliefs and why they hold them. The speaker mentions how Amelia, Caris, Belinda, and Lewis have thought about what they believe and shared it with others, which is a significant act of personal conviction.

💡Baptism

Baptism is a Christian sacrament that symbolizes the washing away of sins and admission into the Christian faith. The script mentions three individuals being baptized, signifying an important step in their spiritual journey and a public declaration of their faith in Jesus Christ.

💡Reflection

Reflection is the process of thinking deeply about one's experiences, thoughts, and feelings. The script encourages reflection as a practice to understand one's actions and motivations, exemplified by the speaker pondering why they were participating in a children's camp activity, which led to a profound realization about their purpose.

💡Habit

A habit is a routine or behavior that has become automatic through frequent repetition. The script discusses how people often fall into habits without questioning their underlying reasons, which contrasts with the intentionality of the individuals who have reflected on their beliefs.

💡Unity

Unity refers to the state of being united or joined as a whole. In the context of the script, unity is mentioned as a desirable state for the Church in Philippi, where believers should be of one mind and work together for common goals, reflecting Christ's example.

💡Faith

Faith is firm belief in something for which there is no proof, often referring to religious conviction. The script explores faith as a personal decision and commitment to Jesus, influenced by an individual's response to God's love and actions, rather than mere adherence to rules.

💡Suffering

Suffering refers to the state of severe pain, distress, or hardship. The script connects the idea of suffering with the Christian life, suggesting that following Christ may involve trials and difficulties, but these are part of a greater purpose and lead to spiritual growth.

💡Glory

Glory is the high honor or praiseworthiness attributed to a divine being. In the script, glory is mentioned in relation to the future reward for those who are united with Christ, suggesting that the hardships faced in this life are temporary compared to the eternal glory that awaits.

💡Decision

A decision is a conclusion or resolution reached after consideration. The script highlights the importance of making decisions based on reflection and belief, such as the speaker's decision to participate in a children's activity, which led to a deeper understanding of their commitment to Christ.

💡Influence

Influence is the capacity to have an effect on someone or something. The script discusses how an individual's encounter with Jesus can profoundly influence their life, leading them to make decisions that align with their faith and values.

💡Christ

Christ refers to Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity, who is believed to be the Son of God and the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament. The script repeatedly refers to Christ as the model for believers' behavior and the source of their unity and faith.

Highlights

The importance of reflecting on personal beliefs and sharing them with others.

The significance of baptism as a symbol of commitment to one's faith.

The challenge of understanding why we do what we do in life.

The impact of habitual actions without reflection on our lives.

The story of George McDonald's 'The Princess and the Goblin' used as a teaching tool.

The role of music in repelling fear, as illustrated by the story's characters.

A personal anecdote about being a 'goblin' during a children's camp activity.

The moment of realization about the purpose of one's actions during the 'goblin' activity.

The transformative power of saying 'yes' to Jesus at the age of 16.

The influence of faith on major and minor decisions in life.

Paul's advice to the church in Philippians on living a united and compassionate life.

The misunderstanding of faith as a set of rules rather than a personal relationship with God.

The personal stories shared that morning as examples of faith in action.

The concept of being united with Christ as the foundation of Christian faith.

The idea that sharing in Christ's sufferings leads to sharing in his glory.

Paul's encouragement to the Philippians to live in a way that reflects their union with Christ.

The joy of God when someone chooses to live in accordance with their faith.

The motivation to live a life that can answer the question 'why' with confidence.

