AM Scripture Reading: Philippians 2.5-11

Brent T. Willey

LIFE INTERRUPTED

Introduction:

1. Distinguishing between Jesus’ temporary earthly identity and His eternal spiritual identity has some interesting implications.
   1. Eternal (Heb. 1.5; John 14.9; Rev. 1.8; John 1.3; Col. 1.15-17; Heb. 1.3; John 14.6; 1 Pet. 1.22; 2 Cor. 5.21; Acts 4.12)
   2. Earthly (Phil. 2.7-8; Heb. 5.8; Matt. 26.38-42; Heb. 4.15; Heb. 2.17-18; John 11; Matt. 23; John 2.13-17)
2. It is difficult to relate to “the Christ of God” (Luke 9.20), but we can related to His human experience! (Phil. 2.7-8) His Deity confirms His authority & doctrine (Matt. 28.18); His humanity gives us reason to appreciate what He has done.
3. His was a Life Interrupted!

JESUS FORFEITED CERTAIN ATTAINMENTS

1. Consider what He could have achieved or attained in life:
   1. Higher education – (Luke 2.46-47)
   2. Material wealth – (Matt. 8.20; 2 Cor. 8.9)
   3. Jewish religious position or status – (Matt. 23.8)
   4. Marriage & children – (Matt. 19.5-6, 13-14)
2. Instead, He devoted Himself to a ministry of servitude!
   1. He came to serve, not to be served. (Mark 10.45)
   2. He taught us how to serve others. (John 13.1-17)
   3. He secured help for His mother. (John 19.25-27)
   4. Additionally, He was born to die! (Luke 2.49; 19.10)

WHAT DOES HE WANT FOR US?

1. Jesus wants for us many of things He Himself forfeited…
   1. Education – (Jer. 17.5, 7; Rom. 1.20-22; 1 Cor. 1.21)
   2. Success – (1 Tim. 6.17; 3 John 2; Rom. 12.3; James 4.6)
   3. Marriage & children – (Gen. 2.18; John 2.1-11).
2. The Lord wants us to put Him first! (Matt. 6.33; Rom. 12.1) Does that interrupt our busy, busy lives?
   1. Does prayer? (1 Thess. 5.17)
   2. Does Bible study? (Acts 17.11)
   3. Do worship assemblies & classes? (Heb. 10.25)
   4. Does sharing the gospel with others? (John 1.46)
   5. Does comforting others? (Rom. 12.15; Phil. 2.4)
   6. Does assisting others? (Matt. 25.41-46; Gal. 6.10)

Conclusion: Our “reasonable service” will interrupt our lives!