Philippians: The Good Life is Shaped By Jesus (Week 2)

Preacher: Stephen Scott

Worship Song Suggestion:
Build My Life – Pat Barrett

Check-In:

1. Who has had a significant influence in shaping the person you are today?
2. What area of your life do you feel God is currently growing or stretching you in?
3. Which is easier for you: receiving grace from God or extending grace to others?

Key Scriptures:

• Philippians 2:1-13
• Philippians 2:14-18
• John 1:16
• Romans 12:2
• Matthew 5:14-16

Sermon Summary:
Last week we learned that the good life is found when Jesus becomes our life. This week, Philippians 2 takes us a step further and shows us that if the good life is found in Jesus, then the good life will also begin to look like Jesus. Paul reminds the Philippian church that living like Jesus doesn’t start with trying harder or becoming a better person through our own effort. Instead, it begins by remembering what we have already received in Christ: encouragement, comfort, fellowship, and grace.

1. Jesus Shapes Us Through His Grace
   Before Paul tells believers what they should do, he reminds them of what they have already received from Jesus. The Christian life is not about earning God’s love or approval; it is about living from the grace we have already been given. We don’t live for grace; we live from grace.
2. Jesus Shapes Us In Our Relationships
   One of the clearest places where Jesus forms us is through our relationships. Paul calls believers to unity, humility, and putting others before themselves. This stands in contrast to a culture focused on self-promotion and self-interest. True humility isn’t thinking less of yourself – it’s thinking of yourself less.
   Our marriages, families, friendships, workplaces, and church relationships often reveal whether we are living from selfishness or being shaped by Jesus.
3. Jesus Shapes Us Through His Example
   Paul points us to Jesus as the perfect model of humility. Although He was God, Jesus willingly laid down His privileges, took the position of a servant, and humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross. Jesus didn’t simply teach humility – He embodied it. God does the exalting when we have done the humbling.
4. Jesus Shapes Us For His Purposes
   God doesn’t save us simply so we can go to heaven someday. He shapes us so that we can shine as lights in the world and help others see Jesus through our lives. Paul reminds us that God is actively working within us, giving us both the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. The same God who saved us is continuing to transform us.

Key Takeaway
The good life is shaped by Jesus. As we receive His grace, follow His example, walk in humility, and allow Him to transform us, our lives begin to reflect His character and purposes.

Discussion Questions:

1. Which of the four ways Jesus shapes us (grace, relationships, example, or purpose) stood out most to you and why?
2. The sermon says, “We can’t live like Jesus without Jesus.” How have you experienced the difference between striving in your own strength and relying on God’s grace?
3. Where do you find it most challenging to put the interests of others ahead of your own – in your family, workplace, friendships, or church life?
4. What is one specific area where you sense Jesus is currently shaping your attitudes, thoughts, or actions to become more like Him?

Prayer Pointers:

• Thank Jesus for His grace and the gift of salvation.
• Ask God to reveal any areas of selfishness, pride, or self-reliance.
• Pray for humility in your relationships with family, friends, colleagues, and church members.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to help you develop the mindset of Christ.
• Pray for strength to shine as a light in your workplace, school, home, and community.
• Thank God that He is actively working in you, giving you both the desire and power to become more like Jesus.

Pray together: “Jesus, shape my thoughts, attitudes, relationships, and actions to reflect You.”

Weekly Challenge: Each day this week, pray this simple prayer:

“Jesus, shape me into Your image today.”

Ask the Holy Spirit to show you one opportunity each day to choose humility, serve someone else, or put another person’s interests before your own.