Transcripts

thank you to um the four who have

already

shared uh it's kind of hard to follow

all of that but I'll have a go anyway I

don't know when to shut up that's part

of my problem um

because uh Amelia Caris Belinda Lewis

they've all done something very

important already I mean three of them

are being baptized but they've already

done something really important which is

they've thought about what they believe

why they believe it and they've stood up

and uh shared that with everyone um and

that's pretty good because most of us

don't often stop and think why am I

doing this why am I living this way why

am I doing this job why am I I doing

that maybe we do sometimes maybe you

know when they were standing up here

they had that moment thinking why am I

doing this why am I standing up in front

of all these people because we get into

habits of doing things without really

thinking about it and that can happen

not just with small things but with our

whole lives um but here uh those four

individuals have had to think about what

they're doing why they're doing it and

explain it to others and I think it's a

good habit to be in to think about why

we're doing things because if we don't

know why we're doing things then that

question you know why are you doing this

is going to pop into our head at some

maybe a very inconvenient and awkward

time and so it's good to be able to

think about why we're we're doing things

I have an extremely vivid memory of one

of those why am I doing this moment uh

very vivid memory it was when um we were

living in Australia and I was working

with an organization called Cornerstone

and they ran a for a week they ran like

a kids camp and we as a whole family had

gone um because some of our children

were on the kids camp but the rest of us

Ruth my uh myself and our younger

children we had the option of staying in

like an apartment and we could just be

there not be involved but just hang out

go swimming do things like that so we

were would would there but not a part of

the the children's sort of camp and then

one early evening I was sitting talking

to a friend of mine called Nick who was

is also there and Nick asked me a

question he said I don't suppose you

would mind being a goblin would

you um because what was happening the

for the the week the the organizers

decided they were going to take a George

McDonald story called The Princess and

the Goblin um so George McDonald was a

writer Victorian writer who uh big

influence on CS Lewis um and he'd

written a story called The Princess and

the Goblin and they were using this

story for the the kids camp week and in

one of the things that happens in this

story is that there's goblins and the

princess there's also a minor called

kury who scares away some goblins by

singing Because goblins I don't know if

you know they don't like music um uh you

may scare people away with your singing

but perhaps not for the reason you think

but the Goblins were scared Away by by

singing so the organizers of this Kids

Camp had the great idea of they were

going to go on this sort of nighttime

walk through some Woods um with the

children but there were going to be

goblins in the woods and the Goblins

were going to make scary noises and uh

but the children had been taught a song

to sing to scare the Goblins away so

that was the plan was that there were

going to be goblins in the wood making

noises and the children when they heard

the Goblins they were going to sing the

song and the Goblins were going going to

hide run away whatever and Nick had been

asked Nick can you be a goblin and Nick

was desperate for volun he asked me

James would you mind being a goblin and

I said yeah sure okay I could tell he

was quite desperate um so I said I

didn't really want to do it but I said

okay I'll do it so anyway it was just

the two of us at the in the end and so

we went up into the woods and we were

waiting hiding in some trees by the path

this was Australia so I was trying very

hard not to get poisoned by snake or a

spider or Savaged by a drop bear or

anything uh out there and we were just

waiting in the woods and we could hear

the children coming it was dark we could

hear them coming and it sounded like

they were singing already and we thought

that's a good start singing singing the

song that they've been taught but as

they got closer we we realized they

weren't singing they were

chanting and they were chanting kill the

Goblins kill the

Goblins kill the goblins and we could

just hear this mass of

children coming closer Chan and kill the

goblins and that was the moment when I

looked at Nick and he looked at me and I

thought why am I

here why am I doing this cuz I knew a

lot of these children sort of a massive

11 to 12 year old boys um anyway so

these these children come in and we see

and Nick and I say well we're we've

signed up for this let's do this so we

start making noises and a few of the

sensible children pretty much all of the

girls it had to be said started singing

the song they had been taught but the

boys went absolutely

wild like and then Nick Nick was you

know in for a penny in for a p was

Australian in for a cent in for a dollar

kind of guy and he'd got a mask like a

goblin mask and he put his mask on and

he jumped out onto the path and I've

never seen anything like it it was kind

of like I don't know if you've seen the

wildlife documentary it was like a a

pack of Jackal trying to take down an

elephant they were he had he had boys

hanging off him they were literally

hanging off him and he went down under

this mass of

children and it was just me in the woods

in the dark by myself and part of me

said look James just keep quiet they

don't know you're here but I felt bad

for Nick so I carried on making scary I

thought they were scary noises but

apparently not because two of the two of

the boys broke away from the group and

came into the woods and one of them

picked up a tree

branch so I thought this is it this is

how I

die this is this is the end of me and I

the the only Advantage I had was that I

knew they were there they didn't know

where I was they knew I was in there

some so I hid behind the tree and when

as they got near when they got near I

jumped out from behind the tree and sort

of roared as loud as I could and they

dropped the BR and they ran for it and

it was

fantastic it was a

fantastic moment but I will always

remember that moment of looking at Nick

and him looking at me and I was just

thinking why are we doing this this is

how did I get here um but of course I

was there because Nick had asked me on

one level but that wasn't really why I

was there um I was there because I felt

like he he had a need it was just a

small silly thing but the reason I was

there the reason I was there in

Australia is because when I was 16 I had

a similar moment so we've heard from

Belinda leis Caris and Amelia a moment

where I said yes to Jesus where I've

