HOMI 810
Introduction
Attention
Interest
Analogy
Personal
Need Element
Historical Context
The Bible reads that man was created to be alone and as children of God
we do find ourselves by ourselves. After covid-19 happened the mental
health crisis hit an all-time high. Churches were closed, malls were
closed, clubs were closed and the entire World shut down. This left
people to be either isolated within the confinement of their homes or
they were confined with those they lived with. For those who were in
recovery and utilized anonymous fellowships to maintain their sobriety
and a life without the use of any legal or illegal substance about 75% of
those people relapsed and returned to their drug of choice. Those who
had 20,30, to 40, years of could not deal with isolation and separation
from others.
Relationships are like a heartbeat for humans to thrive and live in the
community. We need each other to exist. This is displayed in Genesis
when God said “ Man should not be alone.” Genesis 2:18 We all need to
be connected to know who we are in this World.
“2If there be therefore any consolation in Christ if any comfort of love
if any fellowship of the Spirit if any bowels and mercies,
2Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of
one accord, of one mind.
3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of
mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
4Look not every man on his things, but every man also on the things of
others.
5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with
God:
7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a
servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became
obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name
which is above every name:
10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven,
and things in earth, and things under the earth;”
In this passage Paul is speaking to his followers he is doing this through
the mentorship of Timothy and Epaphroditus. These men are being
trained to role-model the characteristics of Christ. This letter is a part of
the letter written while Paul was in prison in Rome. There were internal
conflicts within the Church and Paul emphasized the need for
relationships and humility. He uses Jesus Christ as a perfect example of
how one should behave.
HOMI 810
Textual Idea
Sermon Idea
Transition
Main divisions
Stated here
Body Division #1
Explanation
Hebrews 13:17
Historical
Cultural
Principle
Illustration
Analogy
Argumentation Cross
Humility before Christ and a relationship with one another will bring
honor to God.
We are in constant connection with other people no matter what field of
work we are in.
Paul's role models to his followers how to imitate Christ. By giving clear
instructions such as being humble, obedient, and being of service to one
another.
Being united with Christ is the beginning of a Christian
development of a changed heart and mind. Philippians 2:1-4
When we are united with Christ and find comfort in His love,
compassion, and tenderness for one another, the Lord and those who
rule over us are in complete joy
The Author of Hebrews who is unknown spoke on humility and
obedience concerning the necessity of having healthy relationships.
This particular letter stands out in the book of Philippians the writing
itself appears to not be written entirely by Paul. Some scholars accept
this letter as a “pre-Pauline hymn because of the structure and language
of the passage.” The evidence speaks in a rhythmical cadence and the
hymn appears to have some rhythmical cadence.” The hymn also
appears to have a Semitic structure to it in comparison to Paul’s other
letters.
The Bible speaks about the children of God being in unity and
relationship. The Lord desires that we know Him, and know each other.
David speaks in the Book of Psalms 133:1 “How good and pleasant it is
for brothers to dwell together in unity. It is like precious oil poured on
the head, running down upon the collar of his robes.”
This goes back to Adam and Eve beginning with Adam and Adonai.
HOMI 810
Reference
Application
Descriptive
Restatement
Transition
Division #2
Explanation
Historical Cultural
Principle
Illustration
Analogy
Argumentation
Cross Reference
Genesis 2:18
Application
Descriptive
Restatement
Transition
When we think about it relationship and unity began when the Lord said
“ Let us” and “Make man in our image” When God formed Eve from
Adam’s rib the Lord stated before He put Adam into a deep sleep that
Man should not be alone. Throughout the Bible rarely do we read of an
individual being alone without support of some kind.
Are there times when you feel alone? Are there times when you feel as
if there isn’t anyone you can call? Do you wonder what your purpose is
here on this side of life? My brother and sister you are not alone the
Lord did not create you to be alone but to be among others.
In our relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit they will
guide us to those with whom He wants us to connect and be in a
relationship with.
