Main Idea

How was a man chained in a Roman prison the happiest person in the building? This week we find the real sign you’re following Jesus, and it’s not what you’d expect.

Scriptures

Philippians 2:1-11 1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 4:2 Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement.

Luke 22:24 Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them.

John 13:4-5, 14-15 4 So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.

Isaiah 45:23 I have sworn by my own name; I have spoken the truth, and I will never go back on my word: Every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will declare allegiance to me.

1 Corinthians 15:9 For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church.

Ephesians 3:8 Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ.

1 Timothy 1:15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners,” and I am the worst of them all.

Matthew 3:17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”

Matthew 25:21 The master was full of praise. “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!”

John 21:21-22 21 Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?” 22 Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.”

Discovery Bible Study (DBS) Questions

Read Philippians 2:1-11 out loud together. Then have someone retell it in their own words.

Look Back

1. What are you thankful for this week?
2. What has been stressing you out or weighing on you?
3. Last time, what did you say you would do or share? How did it go?

Look Up

4. What does this passage say about God and about Jesus?
5. What does it say about people, about us?
6. Paul lists the steps Jesus took down (v. 6-8). Which step surprises you most, and why?
7. Verse 9 starts with “Therefore.” What did God do because of what Jesus did? What does that tell you about how God sees humility? 8. Paul says humility means “thinking of others as better than yourselves,” not thinking you’re worthless. What’s the difference?

Look Forward
9. Where do you notice yourself “checking the curtain,” comparing yourself at work, in your family, online, or at church?
10. Is there a person you’ve been quietly measuring yourself against? What would it look like to pray for them this week, like F.B. Meyer did for Spurgeon?
11. God spoke “This is my dearly loved Son” over Jesus before he did any ministry. How would living from God’s verdict, instead of for it, change how you show up this week?
12. I will… What is one step down you will take this week, one thing for someone else that nobody will ever find out about?
13. Who will you share this with? Who needs to hear this story this week, and when will you tell them?