been attending church for a few months

and hearing about Jesus and what he'd

done for me and realizing having that

moment where you think I think this is

true I think this is true and if this is

true this needs a response of some kind

if if Jesus was really God in human form

if Jesus really had died for my sins I

needed to respond to that and and so

like we've heard this morning I had a

moment where I said I'm going to commit

to Jesus I'm going to follow Jesus I'm

going to I Want Jesus in my life and

that has influenced certainly every

major decision I've made in my life

since that point but I want want it to

influence even the small decisions I

make even the minor decisions in my

life now we're finally at the passage

we're going through Philippians we've

had a short passage and I won't talk for

too long um because you've already had a

bunch of really good stuff um but in

this passage Paul is telling the church

in Philippi saying you need to live a

certain way you need to be United you

need to be of one mind you need to put

put the needs of others first you need

to have the same attitude that Jesus had

and I think for a lot of people this is

what they think this is what they think

Christianity is what faith is what the

Bible is it's people who uh lived a long

time ago telling us how to live saying

you need to be a better person you need

to do this you need to do that you need

to be more like Jesus um but that's not

really what faith is about if you listen

to what you've heard the stories that

we've heard this morning did it sound

like these were individuals doing things

because someone had said you need to do

this you know you're at a certain stage

now you should do this each of them was

sharing about how they wanted to take

that step of faith in response to what

God had done for them in response to

what Christ had done for them and this

is what Paul says to the Church of

Philippi this is what Paul gives them he

doesn't just say to them this is how

then you should live he says this is why

you should live this way I'm giving you

reason to live this way because if you

try and live the way that Paul's saying

you should live you know put others

first be humble consider the needs of

others be more like Jesus if you try and

live that way you are going to reach a

point where you say why am I doing this

it's hard it's difficult no one seems to

appreciate it it doesn't seem to be

getting me anywhere but Paul has already

told you why you're doing this Paul's

already given the Philippians the reason

why they are doing it and it's the same

reason why those four people have to

Shared this morning why they want to

give their lives to Jesus why three of

them want to be baptized it's the same

reason if you have he says any

encouragement from being united with

Christ if you have any comfort from his

love if you have any fellowship with the

spirit any tenderness any compassion

make my joy complete by living this way

do it because you have received so much

from God

do it because you are united with Christ

do it because God has loved

you past the point of no return do it

because you have fellowship with the

spirit and of all these things that that

Paul lists there's one idea I just want

to briefly focus on this very first one

if you have any encouragement from being

united with Christ being united with

Christ because baptism is an image of

this as Oz has already explained it's an

image of being united with Christ in his

death and his

resurrection and this is the thing for a

long time I think I thought about faith

is you know I'm I'm kind of I'm asking

God to come into my life but I've

realized over the years that what has

also happened is God has said you know

what James come into my life God has

invited me into his life and I'm United

with Christ this is what it means to be

a Christian to be a follower of Jesus

you've taken him up on that offer to be

invited into his life that's what it

means and now you are united with

Christ and this is the well we drink

from every

day we wake up facing whatever is coming

knowing that we're United with Christ

that's the reality of our existence as

Christians he is in us and we are in him

and nothing can change that nothing will

change that so how do I live today how

do I live in response to the fact that

you I am United with Christ one of the

things Paul says is that we share in

Christ's trials we share in his

sufferings and we do this by adopting as

Paul says you know you should have the

same attitude as Christ because if you

seek to live like Christ you will

experience hardship difficulty you'll be

saying yes to things you'd rather not

say yes to you'll be putting others

needs first I said yes to Nick because

he was asking and I thought this is the

right thing to do it wasn't what I

wanted to do I had no great desire to go

and uh pretend to be a goblin in some

Woods in the dark especially without

even knowing that my life was in danger

but I did it because it was a small

moment just a tiny moment in my life

where I was thinking I need to consider

someone else's needs above my own just a

small silly way we can do that but as

the Bible also says if you share in

Christ's sufferings you will share in

his glory because you're United with him

and Paul says in Romans he says he

doesn't consider his present sufferings

to be anything compared to the glory

that is waiting to be revealed in

Christ you see to those who are united

with Christ

you may find yourself a moment where

you're in the woods in the dark and you

can hear something coming and you hide

behind a tree and then you jump out and

you roar as loud as you can and it's not

you know two children running away from

you is death running it's death fleeing

from you and this is why we live the

hard way this is why we do things like

get baptized and so on because of what

Christ has done for us and what that

means Paul says to the Philippians he

knew the Philippians so he could say to

them you know if you have any of this

live this way make my joy complete I

don't know about you but I'm not

particularly motivated by the thought of

making Paul happy but you know Paul's

Joy is nothing absolutely nothing

compared to the smile on God's face when

someone comes to him and says

Lord I want to be taken into your

life I want to be United with you I want

to live out of

that God's joy God's Delight is

infinite when we come to him and say

Lord I want to live in such a way that

when someone asks the question whether

it's myself or whether it's someone

around me someone asks the question why

are you doing this why are you living

this way why are you being baptized why

are you seeking to get on with people

you have nothing in common with why are

you putting others needs before your own

Lord I want to be able to answer well

I'm glad you asked because I've thought

about this and I know the answer it's

because of Jesus