Paul went on to share with the Philippian Church how to conduct
themselves. He shared they were to consider one another above
themselves, and not to seek their selfish ambitions. He suggested they
model after Jesus who chose not to put Himself in a high position which
would have been to His advantage but He chose to humble Himself and
to take the position of a servant. V. 5-11
Humility is leadership, when Jesus chose to get up from dinner and tie a
towel around Himself and wash the disciple's feet He lowered himself
and Paul told the Church to follow the example of Jesus by becoming
humble. When we are in service to one another humility is visible and
this is where exaltation comes from. The Bible speaks about exalting
oneself which will prompt the Lord to humble you.
The next time you find yourself driving and notice a person who is
homeless ask the Lord how can you be of service to Him. Ask the Lord
what it is this person needs, is it water? Is it a meal, or does this person
need to be recognized and acknowledged?
The highest level of honor to God is obedience. It is through being
obedient that the Lord blesses us, exalts us, and trusts us with what is on
HOMI 810
Division #3
Explanation
Matthew 5:16
Historical Cultural
Principle
Illustration
Analogy
Argument
Cross-reference
Application
Descriptive
Prescriptive
His heart. V.12-18
How challenging is it to be so set in our ways that we refuse to change
when we are presented with a better way of doing what the Lord has
called us to do? I have heard of churches being divided because there
was a change in the carpet color, their pastor was stepping down and a
new pastor with fresh ideas came in on fire for the glory of the Lord, or
there was a disagreement among the board members. Why are we so
difficult? Why do we engage in disobedience and rebelliousness?
During this letter to the Philippians there was Gnostic activities going
on. Where they down played the scripture, the nature of Jesus Christ,
and seeing the material world as inherently evil. This would lead to
asceticism and rejection of regular practices. Some scholars believe
there is very little evidence that the church of the Philippians was
Gnostic although the early church did engage with the idea of Gnostic
ideas.”
The Bible holds mysteries that are not hidden from those of us who are
seeking to understand knowledge and to know the Lord Jesus Christ on
a new level. Here is where we must engage with others for communion
and fellowship to explore what scripture says to find understanding as to
apply to our lives. We are held responsible for our choices, we are going
to be held accountable for our words, actions, and deeds while here on
this Earth. The Bible speaks about having our treasure in heaven where
moth and rust will not destroy. What I have realized is the treasures are
those we encounter, the precious souls that belong to God. We are to
influence each other and those who do not have a relationship with Jesus
Christ to draw closer to Him. Most preachers will speak about God and
His person as if He is a Geni make three wishes by naming it, claiming
it, and speaking manifestation and your wish will be granted. They don’t
want to teach about the return of Jesus Christ and to prepare those who
are going to be left behind for the glory of God. They don’t teach about
how to trust the Lord during challenging times, they don’t teach about
having fellowship and sharing what the Lord has blessed them with.
They don’t teach about that “Great and Terrible Day of the Lord.” It is
time for the “Watchman to take his/her post and sound the alarm.” It is
time to teach the Book of Revelations and prepare the people for the
return of Christ. Paul was using preventive measures by teaching the
people how to live among each other and how to advance the gospel of
Jesus Christ.
The Lord has provided you with help through leadership as a way to
HOMI 810
Transition
Conclusion
Visualization
Reiteration
Action
Appeal
learn how to develop healthy relationships. V. 19-30.
Paul was able to show the church how to be in a relationship first with
Christ and then with each other. Although he was in Chains because of
Christ he remained aware of those he was ministering to. He must have
had a good relationship with the palace guards and he must have had a
healthy relationship with those who were Gentiles because his ministry
was focused on the heart of the Lord by reaching those who the Jews felt
were not worthy of hearing the gospel. Paul not only gives his followers
words of encouragement he mentors them in how to behave correctly.
He shares how to properly treat each other through support and
fellowship. The guidelines he sets are for all to follow and apply to their
daily lives. It is so important to learn how to develop healthy
relationships, especially as a child of God. The Lord desires we all get
along by helping and supporting one another through service. This is His
nature and we as leaders are to display the nature of Christ. Servanthood
is Leadership.
Obedience, faith, and service are the keys to walking in fellowship with
God and man. I implore you today to seek God with all your heart and
ask Him to reveal to you the areas He sees that require change. Ask the
Holy Spirit to do spiritual surgery removing any infections that may be
hindering your walk, and spiritual prosperity for the building of the
Kingdom of God, and the enlargement of Heaven.
