People should be able to tell you’re a Christian by your attitude, choices, and relationships. In Philippians 2, Paul points to Jesus’ example of humility and calls believers to follow it. He challenges us to shine like stars in a dark world by living differently from the culture around us. A Jesus-centered life means letting his Word and example shape everything we do.
A Question Worth Asking
In Lesson 1, we saw how Paul found joy in hard times by knowing Jesus. Now Paul shows us what a Jesus-centered life looks like day to day. So here’s a question to consider: would anyone know you’re a Christian?
Would people be surprised by the shows you watch? Do you gossip just as much as your friends who don’t follow Jesus? Would people notice that God is a priority in your schedule and your budget? These questions aren’t meant to heap on guilt. They’re meant to help us take an honest look at our lives.
Jesus Set the Example
Paul begins with a simple command.
Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Then he points to Jesus as our model. Many scholars believe these verses were an early Christian hymn, sometimes called the Christ hymn.
Philippians 2:5-8 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!
Jesus is God, yet he didn’t cling to his rights. He became a servant and gave his life for us. And God honored his humility.
Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Imagine how different our homes, churches, and communities would look if we all followed Jesus’ example of humility and put others first.
Shine Like Stars
The Philippian believers lived in a pagan culture, much like we do today. Paul challenged them to live in a way that stood out.
Philippians 2:14-16 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
Christians should be set apart, but not in a way that pushes people away. Our lives should be attractive to unbelievers. When we stop complaining, treat others with kindness, and hold firmly to God’s Word, people notice. Sadly, they also notice when Christians set a bad example.
Take a Spiritual Checkup
Living a Jesus-centered life means letting his Word shape our values and choices.
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Prayerfully take some time to evaluate these key areas of your life:
- Attitude: How do you think about others and serve them?
- Entertainment: What do you watch, read, and listen to?
- Finances: Where do you invest your money?
- Relationships: Do you model healthy relationships, or are you holding on to bitterness?
None of us will get this perfectly right. But as we grow in our relationship with Jesus, the Holy Spirit helps us look more like him. For more on this, see What Does Worldliness Look Like?
The Takeaway
Would anyone know you’re a Christian? Jesus set the example of humility and service, and Paul calls us to follow it. When we let God’s Word shape our attitudes, entertainment, finances, and relationships, we shine like stars in a dark world and point others to Jesus.
